Holiday apartment in Hemelum: monasteries, the Morra and Gaasterland

Between the Morra and the forests of Gaasterland

The Morra gives Hemelum a clear connection to the water. What makes it special is not only its location north of the village, but also its age: it is one of the oldest lakes in Friesland. On the southern side, the view changes and turns towards the forests of Gaasterland. Those who want to weigh up lake, forest and varied landscapes when planning their trip will find different natural focal points in Hemelum, without having to change their base.

Monastic traces in Hemelum

There was a Benedictine nunnery in Hemelum. The Benedictine monastery Sint Nicolaasklooster was probably founded at the end of the 12th century and was one of the first monasteries in Friesland. These two details reach far back into the history of the village and give visitors interested in culture a specific reason not to experience Hemelum solely through its landscape.

Churches with different historical connections

Hemelum’s Dutch Reformed church was built in 1668 on the foundations of the old monastery church. During renovation work on the Nicolaaskerk in Hemelum, the remains of the walls of the old monastery chapel were uncovered in 2016. Hemelum is also home to the Russian Orthodox Monastery of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra and Wonderworker. The monastery can be recognised from the road by its distinctive Orthodox dome with a cross. Hemelum therefore contains various religious and architectural testimonies, each with its own history.

Water-based activities and a special evening event

The connection between landscape and activity also includes the former dairy of Zeilschool De Morra. It is located 300 metres from a quiet, shallow lake that is very suitable for sailing lessons. This appeals to a different side of Hemelum than the churches and monasteries: here, the focus is on a direct connection with the water. At Klooster Hemelum, an Akathist is celebrated on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. in honour of Saint Nicholas. Those who include this event in their travel plans can combine their stay with a special spiritual experience.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When choosing a holiday apartment in Hemelum, you can therefore first decide which interests are most important: the landscape between the Morra and Gaasterland, the traces of monasteries and churches, sailing lessons on the quiet lake or the Thursday evening event at Klooster Hemelum. Hemelum combines nature, culture, water sports and religious tradition. The different themes also leave room for different daily preferences when travelling together, without the village losing its clear, distinctive character.

For the overarching travel overview: Nijefurd.