Attractions - Holland

Attractions - Amsterdam

Friesland, Netherlands

With individual delights scattered throughout its rich and verdant landscape, Friesland, located to the north of the Netherlands, makes for an entertaining and memorable holiday destination. Friesland’s attractive pastoral terrain, dotted with charming long thatched-roofed farmhouses, leads in the west to some popular and attractive coastal villages offering a rich array of culture, history and an outdoor ambience second to none. A trip along the coast sampling the unique delights of each town is a truly enchanting experience that will leave you wanting more.

Before setting off on your coastal odyssey, pay a visit to the quaint old market town of Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland. Leeuwarden has many delights, including its quirky leaning cathedral, the Oldehove and the Prinsentium, a small park by the river offering secluded areas and amazingly colourful blooms in spring and summer. The town’s proudest boast however is its museums. The Het Princessehof was the birthplace of genius graphic artist M.C. Escher and is now the home of a brilliant ceramics museum whose bewildering collection of tiles from around the world will take the breath away. Be sure also to pay a visit to the Fries Museum, one of the best regional museums in the Netherlands where you can trace the development of Friesland culture from prehistoric times to the present day. Move along towards the coast and experience the welcome from sophisticated Harlingen. An ancient port, Harlingen acts as the terminus for ferry trips to the nearby islands and is home to traditional Dutch sailing barges. Arrange a canal trip on one of these unique vessels or stroll down the Voorstraat, a beautiful and tree-lined avenue flanked by elegant 18th-century mansions. Enjoy a bite to eat at one of Harlingen’s harbourside restaurants before visiting the Island of Terschelling. Here you can enjoy a pleasurable stay on its west coast before heading eastwards to some fine isolated beaches and a wonderful nature reserve. Head back to the mainland and stop off at Hindeloopen, regarded as the tidiest town in the Netherlands. Nestling cosily against the sea, this pretty town of canals, old streets and wooden footbridges also boasts some fine restaurants and cafes.

Enjoy a bike ride between some of Friesland’s charming coastal villages. Move inland and experience the culture and history of its main town. Sample the local fare from the markets and fishmongers, or prepare a picnic and enjoy watching the comings and goings of Friesland, a cosy corner of the Netherlands.