Things to do & places to visit in Friesland Province, The Netherlands

Friesland Province #7 destination in The Netherlands 2023. The average rating score is 4.32 based on 12.5k traveler reviews, of 562 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 1:23.

Friesland Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

54°F - 42°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold and breezy

Feels like

21%

Chance of rain

53.0 millimeters

Amount

16.6 mph

Wind speed

76%

Humidity

13.9

Daylight length

6:39 AM

Sunrise

8:34 PM

Sunset

47%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (38)

Top destinations in Friesland Province 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Puur Terschelling (445 reviews)
- Great experiences, welcoming people!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sightseeing Tours • Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours • Horseback Riding Tours

Anne and his family took great care of us with amazing nature experiences (donkey walk, horse riding, mudwalk) on the island. They made us feel home in the farm and sent us back to the mainland with full heart and a big smile. Even in challenging COVID times and difficult weather conditions, they greatly manage to please guests while maintaining safety. We can't wait to go back and do all the rest of the experiences they offer in the future! See more..
5.0 Eise Eisinga Planetarium (380 reviews)
- A Must for Astronomy Fans
Monday: Science Museums

The planetarium is a work of art and incredible invention of Eise Eisinga, a Dutch astronomer. The museum is a lesser known tourist site, but interesting for anybody who enjoys astronomy or the wonders of the universe with a little but of history. I highly recommend this location for a visit. See more..
5.0 De Zeehond - Seal Boat Tour (356 reviews)
- Very nice boattrip that's worth repeating
Boat Tours

Very nice boattrip next to the coast of Ameland. Good explaination of the island and things to see. During the trip you can buy drinks or something to eat. The appeltaart is delicious! The guestwife came to us and could tell us a lot about the seals and what age they have. A boattrip that is worth repeating! See more..
5.0 Kiteschool Loopy (61 reviews)
- TOP
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing

Gezellige instructeurs en goede lessen in kleine groepen, waardoor er per les grotere stappen gemaakt kunnen worden See more..
5.0 Soal Surf (60 reviews)
- Kiteboarding lesson
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

Soal Surf is located on the beach of Workum, at one of the most beautiful kite and windsurf locations in the Netherlands. Here in Workum we have everything for beginners and professional surfer. In our surf shop you will find everything you need to kitesurf, windsurf, wing or wing foiling.. We offer a lot of surf and fun! We give you the best windsurf or kitesurf lessens. Our staff is there for you every day with a big smile! Come and visit out school & shop! Hope to see you soon See more..
4.5 Historische binnenstad Leeuwarden (673 reviews)
- Easy parking in the huge Zaailand garage
Neighborhoods

The old inner city of Leeuwarden is a prime example of an attractive Dutch city thriving in the Golden Age, with a few historical canals still in place. It is a very lively destination for shopping, museums and also nightlife. The largely renovated huge central Wilhelmina plein is attractive and houses the brand new Frisian museum. Parking is dead easy in the Zaailand garage which is straight beneath the Wilhelminaplein - Google Maps takes you there no problem. See more..
4.5 Port of Harlingen (227 reviews)
- Friesland's main connection with the sea
Piers & Boardwalks

