Friesland Travel Guide

Netherlands
Friesland
This beautiful province has its own language, ice skating culture and eleven cities that are well worth seeing. Discover charming Friesland!

Book your holiday to Friesland and experience everything the province has to offer. Enjoy the nature, visit some of the eleven cities and try your hand at Frisian.

The province of Friesland has had its own identity, culture, language and flag for centuries. Although it’s easy to mistake the red decoration on the flag for hearts, it’s actually petals from the yellow water-lily, Friesland's national plant.

Discover the eleven cities that are famous for Friesland's 200 km long ice skating competition, the Elfstedentocht. Admire the impressive Waterpoort in Sneek, the Koninklijk Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker and visit the canals and the Titus Brandsma Museum in Bolsward. AquaZoo Friesland is a great place to take the kids.

And Leeuwarden is of course an absolute must! Admire historic buildings such as the Kanselarij and the weigh house (Waag). As in most of the other cities in the province, you can hire a boat and see Friesland from a totally different angle.

Four of the Dutch Wadden Sea islands are in the province of Friesland. You can catch a ferry and spend a day cycling or walking or relaxing on the beach on Terschelling or Schiermonnikoog.

Explore Friesland by bus or bicycle. If you're travelling by car, you won't have any trouble parking it. You can park in most of the town centres for a fee or for free if you park just outside the centre.

Most of the cities in Friesland have a train station, making it easy to reach the province by public transport. If you're travelling by car, take the A6 from the south of the country or drive over the Afsluitdijk. The Wadden Sea islands are easily reached by ferry from Harlingen or Holwerd.

Discover everything Friesland has to offer during a varied holiday. Alternate a day of culture or shopping with a day in the countryside, at the seaside or one of the nearby nature reserves. You'll love it!

Popular cities in Friesland

Schiermonnikoog
Schiermonnikoog
Known for Islands, Biking and Marinas
Visit the most easterly of the Wadden Sea islands for a relaxing holiday and enjoy the beach, learn about the local history and take in the beautiful nature.

Reasons to visit

  • Schiermonnikoog Ferry Terminal
  • Schiermonnikoog Lighthouse
Leeuwarden
Leeuwarden
Known for Walking, Historical and Museums
This Frisian city is a real gem if you're looking for a unique part of the Netherlands. Climb the church tower, have a fun night out and explore the surrounding area.
Vlieland
Vlieland
Known for Swimming, Ferries and boats and Islands
Get away to Vlieland! Enjoy the island views, horse riding and spas.
Sneek
Sneek
Known for Sailing, Boating and Ports
Sneek is calling! Discover its sailing, sports, history and more.
Heerenveen
Heerenveen
Known for Ice skating, Sailing and Roller-skating
This historic Frisian village is renowned in the Netherlands for its football and ice skating teams, but it has a lot more to offer than sports!
Hollum
Hollum
Known for Beaches, Dining and Golf
Escape to Hollum! Enjoy its golf, monuments and beaches.