Westergeast
Westergeast is a small village in Noardeast-Fryslân in Friesland, the Netherlands. It covers about 9.8 square kilometers and sits very close to sea level. About 610 people lived there in 2021.
Where it is
Westergeast is in Friesland, in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân. Before 2019 it was part of the Kollumerland en Nieuwkruisland municipality. The village is on a slight hill, and its name includes “geast” to reflect that hill.
History and name
The village was first mentioned around 1333 as Ghaest. It uses “Wester” to distinguish itself from Wygeast. The official spelling changed from Westergeest to Westergeast in 2023.
Church and landmarks
- The Dutch Reformed church dates from around 1200. The tower was lowered in 1807, and the church was restored between 1954 and 1957. Some stones from the tower were used to build a small forest house next to the church, which was demolished in 2018.
- North of the village lies De Beintemapoldermolen, a windmill built in 1870 to pump water for the polder. It became obsolete after a pumping station was built in 1950.
Population and other details
In 1840, Westergeast had 263 residents. The postal code is 9295 and the dialing code is 0511.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 08:00 (CET).