Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Friesland Province, The Netherlands

1. 5.0 Kiteschool Loopy (61 reviews)
   - TOP
   Tuesday: 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..
   
2. 5.0 Soal Surf (60 reviews)
   - Kiteboarding lesson
   Tuesday: 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..
   
3. 5.0 Verhuurbedrijf Hollema (43 reviews)
   - Amazing
   Gear Rentals • Boat Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing
   
   
   Cheap, great quality and great people. It allowed us to discover the area around us. We rented bikes and one of those metal boats and all were in an excellent state and a joy to use. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Rondvaartbedrijf Allure (42 reviews)
   - Magical Boattrip in Sneek.
   Boat Tours
   
   
   When you are looking for a perfect trip on the Frisian waters, this is the place to book a trip! You are going to enjoy the most wonderful of Sneek and surroundings. Accompanied with a very friendly and skilled skipper the tour is everthing you wish for! A very nice picknick and outdoor relaxing. Happy days on the water! See more..
   
5. 5.0 KunstKamer Franeker (42 reviews)
   - You must experience Kunstkamer with Yvonne and Rob
   Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries
   
   
   Don't walk away from Art and Culture . . . but walk towards it. Art room Franeker is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 17 p.m. See more..
   
6. 5.0 Surfvillage (34 reviews)
   - HeartLand
   Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Gear Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding
   
   
   A beautiful place with even more beautiful people who know their job, do it well and with joy. They are happy to share their experience, smile, and good mood with you. In waves, they pay the utmost attention to you and try to extract the maximum skills from you, but at the same time learning is still fun. You'll be taught by people with hearts in the right place, and you can be sure that once you enter the ocean and ride the first wave, you won't want to stop. See more..
   
7. 5.0 Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog (34 reviews)
   - maybe one of the most beatiful Dutch landscapes
   National Parks • Islands
   
   
   This island, most of it National Park, is beautiful for its lovely village, great views, bird life, vegetation, and endless beaches See more..
   
8. 5.0 Ameland Adventure (31 reviews)
   - Beach Sailing
   Spent 1-2 hours Sports Camps & Clinics
   
   
   A spontaneous question turned into an awesome hour chasing the wind on Ameland's great beach. Very friendly staff who spoke Dutch, English and German. The instructions were very simple and a great sport once you get the hang of it... I highly recommend Ameland Adventure for all ages...I'm 50 and there were all ages in the group Male and female See more..
   
9. 5.0 Kitesurfschool KiteMobile (31 reviews)
   - Nice school
   Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Water Sports
   
   
   Great and kind people working here. Not always there so for rental it is not perfect. Alsow they are more expensive than other schools and not really better. The don't have a fixed location and are only have a old car. So next time i wil go to a other school. See more..
   
10. 5.0 Sail Experience (25 reviews)
    - What a great experience!
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours • Water Sports
    
    
    We visited Grou on the opening of the season and had a free sail clinic for an hour with Merel from Sail Experience. It was a beautiful day, sun and wind a great combination. For my partner it was the first time and Merel did everything to make the trip easy and interesting at the same time. We both had plenty of opportunity to get active and sail the great boat. We can highly recommend Merel and Sail Experience. She is a great tutor and you can book private lessons also. See more..
    
11. 5.0 Captain Rob Rondvaart (23 reviews)
    - Rondvaart Sneek - Rondje Starteiland
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours • Water Sports • Boat Rentals • Private Tours
    
    
    Zondag 7 mei hebben wij mogen genieten van een rondvaart door de grachten van Sneek en een rondje Starteiland - Sneekermeer. De prima en unieke opstap was voor de Waterpoort. Onze kapitein Rob heeft er een unieke ervaring van gemaakt mede door zijn kennis van Sneek en uitleg. Ook was er een mooie route vastgelegd. De catering was uitstekend aan boord en van uitstekende kwaliteit. Wij hadden onze 35-jarige huwelijksdag niet beter kunnen voorstellen. See more..
    
