Hemelum offers two clear points of reference when choosing a place to stay: the hilly landscape of Gaasterland and a rich church and monastic history. This allows you to assess the town both by its landscape and by its historical and religious connections.
Landscape between the Morra and Gaasterland
Hemelum lies in the hilly landscape of Gaasterland. To the north, the town borders the Morra, one of Friesland’s oldest lakes; to the south, Hemelum looks out over the forests of Gaasterland. This north-south orientation gives the landscape a clear structure: the Morra defines its northern aspect, while the forests shape the view to the south. Together with Gaasterland’s hilly character, this creates a clear picture of the town. For travellers who also choose a place to stay based on its surroundings, the lake, forest and hills are tangible landscape features to consider. Hemelum thus combines a distinctive north-south landscape with the town’s cultural themes.
Church and monastic history
Hemelum’s Dutch Reformed church was built in 1668 on the foundations of the old monastery church. During renovations to the Nicolaaskerk, remains of the old monastery chapel were uncovered in 2016. The two dates refer to different events: 1668 marks the construction of the church, and 2016 the discovery of older masonry during renovations. So this is not only a matter of the building’s construction date, but also of the town’s long history. Those interested in architecture can understand the church through two historical periods: the 17th-century church building and the traces of an older monastery chapel.
The Benedictine monastery of Sint Nicolaasklooster in Hemelum was probably founded in the late 12th century. This presumed date of foundation places the monastery’s history well before the church was built in 1668. Taken together, these details offer a historical perspective on Hemelum’s religious past: a probable medieval monastery foundation, a church built on the foundations of an older monastery church, and the much later discovery of the chapel’s remains.
The Russian Orthodox monastery
Hemelum is also home to the Russian Orthodox Monastery of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra and Wonderworker. It can be recognised from the road by its distinctive Orthodox dome and cross. The monastery therefore offers a distinct architectural point of reference alongside the history of the Nicolaaskerk. An Akathist in honour of Saint Nicholas is celebrated at Klooster Hemelum on Thursday evenings at 6 pm. If you would like to include this service in your travel plans, check the time in advance, as the schedule may change.
The themes offer different perspectives: the landscape can be understood through the Morra and Gaasterland; the Nicolaaskerk focuses on the connection between the church building and the older monastery chapel; and the Russian Orthodox monastery combines a distinctive landmark with a specific service time. If you are looking for accommodation in Hemelum, you can weigh up whether landscape, architectural history or a religious occasion matters most to you during your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Nijefurd.
