Hitzum offers several different reasons to visit: the architectural history of its church, traces of the terpen landscape, kaatsen and activities on the water. When planning your stay, consider which aspect interests you most. Those interested in local history can explore the church, landscape and farmstead, while those who prefer kaatsen or water activities will find dedicated options.
Church: Architectural History, Bell and Distinctive Pews
Hitzum Church was built in 1883 to replace an earlier building from the 16th century. Its bell tower houses a bell cast by Jacob Noteman in 1637. The bell has a diameter of 103.2 centimetres. The date the bell was cast and the church’s architectural history represent two different periods: the bell was cast well before the present church was built.
The church’s furnishings also include the so-called “Amerikaansche Kerkbanken” (American Church Pews). Their seats are curved, and they are considered unique in Friesland. As well as its architectural history, the church therefore has a distinctive regional feature. For a cultural-history-focused visit, you can consider the construction date, the bell’s casting and the shape of the seats separately.
Terpen, Noorderbuurt and Arumervaart
Several terpen have been preserved in and around the village of Hitzum. Terpen are raised residential mounds. The village itself also has several steep edges where parts of the terpen have been dug away. These are two different traces of the landscape: the preserved mounds on the one hand, and the edges left by alterations to them on the other. Those interested in the historic character of a place will find features of the surrounding landscape here, alongside individual buildings.
The Arumervaart runs along the western side of Hitzum. A side canal from it leads to Noorderbuurt, the oldest part of Hitzum. Roorda State is another local point of interest: it is a listed Frisian stelphof farmstead. Hitzum’s history can therefore be viewed from different perspectives—through its church, landscape and a Frisian farmstead.
Kaatsen in Hitzum
Kaatsveld Hitzum is the venue for the Ald-Meiers Partij, considered one of the most important kaatsen competitions for girls. The first Ald-Meiers Partij was held on 5 August 2000 at the field of Hitzum kaatsen club De Eendracht. The competition is for girls aged 14 to 16 inclusive.
During the kaatsen season, from late April to September, various kaatsen competitions are held at Kaatsveld. The competition programme may vary from season to season. So if kaatsen is a key reason for your trip, check the dates for the specific season rather than planning around a particular competition alone.
Boat Rental and Water Sports
At Anneke's Theetuin & Botenverhuur in Hitzum, visitors can rent a motorised Hanzepunter or a Canadian canoe. These options give you a clear choice between a motorised boat and a canoe. The “Rondje Hitzum – Franeker” route is also suitable for SUP and canoe trips. As route details may change, it is advisable to check them before planning a trip.
If you are looking for a hotel in Hitzum, you can start by deciding what you want your stay to focus on: local history, seasonal kaatsen culture or an activity on the water. These interests raise different planning questions, such as event dates or details of your chosen route. This connects your accommodation search to the specific reason for your trip, without prescribing a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Peins, Achlum, Franeker, Sexbierum, Tzummarum, Firdgum, Dongjum.
See the broader travel overview: Franekeradeel.
