The twin villages of Paesens-Moddergat preserve the character of historic fishing villages and a protected village landscape. A memorial on the sea dike commemorates the storm disaster of 5–6 March 1883, in which 83 fishermen lost their lives. Those interested in the village’s history will find distinctive points of interest here, from the memorial site on the dike to a large windmill that once performed an important task.
Cultural history between village and dike
The De Hond grain and husking mill in Paesens was built in 1861 and was used for grinding grain and husking cereals. Another glimpse into the past can be found at Klaske’s Húske: the house was the home of Klaske van der Lei (1900–1986), the Netherlands’ last female fish auctioneer. In 1995, the little house was incorporated into the museum and restored to its original condition. The mill, house and memorial tell different aspects of local history, without requiring a single set walking route.
Museum and special opening hours
Museum ’t Fiskershúske has seasonal opening hours in 2026: from 14 February to 31 October, it is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visits are scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. on public holidays and on Sundays in June, July and August. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.
It is also worth checking the latest Sunday notice for the Garnalenfabriek. Free public opening is scheduled for Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., but it does not take place every Sunday because the venue is occasionally rented out to groups. This makes it easier to combine a museum visit with another stop, without assuming that it is open regularly.
Peazemerlannen and paths by the Wadden Sea
At the edge of Paesens and Moddergat lies the Peazemerlannen nature reserve, with its salt marsh and summer polder. Its landscape formed after a severe storm breached the dike, allowing the Wadden Sea to flow into the polder. You can experience the landscape on a 2.5-kilometre route through the Peazemerlannen and over the Strekdam. This route is accessible year-round, while the red route is accessible only from 15 July to 15 March. Check the seasonal rules before your visit.
A pier near Paesens extends far out over the tidal flats. From there, you can enjoy views of Schiermonnikoog and Engelsmanplaat; on a clear day, Ameland is also visible. The Schone schoenentocht is a walk along the Wadden Sea coast and through the village. As you should check the dates before taking part, do not plan this walk based solely on its route description.
Discover history along the way
The Waddentour takes you through the villages’ rich history. You can follow it by bicycle, car or on foot, using information boards and/or GPS. Several cycling routes also start in Paesens-Moddergat and follow the regional cycle junction network. If you have a particular mode of transport in mind, you can choose between a historic village tour and other cycling routes without assuming they all follow the same route.
The Wadden Sea is also part of the area’s cultural and active offerings. Since 2008, Stichting Oan ’e dyk has organised mudflat walks near Paesens-Moddergat; dates may change, so it is advisable to check before your trip. Around the twin villages, the more than 100-year-old L.A. Buma has been rowed again since 2015 and used in rowing boat competitions. Rowing and taking part in competitions may vary by season. When planning, you can therefore consider both routes and memorial sites described as permanent features and activities with changing dates.
Discover more destinations: Anjum, Wierum, Nes Gem Dongeradeel, Engwierum, Oostmahorn, Hantum, Metslawier, Dokkum.
For the main travel overview: Dongeradeel.
