Friesland

Welcome to... Fryslân! This northern province is perhaps one of the most characteristic provinces in our country. Not only because Friesland has its own language but also because of its unique attractions, beautiful natural areas, and of course, the cheerful Frisians. It's a fantastic province to spend your vacation in. So, we'd love to tell you more about what you definitely shouldn't miss!

Nature in Friesland

Friesland is teeming with beautiful natural areas. With no less than four national parks, the Wadden Sea as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Wadden area, "the most beautiful natural area in the Netherlands," you can endlessly enjoy vast landscapes, endless dunes and marshes, beautiful waters, and unique flora and fauna.

De Alde Feanen is one of the 4 national parks in Friesland. This watery nature reserve, located west of the Frisian town of Drachten, originated from peat excavations. The ultimate way to discover this natural area is by boat. This gives you the opportunity to visit the charming villages along the route. You don't even need your own boat; you can easily rent a holiday boat, and there are also organized boat tours. Feeling adventurous? Rent a paddleboard or sailboat and explore this natural area in your own way.

Heerenveen

A city you definitely shouldn't miss when you're on vacation in Friesland is Heerenveen. This city is better known as the sports city of the province. Ice skating enthusiasts can indulge themselves at the well-known Thialf Stadium. In addition, footballers of SC Heerenveen play spirited matches.

Not only for sports enthusiasts, this city is the place to be. This genuine Frisian city is full of unique monuments and buildings, set in a beautiful environment. You can also enjoy a delightful afternoon of shopping and then relax on a terrace.

Typical Friesland

Friesland is often called the "most beautiful place on earth." Not only are its residents enthusiastic, but Lonely Planet also ranks the province third in the list of hidden gems in Europe. Below are some examples of what makes Friesland so special and unique: Eleven Cities Tour, when you say Friesland, you say Eleven Cities Tour. A severe winter is no longer necessary. Thanks to many variations: swimming, cycling, walking, mopeds, and scooters, you'll hear "ready, set, go!" several times a year.

Frisian specialties, typical Frisian specialties include Fryske oranjekoeke (orange cookies), Fryske krûdkoeke (spice cakes), and Fryske sûkerbôle (sugar bread). Genietsje fan dyn miel! (Enjoy your meal!)

Famous & well-known, when you say goodbye, you say Piet Paulusma! One of the most famous meteorologists our country has known. In addition, Friesland is the home of Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes, the highest-paid in the Netherlands.

Frisian sports, in addition to ice skating, fierljeppen (pole vaulting), skûtjesilen (sailing flat-bottomed boats), and keatsen (a ball game) are well-known Frisian sports.