Discover Hitzum: Church, Terps and Kaatsen

Hitzum can be explored through several distinct themes: the village church with its notable features, preserved terps and kaatsen culture. Waterways and boating options add to the local attractions. Whether you are interested in architectural history, events or activities on the water, the village offers a variety of points of interest.

Church and architectural history

The church in Hitzum was built in 1883, replacing an earlier building from the 16th century. Its bell tower houses a bell cast by Jacob Noteman in 1637; it has a diameter of 103.2 centimetres. The two dates mark different parts of the church’s history: 1883 dates the church building, while 1637 dates the casting of the bell. Here, a newer church building stands alongside a much older bell.

The church’s furnishings include the so-called “Amerikaansche Kerkbanken” (American church pews), with curved seats. They are considered unique in Friesland. The pews give the church a distinctive architectural feature, while the bell and the year the church was built offer different historical points of reference. Those interested in Hitzum’s history can consider these details separately: one is a distinctive seat shape, the other a precisely dated work in the bell tower.

Terps, neighbourhoods and waterways

Several terps have been preserved in and around Hitzum. The village itself also has several steep edges left by excavations into the terps. These two landscape features differ in how they relate to the village: the terps are in the village and its surroundings, while the surviving excavation edges are specifically located in the village.

The Arumervaart runs along the western side of Hitzum. A side channel leads from it to Noorderbuurt, the oldest part of Hitzum. This connects two specific features of the area: the waterway’s location on the western side and its link to the oldest settlement. Roorda State, a Frisian stelphof farmstead, is also part of the listed built heritage.

Kaatsen and seasonal competitions

Various kaatsen competitions are held at the Hitzum KV De Eendracht kaats field during the kaatsen season, from late April to September. The Ald-Meiers Partij is held there too. It is a kaatsen competition for girls aged 14 to 16 inclusive and is considered one of the most important kaatsen competitions for girls.

The first Ald-Meiers Partij took place on 5 August 2000 on the field of the De Eendracht kaatsen club in Hitzum. The season dates and the date of the first competition answer different questions: late April to September is when various competitions are held; 5 August 2000 marks the first edition of the Ald-Meiers Partij. If you want to plan your visit around a specific competition, check its current date.

Boating options and canoe routes

At Anneke's Theetuin & Botenverhuur in Hitzum, visitors can rent a motorised Hanzepunter or a Canadian canoe. If you plan to include one of these boats in your itinerary, check availability in advance. The “Rondje Hitzum – Franeker” route is a separate option, suitable for SUP and canoeing. It is a good idea to check the route details before setting out, as they may change.

There are several different ways to enjoy the water: the rental options include a motorised Hanzepunter and a Canadian canoe, while the route is suitable for SUP and canoeing. If you are visiting Hitzum for a particular competition or water activity, you can make these specific interests the focus of your travel plans.

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