Tzummarum combines an early settlement history with several ways to include the surrounding area in your trip. The settlement on a terp dates back to around the 8th century; a circular walking route and a cycling route also pass through the village. If you are looking for a hotel in Tzummarum, you can decide whether local history, a walk or a ride through several villages and hamlets will shape your stay. This lets you combine the village’s history with a route or transport connection, depending on which aspect you want to focus on.

Terp history and church architecture

The settlement was established by building a terp on the Kwelderwall, around the 8th century. A terp is a raised settlement mound; Tzummarum was founded on the Kwelderwall, which stretches from Sexbierum to Minnertsga. This location places the settlement’s early history within a landscape feature that extends beyond Tzummarum. Another cultural-historical feature is the Sint-Martinuskerk: the cruciform church was designed by Herman Rudolf Stoett. The cross shape describes its floor plan, while the architect’s name adds a specific architectural reference. The village’s founding and the church’s design thus offer different perspectives on its history and architecture.

Circular walk and cycling route

The Firdgum-Koehool circular walk passes through Tzummarum and returns to Firdgum. Between Tzummarum and Sinaedawei, it includes a narrow shell path. As path conditions can change, check the current route conditions before setting out. If you are paying particular attention to the surface when planning, you can take this section into account. Rondje Waadhoeke is a cycling route: it passes through Tzummarum and then continues to Firdgum. In total, it runs through nine villages and hamlets.

The Spoarpaad

Tzummarum/Firdgum is also part of the Spoarpaad project. The former railway line between Harlingen and Minnertsga provides the basis for a long-distance walking trail. This adds a project to the specifically named routes, with its route following a former railway line.

The routes differ considerably: Firdgum-Koehool is a circular walk that returns to Firdgum, Rondje Waadhoeke is a cycling route through nine villages and hamlets, and the former railway line provides the basis for the Spoarpaad long-distance walking trail. When choosing what to focus on, you can therefore distinguish between a circular walk, a cycling route through several settlements and a walking trail created as part of a project.

Waterway and bus connections

Boats can moor free of charge in the Tzummarumervaart between the bridge at the Kade and De Fjouwere. Local bus information from 2023 lists connections to Harlingen and Leeuwarden, as well as to Franeker during peak hours. Check the current timetable before travelling, especially if you want to go to Franeker.

Discover more destinations: Hitzum, Achlum, Sexbierum, Franeker, Firdgum, Peins, Dongjum.

Return to the main travel overview: Franekeradeel.