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Frisian Admiralty Water Adventure Trail

(20 km)

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Make your way along the Frisian Admiralty Water Adventure Trail in the company of Admiral Tjerk Hiddes de Vries who will tell you about northwest Friesland and the rich history of the Frisian battle fleet. The journey starts at the Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker and ends at the Stone Man statue just outside Harlingen. Along the way you get to see the village of Sexbierum, where the Admiral was born. Learn about the warship named after Tjerk Hiddes, the Frisian Admiralty, navigating by the stars and dike building. There is certainly plenty to experience. And if you would like to discover more of Friesland, there are other water adventure trails led by figures who played an important role in Frisian history.

Locations on this route

Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium

On the ceiling of the living room of a beautiful canal house in Franeker you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest working planetarium in the world.

Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium
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Getswerdersyl

The Getswerdersyl was the northernmost lock of the Slachtedyk. In 1982, the lock was demolished, and a large memorial monument now stands in the place of the old lock.

Getswerdersyl

Birthplace of Admiral Tjerk Hiddes de Vries

Sexbierum is the birthplace of Admiral Tjerk Hiddes. This house on Alde Buorren is identified as the birthplace of Admiral Tjerk Hiddes de Vries.

Birthplace of Admiral Tjerk Hiddes de Vries
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Pumping station Roptazijl

Tjerk Hiddes tells the fascinating story behind Roptasyl. Little of the original sluice can be seen today, but in the 17th century, the sluice was the scene of disputes between Harlingen and Franeker. Today, a modern pumping station stands here, regulating water levels.

Pumping station Roptazijl
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The Hannemahuis

The Hannemahuis - Centre for Harlinger culture and history is a unique combination of a museum and a city archive, partly located in a majestic 18th-century merchant’s house. Next to presentations about the Harlinger history or art, you will also find tem

The Hannemahuis
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Monument Tjerk Hiddes de Vries

At Grote Bredeplaats stands the monument to Tjerk Hiddes de Vries. He was a Frisian lieutenant admiral and naval hero of the 17th century.

Monument Tjerk Hiddes de Vries

Flood barrier Harlingen

Harlingen’s flood barrier protects residents and the land behind it from storm surges. An opening in the barrier connects the town centre with the Willemshaven. When water levels become exceptionally high, the flood barrier is closed to safeguard the town and surrounding land.

Flood barrier Harlingen

Willem Barentsz Expedition Ship

At Willemskade in Harlingen something special happens. A replica of Willem Barentsz's expedition ship is being built here. The construction method from the time of Barentsz will be used. Visit the fun visitor center and climb aboard!

Willem Barentsz Expedition Ship

De Stenen Man statue in Harlingen

The Stenen Man (Stone Man) is a statue that was erected in Harlingen in 1576. Today, it is a national monument that sits on the Westerzeedijk next to the beach at Harlingen. In 1570, a storm surge caused a flood that came to be known as the...

De Stenen Man statue in Harlingen

TOP Harlingen/Westerzeedijk

From the Harlingen/Westerzeedijk Tourist Transfer Point, you can easily head into the beautiful city of Harlingen and explore the surrounding area!

TOP Harlingen/Westerzeedijk
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