Destinations / Netherlands / Friesland
Most tourists travelling to the Netherlands choose Amsterdam as their main destination. Although a tour of the capital is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, the small country on the North Sea coast offers other ways to spend your holiday. Especially for those of you who prefer quiet villages to bustlingcities, a cruise in the northern and largest province of the Netherlands — Friesland — will be tailor-made.
Unique nature is complemented by a specific culture
If you decide to explore the northern part of the Netherlands, you don't have to worry about missing out on the classic experiences the country has to offer. On the contrary. In Friesland, you'll find villages unspoilt by tourism and pleasant towns dominated by windmills where locals still wear clogs. The province is a remnant of the legendary empire of Friesland and its people still speak their own language. The capital of the region is Leeuwarden, where, among other things, the famous agent Mata Hari was born. But other towns are also worth a visit — Heeg as a former centre of trade.
West Frisian islands attract fauna and flora
One of the main tourist attractions of Friesland is the archipelago that lines the coast of the mainland. The so-called West Frisian islands are made up of several sand dune islands that, thanks to their flat surface, invite you to explore from the saddle of a bicycle or horse. Among the most popular destinations are the islands of Texel and Schiermonnkoog, which are home to important national parks. But the most visited island is Ameland, which is also known as the 'diamond of the Frisian Islands'. All travellers heading to the area will be particularly pleased with the island's varied flora and fauna. In addition to the countless species of birds, you can also see the cute seals that rest during low tide and go fishing during high tide.
A landscape made for a boat holiday
Our Frisian adventure called "Eleven Frisian Towns" will start in Koudum, a Frisian town located in the southwest of the province. From Koudum we recommend the route Koudum – Hindeloopen – Stavoren – Sloten – Sneek – Leeuwarden – Dokkum (the northernmost point of the route ) – Franeker – Harlingen – Bolsward – Koudum.
It's up to you which towns you decide to visit and which you choose to skip for a change. We bring you a taste of the best of each. Even the surrounding towns and villages that are not directly part of the so-called Eleven Towns are worth a visit. It would be a sin to miss Lemmer, for example, one of the most important water sports towns.
Distances on navigation channels between towns in Friesland
Where else but Holland on a houseboat! Let's pick one for you.
