The village lies right on the Wadden coast. The church, which originally stood in the middle of the village, now seems to nestle against the dike, as if the 12th-century tower is seeking support from this impressive piece of water engineering.
Like many Frisian terp (mound) villages, Wierum was built on an artificial hill to protect residents from flooding. You can still clearly see that the church stands on higher ground. Because of its exposed position directly on the Wadden Sea, the northeastern part of the village was gradually claimed by the sea. What remains today is a beautifully photogenic scene.
For generations, the people of Wierum lived from fishing. The men went out to sea in their Wierumer Aeken, while the women stayed ashore to dig for lugworms and keep households running. Several sculptures in the village still commemorate this past. About 100 metres off the coast lies an old shipwreck, visible at low tide.
In the cemetery of the Reformed church are three graves of WWII airmen. You can also visit the Eben-Haëzer church, where exhibitions and lectures are held.
Cycling or walking in Friesland? Make sure to stop by Wierum, a picturesque dike village and the starting point for the mudflat hike to the uninhabited Engelsmanplaat.
