The story of Nijkleaster resonates with many. This is highlighted through various words and images. Below is a selection of media coverage:
2026
Nijkleaster. Ruimte voor God om mens te worden.
Artikel in AdRem, Remonstrants tijdschrift
https://nijkleaster.frl/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdRem_juli-2026_Nijkleaster.pdf
Erfgoedinclusief verdichten in dorpen
Voorbeeldprojecten 2010-2025, vanaf pagina 49, Klooster Westerhûs
(Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed)
- Paaszondag om zes uur ‘s ochtends naar de kerk: “De tijd dat het van donker weer licht wordt” Omrop Fryslân 4 april 2026
- An article titled 'Day of Prayer for Crops and Labour' featuring a contribution by Nijkleaster's clerk, Alex Riemersma, appeared in the Friesch Dagblad on March 11, 2026.
2025
Awards for transforming a neglected monument into a monastery farm. Op 'e Skille, November 18, 2025
Interview with Anke ten Brinke (monastic member at Nijkleaster)
At home in the modern monastery: 'Open the shutters wide'
Anke ten Brinke has always had a mission. She wants to make a difference in society. That runs deep. In a farmhouse converted into a monastery in the quiet countryside of Nijkleaster, near Leeuwarden, she has found the place to contribute to a better world. Visitors can come here for an inner journey of discovery. Anke hopes to welcome more young people there soon.
Read the interview with Anke ten Brinke here
Vredeman de Vries Prize Video, Province of Fryslân
Vredeman de Vries Prize for Nijkleaster, Leeuwarder Courant November 7
Read the article by the Province of Fryslân, including the jury report: https://www.fryslan.frl/het-nijkleaster-in-hilaard-wint-vredeman-de-vriesprijs-voor-architectuur
Leeuwarder Courant, October 24, 2025
Friesland's 15 most beautiful.
Op ‘e Skille, October 7
Leeuwarder Courant, September 26
Nijkleaster cash prize for transformation
Nederlands Dagblad, September 26
From dilapidated farmhouse to Protestant monastery
Friesch Dagblad, September 25
From ruin to award-winning monastery
- Elisabeth, August 2025. 'Twenty-four hours at Nijkleaster'.
- Rev. Reinier Tuitman will become the local pastor of the Nijkleaster – Westerwert monastic community on September 1. To do so, he must leave Burgum behind.
- Reflection on the Sermon on the Mount as a guide. Hinne Wagenaar (Friesch Dagblad, July 28, 2025)
Pieter van Vollenhoven Prize for Nijkleaster (Op ’e Skille, July 15, 2025). Read the news report here
From Farmhouse to Monastery. Wonderful article in the May 2025 issue of db deutsche bauzeitung.
Reburial of Jonker Sicke in Jellum on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Front page of the Leeuwarder Courant, March 31.
- Sun Song Path in Fryslân: 'Walking lets you experience the surroundings in a whole new way'
Friesch Dagblad, March 3
'In Nijkleaster, economy becomes tangible'. Column by Geesje Duursma, January 22, 2025, in the Friesch Dagblad.
2024
Monastic life is suddenly totally hip among young people
Monastic life has made a surprising comeback, albeit without monks and habits. Instead, it's all about silent retreats… Read more
70% of Dutch people search for meaning in life
For most Dutch people (73%), a sense of purpose plays a role in their lives. Connection with others, meaningful actions, and living according to values and ideals are important drivers for most people, as shown by research commissioned by Trouw. Read more
Zin in Morgen, October 19, 2024
Anita Witzier visits Nijkleaster, a modern monastery in Friesland where silence, reflection, and community are central. Here, people are invited to explore new paths for faith and spirituality.
2023
The presentation shown during the opening of the monastery at It Westerhûs
2019
De Verwondering with Rev. Hinne Wagenaar (Interview by Annemiek Schrijver, broadcasted on October 27, 2019)
https://www.kro-ncrv.nl/programmas/deverwondering/seizoenen/seizoen-2019/hinne-wagenaar-kn1708924
2018
Nijkleaster Easter Celebration (KRO-NCRV):
(the full celebration):
Nijkleaster Easter Celebration 2018 (KRO-NCRV)
(Parts of the celebration):
My Pilgrim's Path: Annemiek Schrijver with Jelle Waringa (Oct. 16, 2018)
2017
Film about Nijkleaster's plans at the Westerhûs location: 'New lines in an old landscape':
2015
Report about Jentsje Popma's donation to Nijkleaster
2014
Founder Sietske Visser shares her story on 7×7:
Film about the Nijkleaster Pioneer Community, commissioned by the Missionary Work of the national PKN by Dio van Maaren (Sync. Creative Productions)
Collection video of the Protestant Church:
Around the Opening in 2012:
At the Table with Stories, about the special table in the Porch of Jorwert:
Het Vermoeden with Rev. Hinne Wagenaar (Interview by Annemiek Schrijver, broadcast on the day Nijkleaster opened, October 28, 2012)
