Achlum offers a range of ways to enjoy a trip among waterways, historic buildings and routes through the surrounding countryside. The Achlumervaart runs through the centre; at the Skieppetille, it crosses the Slachte. The Achlumer Molen is another historic landmark, while walking routes and the Slachtedyk offer additional ways to get active in the area. When looking for a holiday rental, consider whether you would like to focus on the history of buildings by the water or on routes around Achlum.

Waterways and Mill History

The Achlumervaart runs through the centre of Achlum. Dorpsstraat lies on one side of the canal, and Tanjabuurt on the other. This makes the waterway a landmark between the two streets and part of the village’s layout. Boats can moor in the Achlumervaart free of charge; check the local conditions before your trip if you plan to moor there.

At the Skieppetille, the Slachte crosses the Achlumervaart; the Skieppetille is a sluice dating from 1893. The Achlumer Molen is a polder windmill built in 1853 and fully restored in 2007. The dates mark different points in time: 1853 refers to the mill’s construction, 1893 to the sluice, and 2007 to the restoration. This makes it possible to view the construction date and later restoration as separate stages in the village’s history. Visits to the mill are available by appointment and only when it is operating. Make arrangements for both in advance if you plan to visit.

Walking and Cycling

There are several walking routes around Achlum, some of which pass through pastureland. The Slachtedyk runs along Achlum; almost the entire dike is freely accessible to walkers and cyclists. However, cyclists must take a detour on a short stretch near Achlum. The routes therefore differ in more than just their names: some walking routes pass through pastureland, while the Slachtedyk is a named dike running alongside the village. Cyclists should factor the local detour into their route planning, even though almost the entire dike is freely accessible.

Historic Landmark East of Achlum

Groot Deersum, a former stins (fortified manor house), lies east of Achlum. The site is now occupied by a farmhouse dating from the second half of the 18th century, in place of the stins; the moat and gatehouse have been preserved. The gate has a stepped gable on either side, and one of its stones bears the date 1658. The date on the stone predates the construction of the farmhouse and provides a distinct point of reference for the gate’s history. The former stins, the later farmhouse and the surviving architectural features represent different historical layers of the site.

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