10 unique places to stay in Friesland
Some places are worth visiting. Others are worth staying the night. In Friesland, you'll find places to stay with stories to tell. Spend the night in a lighthouse overlooking the Wadden Sea, a treehouse tucked among the treetops, a former prison cell, a historic water tower or even a converted wine barrel. Every stay adds something extra to your trip.
Here are ten places where checking in is part of the adventure.
1. Harlingen Lighthouse
Harlingen Lighthouse has watched over the harbour and the Wadden Sea for generations. The beacon stopped shining in 1998, but the views are as impressive as ever. Today, this historic lighthouse has become one of the most memorable places to stay in Friesland.
Climb the narrow staircase to the top, take in panoramic views across the harbour, the sea and the town, then wake up with Harlingen at your feet.
Things to do
Explore Harlingen's historic streets, wander along the harbour, watch the tides of the Wadden Sea and start your morning with coffee overlooking the water.
2. Parc Bûten at REBL Outdoor, Jubbega
Hidden beside the forest, Parc Bûten offers glamping with plenty of room to breathe. Comfortable safari tents, a proper bed, your own fire pit and nature all around create an easy escape from everyday life.
Spend the day outdoors and settle around the fire as evening falls. Simple, relaxed and surrounded by greenery.
Things to do
Walk through the forests around Jubbega, explore the area by bike, cook outside and enjoy a quiet evening by the fire.
3. De Keet, De Alde Feanen
Some places immediately slow your pace. De Keet is one of them.
Set on its own island in National Park De Alde Feanen, this off grid holiday home can only be reached by boat. Solar panels provide electricity, rainwater is collected on site and a wood burning stove keeps things cosy. Nature takes care of the rest.
Wake up overlooking the Izakswiid lake, watch birds from the terrace and leave everyday life on the mainland.
Things to do
Arrive by boat, explore De Alde Feanen from the water, relax on the terrace, go birdwatching and spend the evening beside the wood stove.
4. Flötten on the Sneekermeer
Why stay beside the water when you can stay on it? Flötten is a motorised camping raft that lets you drift through Friesland at your own pace. Set off from the base camp, cruise across the lakes, drop anchor wherever you like and spend the night surrounded by open water.
Bring your own meals, cook on board, watch the sunset and fall asleep beneath the stars.
Things to do
Plan a multi day journey across the lakes, bring a waterway map, cook on board and discover quiet mooring spots along the way.
5. Schreiershoek Treehouse, Dokkum
Sleeping among the treetops never really gets old.
At De Schreiershoek, just outside Dokkum, you'll wake up high above the ground with views across the park, the harbour and the Dockumer Grootdiep.
It feels wonderfully secluded, yet the historic centre of Dokkum is only minutes away.
Things to do
Spend the morning in the treehouse, explore Dokkum, take a boat trip or discover the surrounding countryside by bike.
6. Alibi Hostel, Leeuwarden
Spend the night behind bars, without breaking any rules.
Alibi Hostel occupies part of the former Blokhuispoort prison in the centre of Leeuwarden. The former prison cells have been transformed into comfortable hostel rooms, while much of the building's original character remains intact.
Step outside and you're immediately surrounded by museums, cafés, shops and the lively streets of the Frisian capital.
Things to do
Explore Blokhuispoort, wander through Leeuwarden, visit one of the city's museums and enjoy dinner in the historic centre.
7. Water Tower Hotel, Nes
Not many hotels begin 41 metres above the ground. The former water tower in Nes has been transformed into an intimate hotel with just two guest rooms inside the old water reservoir. The views stretch across the Frisian landscape and make waking up something to look forward to. It's peaceful, distinctive and unlike anywhere else.
Things to do
Explore the countryside around Nes, visit Akkrum or Heerenveen, cycle through the surrounding villages and enjoy a quiet evening back at the tower.
8. Stay in a village church, Oosterwolde
Historic churches often tell remarkable stories. This one lets you stay the night. A cosy apartment has been created beneath the organ inside this listed village church in Oosterwolde. High ceilings, stained glass windows and centuries of history create an atmosphere unlike any hotel. By staying here, you also help preserve this special building.
Things to do
Discover Oosterwolde, explore De Friese Wouden, head out for a walk or bike ride and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
9. Tiny Farm House Friesland, Menaam
Small house. Big skies. Set beside a working dairy farm in Menaam, this tiny house combines country life with modern comfort. Relax on the veranda, unwind in your private hot tub and enjoy uninterrupted views across the Frisian landscape.
It's an ideal base for exploring Leeuwarden, Franeker, Harlingen and the Wadden coast.
Things to do
Relax in the hot tub, cycle through the countryside, visit nearby towns or head towards the Wadden coast for a day by the sea.
10. Sleep in a wine barrel, Stavoren
Some hotel rooms come with a story. These once held wine. At Hotel De Vrouwe van Stavoren, four original Swiss wine barrels have been transformed into surprisingly comfortable hotel rooms. Outside you'll find the historic harbour, sailing boats and the wide waters of the IJsselmeer.
It's one of those places you'll still be talking about long after you've checked out.
Things to do
Explore the old harbour, enjoy fresh fish by the waterfront, wander through Stavoren and watch the sun set over the IJsselmeer.
Read more - blogs
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7 tasty breakfast and brunch spots in Friesland
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11 things to try for the first time in Friesland
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7 good reasons to spend your holiday in Friesland
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Friesland in bird breeding season
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The language of the Frisians
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The history of Friesland
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A journey into the dark
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6 Concept Stores in Friesland
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From Tree of Life to Prosperity Birds
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Farm shops in Friesland
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Site-specific Art by Birthe Leemeijer