12. 5.0 Rondvaartbedrijf Kiewied (22 reviews)
    - Just GREAT!!
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
    
    
    Visiting the seals while they are resting on the sandbank is marvellous but the added value of this trip is the humorous but educational explanation of the crew when they comment on the fish they caught in the 'Waddenzee'. After only 15 minutes hanging out the fishing nets in the sea, they have plenty of fish to comment. And afterwards all of the fish goes back in the sea, alive and kicking... Great activity on a nice day and very educational for kids. It's not all fishsticks... A trip aboard the ship WL35 "Brakzand" is great!! See more..
    
13. 5.0 Tuktuk Vlieland (22 reviews)
    - Vielen Dank für die schöne Inseltour
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Taxis & Shuttles • Sightseeing Tours • Day Trips
    
    
    Wer die Insel auf eine individuelle und persönliche Art kennen lernen möchte, sollte die Tuktuk Tour unbedingt machen. Kees erzählt einfach alles auf eine liebenswerte und sympathische Art und Weise. Es hat sehr viel Spaß gemacht. Auch das Cranberry pflücken und hinterher Marmelade kochen war super.
    Ganz lieben Dank. See more..
    
14. 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..
    
15. 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..
    
16. 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..
    
17. 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..
    
18. 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..
    
19. 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..
    
20. 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..
    
21. 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..
    
22. 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..
    
23. 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..
    
24. 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..
    
25. 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..
    
26. 4.5 Theater Sneek (43 reviews)
    - Great venue!
    Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters
    
    
    I have visited the theatre a few times before and it keeps amazing me how well everything is organised! Very friendly staff members and a good area for your jackets. I will definitely come here more often! See more..
    
27. 4.5 Nobels Nostalgisch Museum (41 reviews)
    - Awesome!
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    I went here with my family and we were pleasantly surprised. The pictures on here only show a very small part of the experience. In our opinion this was one of the best things to see in Ameland. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Amelander Bierbrouwerij (40 reviews)
    - Heerlijk weer en heerlijk bier
    Breweries
    
    
    Na een leuke fietstocht hier neergestreken voor een heerlijke proeverij. Leuk pandje en heerlijk terrasje. Hier komen we zeker een keer terug! See more..
    
29. 4.5 Kerkhof Vredenhof (39 reviews)
    - Special place to visit
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries
    
    
    After a schipwreck in 1863 when 9 sailers washed up the beach of Schiermonninkoog a start was made with Vredenhof, a cementary ony for victoms of the sea and the war. It now has the remainders of over 100 sailers and soldiers mostly from te first and second World War. Coming from Franche, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, these people have found their resting place here thanks to the people of the island. Its peaceful location in the dunes, surrounded by trees makes Vredenhof a very special place to stand still and commemorate the loss of lives. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Vuurtoren Brandaris (37 reviews)
    - Super landmark
    Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses
    
    
    This lighthouse is THE landmark of Terschelling. You can see it from far away. It is boxy but beautiful. See more..
    
31. 4.5 Groene strand (34 reviews)
    - Great to stroll around at high and low tide.
    Spent More than 3 hours Beaches
    
    
    Very close to West-Terschelling, you can stroll around on the beach and experience the high & low tide difference. See more..
    
32. 4.5 't Andere Museum (34 reviews)
    - A true treasure trove
    Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    The Other Museum from Oldtimer to Lace The museum has a broad collection for both young and old. We have an oldtimer, radio and photography collection for men, a lace and fashion collection for the lady’s and model trains for the children See more..
    
33. 4.5 De Kruidhof Hortus van Friesland (33 reviews)
    - Nice visit
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens
    
    
    This botanical garden shows you 17 beautiful theme gardens with a.o. the biggest botanical collection of medicinal herbs in Western Europe. They also sell a lot of the plants,trees and herbs you find in the garden. With your ticket you can also visit the Ice Age museum, the playground and the cafe on the terrain. See more..
    
34. 4.5 Town Hall Bolsward (33 reviews)
    - One of the best in the Netherlands
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    I'm probably prejudiced as I have family there and have been to weddings there but it's a beautiful old building! See more..
    
35. 4.5 Boat rental Ouweseun (29 reviews)
    - A great way to spend a morning
    Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
    
    
    We hired a spacious motor boat for 2 hours which was enough time to follow the canal out into the country side through the reed beds where we saw many different birds. The canals were very quiet and easy to navigate. The owner is a real character and was very helpful in taking us through how the outboard worked and providing us with a map and suggesting a route If you've 3 to 4 hours to spare you can do a round trip out of Harlingen via several local villages and back. See more..
    
