11fountains hiking route: Bolsward

The route starts at the bat fountain, designed by the artist Johan Kreten. The dark bat spits water, just like the gargoyles that used to adorn the facades of cathedrals. The church next to this special, child-friendly fountain is not a cathedral. The “Broerekerk” is a ruin of a monastery church from the 13th century with a glass roof. This is a special feature worth visiting.

Now follow the “Jongemastraat” to “Broerestraat” and then turn left, cross a bridge to follow the canal to “Kerkstraat,” then turn right. You are now heading straight towards the “Martinikerk.” Be careful, on your right you will see the “Oud Burger Weeshuis” (an orphanage), which now houses a hotel with a green orchard behind the fence.

The Martinikerk is open to visitors. Feel free to take a look inside. You will see two stained glass windows, some frescoes, and an impressive organ. But don’t just look up! There are also many beautiful things on the floor. The deep reliefs of the tombstones on the floor are beautiful, although sometimes they make visitors stumble. The facades along the canal are centuries old, and none is like the other. In summer, the canal is full of picturesque “Pompeblêden,” which bloom in June. After a short walk along the canal, you will arrive at the Gysbert Japicxhuis Museum. This is a building with a beautiful stepped gable where Gysbert Japicx, the poet and founder of the Frisian language, was born.

On the other side of the street is the Titus Brandsma Museum, dedicated to Titus Brandsma (1881-1942), a Carmelite priest, journalist, publisher, professor, and resistance hero. Next to it is the beautifully designed Basilica of Saint Francis, which is almost a work of art itself.

Shortly after, turn right and cross the “Nieuwmarkt” at “Skilwyk.” Then go over the “Dijkstraat” towards “Stroombootkade.” Follow this until you see the Sonnema distillery on the left. Here, the art of making Beerenburg is known like nowhere else! If you want to take a look inside, you need to make a reservation first.

Continue the route along the water and meet friendly boaters sailing along the bank. Turn into “Witherenstraat” opposite the modern “Gasthuiskerk.” Here you will notice that Bolsward was built on hills, as you now go back up into the city center where you will see the beautiful Bolsward town hall. This building in the late Renaissance style is full of miniatures and Latin sayings. By 2021, the building will be transformed into a historical center with a library, archive, gastronomy, and local history museum.

If you now turn right, you will return to the “Broerekerk” church and the bat. To your left, you will now see the shopping street with cozy restaurants and shops. Here you can end your walk and toast to all the beautiful things you have seen. Here you will find all of Bolsward's gastronomic establishments.

5