4 Star Places To Visit in Friesland Province, The Netherlands (50)

4.0 Fries Museum (924 reviews)
- Great touristy thing to do in leeuwarden
Tuesday: 11:45 AM - 5:45 PM 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..
4.5 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..
4.0 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
Tuesday: 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
Tuesday: 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..
4.0 Het Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics (258 reviews)
- One of the best ..
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

This elegant 18th-century building contains the largest collection of Dutch tiles in the world. 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..
4.0 Rederij Doeksen (195 reviews)
- Great trip
Spent 1-2 hours Ferries

The boat ride from Harlingen to Terschelling is relaxed. The staff is friendly. The onboarding and offboarding is efficient. 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
Tuesday: 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
Tuesday: 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..
4.0 Beach Pavilion Heartbreak Hotel (160 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bars & Clubs

A nightclub featuring rockabilly and restaurant memorializing Elvis. See more..
4.0 Bunker Wassermann (141 reviews)
- Do not forget to go inside
Historic Sites

Of course you need to visit the bunker. It gives a great view over the island and the inside is even more interesting. I still would like to know what the poem means. What I did not understand is, why most people staid on top of it and then left. Please go inside! 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..
4.0 Amelander Musea (127 reviews)
- Jewel in the Crown of Ameland.
Speciality Museums

Educational in a pleasant en proactive way this Nature Centre. It tells the story of the Wadden and the island, in an for everyone understandable language. The Wadden is listed on the Unesco World heritage with every reason it should. Such a Gem needs to be taken care of and loved, the Nature Centre does the job of explaning how and why in a fantastic way. 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..
4.0 Museum Belvedere (110 reviews)
- Great museum in the middle of Nowhere
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Very worth visiting. Outstanding modern building. Cafe with a canal view and very good food. Walks and wild flowers! See more..
4.5 HappyWhale Friesland (109 reviews)
- Discover the Northen province Fryslân by boat
Tuesday: 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..
4.0 Lighthouse (102 reviews)
- Lighthouse and island are a must see
Lighthouses

This is a beautiful island and great for biking. You can bike to the lighthouse as well. Well worth a visit. See more..
4.0 Wellness & Beauty De Woudfennen (100 reviews)
- Well equipped sauna facility
Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Hammams & Turkish Baths • Spas

We went in this sauna facility while making a proper reservation well in advance. We had a good experience in the sauna, turkish bath and swimming pool. The facilities were good though the staff attitude was far from friendly. This attitude was not friendly, not the hostipitably as one would expect in Friesland and was rather hostile instead. We were corrected on the fact that meals were to be consumed only in batting robes, that no emails were to be checked while being in the restaurant area. Apart from that please be aware that there is a weekend surplus on the prices. All in all this turned out to be a far more expensive routing than expected. Therefore please check and check again the small print. 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
Tuesday: 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..
4.0 Koren- En Mosterdmolen de Verwachting (80 reviews)
- False Hours But Good Experience
Tuesday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Trip Advisor says that it is closed every day except Saturday which is incorrect. The staff were friendly and explained how it produces flour 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..
4.0 Museum Joure (78 reviews)
- Full of suprises
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Museum Joure is composed of beautiful historical warehouses, residential homes and factories. The ten buildings are surrounded by quays and a museum garden. Discover everything about the history of coffee, tea and the Dutch corporation Douwe Egberts. One of the buildings once was the first factory of Dutch coffee manufacturer. On the 19th century terrain are, among others, workshops of gold and silver smiths, a clock maker and a coppersmith. In the exhibition area of the museum contemporary art is displayed. In July and August every Tuesday and Thursday is about demonstrations. Several craftsman and machines are shown in action (from 13.30-16.30). See more..
4.0 Museum de Grutterswinkel (74 reviews)
- Mrs
Speciality Museums • History Museums

Great little shop takes you back in time . Had a lovely pot of tea and cake . The value voluntary staff were extremely friendly . Well worth a visit 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..
4.0 Frisian Resistance Museum (73 reviews)
- An important part of the Dutch history.
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

This museum is in the same building as the Fries Museum. Friesland apparently played an important role in the Dutch Resistance during the Second World War. Here a very good collection of photos, artifacts etc. from more than 75 years ago is now being displayed. Recommended. See more..
4.0 Duinenzathe (67 reviews)
- A great little amusement park!
Amusement & Theme Parks

Once started as a hobby project, Duinenzathe is now a pretty full-fledged amusement park. A roller coaster and a variety of other rides for most ages and interests are available. The park is well-maintained, spacious and definitely more complete than initially meets the eye! Fairly roomy terraces are available for those in need of a little rest or conversation while the more energetic can have a ball in the park. Interestingly (at least, for a certain audience) is the rare fact that consumptions are included in the entrance fee! A snack bar is open and a range of hot snacks and cold drinks is available on an all-you-can-eat and all-day-long basis! Definitely a place to return to. See more..
4.0 Fietsverhuur Jan van Vlieland (66 reviews)
- Practical
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Gear Rentals

