At the Herberg Het Rechthuis 'Dokkum is a thing, know Theun and Mike of Herberg Het Rechthuis in Rinsumageast. Their guests find in the peace of the village the space to visit the city, just as they like to go to the Wadden or overseas. If you stay here, you will receive a warm - and somewhat theatrical - welcome.' The word 'inn' is not without reason for Het Rechthuis. The term B&B has a bit of a dusty 'in grandma's attic' image, the men think. Mike: "It's been a long time since you stayed in someone's living room and were put in an extra bedroom for the night." They prefer to call it an inn. Theun: "We're actually a small hotel. But one where people can feel very much at home. We give our guests that space too. We're not in the foreground all the time. And when we're there, we're - as cliché as it may be - ourselves. No shirts with company logos with us." The red apron “I only put on my red apron for breakfast,” Theun continues. “That’s when my theatre background comes into play.” It always makes for smiling faces. “For children, I also like to make the stay a bit theatrical; a festive breakfast, craft supplies on the table. Is someone’s birthday? Then we hang up the streamers. It doesn’t cost us anything extra and it is very much appreciated.” They see that appreciation reflected in an average rating of 9.6. Mike: “People are looking for something they can’t find anywhere else. We try to look at everyone very individually in order to be able to offer them that.” Complete dedication This will be the couple's fifth season at the inn. In order to be able to fully focus on hosting, Mike quit his job at the municipality of Amsterdam. Theun combines the work at the inn with presentation jobs and his work as an actor. They are usually closed in January, for some major maintenance and to be able to go on holiday himself. Is that still possible without any inhibitions? "No", they say in unison. "You start paying attention to everything when you are somewhere else", says Theun. Mike: "We can taste which supermarket the orange juice comes from." Theun goes a step further: "We can see from the menu which wholesaler is purchased." "But it is also very inspiring", Mike thinks. "You always take something back with you ideas." Adding History Mike is regularly busy changing the interior. This is characterized as "a combination of thrift shop and antique auction, from Leen Bakker and Ikea," says Theun. Paintings by Vermeer formed the basis for the colour and style in the rooms, because "the building was built in the time that he lived," Mike explains. Little by little they learned about the history of the building. "It's nice to see how the village helps with that," says Mike. "A little while ago an older lady showed us how the rooms used to be divided, when she came here a lot as a little girl. It made me realise that 'being an owner' even something on paper. We are only here temporarily to write a piece of history. We mainly want to give our guests a nice time here. And give the village a boost for the next 100 years."

