Sexbierum: Terp History, Culture and Cycling Routes

Sexbierum can be understood through its terp history, historical landmarks and cycling routes. Sexbierum developed on a terp on a ridge of terps along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea. Admiral Tjerk Hiddes de Vries was born here.

Terp landscape and regional orientation

Sexbierum developed on a terp on a ridge of terps along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea. The landscape setting is therefore part of the village’s history. The Bjirmen also helps with regional orientation: a landscape made up of several small areas around Oosterbierum, Sexbierum and Pietersbierum. One important limitation for planning a visit is that the Bjirmen areas cannot be reached on foot. They can be seen well by bicycle from the Sedyk and from Roptazeil, beyond Koehool. Check current conditions before setting out.

Historical landmarks in the village

Admiral Tjerk Hiddes de Vries was born in Sexbierum on 6 August 1622. Getswerdersyl offers a different historical connection: the lock was the northernmost one on the Slachtedijk. After it was demolished in 1982, a large monument was erected to mark the site of the lock.

Church, stinswier and gatehouse

The Sixtuskerk features intricate woodcarvings by George Hempel. De Hege Wier is a stinswier on the Ottemaleane, with views of the village of Sexbierum. These landmarks differ in character: the church is notable for its specific craftsmanship, while De Hege Wier is notable as a stinswier and for its views of the village. The gatehouse of Liauckemastate dates from the 17th century; the keystone on the entrance side bears the date 1604. The date 1604 is 18 years before Tjerk Hiddes de Vries was born in 1622.

Molen De Korenaar and cycling routes

Molen De Korenaar is an atmospheric, romantic monument with a beautiful garden and an official wedding venue in Sexbierum. If you are considering the mill for a specific celebration, check its current availability.

The 42-kilometre “Genieten in Noardwest-Fryslân” route includes a detour from junction 31 to Molen De Korenaar near Sexbierum. Sexbierum is also on the Elfstedenroute. Another cycling route through the Bjirmen runs along the Hoarnestreek to near Sexbierum, then via the Latsmaleane and a shell path to the Singel of Liauckema State. The descriptions emphasise different details: the first route has a stated total distance and specifies the detour to the mill; the Bjirmen route gives its sections and direction. Check route conditions and signage before setting out. The 42-kilometre route includes the mill as a detour, while the Bjirmen route leads to the Singel of Liauckema State.

Discover more destinations:

Firdgum, Franeker, Hitzum, Tzummarum, Dongjum, Achlum, Peins

Back to the main travel overview: Franekeradeel.