Friesland
Why go?
Did you know that Friesland is the only province with its own official language? It is not the only thing that makes the province so unique. The provincial capital of Leeuwarden with its canals, monuments and shopping streets is one of Holland’s best kept secrets. The wadden are a unique natural landscape that is transformed completely at the high and low tides. You should also visit the picturesque Eleven Cities or board the ferry to the Wadden Islands. Lonely Planet had good reasons for putting the province of Friesland number 3 on its list of hidden gems in Europe! Popular places in Friesland are:
See & do
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The oldest still-working planetarium in the world.
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The Frisian Nature Museum will put you to work - by the end of the day, you will know everything about the nature in the province of Friesland.
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Friesland offers a rich flora and fauna.
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A unique work of art to honour the competitors in the Eleven Cities Tour.
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Museum Dr8888 presents a vibrant collection of paints and artworks from the avant-garde De Stijl and Dada movements.
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Experience the place where De Stijl came to flourish thanks to a special friendship.
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Eating & drinking
You can find great food anywhere in Friesland. Why not go on a culinary Eleven Cities Tour? You will be able to discover smoked fish, Sneker drabbelkoeken, Frisian sugar bread, and Dokkumer Kofje (coffee) with a splash of Beerenburg (liquor)). Visit Friesland has compiled a list of the best restaurants, cafes and brasseries.
Where to stay
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Discover the best hotels for an unforgettable stay in Leeuwarden.
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Category: Visit websiteWatervilla de Roerdomp
Enjoy a luxury pampering amidst Frisian nature. This exclusive water villa can only be reached by boat.
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Category: ReadUnique stays near the Wadden Sea
Sleep in a yurt, a historic lighthouse or a coastal lodge during your stay by the Wadden Sea.
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Destinations in Friesland
Nature, water & Friesland
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Friesland has everything water sports enthusiasts dream of: lakes, canals, ditches and waterways and the largest chain of connected inland lakes in Europe.
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Find out why this part of Friesland is a feast for boaters, cyclists, hikers and bird watchers.
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The nature, water sports facilities and events make this area a unique place in the world and a true paradise.
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Schiermonnikoog has such special flora and fauna, that the whole of this Wadden Island is designated as a National Park.
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The Wadden Sea became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, acknowledging it as an internationally unique nature reserve. The age-old rhythm of the tides reigns supreme here and is tangible wherever you go.
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Discover Friesland
Friesland, a province in the north of Holland, is just a little different from the rest of the country. It is the only province with an official second language, for instance. The Wadden Sea is a nature reserve so special that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. But Friesland has much more than that. The Frisian lakes are perfect for boating, Leeuwarden offers a lovely urban environment, and the historical Eleven Cities each have their own charm and atmosphere. Discover the best destinations in Friesland!
Wadden Islands
The province includes four islands: Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog. These can all be reached by boat. The islands boast extraordinarily beautiful landscapes and special living conditions in small picturesque villages.
To do in Friesland
Water sports may be one of the best reasons to travel to Friesland. The extensive network of canals and lakes is the perfect environment for beautiful tours on motorized or sailing boats. You could visit the annual Sneekweek, for instance. Friesland is also a special place for culture lovers. The Koninklijke Eise Eisinga Planetarium is the world’s oldest planetarium that is still operational. At the Woudagemaal you will see the largest steam-powered pumping station. Which still works.
Accessibility
Are you traveling to Friesland by car? The Afsluitdijk is a lovely route if you are traveling from Amsterdam. Would you prefer to travel by public transport? There are direct trains to Leeuwarden from Schiphol, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Most smaller towns and villages are accessible by bus. The ferry will take you to the Wadden Islands. Timetables depend on the season, so please check the website for accurate departure times. Would you like to bring your car? Ask whether this is possible via the website. In most cases you will need to make reservations.
