Bartlehiem
| Bartlehiem | |
|---|---|
| Village | |
 |
|
| Country |
 Netherlands
|
| Province |
 Friesland
|
| Population | |
| • Total | c. 70 |
Bartlehiem is a hamlet, located partially in Ferwerderadiel, partially in Tytsjerksteradiel, and partially in Leeuwarderadeel and has around 70 citizens (2006).
The village possibly owes its name to a monastery, which was said to be about half a kilometre to the east of the hamlet. This monastery was named after Bethlehem, later corrupted to Bartlehiem. Another theory is that the name simply means something like "Home of Bartels", as Hiem is old Dutch for home (compare 'heim' in German).
Bartlehiem is especially well-known due to the for ice skaters, who have to pass through the hamlet twice. Coming from the west from Feinsum through the Feinsumer Feart, a wide ditch. Skaters then pass the famous wooden bicycle and pedestrian bridge of Bartlehiem, after the bridge they skate north over the Dokkumer Ie to Dokkum. On return they turn left to the east over the Aldtsjerkster Feart, a similar ditch. From here it is approx 10 km to the finish line on the in Leeuwarden. Due to this, Bartlehiem is the only place where a spectator can see Elfstedentocht-participants from three directions.
In 1893 a dairy factory was built but it was closed in the 1950s. The building was converted to accommodation for people with dementia in 2010.
Coordinates: 53°17′N 5°50′E / 53.283°N 5.833°E
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