36. 4.5 Lemmer Kanaal (27 reviews)
    - Fabulous place!
    Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Piers & Boardwalks
    
    
    One of the most amazing and fabulous places in Netherlands. Vintage yachts, cozy streets and houses in the best traditions of Friesland. See more..
    
37. 4.5 Het Bouwe Hoekstrapad (27 reviews)
    - Highly recommended
    Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails
    
    
    Nice view, you can watch birds, listen to the nature and relax. It is a beautiful place that can be reached easily by bike or by walk. See more..
    
38. 4.5 Thialf (26 reviews)
    - Super sports event
    Arenas & Stadiums
    
    
    Fantastic location for icesports. Vikingrace 2020 was held here, and it was a amazing event. Professional team. See more..
    
39. 4.5 National Park De Alde Faenen (25 reviews)
    - Mix of nature and a leisure parc (watersports)
    National Parks
    
    
    Nice scenic location, an interesting mixture of a nature and a leisure parc (watersports). So, can't be the best of both worlds but if you select the right time (of day) for a visit you can find peace and quiet or a buzzing environment; whichever you prefer! See more..
    
40. 4.5 Golf & Countryclub Lauswolt (25 reviews)
    - Nicely situated
    Spent More than 3 hours Golf Courses
    
    
    Between the trees of the woods, nect to golf nice to have a walk around the place. Nucely quiet and nit to crowded See more..
    
41. 4.5 Drenkelingenhuisje (24 reviews)
    - Walk or take the ‘beach-bus’ to this Sahara.
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    We have taken the ‘Beach-bus’ (Vliehors express) to the Drenkelingenhuisje (shipwreck house). Which is a great experience. It is a desolate and empty space at the island of Vlieland. Going by bus is already great, though then you inevitably are there with a bunch of other people. Therefore I can imagine it is even greater when you go there on your own, walking to this place at almost the West-end of the island. Obviously this is quite a stroll of about 6 kilometre - one way, measured from the most westward end of the paved cycling paths. See more..
    
42. 4.5 Alde Faenen (22 reviews)
    - Beautiful
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Boat Rentals • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
    
    
    This is a must if you want to see the most beautiful National Park in Fryslan. We took a boot tour to view the lakes and see the migratory birds. Even saw a sea eagle which is very rare. Although it was winter and a little chilly we enjoyed it immensely and will come back again in summer. See more..
    
43. 4.5 Gallery Ogygia (22 reviews)
    - Nice art
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    This Gallery on Schiermonnikoog has a nice selection of original artworks with a nice price range. I like that they feature local artists. See more..
    
44. 4.5 It Fiskershuske (21 reviews)
    - Worth the trip to the end of the world
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    Moddergat is not really the end of the world, but that seems to be the case when you reach the "Waddenzee" dike after driving along narrow roads and look in infinity over the Waddenzee. The museum is situated right there at the road along the dike and consists of a number of historic fishermen houses, restored with loving care. The museum tells the story of the history of the fishermen and their families, including the terrible disaster with the storm in 1887. This museum touched the heartstrings and I recommend it highly. Free parking across the street. Entrance for a fee, free entrance with the annual Dutch Museum Pass. In this period of corona virus restrictions, an on line reservation should be made. See more..
    
45. 4.5 Passantenhaven Heegerwal (21 reviews)
    - Good site
    Spent More than 3 hours Marinas
    
    
    This is not really an attraction, but a port, and small campground for tents, campers etc. There is a small beach, you can rent boats, e-bikes. Staff is so friendly and helpfull but most of all very very very clean here. See more..
    
46. 4.5 Rijksmonument Stadhuis Sneek uit 1550-1605 (21 reviews)
    - Very special
    Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
    
    
    Nice location, lots of history. one of the better city halls in the Northern Provinces. Big recommendation. See more..
    
47. 4.5 De Vlielander Kaasbunker (20 reviews)
    - Cheese
    Tuesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Factory Tours
    
    
    Excellent place to visit and to experience cheese made with passion. Nice guided tour by video - to enter bunker you need to be in good shape See more..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.