Bonkwerd

Bonkwerd is a hamlet of scattered farms situated along the Bonkwerterreed road, which requires crossing a cattle grid for access. The buildings are spread individually across the landscape in a typical rural pattern.

The settlement dates to the late Iron Age around 250 BC and was first documented in 1487 as Buurckwert, later appearing as Buynckwert. The varying name forms reflect linguistic changes over centuries in this Frisian region.

The name combines werd, referring to an elevated dwelling mound, possibly with Bonika meaning little warrior or the Frisian surname Bonninga.

The hamlet lies northeast of Wommels and southwest of Spannum in flat terrain at an elevation of 0.3 meters. Sturdy footwear is advisable as the area can be damp and boggy.

The hamlet changed administrative boundaries twice, belonging to Hennaarderadeel until 1984, then Littenseradiel until 2018, before joining Waadhoeke. These shifts reflect the reorganization of municipal structures across the Frisian region.

Location: Waadhoeke

GPS coordinates: 53.13275,5.60616

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07