Kollumerzwaag: Church, Farms and Nature

When choosing a destination, the interests you can pursue there are often decisive. In Kollumerzwaag, cultural history and nature take centre stage: the Alde Tsjerke brings together building phases from the 12th to the 15th century, while farms along the Foarwei showcase more protected historic architecture. The Lauwerspoel and It Lauwerspoelpaad add a dedicated focus on walks. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Kollumerzwaag, these specific themes can help you decide what kind of character you want your stay to have.

The Alde Tsjerke and its building history

The Alde Tsjerke is a single-nave church dating from the 12th century and is a Rijksmonument, a nationally listed monument in the Netherlands. “Single-nave” describes a church space with one main nave and helps to classify its architectural layout. The windows and the choir, which is closed off on three sides, date from the 15th century. The church therefore shows distinct building periods from the 12th and 15th centuries.

The tower also dates from the 12th century: it is an unarticulated saddle-roof tower. In 1872, it was partly demolished and repaired; in 1960, it was restored according to plans by A. Baart jr. The organ adds another date to the building’s history: it was built in 1904 by Bakker & Timmenga of Leeuwarden.

The Alde Tsjerke is scheduled to take part in Tsjerkepaad for the first time in 2026. The church will be open from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the Tsjerkepaad period. If you are planning your visit around it, check the Tsjerkepaad dates in advance.

Thatched farms along the Foarwei

The farms along the Foarwei are also local cultural monuments. Foarwei 145 is a Rijksmonument: a small farm with a thatched roof. Foarwei 149 is also a Rijksmonument and combines a thatched farm with an associated bakehouse. These sites let you distinguish between sacred architecture and farm architecture when choosing cultural themes: the church centres on building periods and its organ, while the two addresses are known for their farms and bakehouse.

Walking to the Lauwerspoel

It Lauwerspoelpaad is part of the Recreatieschap Marrekrite walking junction network. The roughly half-hour circular walk runs from Tsjerkestrjitte via the Lauwerspoel to Tsjerkepaad and was established in 2025. Its approximate duration helps you plan how much time to allow for a walk. There are also numerous walking and cycling routes in the area around Kollumersweach, inviting you to explore.

The Lauwerspoel is an ancient pingo ruin with open water and swamp woodland. Its dense vegetation provides a habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. There is a bench and an information board beside the Lauwerspoel. This nature spot therefore brings together the landscape, habitats and a specific point of reference by the water.

The themes can help you distinguish between options when planning your trip: the Alde Tsjerke and the farms offer insights into architectural and monument history, while It Lauwerspoelpaad describes a roughly half-hour circular walk with a focus on nature.

Discover more destinations: Oudwoude, Kollum, Kollumerpomp, Warfstermolen, Burum, Westergeest.

Back to the main travel overview: Kollumerland En Nieuwkruisland.