Hem brings together different perspectives on West Friesland: traditional farmhouse architecture, traces of a much older landscape, and leisure activities. During your stay, you can connect the village’s building history with the broader landscape and leisure context of Drechterland. The focus is not just on individual buildings, but also on how architecture and landscape each tell their own story.
West Frisian Architecture in Detail
The Stolpboerderij Schuilwijk, together with its associated skûtsje, is a largely preserved example of the traditional rural architecture typical of West Friesland. Its core is older; its appearance dates from the second half of the 19th century. Thus, two layers of time coexist in one building: an older structural origin and a later form. The farm complex makes the region’s characteristic building style a tangible subject for anyone interested in rural architecture.
The tower of the Herv. Kerk at Hemmerbuurt 66 can also be described through precise architectural features. It has three sections; the entrance is framed by a tall pointed arch and topped with a sandstone beam shaped like a rose. Narrow pointed-arch niches adorn the second and third sections. In the upper section, some of the pointed-arch panel fields serve as sound openings. The balustrade and spire date from the period after the 1897 fire. Pointed arches, niches, and panels give the tower a different architectural language from the farmhouse styles.
Other building descriptions highlight different features. The Kaakberghoeve at Hemmerbuurt 99 is enclosed on three sides and has a wooden side wall, divided-light windows, and a wooden gable ornament with a makelaar. Hemmerbuurt 101, by contrast, is a simple building with a renovated façade and a wooden side wall. Comparing them helps you appreciate both distinctive architectural details and more understated façades as part of Hem’s architectural character.
A Landscape with a Long History
The alignment of Hemmerbuurt also points to how the landscape formed. From its junction with Meeweg, it runs northeast along a raised sandy inversion ridge. This ridge formed from former streambeds in prehistoric times, when West Friesland was still a tidal area. To understand the landscape, it is therefore important to consider not only the present-day road, but also the older landform it follows.
Another historical time scale can be seen at Stolphoeve Elba hoeve at Hemmerbuurt 243. The farmhouse was built around 1680 on a mound and originally stood on its own. The mound and its former isolated position are part of its building history. Together with the older origins of Stolpboerderij Schuilwijk, it offers a view of different building periods, without reducing the two farmsteads to a single story.
Hem in the Wider Drechterland Area
Beyond the village itself, Drechterland, including Hem, offers a broader landscape and leisure context. This includes views across the IJsselmeer and agricultural land, as well as characteristic stolp farmhouses. Walking, boating, and cycling are other options in the area. When planning your trip, you can weigh a focus on architecture and local history against a stronger interest in landscapes and outdoor activities, without having to follow a set itinerary.
The Streekpad Westfriese Omringdijk passes Tersluis on the Markermeer. Hem’s harbor used to be located there. The route and the site’s historical importance by the water offer a distinct way to explore Hem’s past, alongside its buildings and archaeological landscape. Another leisure option is ’t Hemmerven, an outdoor swimming pool in Hem, adding swimming to the region’s activities.
You can tailor your search to your travel interests rather than forcing the different themes into an artificial ranking.
Discover more destinations: Westwoud, Wijdenes, Venhuizen, Hoogkarspel, Schellinkhout, Oosterleek.
Return to the main travel overview: Drechterland.