Since 1932 when the Zuiderzee (southsea) was blocked south of Harlingen, the port city became Friesland's only connection with the sea. By Dutch standards it is a very small port, mainly known because the ferries to Terschelling and Vlieland depart from here. The port area is a lively and cosy area. Many different types of vessels can be observed and most of the area is easily accessible on foot or by bike. Perhaps the port of Harlingen is a better place to get a feel of Dutch historic links with the sea than for instance Rotterdam. See more..
4.5 Blokhuispoort (224 reviews)
- Must see in Leeuwarden
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Blokhuispoort is a former Prison and now the cultural heart of Leeuwarden. It was build in 1499 as a type of fort, and was turned into a prison in 1580. The prison closed in 2007. Today you can do a guided tour by a former prison guide every Saturday at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. Realy recomendable, tours are 10 euro. The Blokhuispoort is now the cultural heart of Leeuwarden. In the B-wing you can find all kind of creative shops in every Cell. When you continue to walk you will find an art gallery, Podium Asteriks and Café de Bak. On the other side of the Blokhuispoort there are more creative shops and offices, but also another exposition room. The Blokhuispoort is a must see in Leeuwarden. See more..
4.5 UNESCO World Heritafe Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal (187 reviews)
- Knowledge and ingenuity from 100 years ago are still remarkable useful in watermanagement
Monday: Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Ir. D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station The D.F. Woudagemaal in the town of Lemmer is the world's largest steam pumping station still in working condition. The pumping station was opened in 1920 by Queen Wilhelmina for the purpose of pumping excess water from Friesland into the Zuyder Zee, the present-day IJsselmeer. The imposing brick building is austere and functional, in line with the architectural style of the Amsterdam School. In 1966, the electrically driven J.L. Hoogland pumping station in Stavoren took over the task of the steam pumping station in Lemmer. And yet, even today, the historic D.F. Woudagemaal plays a crucial role in extreme conditions. In cases of extremely high water, the old steam pumping station is deployed to drain excess water into the IJsselmeer as quickly as possible. The D.F. Woudagemaal has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998. See more..
4.5 De Vliehors Expres (182 reviews)
- a nice way to see the island
Bus Tours

It was about a 30 minute drive to the Vliehors, during which you had lots of time to relax and enjoy the view of the sea and the dunes. When we reached the Vliehors we were pretty amazed by the sheer size of it! you could also see Texel. What was also cool was that there was poetry imprinted on the tyres of the bus which meant that when we stopped, we could read what was written in the tracks! We also visited 'het drenkelingenhuisje' and saw all the bizarre things that had been found on the beach in the past few years (dummies, coffee etc.) We picked up an accordion player for on the way back and he played songs the entire journey. This gave the journey back a great atmosphere! See more..
4.5 Wrakkenmuseum (164 reviews)
- A little gem!
Speciality Museums

This place is a little gem of a museum. It is crammed full of artefacts that have been rescued from the sea off the coast of Terschelling. The explanations are all in Dutch but really you don't need any, just go and view everything on display and it's a real feast for the eyes! Toys, coins, shoes, boxes, life preservers, endless ship related equipment, messages in bottles, one very large purple adult toy, which caused much hilarity with a group of German students and so much more! It is housed both in and outdoors and will take you around an hour to view everything. It's also a great cafe too. This is a must if you are on the island, you will not be disappointed! See more..
4.5 Jopie Huisman Museum (162 reviews)
- Professional and Attractive Museum
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

Het Jopie Huisman Museum is gewijd aan het werk en de filosofie van de Friese autodidacte schilder Jopie Huisman. Van jongsaf aan tekende en schilderde Jopie zijn eigen wereld; de mensen en de natuur rond Workum, het stadje waar hij geboren was en opgroeide. Vanaf 1974 wordt zijn werk gekenmerkt door de heel eigen, fijne penseelvoering waar hij zo beroemd mee is geworden. De handel in lompen en metalen vormde zijn belangrijkste bron van inspiratie. Hij was gefascineerd door de menselijke achtergrond van de afgedankte spullen die zij meebrachten. De combinatie van zijn techniek en het indringende verhaal achter zijn werk spreekt een groot publiek zeer aan. In 1986 werd een aanzienlijk deel van zijn oeuvre ondergebracht in een eigen museum. Sinds de oprichting hebben al meer dan 2 miljoen mensen het museum bezocht. Jaarlijks heeft het museum een tijdelijke extra tentoonstelling in de geest van Jopie. See more..
4.5 Fries Scheepvaart Museum (162 reviews)
- Sneek’s rich history of seafaring
Speciality Museums

