De Schierstins

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Schierstins was built around 1300 as a tower house with thick brick walls, a refuge where prominent families could withdraw in turbulent times. Fortified stone houses like this – known in Friesland as "stinsen" – once shaped the landscape, but nearly all of them have disappeared; the Schierstins is considered the only surviving medieval stone tower of its kind in Friesland. The oldest known reference, from 1439, speaks of a house of the "gray monks": the building belonged to the orbit of Claercamp Abbey near Rinsumageest, whose monks, dressed in gray habits, cut peat in the area.

After the Reformation the tower passed into private hands; nobles, officers and a former mayor of Leeuwarden lived here, and by the early 19th century a small country estate had grown up around it, with extensions, stables, an orchard and a park. By the end of the 19th century the overgrown tower had fallen into such disrepair that it faced demolition. At the urging of the Fries Genootschap it was restored in 1906 and then served as a post office until around 1960.

Following a second restoration in the early 1960s, the building – by then owned by the municipality of Dantumadeel – was opened to public use, first as a museum with a council chamber and wedding room, later as a cultural center hosting exhibitions, lectures and concerts. In 1999 the upper floor was opened for a permanent exhibition; one room is dedicated to the writer Theun de Vries, who was born in Feanwâlden. The garden, renewed in 2001, is known for its stinzen plants, whose name derives from the flowers that grew around the Schierstins. Today the Stichting De Schierstins runs the building with the help of many volunteers.

Highlights

• Friesland's only surviving medieval tower house (stins), fully accessible inside
• Permanent exhibition "Het laatste Friese torenkasteel" about stinsen and tower castles
• Dr. Theun de Vrieskeamer with the writer's complete works
• Stinzentuin with rare spring bloomers (February to May)
• Medieval festival "Slach om de Skierstins" in May

Permanent exhibitions

• Het laatste Friese torenkasteel / De lêste toerstins – Permanent exhibition about the era when Friesland was full of tower castles and about the history of the Schierstins itself; the building also serves as an archaeological depot.
• Dr. Theun de Vrieskeamer – A room holding the complete works of Feanwâlden-born writer Theun de Vries, along with rotating items from his estate.

Operated by

Stichting De Schierstins

Admission & discounts

Donors (donateurs) are admitted free. Tickets online or at the ticket desk; admission to cultural events is charged separately. Whether the Museumkaart is accepted is not stated.

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

The first floor is largely wheelchair-accessible; a stairlift leads to the second floor. Accessibility has been assessed by Ongehinderd. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Scavenger hunt through the tower and the exhibition. The annual medieval festival "Slach om de Skierstins" in May features encampments, sword fights, traditional crafts and a children's area. School programs for elementary classes (60 or 90 minutes) in which children design their own castle or stinzen garden.

Getting there & parking

Arriving by bike is recommended; bicycle parking available.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Books and cards for sale on site; card payment accepted. Garden of stinzen plants around the tower.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 80 guests.

Hall for up to 80 people (€500 per day), foyer (€75 per half day) and the Theun de Vrieskeamer for up to 15 people (€50, only during opening hours). Weddings in the hall (up to 80 guests) or in the tower cellar (about 18 people); photo shoots in the garden are possible.

Plan your visit