Tour of Leeuwarden | Section 0 – Preamble

Before setting off on the trail inspired by the ‘tour of all tours’, first you spend a day exploring Leeuwarden, Friesland's capital city. Here you can start to get a feel for Friesland, learn a few words of the local language and visit the most important museums in the province. 

As you wander through the centre of Leeuwarden, you will notice that some streets run uphill. This is because, back in 1435, Leeuwarden was formed from the merger of three historical municipalities built on dwelling mounds or ‘terps’. 

This preamble to the trail zig-zags through the old city centre and some of the outskirts. Not all of the trail junctions are marked and in the bustle of the city you may find it difficult to spot the red and yellow markings. But then getting lost is part of the adventure!

But do make sure you get to see the highlights of this city that was once the royal capital. Such as the leaning Oldehove tower, the Us Heit statue of Stadtholder William Louis of Nassau-Dillenburg in front of Stadhouderlijk Hof Palace, the Princessehof museum, once the residence of Maria Louise van Hessen-Kassel, Prinsentuin park, the Fries Museum of material culture and the Jacobijnerkerk church where stadtholders of Friesland have their own crypts.

Above all… be sure to enjoy strolling through the narrow streets of Leeuwarden!