We visited the museum on a Tuesday morning. It was a busy morning there but not crowded. Due to the audio guides available one gets background information about the items on display in about a dozen different rooms each covering a different topic. There is also a children’s section in the museum with an interactive concept, which we did not visit though. We very much enjoyed and appreciated our visit there. See more..
4.5 Bunkers Terschelling (132 reviews)
- You must do this!
Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins • Lookouts • Educational sites

Very enthousiastic people are telling a lot, you can see a lot inside. A two hour visit for 9 euro's.... just do it! See more..
4.5 Nationaal Park Drents-Friese Wold (123 reviews)
- Beautiful park for cycling
National Parks

Beautiful nature, biking trails, etc... See more..
4.5 Natuurmuseum Fryslan (121 reviews)
- Great
Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • Children's Museums

Natuurmuseum Fryslan is er voor natuurliefhebbers, ouders, opa’s en oma’s. Maar vooral voor kinderen! Want zelf doen staat centraal. Ooit door een onderwaterwereld gelopen? Gezien hoe dieren worden opgezet? Gevlogen als een gans? Of proefjes gedaan in een waterlab? Kom meedoen in het nummer 1 kidsproof museum van Fryslan! See more..
4.5 Rijksmonument Waterpoort Sneek uit 1613 (117 reviews)
- Sneek
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings

Stunning to see when travelling with a boat. A must do when travelling to Friesland, charming town to spend the day See more..
4.5 HappyWhale Friesland (109 reviews)
- Discover the Northen province Fryslân by boat
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Boat Rentals

Together with the family we rented an electric boat for 6 persons via Happywhale in Terherne in the province of Fryslân. During an 8 hours boat trip over the lakes and canals we discovered wonderful nature around lake “Snitser Mar” and through the city Sneek. Using the App to arrange the boat and to get started was quite easy and user-friendly. See more..
4.5 IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel) (89 reviews)
- An iconic symbol of Dutch ingenuity & dike-building
Bodies of Water

This shallow freshwater lake, or more correctly inland bay created by the building of the Afsluitdijk [dam] completed in 1932, has a surface area of about 1,100 square kilometres. This largest lake in the Netherlands is feed primarily by waters from the River Ijssel. Its surface elevation is 40 cm below sea level. The lakes maximum depth is 7 metres and has an average depth of 5.5 metres. The lake is home to many boats, especially sailboats. We went for an enjoyable boat ride on the lake, and enjoyed the great views and energizing fresh air. See more..
4.5 11fountains (85 reviews)
- Love the “ Love”, it’s not a tautology this time
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Fountains

And yet another discovery of the name Jaume Plensa, Barcelona-born Spanish sculpture and one of his masterpieces - Fountain “ Love”. Piensa’s exhibits are to be found around the Globe. And what a privilege it is for amazing artistic Leeuwarden, to have one of his best works, specially created and inspired for/by the city! As soon as you arrive in Leeuwarden and step out of the train, the city greets you with “Love” which is in front of central station. See more..
4.5 Museum 't Behouden Huys (79 reviews)
- Surprising
Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums • History Museums

Museum ’t Behouden Huys is net als Terschelling: uniek, eigenzinnig en verrassend veelzijdig! Stap aan boord van de Lutine en ontdek wat er in de avond van 9 oktober 1799 gebeurd is, toen het schip met al zijn goud ten onder ging. Of ga met je familie op ontdekkingsreis met Willem Barentsz en zijn bemanning naar het ijskoude Nova Zembla. En wist je dat bijna alle huizen van West-Terschelling in 1666 door de Engelsen in de as werden gelegd en de rook te zien was tot ver in Friesland? Dominee Grevensteijn vertelt je er alles over. Het museum heeft ook een gratis audiotour boordevol boeiende verhalen in het Nederlands en in de drie Terschellinger dialecten. Voor onze buitenlandse bezoekers zijn alle verhalen in het Duits en Engels te beluisteren. Kom langs en ontdek het zelf! Entreeprijzen: Kinderen van 4 t/m 18 jaar: € 3,00 per persoon | Volwassenen: €7,50 Groepskorting vanaf 20 personen. Museumkaart is geldig bij museum 't Behouden Huys. Honden mogen aangelijnd mee naar binnen. See more..
4.5 First Frisian Icescating Museum (73 reviews)
- Rich and colorful collection on ice skating
Speciality Museums