A new online campaign with a wink highlights the good of living and working in the northeast of Friesland. More residents are needed to absorb the shrinkage. Freedom and peace of mind, that is what actor Theun Plantinga and his partner Michael Kick have found since they moved to Rinsumageest in Friesland, between Leeuwarden and Dokkum. Three years ago, they bought an old town hall, Het Rechthuis, which they converted into an inn. “You would have to pay millions for this national monument in Amsterdam,” Kick explains, “here you could do it with a few hundred thousand.” Plantinga is from Friesland. His partner from Amsterdam. “I only knew Friesland from the Elfstedentocht,” says Kick. “Life here is simpler, less massive. You are bombarded with the word mienskip (community spirit), but there is a grain of truth in it. People help each other. If the roof is leaking, someone says in the village app: I'll just drop by.” The new residents are more than welcome in the northeast of Friesland, which has started a campaign to attract more residents by emphatically putting the peace and space in the spotlight. The promotional videos are full of hearty laughs about all the city problems. Traffic jams, heavy traffic? “No, that's ten cars in a row here. We don't even have traffic lights in Dokkum.” Safety? “Haha, we just leave the back door open.” Stacked living? “No, the church tower is the highest here.” Population decline of 9.1 percent In the campaign Dan moatte jo hjir net weze (Then you shouldn't be here), Frisians enthusiastically explain why this region deserves to be discovered: the space, the nature, the pleasant living, the safety and the sense of community. The campaign is an initiative of the municipalities of Dantumadiel, Noardeast-Fryslân, Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel. Officially, the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân is no longer a shrinking region, but the trend of aging and the departure of young people continues. In 2040, the population in the four Frisian municipalities is expected to shrink by 9.1 percent compared to 2020. This will lead to a tight labor market, although unemployment in Northeast Friesland is on average 3.7 percent above the Frisian average. The declining population figures mean that in the northeast of Friesland, 16,000 fewer people will be available for the labor market in 2040. Partly because many people aged 55 and over, working in relatively large sectors such as industry, agriculture and health, will retire. Nevertheless, 77 residents were added in the first half of this year, says mayor Johannes Kramer (FNP) of the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân. These are mainly people who grew up in the region, flew out and returned to it heitelân (Friesland). “But people from outside Friesland, who discovered the region as tourists, also settle here. Entrepreneurs who are not tied to a permanent workplace often choose the Frisian countryside,” he knows. Not least because of the attractive house prices. “Of course, they have also risen here,” says Kramer, “but they are still three times lower than in the rest of the Netherlands.” Happy residents The campaign is not only intended to put North Friesland on the map, it should also make its own residents feel more proud. Incidentally, the Frisians in this area do see that it is a good place to live. A month ago, a CBS report on broad prosperity was published. Of the residents of the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân, 86 percent are satisfied with their lives and 89 percent feel 'happy'. The figures are well above the national average. Although incomes are lower than in the rest of Friesland and the Netherlands, the feeling of happiness is greater in this municipality. This is also described as the 'Frisian paradox'. The quality of the living environment (peace, space, nature, clean air) and the sense of community score higher than economic factors. However, that feeling of happiness is no reason to sit back, emphasises Frisian media producer Sipke Jan Bousema, who devised the online campaign. The Dokkum native himself moved from Amsterdam to Wyns (above Leeuwarden) four years ago. “The Randstad attracted me when I was young and I thought it was fantastic. But people live close together there. It is quieter here in Friesland.” He feels at home in Wyns. “Frisians are there for you and will do anything for you. With this campaign, we want to inspire people who are attracted to that to come here. Although there don’t have to be hundreds of them.” Source: https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/zij-trekt-naar-noordoost-friesland-in-amsterdam-moet-je-voor-dit-pand-miljoenen-neertellen~b155d1bb/

