Wognum has traditionally been shaped by agriculture. This is reflected in the themes that bring the place to life: church architecture and choral culture, farm museums, stolp farmsteads and the history of water management. There is also glass art, an outdoor swimming pool, and a hiking and cycling route in the wider region. The attractions have different focuses—from historic buildings and rural life in the past to cultural and leisure activities today.

Church and Choral Culture

The Hervormde Kerk stands on a slightly raised churchyard in the heart of Wognum. The single-nave church has a nave built in two phases: the first dates from the second half of the 15th century and the second from the first half of the 16th century. The significantly taller choir also dates from these periods. Remains of the old 11th-century Hiëronymus Chapel were probably found beneath the present church.

A monument in the church garden to the north commemorates Willem Saal (1868–1917), conductor of the “De Wognummers” choir. The choir was world-famous around 1900. As a legacy of this choral culture, Wognum is home to around ten choirs for different age groups today. The town’s history is therefore reflected not only in its buildings, but also in a musical tradition that continues to this day.

Farmsteads and Rural Life

The Huis van Oud Museum is a small, well-preserved farmhouse dating from 1878. It gives an impression of a mixed farm in the 1940s and 1950s, including the living conditions of the time and simple farming methods. The construction date refers to the house; the farm life on display belongs to a later period. Group visits outside the Sunday opening hours can be arranged by appointment.

A changing exhibition is held at Huis van Oud every year, usually from late April to late September. There is also a special activity on the first Sunday afternoon of each month. If you would like to plan your visit around an exhibition or activity, check the specific dates in advance.

The Museumboerderij Welgelegen focuses on living and working in a stolp farmhouse around 1900. It also displays agricultural tools and equipment used to make cheese and butter. In addition to these museum exhibits, beautiful West Frisian stolp farmsteads in Wognum are reminders of the town’s agricultural past.

GalerieX Glaskunst offers a different artistic perspective: the gallery is dedicated to blown, fused, cast and glued glass artworks. The cultural offering thus ranges from everyday farm life in the past to various glass art techniques.

Water Management and Paths Through Green Spaces

The Molen van de Kerkepolder used to drain the approximately 17-hectare Kerkepolder. Today, the Kerkepolder is owned by the “Het Noordhollands Landschap” foundation. The foundation aims to raise the water level to increase the polder’s natural value. Its historic use and present-day management goal thus offer two different perspectives on how this landscape is managed.

In the wider region, the Doortraproute Wognum includes the three-kilometre Pannepad. This gravel cycling and walking path runs through the Kolk van Dussen nature area. At the Kolk, you can climb a viewing tower and watch birds. The Sportvereniging Spartanen at Sportlaan 19, 1687 BP Wognum, is listed as the starting point for the Doortraproute. Check the current route and access before planning your visit.

Getting Around the Town

Several monuments and museums are within walking distance of the shops. The shopping area includes well-known national chains, local boutiques and a variety of places to eat. This makes it easy to combine local history with a stop for shopping or a meal, without following a particular route.

Het Molenbad outdoor swimming pool offers lane swimming, recreational swimming and swimming lessons. As it operates seasonally, check the opening season before visiting. The A7, N241 and N23 are listed as connections to the regional road network; no specific distances or journey times are provided.

Discover more destinations: Nibbixwoud, Medemblik, Oostwoud, Twisk, Benningbroek, Abbekerk, Opperdoes.

Go to the main travel overview: Medemblik.