MOUNDS IN FRIESLAND:
THE FIVE MOST BEAUTIFUL HIGHLIGHTED.
The Frisian landscape has a rich history with mounds. These centuries-old residential mounds are unique and full of stories. In this blog, we highlight the five most beautiful. From Oosterbierum to Wijnaldum, each residential mound has its own charm. We take you along these historical places. Where are they, what can you do there and why should you go there? And why should you definitely visit the Fries museum .
WHAT ARE MOUNDS?
The province of Friesland has a unique culture and rich history. One of the most striking features are of course the artificial hills - called terps (mounds) - that were built to protect houses, farms and churches from flooding. These hills in the Frisian landscape tell the story of a time when the sea was a constant threat.
OOSTERBIERUM: VILLAGE WITH THREE MOUNDS
Oosterbierum is situated on a salt marsh and has a rich history that dates back to the year 500. The village has three important mounds. The most important hill is the village mound with the church from 1200. Directly west of Oosterbierum is another mound, where objects from Roman times have been found. And further north - along the Hoarnestreek - is a row of farmsteads on a hill.
WIJNALDUM: THE GOLDEN FIBULA
The mound range of Wijnaldum lies east of the village. The mounds are an important archaeological site in Friesland. Because on the Koningterp in 1953 a part of a valuable cloak pin was found: the famous fibula of the elite of Wijnaldum from the early Middle Ages.
HEGEBEINTUM; HIGHEST MOUND IN FRIESLAND
Terp Hegebeintum is known as the highest mound in Friesland. The hill is no less than 8.8 meters high. The view from the top is definitely worth it: here you have a beautiful view over the Frisian landscape. The church on the mound dates from the 11th century. The visitor center at Pypkedyk 4 tells more about the history of the mound.
STIENS; MOUND WITH SPECIAL PATH
Stiens is a mound village north of Leeuwarden. Stiens was founded a few centuries before the beginning of the common era. It is located on a salt marsh embankment east of the Boarnstroom. A striking element is the path around the cemetery. Despite later expansions, this path can still be recognized. The eastern part of the mound in particular was built up with radial and back streets.
FERWERT; ANOTHER GIANT IN FRIESLAND
Ferwert is a characteristic mound village in the north of Friesland, which is part of the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân. Ferwert originated a few centuries before Christ on a salt marsh embankment and developed into an important settlement with a radial structure.
The mound of Ferwert is one of the largest in Friesland at 6.6 meters. In the center of the village stands the imposing Sint-Martinus church. Although part of the mound was excavated, the historical structure remains clearly visible. Nowadays Ferwert is a lively village with approximately 1800 inhabitants.
HUNS; MOUND WITH SINT NICHOLAAS CHURCH
The St. Nicholas Church of Húns stands on one of the higher mounds of Friesland, built around 1200. This sharply excavated mound raises the church above the village. The ancient hill provides a fascinating spatial contrast with the low kaatsveld opposite. The mound of Húns, like many others in Friesland, contains layers of history dating back to 600 BC. Although many mounds were excavated in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries for their fertile soil, that of Húns remains an impressive remnant of Friesland's rich past.
THE ORIGIN OF THE MOUNDS
The Frisian mounds, which originated between 500 BC and 1200 AD, are a unique example of human adaptation to nature. Driven by the need to protect their homes and farms from regular flooding, the inhabitants of Friesland began to raise their dwellings. Such a mound was made of salt marsh sods, clay, manure and waste. Gradually, the elevations in the landscape became higher and wider by applying new sods.
These artificial mounds in the landscape not only provided dry feet during high water levels, but also served as safe havens for cattle. Today, these mounds stand as silent witnesses to former life in an area that was constantly threatened by the sea.
MOUND VILLAGES IN FRIESLAND
In the landscape of Friesland, many mound villages can be found, such as Allingawier, Tjerkwerd and Parrega. These villages, which are often built on a large mound, offer a unique view into the past of Friesland.
Many of these villages are still inhabited and have retained their historical charm. A visit to these mound villages feels like a journey back in time. Here you can see and feel how the Frisians have adapted their living environment to the whims of nature.
DIKES; PROTECTION AND CONNECTION
Sea dikes changed the Frisian landscape. With a dike, mounds were connected and larger areas could be protected from the salty seawater. As a result, the residential hills became less necessary. The first sea dikes were constructed in the 11th century. Long dikes formed an important network between the different villages.
THE EXCAVATIONS OF MOUNDS
Much of the fertile mound soil was excavated in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and used for agriculture. Much historical information was lost due to the excavation of the fertile clay. Nevertheless, special finds came to light during the excavations. Nowadays, the mounds are better protected.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN MOUNDS
Many important archaeological finds have been made in the mounds. They provide insight into life in the past. For example, a statue of the Roman god of war Mars was found near Dronryp. A grave of a woman from the 7th century was also found, buried in a hollowed-out oak tree trunk.
At the Oldehoofsterkerkhof in Leeuwarden, various spinning bobbins from different periods were discovered during excavations. In Wijnaldum, a medieval altar fragment was discovered. From Lichtaard, a beautiful bead necklace comes, made of glass paste, a black stone and amber beads.
Near the Schierstins, archaeologists found a remarkable ball dagger. In addition, prehistoric pots, medieval beads and a Roman soldier's shoe were also excavated.
All these finds provide valuable information about the material culture, trade relations and daily life in the mound areas over the centuries.
MOUNDS AS CULTURAL HERITAGE
The mounds are now protected as cultural heritage of Friesland. They form a fascinating journey of discovery through the past. Modern technology helps in the preservation and restoration of these unique residential mounds.
A visit to the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden is a nice addition to your mound tour through Friesland. The museum has an extensive collection of objects from the mounds. Think of jewelry, pots and tools. These objects provide a fascinating insight into life during the early Middle Ages.
By exploring the mounds, visiting historic villages and discovering the museum, the rich past of the mounds remains alive.
