11 things to try for the first time in Friesland

July 3, 2026 | Wendy | |

Some places are perfect for firsts. Your first walk across the Wadden Sea. Your first leap with a pole. Your first night beneath a sky full of stars that suddenly feels endless. Friesland is made for moments like these, with water, wind, art, local flavours and adventures waiting around every corner.

Here are eleven experiences that deserve a place on your Friesland bucket list.

1. Walk across the Wadden Sea

Step onto the seabed of the Wadden Sea, with mud beneath your boots, fresh sea air on your face and an ever changing horizon ahead. Join a guided mudflat walk or experience the unique feeling of going dry on a boat as the tide disappears.

Things to do
Book a guided mudflat walk, wear old shoes and check the weather and tide times before you go.

Discover the Wadden Islands

2. Try fierljeppen

Fierljeppen is one of Friesland's most iconic sports. Run towards the water, grab the pole, climb as high as you can and hope for a dry landing. At the Fierljeppolder in Noardburgum you can give this traditional Frisian sport a go yourself.

Things to do
Bring a change of clothes, book ahead and enjoy your first jump, whatever the outcome.

Try fierljeppen yourself

3. Sail on a traditional skûtsje

A skûtsje is a traditional Frisian sailing barge. Step aboard the Gudsekop in Akkrum and experience Friesland under sail. According to Friesland.nl, this historic vessel has no engine, making every journey completely dependent on the wind.

Things to do
Book your sailing trip in advance, dress warmly, lend a hand on board and ask the skipper about life under sail.

Sail aboard the Gudsekop

4. Captain your own sloop

Take the helm for the first time. In Sneek you can rent an electric sloop that, according to Friesland.nl, does not require a boating licence. Cruise quietly through the canals and across Friesland's waterways at your own pace.

Things to do
Plan your route, listen carefully to the briefing, take it slow and pack a picnic.

Cruise Friesland’s waterways yourself

5. Cross the Sahara of the North

On Vlieland you'll find the Vliehors, a vast sand plain covering around 20 square kilometres. Often called the Sahara of the North, this extraordinary landscape can be explored aboard the Vliehors Express, which takes you all the way to the island's western tip.

Things to do
Check departure times, wear clothing suitable for the wind, bring your camera and leave enough time for the ferry.

Ride across the Vliehors

6. Go stargazing in Dark Sky Park Terschelling

In the east of Terschelling lies De Boschplaat, a nature reserve recognised as an International Dark Sky Park. On clear nights, the Milky Way and countless stars become visible above the island.

Things to do
Check the moon phase, wear warm clothing, bring a torch with a red light and head out after dark.

Experience Terschelling's starry skies

7. Visit the world's oldest working planetarium

Inside an ordinary canal house in Franeker you'll find something extraordinary: the world's oldest working planetarium. Built by Eise Eisinga between 1774 and 1781, it is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do
Take your time exploring the museum, look up and wander through Franeker afterwards.

Visit the Eise Eisinga Planetarium

8. Cycle part of the Eleven Cities Route

The famous Eleven Cities Cycle Route connects all eleven historic cities of Friesland across roughly 255 kilometres. Completing the whole route is a challenge, but even one stage offers a memorable introduction.

Things to do
Choose a section, set off early and leave plenty of time to explore the cities and stop at cafés along the way.

Cycle the Eleven Cities Route

9. Discover the 11fountains

Each of Friesland's eleven historic cities is home to a fountain created by an internationally renowned artist. Together, the 11fountains form a unique art project, with every fountain telling a different story about its city.

Things to do
Combine two or three cities in one day, track down the fountains and take time to explore each city.

Discover 11fountains

10. Explore Friesland by SUP or canoe

Seeing Friesland from the water offers a completely different perspective. Hire a paddleboard or canoe and discover the province at a slower pace. In Stiens you can rent SUP boards, kayaks and canoes, or join lessons and guided tours.

Things to do
Bring dry clothes, choose calm water for your first outing, start with a shorter route and keep your phone in a waterproof case.

Get out on the water

11. Taste cheese matured in a bunker

On Vlieland, cheese is matured in an unexpected place: the Vlielander Cheese Bunker. The humid air, stable temperature and sea breeze create its distinctive flavour. The former filter building above the bunker also features an exhibition about the site, local cheese, seaweed and other island products.

Things to do
Combine your visit with a bike ride, sample local products and leave time to explore the exhibition.

Taste Vlieland's bunker-aged cheese