Makkinga Roaming Route

Makkinga is one of thirteen villages in the municipality of Ooststellingwerf. It is set in a landscape of forests, meadows, farmland and wooded banks, and is one of the few villages in Friesland with a village green. Its central village green, complete with a water pump and a church, creates a unique atmosphere.

The oldest bell in the church was cast in 1463, so the village had a church in the 15th century. The Oold Ark museum on Lyclamaweg road has a wonderful collection of tools. Further along the road is the De Weyert corn mill, the most distinctive local landmark. The mill is hexagonal smock mill on a quadrangular base.

It was originally built in the town of Gorredijk, where it served as a sawmill. It is named after Weyert Zeepnat, the miller who had the mill moved to Makkinga where he operated it until his death at the age of 97. In the mill you will find an overview of its history and how it has been repaired and restored. The mill is open to the public from 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays and welcomes visitors. If there is enough wind you will be able to see how grains of wheat are ground into wholemeal flour. There is also a shop at the mill where you can buy flour ground by the mill.