via het Sint Jabikspaad en Sint Odulphuspad naar Nijkleaster

The path that leads you to Nijkleaster, Klooster Westerhûs, is more than just a route; it is a spiritual journey full of contemplation and connection with nature. As a pilgrim or hiker, you can choose the Sint Jabikspaad or the Sint Odulphuspad, both ancient paths that take you through the beautiful Frisian landscape.

The Saint Jabikspaad, one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the Netherlands, takes you past picturesque villages, vast fields and green meadows. As you walk, you can enjoy the tranquility and space offered by the landscape. This path invites you to reflect on yourself, experience the world around you and give your thoughts space. The rolling fields and characteristic farms provide a beautiful backdrop for your hike.

The Saint Odulphus trail offers another unique experience. This path leads you to Hilaard and Jorwert and offers a nice variety of culture and nature. Historic sites, old churches and monumental farms bear witness to the rich history of the region. While on the road, you feel the energy of the pilgrims who went before you, creating a sense of connection and tradition.

Nijkleaster ligt aan het traject: Campanarium 13 van het Odulphuspad

Length Campanarium: 21 km. For the maximum experience of this trail, we recommend walking using the Odulphus Trail app! Do you have the first edition or second edition of the book and walk the nodes? These have been positively changed for Campanarium with even more quality for the Odulphus trail. The path has been partially relocated for this purpose. You now follow the following nodes: 87-88-73-43-45-61-60-30 first follow 22, turn right in Hilaard towards node 86 (Boksum) follow further: 85-20-51-78-33-47-75-44. From Fûns the route markers are briefly used as signage. Note accessibility due to bird resting areas. Pay attention to signs. If so, find alternative route.
You can reach 'Campanarium' from Leeuwarden station by train. Get off at Deinum station. Near Blessum you are on the route.

Theme
Take a good look around you along the way. You will regularly see a tower looming up in the wide, Frisian landscape. This route is aptly titled 'Campanarium', which means as much as bell tower.

Deepening
How God Disappeared from Jorwerd
The trail passes through Jorwert. Geert Mak took up residence in this Frisian village and described the historical upheaval whose extent and consequences are only now becoming visible. It is the story of farmers and money, of small shopkeepers and the encroaching city, of the church tower that collapsed and imports that no longer greeted, of nature that returned and disappeared at the same time. It is the story of the years when everything changed. What happened in the countryside when the machines came, and the subsidies and the banks, and when the real farmers slowly went under?

Nijkleaster als stempelpost
Bijzonder! Een boerderij op een kilometer afstand van Jorwert is opgeknapt tot een protestants christelijk klooster. Oftewel een ‘Nijkleaster’ op zijn Fries. De plek kent een rijke historie. Eeuwen geleden heeft hier een vrouwenklooster gestaan. Het Klooster heeft vaste bewoners, kamers voor gasten, een stiltekapel en een kloostertuin. Ook is er een ‘kleastergang’ voor bezinning en verbinding. Zo midden in het Friese landschap is het de ideale locatie voor een klooster. De stilte en landschapsbeleving komen helemaal tot hun recht. ‘Nijkleaster’ is een ‘open klooster’ met een oecumenische roeping en wil als zodanig gastvrijheid bieden aan mensen uit diverse kerken en tradities en aan elke pelgrim van welke levensvisie dan ook. De Nijkleaster gemeenschap biedt gastvrijheid om in een weekend- of weekretraite mee te leven in een vast kloosterritme van bidden en werken, verstillen en wandelen, ontmoeting en plezier (zie link hieronder). Als je vanaf het buurtschap Funs op het eerste wandelbruggetje staat (knooppunt 30), draai je een kwart slag naar rechts. Je ziet de boerderij van ‘Nijkleaster’. Op het klooster kunnen wandelaars van Campanarium (13) een stempel halen.

Another beautiful inspiring new trail in development is the Ziltepad. It runs along the rugged side of the North, not far from Nijkleaster. Learn more about the Ziltepad.

Discovery from Klooster Westerhûs

Once you arrive at Klooster Westerhûs, a world of possibilities opens up for further exploration. Pilgrims are always welcome at the monastery, where you can spend the night and have a chance to reflect on your journey. Should you not find a place in the monastery, we are happy to help you find other accommodations nearby.

In the monastery itself there is an extensive folder of interesting walks, inviting you to further explore the beauty of the area. These routes take you to surrounding villages such as Bears, Jorwert, Mantgum and Boksum, each with its own charm and unique features.

Bears, with its characteristic Frisian farms and rural atmosphere, offers a serene setting to enjoy a short break. Here you can sit for a while, take in the surroundings and reflect on your journey.

Jorwert, famous for its imposing church, Geert Mak's book, and the hospitality of the locals, invites you to take a look around the village and maybe even strike up a conversation with the people who live here. Their stories bring history to life and make your walk even more meaningful. In the church of Jorwert is a refugio for pilgrims but you can also walk a little further to Klooster Westerhûs for an overnight stay. For pilgrims there is room and otherwise we look for a place to sleep for you.

Texts for pilgrims

Mantgum offers beautiful views of the surrounding fields and is a perfect spot for a picnic. While you enjoy your lunch, you can appreciate the fresh air and peaceful life in the countryside.

Boksum, with its rich history and cozy atmosphere, is the conclusion of an exploration of the region. Here you will find beautiful monumental buildings and a warm welcome from the inhabitants.

Pilgrims and Nijkleaster

Zowel het Sint Odulphuspad als het Sint Jabikspaad komen langs Jorwert. Niet veel verder ligt Klooster Westerhûs. Je bent van harte welkom voor een overnachting en een viering. Van maandag 20 tot en met vrijdag 24 oktober 2025 organiseren we een midweek rondom de Pelgrimsstok. In vroeger tijden kreeg de pelgrim bij vertrek naar een heilige bestemming een pelgrimsstok overhandigd. Als steuntje bij het lopen, om gevaarlijke dieren af te weren en vooral als trouwe reisgezel. Ga je mee op pad?

Nijkleasterkuier

Al ruim 10 jaar is er iedere woensdagochtend in Jorwert dé Nijkleasterkuier. Een bijzondere viering in de Redbadkerk van Jorwert gevolgd door een kuier (wandeling). Meer hierover kun je hier vinden.

And there is much more to walk around Nijkleaster

Pilgrim routes, refugios and bell ringing in the Frisian countryside. You can explore Fryslân on foot or by bicycle to discover nature, meet other people or get closer to yourself. For many, Santiago de Compostela in Spain is the final goal of their journey. However, the road towards it, being on the way, is also a meaningful journey of discovery. And that is possible in Fryslân with five pilgrim routes and 19 church refugios, where you can stay overnight. With that, a centuries-old tradition is back. That makes being on the road more than special. For more information we refer to the website of Santiago aan het Wad.

Back at Klooster Westerhûs

Upon returning to Klooster Westerhûs, you can experience the tranquility of the monastery gardens, where you can meditate, read or simply enjoy the moment. The nature around you offers a source of inspiration and calm. Let the beauty of the surroundings and the silence of the monastery help you to recharge and gain new energy.

Take time to enjoy this unique experience and let your heart and mind find the freedom that only nature can offer. The walks to the surrounding villages and Klooster Westerhûs are not only a physical journey, but also a spiritual exploration that brings you closer to yourself and the world around you.