Burgum

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Burgum (Dutch: Bergum) is the largest and administrative town of the municipality of Tytsjerksteradiel, in the Dutch province of Friesland, with a population of approximately 10.000 inhabitants. Since January 1, 1989 the Frisian name Burgum is the official name, before 1989 the Dutch name was the official one.

The name Burgum is suggestive of an area of higher altitude then the surrounding area. The province of Friesland is bordered in the north by the Wadden Sea. In ancient and medieval times habitation in Friesland occurred only in those areas which were elevated above sea level (for example in Burgum) or on artificialy build mounts known as terp, weird or ward. These mounts were areas of refuge in times of flooding. The artificial mounts became redundant after the building of the dykes on the border of the Wadden Sea. Habitation of this area goes back to the stoneage.

Main things to see in Burgum are the Town Hall (on the front a very appealing building, deformed by recent additions at the back) and the Krústsjerke (Cross Church) which is the remainder of a convent burned in the 80-year war (beginning 17th century).

Friesland is renowned for its many lakes and canals. One of these lakes is found nearby the village of Burgum and it is called the Burgumer Mar. Another object of interest is the so called “Poppestien”. A large stone deposited in this area during the last ice age (11.000 BC). This stone was used in ancient times in fertility rituals.

[edit] Notable people associated with Burgum

Hendrik Bulthuis - Amateur boat builder and designer of the Bergumermeer-class sailing-boat (“B.M.-er”).
Tsjibbe Gearts van der Meulen - Frisian writer and poet