Routes to terpen and wierden

The centuries-old cultivated landscape in the northern provinces of the Netherlands came into being in the time before dikes existed. The terpen and wierden in Friesland and Groningen, artificial hillocks, represented a safe haven when the surrounding lower land was flooded. Immerse yourself in the past and go on a tour of terpen and wierden in the northern Netherlands.

The raised villages are called ‘terpen’ in Friesland and ‘wierden’ in Groningen. These days, they are a veritable attraction with their beautiful churches, historic residences and farms. There are hiking and cycling itineraries with clear route signs throughout the area.

The terp route is a hiking itinerary which spans 20 km and is part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hogebeintum, the highest known terp, is the highlight of the route. Make sure to have a look inside the picturesque old church of Hogebeintum. Would you like to learn more about the history of the village and terp landscape? Visit the Archeologisch Steunpunt or Archaeological Information Point on top of the terp.

Walk to the Terps of Friesland or go for a bicycle tour of the wierden of Groningen.

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Aerial shot of Fort Everdingen part of Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie

UNESCO - Join us as we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Netherlands

We crisscross the Netherlands, past all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These places tell the unique story of our society and our eventful relationship with water.