Discover Friesland

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A breath of fresh air

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Slow living: a real art. We don’t want to boast or anything, well maybe just a little bit. Frisians do everything a bit differently. Just a bit more relaxed, logical and friendlier. A bit more idiosyncratic, and maybe a bit slower, but definitely more freely. We do just about everything more or less the same as the rest of the Netherlands, but all the little ‘just a bit differents’ combine to make Friesland completely different. That’s why our character is so illusive for many Dutch people. It’s why Escher is not just an artist, Doutzen Kroes is not just a model and Sven Kramer is not just a skater. It is difficult for the rest of the Netherlands to define us and our quirks because we do things our own way. But give us a chance, and we’ll show you how fantastic it is to live like a Frisian.

Waterland

Friesland
It might sound like an exaggeration to say that water flows through the veins of the average Frisian, but the importance of water to the Frisians is reflected throughout the province. Living under sea level and recreation on the water made Friesland a unique province. Discover the wonderful water world.
Discover Friesland Waterland

Waterland

Friesland
In 2018, the historic ships from the Tall Ship Races will finish in Harlingen. During the same period, the Frisian port city is the perfect setting for The Sea! The Sea! literature festival European and American authors like Yann Martel (Life of Pi) and John Banville (The Sea) along with Dutch authors such as Maarten Biesheuvel will present their work.

Waterland

Friesland
Streams, rivers, canals, ponds, ditches and locks. We have more words for bodies of water than for bread in Friesland. This is logical since we’ve had to deal with the water for centuries. We drove back the sea, navigated the canals, pole vaulted over locks and built terps to keep ourselves dry.
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Nature

National parks and
The real nature lover will be right at home in Friesland with the most diverse landscapes. From the heathlands and forests in the Drents-Friese Wold to the vast tidal flats and national parks scattered throughout the province. Come learn all about the beautiful Frisian nature.
Discover the nature of Friesland
Terschelling Drenkelingenhuisje - Hans Jellema

The Wadden islands

Vlieland, Terschelling, Schiermonnikoog and Ameland. Four beautiful islands off the coast of Friesland where you can unwind and enjoy the real island feeling. Get to know the Wadden islands and go exploring.
More about the Wadden islands

The eleven cities

One might be more well-known than the other, but each of the eleven cities has its own charm and tourist attractions. And for those who want to see them all, there are fantastic routes for bikes, cars, boats and walking.
Discover the eleven cities of Friesland

1000+ routes

Walking, cycling, sailing, ...
With so many undiscovered beautiful locations, it’s natural that visitors want to see a lot. That’s why we’ve compiled the best routes for you in order to discover these hidden gems. And for all those who want to plan a route for themselves, the walking, cycling and sailing hub networks provide good starting points.
Everything about routes

Frisian icons

Monuments, Country Estates, Windmills...
Friesland has a rich past that is visible throughout the province. Our Villas and Country Estates provide a lovely glimpse into historic Friesland and, with more than 4,350 registered national monuments, there is plenty of history to discover.
Discover the Frisian icons

Culinary Friesland

Restaurants, local produce, specialties
You can’t get it any fresher than in Friesland. Directly from the farmer or fished from the sea this morning. With so much agriculture and fishing, you can be sure that what you’re served here is pure and fresh. Take a look at the rich selection of restaurants and local produce in our province..
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Friesland by night

Welcome to the dark side
Do you know what a Dark Sky Park is? No? These are places around the world officially designated by the IDA as areas where the starry sky can best be seen at night due to there being so little light pollution. There are only 20 such places in the world and the Netherlands has two. Both are in Friesland. But there’s much more to do in the dark Frisian nights. Take a look here.
Discover Friesland at night

City trip: Leeuwarden

Shopping, Culture, Terraces
Students and die-hard city trippers already know this, but Leeuwarden is the place to be for anyone looking for a mix of shopping, culture and visiting terraces or festivals. Your trip through the north begins here.
Discover Leeuwarden

2018

European Capital of Culture
In 2018, we’re going to show how we Frisians celebrate life. We’re going to stick our heads above the parapet and dare to show the world how we go our own unique way. Our landscape is the podium and everyone is invited. What we’re going to do is a surprise and will captivate you. But that doesn’t matter because once in Friesland you won’t want to go home.
Discover 2018