Northern Netherlands

 

FRIESLAND
Leeuwarden is the capital of this province, which includes several of the West Frisian Islands along the North Sea coast. The province borders on the IJsselmeer in the west and the province of Groningen in the east. Friesland is a dairy and cattle raising region with beautiful landscapes with numerous canals, small rivers and picturesque lakes. This makes it a paradise for water sports fanatics. A special treat and unique in Holland is mud walking on the flats that fall dry between the main land and the islands. The Frisians even have their own language, which dates back to the 8th century and is still spoken by a sizable part of the population. While in Leeuwarden, visit the Frisian Museum, where more than fifty thousand years of Frisian history and culture are displayed in a contemporary manner.

GRONINGEN
This province borders on Germany in the east and the North Sea in the north. The capital is Groningen, which is home to a well-known university. While in the city of Groningen, consider a visit to the Groninger Museum. The Groninger Museum is renowned for its collection of modern art and Asian porcelain and its daring and unconventional new building was opened in 1994. With this building Groningen acquired one of the most spectacular museums in the country. Not only is the building exceptional, the location in the water is also remarkable. It was designed by the famous Italian designer Alessandro Mendini and has attracted international attention.

DRENTHE
Drenthe is situated south of Groningen, bordering Germany in the east. Assen is the capital of this province, Emmen is the chief industrial center. The province mostly consists of farmland. Drente is a region of so called "hunebedden;" groups of large boulders carried to this area by ice-glaciers thousands of years ago. Early inhabitants (in the Stone Age) used them for ready-made tombstones. In Emmen, visit the Noorder Dierenpark Zoo. This animal-friendly park is known for its unique tropical butterfly garden.