Those choosing Houwerzijl for a short stay will find two distinctive themes: the tea culture of De Theefabriek and the history of the sunken village of Vliedorp. The museum and tea room are part of the same historic complex; at Olle Weem, gravestones and trees remain as traces of the vanished settlement. There is also the Speelbos and several named routes. These varied highlights can help you plan a stay around your interests.
Tea, Museum and Historic Buildings
The former church and the Neoclassical parsonage dating from 1870 house the Tea Museum and tea room. In a range of theatrical settings, the museum presents the history of tea—from the tea plant to drinking tea. From April to October, De Theefabriek is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; check the opening hours before your visit.
The Theeschenkerij offers more than 300 types of tea and tea specialities. It also serves artisan pastries, warm scones, muffins, spiced tea cake and generously topped sandwiches. Tea tastings explain different types of tea and preparation methods; depending on the theme, guests taste five to eight teas. Themes, booking conditions and offerings may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before making plans. The house’s history also includes an unusual purchase price: De Theefabriek was bought in 1989 for one symbolic guilder, equivalent to 45 euro cents.
The History of Houwerzijl and Vliedorp
A church for the Seceders was built in Houwerzijl in 1862; it was remodelled and extended in 1906 and 1915. This historic background is part of the complex that now houses the museum and tea room. The history of Vliedorp goes back even further: around 1200, a stone church was built there, probably on the site of an earlier wooden church. During the Christmas Flood of 1717, 32 houses were destroyed in Vliedorp and 48 people were killed.
Until well into the 20th century, funeral processions from Houwerzijl transported the deceased by water to the abandoned terp of Vliedorp. On part of a terp, Olle Weem preserves twelve gravestones and several trees as remnants of the sunken settlement. The cemetery is open from sunrise to sunset. Olle Weem lies north of Houwerzijl on the cycle path between Houwerzijl and Vlakke Riet road.
Routes in the Area
De Theefabriek has created the 4 km “ommeTje Vliedorp / Olle Weem” walking route in the immediate vicinity of Houwerzijl. The “Verhalen van het zoute land” walking route also begins and ends at De Theefabriek; its named stops include Vliedorp, Zwarteweg 8, 9973 PM Houwerzijl. The information provided for the two routes therefore differs: a distance is given for the walking route, while the start, end and one stop are listed for the other route. Check the route details before setting out, as route information may be updated.
The “Verhalen van het zoute land” route describes Houwerzijl as a village that once lay in salty land right by the sea. De Theefabriek can also serve as a starting point or stopover for the listed cycling routes; check the latest route information before setting off.
Forest and Play Area
The Speelbos Houwerzijl combines an ecologically designed and managed forest with several walking paths, a play area and a number of sturdy play structures. De Ui, a public firepit, is located where the forest meets the play area. Alongside tea and local history, the forest paths, play area and play structures offer distinct options for a stay.
Discover more destinations: Vierhuizen, Zoutkamp, Eenrum, Leens, Kloosterburen, Molenrij, Lauwersoog, Mensingeweer.
For the main travel overview: De Marne.