The ice skating museum in Hindeloopen has a very rich and colorful collection of skates and skating related artefacts. The famous “11-cities” skating tours very much form a red thread through the exposition. The top piece of the collection no doubt us the frozen toe that Tinus Udding lost in the extremely cold winter of 1963. See more..
4.5 Weduwe Joustra (58 reviews)
- Delightful stop & taste
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries

Had so much fun when we were directed to Weduwe Joustra by some locals in Sneek. Arrived just in time for a tasting & short guided walk in de distillery. Very nice staff that is very informative See more..
4.5 Abraham Fock (56 reviews)
- Interesting little museum about the horse rescue boat
Speciality Museums

The story of Ameland and the sea is interesting. The museum tells a story about live on the island and the long history of rescuing crew of ships in need nearby Ameland. The horse rescue boat is nowadays a unique thing. Make sure you inquire at the tourist office (VVV) for the dates the horse rescue boat is demonstrated. But even without, the museum is worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Afsluitdijk Wadden Center (51 reviews)
- Great visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is a modern experience center about the Afsluitdijk and the ongoing battle of de dutch citizens with water. Here we want to tell the story about the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fish Migration River, the future Afsluitdijk and the IJsselmeer. Downstairs you can find Restaurant SKOM. Here you can relax after a visit with lunch, or coffe with cake. And ofcourse enjoy the beautiful view of the IJsselmeer. See more..
4.0 Fries Museum (924 reviews)
- Great touristy thing to do in leeuwarden
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Fries Museum is dedicated to Friesland and the Frisian people. Its activities revolve around the eleven cities that make up the province and the surrounding countryside. These include the Frisians' love-hate relationship with water, the search for what defines the typical Frisian character, and Friesland's place in the wider world. The freedom fighter Grutte Pier's sword; old costumes and clothing; treasures from the Frisian mounds; the legacy of Mata Hari, the exotic dancer who was executed as a spy at the end of the First World War; Gerrit Benner's paintings; contemporary visual art; and the film de Overval: together these objects tell the story of Friesland. See more..
4.0 Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten (470 reviews)
- perfect
Spent More than 3 hours Ferries

as usuall in Holland..perfect on time serving drinks and food, very smooth passage to the islands if needed transport of luggage at the boat See more..
4.0 Vuurtoren Ameland (332 reviews)
- Amazing experience
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Going onto winding metal stairs, you walk all the way to the top of this 57 meter high light house, one of the tallest of the wadden islands. Inside the lighthouse there are small exhibitions on each floor. Loved it! See more..
4.0 De Oldehove (314 reviews)
- A piece of Frisian history
Monday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

De Oldehove is an unfinished church tower in the medieval centre of the Dutch city of Leeuwarden. It leans more than the tower of Pisa in Italy. Open for visits from mid April till end of October. See more..
4.0 AquaZoo (299 reviews)
- Absolutely great
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Kom naar AquaZoo, trek je wandelschoenen aan en doe je backpack om, want het is tijd voor avontuur! Kom van alles te weten over bijzondere dieren tijdens een spannende reis door het dierenpark. Loop samen met de pinguïns over het strand, wandel door het gebied van de ringstaartmaki's en sta oog in oog met de Amoertijgers. Ga via boomstammen over slootjes, steek met een trekvlot het moeras bij de kangoeroes over en spring van de ene steen naar de andere. Houd jij je voeten droog? Jouw ontdekkingstocht start in AquaZoo! See more..