Fietsverhuur Jan van Vlieland is het adres op Vlieland voor uw kwaliteit huurfiets. Al meer dan 25 jaar is Jan van Vlieland een begrip op het gebied van huurfietsen op Vlieland. Uw fietsen staan in de zaak, tegenover de aanlegplaats van de boot, voor u klaar. Tevens hebben wij een vestiging bij de jachthaven. De nieuwste modellen van GIANT en GAZELLE zorgen voor een comfortabele rit over ons mooie eiland. Voor een actieve fietstocht hebben wij de nieuwste modellen van TREK in ons assortiment. Bij een huurfiets ontvangt u een GRATIS plattegrond en fietsroute. See more..
4.0 Museum Martena (61 reviews)
- The history of Franeker
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

In Franeker staat een uniek stadskasteel uit 1500 waar Museum Martena is gevestigd. Franeker heeft een roemrucht verleden als Frieslands enige universiteitsstad, in de academiezaal staan we hier uitgebreid bij stil. Anna Maria van Schurman, de slimste vrouw uit de 17de eeuw, heeft een eigen zaal. We vertellen over de geschiedenis van het kasteel op de bel-etage. De prachtig ingerichte kamers ademen de sfeer van eeuwen geleden. In de tijdelijke tentoonstellingen besteden we regelmatig aandacht aan moderne kunst uit Friesland. Kortom, een verrassend museum: historisch en hedendaags. See more..
4.0 Het Nationaal Modelspoor Museum (61 reviews)
- Small scale trainmodels and display
Speciality Museums

The national miniaturen railway museum in Sneek had a fairly large of train and the different rail carriages displays schorsing to age. Furthermore there are a number of model with multiple working train track in a miniature landscape. One operates a trainset by pressing a lit button. Enjoyment for young and old. Highly recommended with kids See more..
4.5 Weduwe Joustra (58 reviews)
- Delightful stop & taste
Tuesday: 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
Tuesday: 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 Eilander Balg Express (50 reviews)
- Tractor ride into the Far East
Nature & Wildlife Tours

Cute & interesting ride towards the most east of the island “de Balg” with friends and their children. It took about 45 minutes to get there. In the distance we could see some seals on a nearby bank. See more..
4.0 Franeker City Hall (50 reviews)
- Beautiful Building in a small town
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

Visited Franeker as part of tour of my ancestral roots. The town was clean, easy to walk and interesting. The City Hall was an unexpected treat. It was open for tours with printed material explaining the building, its additions and the function of the inside rooms.There was a docent who was welcoming and helpful but with limited English. There was no charge to tour the building. See more..
4.0 Vuurtoren Vlieland (48 reviews)
- Good views of the island
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses • Observation Decks & Towers

Great views from the top, over to the ferry harbour and to the north coast of the island. Definitely worth the €3 entry fee. There’s also a small gift shop. You don’t have to be fit to climb to the top. See more..
4.5 Kazemattenmuseum (48 reviews)
- market garden battlefield tour.
Speciality Museums

visited here as part of a leger battlefield tour for the 71st anniversary of market garden it consist of 2 original pill boxes and is overseen and run by local volunteers and only costs 1 euro to go inside them both both of them have small displays inside and its great to see history first hand. well worth seeing, also while we were visiting, there were a group of re enactors dressed up as american and german soldiers which added to the historic flavour and they had a camp set up too. See more..
4.5 Het Hannemahuis (48 reviews)
- Rating it a bit high, but...
Speciality Museums

It was a pleasant stop in this quintessential little Dutch town to dive into a bit of local nostalgia in a beautiful little building, a block away from the canals, that lead to the harbor, that beacons to the open sea. See more..
4.5 Talisman zeehondentocht Terschelling (46 reviews)
- Boat is exempt, can come within 10 meters of the shoal where the seals just lay about!
Boat Tours

Great! There were dozens, if not hundreds, of seals just chilling. The Talisman apparently has an exemption, as opposed to other boats, where they came within a few meters of the shoals. Be a good passenger and person: you should pay attention to the seals: are they hurt, stuck in a fishing net, etc. Also mind your voice: they scare easily. Would recommend! See more..
4.5 Kaasboerderij Ameland (44 reviews)
- Our favorite spot for cheese and ice cream
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Every time we are at Ameland we visit the Kaasboerderij. They have great home made cheese as well as ice cream. You eat both fresh before you jump on your bike again and continue your cycling trip See more..
4.0 Museum Dokkum (44 reviews)
- Small, interesting museum with good overview of local history and culture
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums

During a visit to the North of Friesland we spent some time in Dokkum. A visit to the local museum is worthwhile as it gives a good insight into local history and culture and the introduction of Christianity by missionaries from England. Bishop and Saint Bonifatius, born as Winfred in Devon town of Anglo-Saxon England, was murdered here on 5 June 754 AD in his effort to convert the local population. He became the patron saint of Germania, known as the Apostle of the Germans. See more..
4.5 Shellmuseum (44 reviews)
- The greatest place to look at shells in the world.
Tuesday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Speciality Museums

This review was written by our 8-year old son. The museum was one of the best days of my life. I liked the giant crab and mini crabs, also the giant spiral shell and all the multi-colored shells, but my favorite thing was the man who owns the museum. He was so nice to explain everything in English, including the shell of the oldest and longest living creature in the world (life span of 400 years). He also taught me about birds and showed us a special nest. Then he told us where to go on the beach to find shells, and we stayed at the beach until dark and found many rare shells! See more..

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