Friesland is a province in the north of the Netherlands, and it has a character of its own. Visitors arriving here will notice straight away that the people keep a distinct culture and language, and that the landscape is shaped by water as much as by land.
Water and sailing
The province is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Its many lakes make it a natural base for sailing and boating, and the open water gives plenty of room for those who want to spend a day on the lakes. Whether you come with your own boat or hire one, the waterways are the main attraction of a visit.
The Eleven Cities route
Friesland is also home to the well-known Eleven Cities ice skating route, a long skating tour linking eleven towns across the province. It is one of the region's most distinctive features and gives a clear sense of how closely its communities are tied to the water and the seasons.
Villages and Leeuwarden
- Picturesque fishing villages along the water, where the pace of life is slow and the setting is easy to enjoy on foot.
- Leeuwarden, the historic capital city, which offers a more urban counterpart to the quieter countryside.
A visit to Friesland suits those who want authentic local experiences, time on the water, and a region that feels different from the better-known parts of the Netherlands. Plan your stay around the lakes, the villages and the capital to see the range of what the province offers.
