Warfstermolen: Dike History, Hiking and Cycling

Warfstermolen can be explored through specific routes and the history of the old sea dike. Hiking Route 40 from the direction of Kollum ends here; Route 7 starts in the village and continues to the lock complex at Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen. A cycling route along the Lauwersmeer also has a waypoint in Warfstermolen at Rustpunt Túnwille. This provides two hiking sections with stated durations and a longer cycling route to help plan your trip.

Dike History and Village Character

The element “Warf” in the name refers to a house on the dike where dike meetings were held. Warfstermolen developed as a linear village along an old sea dike built around 1315. The settlement probably developed after the new dike around Nieuwkruisland was built in 1529. Dike construction and the probable development of the linear village are therefore two distinct stages in the village’s history.

In the marine clay area, Warfstermolen is one of the settlements that developed along former sea dikes after the 13th century. Across the wider marine clay area, the pattern of roads and paths reflects the construction of dikes and the reclamation of polders along the Lauwerszee. The term linear village describes an elongated settlement form. The relatively compact built-up area lies mainly on the south side of the old dike; the modest post-war expansion is also located there. In recent years, the northern dike slope has been a profusion of flowers in summer. Its appearance may vary.

Hiking in and through Warfstermolen

Hiking Route 40, “Kollum – Warfstermolen,” is 9.5 kilometres long and takes two hours. It ends in Warfstermolen; from there, hikers can continue to Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen on Route 7. Route 7, “Warfstermolen – Dokkumer Nieuwe,” starts in the village, is 8 kilometres long and takes one and a half hours. Its destination is the lock complex at Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen. Route 7 is therefore 1.5 kilometres shorter; its duration is half an hour less than that of Route 40. The two hiking sections can thus be compared by distance, time and destination. The stated walking times add up to three and a half hours.

Cycling along the Lauwersmeer

The 54.7-kilometre cycling route “Langs de zuidoever van het Lauwersmeer” runs along the Lauwersmeer. Its ninth waypoint is Rustpunt Túnwille in Warfstermolen. There you can take a break, use the toilet and find information about the surrounding area. At Túnwille, you can also help yourself to a cup of coffee or tea. While the hiking trails are identified by their start and end points and stated durations, the cycling route offers specific points of reference in its course along the Lauwersmeer and the Túnwille waypoint.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Kollumerland En Nieuwkruisland.