High and Dry …and Catholic!

With its relatively large number of Catholic residents, Bakhuizen stands out in the predominately protestant Frisian countryside. This is easily explained by the presence of a Benedictine monastery in neighbouring Hemelum from 1245 to 1580.

The village lies on one of the “gaasten” (heights), of which there are many in the area. The Bakhuister Heech is known for its lovely views across the green pastures and the IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel). The Mokkebank is a nature reserve located along the coast. The view from the lookout (on stilts) is lovely.

The first Catholic church was built around 1857. The population grew considerably during that time, probably as a result of the church, which, however, only stood for 80 years. A new and larger Roman Catholic church, the St. Odulphuskerk, was built in 1914. This austere Neo-Gothic church was designed by the architect Wolter te Riele of Deventer (1867-1937). Strikingly beautiful are the stain glass windows and fine high altar. There are also lovely murals in the choir area. Stations of the Cross from the old church hang on its walls, images that tell the story of the suffering of Jesus.

Bird observatory near Mokkebank

The provincial ecological organization It Fryske Gea erected a bird observatory near the mud flat corner of Mokkebank late in 1992. Mokkebank is part of the Frisian IJsselmeer coast, which is reputed to be abundant with birds. More than 200 different species were counted in this area, many of which in very considerable numbers.

These birds use the coast as a migration, breeding, moulting, feeding and roosting place. Because of this situaton, long streches of this coast have been placed under the protection of the Nature Conservation Act. The bird observatory near Mokkebank is located in such a bird sanctuary. The reed lands off the “kliffen” of Mirns, the open water of the IJsselmeer, the mud flats of Mokkebank and Mokkebank itself can be watched at leasure from this observatory. Mokkebank and its mud flats usually abound with birds. This area is of international importance for the grebes coming to this area to moult. This bird observatory is certainly not meant for bird watchers only. It is apt to convey to any visitor the pleasure of the quietand the vastness of the surrounding scenery. The bird observatory is freely accessible every day. It was created by It Fryske Gea with the aid of Friesland College Leeuwarden K.V.O. Carpentry, Gaasterlân-Sleat Municipality, N.B.L.F. Friesland, Provincie Fryslân, I.V.N., Waterschap Fryslân and Lagerwey Windturbines.