Buitenpost

Buitenpost (Bûtenpost in West Frisian) is a village in north-east Friesland in the Netherlands.

Buitenpost Bûtenpost (West Frisian)
Village
Maria Church
Flag Coat of arms
Location in Achtkarspelen municipality
Buitenpost Location in the Netherlands
Coordinates: 53°15′N 6°09′E
Country	Netherlands
Province	Friesland
Municipality	Achtkarspelen
Area [1]
• Total	18.55 km2 (7.16 sq mi)
Elevation [2]	0.1 m (0.3 ft)
Population  (2021)[1]
• Total	5,770
• Density	310/km2 (810/sq mi)
Postal code	9285[1]
Dialing code	0511-0512
Website	Official

It lies approximately halfway between the cities of Leeuwarden (the capital of Friesland) and Groningen, in the northern part of the municipality of Achtkarspelen. With 5,762 inhabitants,^[3] Buitenpost is the second largest settlement in the municipality.^[1]

Buitenpost is home to the Netherlands' largest botanical herbal garden.^[4][5]

History

The village was first mentioned in 1388 as Post, and means outside bridge. Buiten (outside) was added to distinguish from the hamlet of Lutkepost [nl].^[6] Buitenpost is a road village which developed along the main road from Leeuwarden to Groningen, and became the capital of the grietenij (predecessor of a municipality) Achtkarspelen.^[7]

The tower of the Protestant church was constructed around 1200 and enlarged in the 16th century. The church dates from the 15th century, but was damaged in a fire in 1594, and restored between 1611 and 1613. There were two stinses (villas) near Buitenpost: Herbrandastate which was demolished in 1780 and Haersmastate which was demolished around 1910.^[7] In 1840, it was home to 882 people.^[5]

In 1866, Buitenpost railway station was opened in the village.^[8] Wind mill De Mûnts is a polder mill constructed in 1871. Its purpose was to remove the excess water from the low-lying polder. The mill was located in Oosterhoogebrug [nl], Groningen, and was needed for the construction of the Eems Canal. On 7 July 1952, it was scheduled for demolition, but was bought by Wolter Bakker and moved to Buitenpost to replace an engine powered pumping station.^[9]

Notable buildings

• The Protestant church of Buitenpost

Gallery

• 
  Rosarium in the Botanische Tuin De Kruidhof [nl]
• 
  De Mûnts, Buitenpost
• 
  Employment agency in monumental building
• 
  Church interior (Buitenpost)
• 
  Windmill (Buitenpost)

Transportation

• Buitenpost railway station