Jan Bijsterveld
Village guide in Winsum
This week, we’re getting to know village guide Jan Bijsterveld. The idea of village guides originated even before Winsum was named the most beautiful village in the Netherlands. The recreation and tourism working group of the Winsum Business Association set up the guided tours. Three years ago, the guides started out with a group of 17 enthusiasts. “That was when we were named the most beautiful village. There were times when I led tours as many as four times a day,” says Jan. The village guides have now shown hundreds of people around beautiful Winsum. The visitors aren’t just tourists; locals and former residents also enjoy learning more about the history of their village.
Proud residents
Even the village’s residents are quickly won over by the groups of people who regularly walk through the village with a village guide. Before long, they invite the groups into their back gardens, as there is something special to see or tell there. “So I now have 18 people who let me take a group to have a look behind their houses, and that really shows just how proud these people are of their village.”
“ “You have to believe that everything you see is beautiful. Even the things that aren’t beautiful often have beautiful stories behind them.” ”
Charming little shops
Jan Bijsterveld was born and raised in Winsum. “When I look back at my mother’s youth in the 1950s, a lot has changed. Back then, there were as many as 29 businesses on Westerstraat. There were two farmers, for instance, but also all sorts of small shops, bakeries, a smithy and so on.” There are still plenty of lovely little shops to be found in this most beautiful of villages. Jan believes this also adds to the cosy atmosphere for visitors and the residents of Winsum themselves. “Winsum is a cosy little place where you’ll feel right at home if you’re open to it.”
Walking and boating
Like Jan Bijsterveld, there are 21 more village guides who know Winsum through and through, and there are six new guides in training. They can not only show you the most beautiful spots but also take groups to the hidden places that only the real Winsumers know. From June, it will be possible to combine the village walks with a sailing trip in a pram. Nine skippers are now in training for this. You can register for a guided walk with or without a boat trip at www.dorpsgidswinsum.nl.
