Dekema State

About the museum

Dekema State in Jelsum is one of the oldest stinzen (fortified Frisian houses) in Friesland. The fortified house is first mentioned in 1486, when Pieter Camstra inherited it as Fetsa State. It then passed through several noble families, including the Camstra, Dekema and Van Wageningen families, who lived on the estate for two centuries. The complex initially had a defensive function in the 14th century, was almost completely destroyed around 1500, and in the early 16th century was rebuilt and extended as a two-story building. Its present form dates from 1814, when the main house was lowered by one story.

In 1996 the organization Oud Burger Weeshuis acquired the estate and had the buildings, furnishings and gardens comprehensively restored. Today the Stichting Dekema State runs the house, which is largely looked after by volunteers.

The interior is arranged as if the residents had just left. It shows the life of a distinguished Frisian family around 1930, with living, library and dining rooms. On view are family portraits from 1587 onward, textiles, a cannonball from fighting in the 15th century, 16th-century sculptures on the upper floor, and a medieval cellar with defensive features. The estate includes the approach, moats, woodland and a garden with fruit trees, vegetable beds and rare stinzen plants.

Highlights

• Living rooms as they looked in the 1930s
• Family portraits from 1587
• Medieval cellar with defensive features
• Garden with fruit, vegetables and rare stinzen plants
• Audio tour “Dekema State komt tot leven”
• Children's scavenger hunts and dress-up activities

Permanent exhibition

• Wohnen um 1930 auf Dekema State – The house is furnished as if a Frisian family from the 1930s still lived there; plus a medieval cellar, portraits and sculptures.

Operated by

Stichting Dekema State

Admission & discounts

Prices according to the website, 2026.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

At ground level the shell paths are suitable for wheelchairs; the upper floor and cellar cannot be reached without a lift. For visually and hearing impaired visitors there is a guide and the audio tour. Assistance dogs are welcome in the house after registration; dogs in the garden must be kept on a leash.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Free scavenger hunts for ages 6 to 12 (about 1 hour), a garden scavenger hunt “Occa Tocca” by smartphone for €4 (about 1.5 to 2 hours), dress-up, and children's birthday parties.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café

Self-service corner in the garden; picnics with refreshments by registration.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 40 guests.

Wedding venue of the municipality of Leeuwarden. In the house, up to 30 guests on the first floor and up to 40 on the upper floor; further rooms and areas in the garden. Rental prices and rules are on the wedding page.

Plan your visit