Friesland for bird lovers: discover De Alde Feanen, the Wadden coast and the Lauwersmeer Our guests recently visited the beautiful surrounding nature. There are so many beautiful birds, animals, and natural landscapes to admire. When you think of Friesland, you often think of lakes and water, but for bird lovers, the province is above all a true paradise. With its vast wetlands, dynamic tidal areas, and open grasslands, Friesland is home to three top areas for birdwatching: De Alde Feanen National Park , the Wadden Sea coast near North Friesland Buitendijks, and Lauwersmeer National Park . Each area attracts thousands of birds every year – and a growing number of people who want to admire them. Light-colored buzzard on a wooden post in Frisian grassland – spotting birds of prey in De Alde Feanen National Park 🪶 National Park De Alde Feanen – breeding area for special marsh birds In the heart of Friesland lies the water-rich De Alde Feanen National Park , a peat bog where birds play a prominent role. Thanks to its mosaic of reed beds, peat pits, open water, and rough grasslands, this park is an important breeding ground for numerous species. Here you can observe the bittern , the bearded tit , the bearded tit , the marsh harrier , and even the majestic white-tailed eagle . With bird hides, observation towers, and peaceful boating routes, the area is ideal for nature photographers and budding birdwatchers. Spring is especially spectacular: the song of reed birds fills the air, and sedge warblers, reed warblers, and bluethroats flutter everywhere. Birding tip: In the morning you have the best chance of hearing a calling bittern or seeing a hunting harrier skimming low over the reeds. 🌊 Wadden Coast North Friesland Outside the dike – migratory bird heaven on the edge of the country Along the northern coast of Friesland lies one of Europe's most important bird areas: North Friesland Outside the Dike , a rugged and tranquil salt marsh area that is part of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site . Every spring and autumn, a spectacular spectacle unfolds here: the mass migration of millions of birds. Dunlins, knots, bar-tailed godwits, curlews, avocets, and spoonbills settle here to rest and forage on the mudflats. For many species, this is literally an essential stopover on their way from North Africa to the tundra in the north. Birdwatching tip: Visit the area near Peazemerlannen or Holwerd in autumn – at the right time you can see tens of thousands of birds in flight at the same time, an unforgettable experience. Buzzard foraging in shallow water along the Wadden Sea coast of North Friesland – migratory bird in the Wadden Sea World Heritage site 🦅 Lauwersmeer National Park – nursery for birds of prey and water enthusiasts What was once the Lauwerszee is now a bird-rich wilderness where land and water merge. Lauwersmeer National Park has become a hotspot for special species, such as sea eagles , bluethroats , black-necked grebes , black terns , and, in winter, thousands of white-fronted and bean geese . With its open nature, Lauwersmeer is perfect for birds of prey. The white-tailed eagle has become a permanent resident, but ospreys, hawks, and buzzards are also regularly seen. In spring, the area is awash with bluethroats, and the wetlands are a feast for wading birds and ducks. Birdwatching tip: From the Jaap Deensgat Birdwatching Hut you have a view of breeding black terns, spoonbills and numerous ducks – take a telescope with you! Buzzard in flight over Lauwersmeer National Park – iconic bird of prey in a bird-rich nature reserve in Friesland 📸 Birdwatching in Friesland: different every day The three areas complement each other beautifully: from breeding birds in De Alde Feanen to migratory birds along the Wadden Sea and wintering birds in Lauwersmeer. What do they have in common? Peace, space, and an unparalleled diversity of species. Whether you're out and about with binoculars, a telescope, or a camera, Friesland will show you birds you rarely encounter elsewhere. And the best part? Nature is always in motion. No two visits are the same. Practical tips for birdwatchers in Friesland: 📅 Best period: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for most species. 🔭 Bring a good pair of binoculars – in many areas you can spot birds at great distances. 🧭 Use apps like Waarneming.nl or ObsIdentify to keep track of your observations. 🚲 Many areas are easily accessible by bike via quiet routes. Discover the fantastic natural areas in the area: National Park De Alde Feanen Wadden coast in North Friesland outside the dike Lauwersmeer National Park Photos ©️ RP Pistorius https://www.eropuitinfriesland.nl/nl/bezoeken/zien-en-doen/vogelkijkhutten

There is a new exhibition ‘Freedom, feuds and purgatory’ in the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden about, among other things, the medieval Rinsumageast and surroundings. If we are to believe NRC, it was a ‘mini Game of Thrones’ here. Judge for yourself and visit the exhibition (until 7 May 2023). https://www.nrc.nl/.../friese-vrijheid-in-de-middeleeuwen... Tickets: https://www.friesmuseum.nl/.../tentoonstelli.../middeleeuwen #friesmuseum #friesland #middeleeuwen #Rinsumageest

An impression of the wedding day of Hennie en Menno.

King's Commissioner Arno Brok paid an official visit to the municipality of Dantumadiel on Thursday. The day began with a meeting with the mayor and aldermen at the town hall in Damwâld. The Commissioner then visited Rinsumageast, where the village development company (DOM) presented its plans for the village. Commissioner of the King Arno Brok visits the Rechthuis. The DOM wants, among other things, to restore historic parts of the village to its former glory and also make the village more attractive to tourists. The Commissioner seemed impressed by the plans. "This is in some skiing corners of the provinces, but I can look at them from the most beautiful corners. These are great for skiing in the immediate vicinity."

The Atema family poses in front of the courthouse, formerly called Cafe Atema.