©: FrieslandWonderland

Oentsjerk, the town where rich history and beautiful nature meet.

Oentsjerk, a small town situated in the northern-east part of Frisian, has a lot to offer on both historical as well as natural front. The town is located in the region “Trijnwouden”, which has an interesting saga relating to the formation of its name. The saga is about a wealthy woman, called Catharina, who lived in this region with her seven sons. As the myth goes, had Catharina seven farms of which she gave one to each of her sons. These seven sons, named Oene; Gieke; Alde; Rypke; Wynse; Tiete; and Raede, farmed well and a town arose around the farms. These towns are known as Oentsjerk; Gytsjerk; Aldtsjerk; Rypstjerk; Wyns; Tytsjerk; and Readtsjerk. These towns are all situated in the region Trijnwouden, which names descends from the woman Catharina. Of which time this myth originates is not known.

Historic Oentsjerk

As mentioned before, Oentsjerk has a lot to offer on both historical as natural front. In the past Oentsjerk had five granges, of which now two are still standing. The two still existing granges are called Stania State and Unia State, when going to Oentsjerk be sure to take visit these two granges because they are absolutely worth the visit. Although Unia State (presumably dating back to the second half of the seventeenth century) is nowadays as a residential building, and therefore cannot be viewed from the inside, the architecture is beautiful to see. A sign near the grange provides information concerning Unia State. Unlike Unia State, Stania State (originally dating back to the beginning of the sixteenth century) is still open for visitors in the weekends. Stania State is currently the host for a nice restaurants; moreover, rooms can be rented for weddings, congresses etc.

Natural environment of Oentsjerk

Surrounding Stania State is one of the beautiful forests of Oentsjerk. Especially on a sunny day, this is a beautiful park to take a walk and enjoy the nature. East of Stania State is a small forest called: Kaetsjemuoibosk, this forest is mainly known by local inhabitants of Oentsjerk and surrounding villages. Kaetsjemuoibosk offers a nice walking trail of around one kilometre through the forest. A second park located in Oentsjerk is called Heemstra Park; this park used to belong to Heemstra State, but where Heemstra State was standing is nowadays a nursing home. An interesting thing to see in this park is the gravestone (dating from 1812) of the horse of a commander in the army of Napoleon.

A bit further outside of Oentsjerk are the forests Grikelân (Greece) and Turkije (Turkey). An interesting fact to know about these names is that Grikelân and Turkije are picked because the money needed to create these forests derived from Greek and Turkish governmental bonds. Grikelân and Turkije offer several opportunities for natural activities, for instance walking trails; biking route; or exploring the forest by horse.

Religious Oentsjerk

When looking at religious buildings in Oentsjerk, two churches are identified. The oldest church is the Mariakerk (Maria church), originally built in 1230; however, the Mariakerk has had many renovations and the interesting thing about this church is that the church is both used for catholic and Protestantism in its history. Nowadays it is a reformed church, with beautiful details in the stained glass windows. The second church is quite some years newer and is known as the Ontmoetingskerk (church of encounter). This church was built in 1874 and has been renovated a few times since then.

Visit Oentsjerk!

When being interested in nature and history, Oentsjerk is definitely a beautiful small town to visit. Because of the size it can be visited it can be visited in one day, which makes in a perfect day-trip. Although staying overnight in the bed & breakfast situated in Stania State is without doubt recommended, this makes you feel like a real nobleman or damsel.

Oentsjerk is easily accessible by car, or by bus (departing in Leeuwarden) so don’t wait any longer and come enjoy the calm, beautiful forests of Oentsjerk in the morning and end the day with a nice dinner in one of best kept granges of Frisian.

Colofon

Uitgeverij: NoordBoek - Auteur: Peter Karstkarel
NLP: Doarpswurk

© Foto voorblad: FrieslandWonderland