Friesland

With a unique cultural heritage and its own language, Friesland (Fryslân) is a special place in the North.

If you thought the Dutch were fond of water, tall, and “nuchter” (matter-of-factly), wait ’til you meet the Frisians!

There are twelve UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Netherlands, three of which are in Friesland. The Woudagemaal, the Wadden Sea and the Eise-Eisinga Planetarium. Leeuwarden is also a UNESCO City of Literature. More information: https://www.friesland.nl/en/trending/unesco-welterbe 

The eleven cities of Friesland
Where on earth are cities smaller than villages? Only in Friesland. These cities thank their title not to their size, but to their historic significance. These are the cities of the dreamers who show that you don't have to be the largest to stand out and the doers that prove that you don't have to be the richest to pursue your dreams. One of these cities is Sneek.

For a short time, Sneek was able to call itself the capital of Friesland in the fifteenth century. Logical, when you are the central station for all Frisian water traffic. With four watergates and two gates on land it was no easy feat to enter sneek in the past. With the bells ringing, the gates were rapidly closed and when you were too late, then you had to pay to get in. When the gates were no longer necessary they were demolished. All but one water gate. Sneek is still the central hub and the annual 'Sneekweek' serves as a reminder. During the Sneekweek, the largest poolparty of Friesland takes place around the Waterpoort.

Lemmer
The beach, the rich history, the heated pavement cafés of what was once only a 'settlement', are the ingredients for a relaxing day in Waterland van Friesland. Listen to the old Lemmer stories during a walk with the tour guide, about the fisheries, trade and shipping. 

 Take a walk 'around the Dock', the streets around the water in the centre. From Lemmer beach, 

 you can take a refreshing dip in the IJsselmeer lake. A must see is the UNESCO World Heritage Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal,  the largest still functioning steam-operated pumping station in the world!