Jelsum is a village in Leeuwarden municipality in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands.

The village was first mentioned in 1270 as Heilsum, and means "settlement of the people of Helle (person / hero)".

[4] Jelsum is a terp (artificial living mound) village which probably had its origins before the beginning of our era.

It is a fortified rectangular house surrounded by a moat and stone wall.

The building was modified many times during its history, and currently houses a museum.