Church architecture, local history and an indoor playground with a water park offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Tuitjenhorn. St. Jacobus de Meerdere Church, the Historisch Harenkarspel Museum and Holle Bolle Boom appeal to different interests: architectural history, historical everyday objects, and play and water activities.
Church architecture and furnishings
St. Jacobus de Meerdere Church at Dorpsstraat 41 was designed by Theo Molkenboer and built between 1857 and 1859. It is a basilican cruciform church with a three-sided apse and an integrated tower with a spire. As a provincial monument, it is a tangible point of interest for anyone interested in ecclesiastical architecture.
The furnishings also offer their own points of reference in time: the richly carved main altar, pulpit, Stations of the Cross and communion rail all date from around 1860. The Ypma organ dates from 1875; the church was restored in 1978. Its architecture and furnishings can therefore be viewed through features from different periods.
Kerkbuurt and local history
Kerkbuurt is Tuitjenhorn’s original main settlement and remains clearly identifiable as a distinctive small neighbourhood thanks to the adjacent park. Tuitjenhorn originally developed as an elongated ridge of terps, known as “wallen”.
These two descriptions offer different perspectives on the village: Kerkbuurt illustrates the original centre as a small settlement, while the elongated shape describes Tuitjenhorn’s early form. For those who want to explore local history beyond individual buildings, this offers a complementary perspective.
A look inside the museum
The Historisch Harenkarspel Museum is located in Van Blanckendaell Park in Tuitjenhorn. Its permanent exhibition includes dozens of objects from the past century. These include historic farming equipment, a furnished washing area, a bed, clothing, a blacksmith’s forge, and kitchen and carpentry tools.
The collection ranges from farming equipment and household objects to tools. This complements a visit to the church: here, the focus is on objects from everyday and working life rather than architecture and furnishings.
Play and water activities
Holle Bolle Boom offers an indoor playground with slides, climbing equipment, ball pits and arcade games, as well as the subtropical Holle Bolle Plons water park. There are special play and splash areas for younger children. The three named experiences are “Spelen”, “Plonsen” and “Roetsjen”.
The playground and water park offer different activities: climbing, slides and arcade games are part of the playground, while the water park focuses on water-based fun. The special play and splash areas for younger children are worth considering if you are planning activities for this age group.
Route, workshops and event
The Midgard Route takes a detour through the grounds of Midgard, an anthroposophical residential and work community. The detour also includes the shop and terrace. Gewoon bij 10 in Tuitjenhorn offers crochet and knitting workshops; check the current programme before booking, as workshop dates may change.
The “Struinen” market takes place every year on the Friday after Ascension Day on Dorpsstraat. Dates and programme may change. If you want to include the market in your stay, check the details for your intended year of travel.
Getting there by bus
Bus route 157 runs between Alkmaar railway station and Schagen railway station via Tuitjenhorn. Bus routes and timetables may change, so check the operator’s latest information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Warmenhuizen, Eenigenburg, Sint Maarten, Schoorldam, Dirkshorn.
Back to the overview of the wider area: Harenkarspel.
