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Different Types of Holiday Homes in Friesland
There are many options for renting a holiday home in Friesland. You could choose a budget-friendly holiday home in Friesland or opt for a luxury holiday home with a range of extra amenities. Options range from simple chalets to stylish holiday villas. If you plan to go boating during your holiday, consider a waterfront holiday home in Friesland—these often come with a private jetty. When renting directly from a private owner, you may even be able to hire a boat as well. Use the search filters to easily specify your preferences. The type of home you choose will naturally depend in part on the size of your group. Families might opt for a holiday home for 4 people or a 6-person holiday home in Friesland, and there are also accommodations available for larger groups, such as a spacious 12-person holiday home in Friesland.
Should You Leave Your Pet at Home or Take Them With You?
Many people dislike leaving their pets behind when they go on holiday. They miss their dogs or cats and worry about how they’re doing. Arranging for a friend or family member to look after them can be difficult, or it might mean paying for an expensive kennel. Planning a holiday can be tricky if your pet isn’t comfortable staying elsewhere. That’s why we clearly indicate for each holiday home whether pets are allowed—and how many. Wouldn’t it be great if your pet could enjoy the holiday with you? Start your search for a pet-friendly holiday home in Friesland and discover the options!
Exploring the Frisian Lakes
Staying in a holiday home in Friesland almost calls for getting out on the water. Of course, Friesland also offers wonderful cycling and walking routes, as well as charming cities to explore such as Leeuwarden, Harlingen or Sneek. Boating and Friesland are inseparable. If you’re renting a holiday home in Friesland, you’ll often have the chance to bring your own boat. In many cases, you can also hire a sloop or sailboat locally to spend time on the water. If you don’t have boating experience, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules beforehand. Especially in peak season, the lakes and waterways can get quite busy.
Not a water sports enthusiast? No problem—Friesland has plenty more to offer. You can take a trip to one of the Wadden Islands. Terschelling, Ameland, and Vlieland are accessible by ferry from Harlingen. If your holiday home is in southern Friesland and you don’t feel like traveling far, you could also spend a day in the neighboring provinces of Groningen or Drenthe. Read on to discover more about the best activities and sights in Groningen!
Experience Friesland, the Watersports Province
If you’re staying in a holiday home in Friesland, you can enjoy the region’s unique sports and traditions. Many people book a waterfront holiday home to be close to popular events. In the summer, Friesland hosts the famous Skûtsjesilen sailing races, featuring authentic Frisian sailboats and drawing large crowds. Other typical Frisian sports include kaatsen (a local ball game) and fierljeppen (pole vaulting over waterways). Friesland is also well known for its ice skating heritage. Legendary skaters such as Rintje Ritsma, Falko Zandstra, and Sjoukje Dijkstra hail from this province, among many others.
Top 5 Attractions in Friesland
Still unsure if Friesland is the right holiday destination for you, or wondering what there is to do? Your holiday home in Friesland should be well worth the trip. Below, you’ll find five recommendations for attractions that are definitely worth a visit.
Elfstedentocht
Every year, people across the Netherlands, especially in Friesland, hope the Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour) can take place. However, the weather conditions required haven’t occurred for many years. Even so, the eleven Frisian cities have plenty to offer beyond skating. These days, many people explore the Elfstedentocht route on foot or by bike. Discover charming stone churches and marvel at the traditional windmills along the way.
Harlingen
Harlingen is one of the oldest sea ports in the Netherlands. With its 500 listed buildings, it feels like an open-air museum and is famous for its cultural heritage. It’s a fantastic city for a scenic and interesting walking tour, and on sunny days, a boat tour can be a delightful way to see the city from the water.
Kameleondorp
While it’s not a large amusement park, Kameleondorp is a fun attraction that’s well worth a visit. Located in the Frisian village of Terhorne, it’s dedicated to the book series “De Kameleon” by Hotze de Roos. Here, you can experience what life was like in 1949, the era of the fictional twin brothers Hielke and Sietse Klinkhamer.
Fries Museum
The Fries Museum focuses on the history and culture of Friesland. In its modern building, you’ll find tens of thousands of objects showcasing Frisian heritage. The exhibits cover topics from WWII resistance and persecution to freedom today, making it an engaging visit for all ages.
Woudagemaal
This is the only operational steam-powered pumping station in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opened in 1920 by Queen Wilhelmina, it’s still occasionally used to regulate water levels. The visitor centre offers fascinating insights into the Woudagemaal and serves refreshments as well.
Book Your Holiday Home in Friesland Quickly and Easily
Have you found your ideal holiday home in Friesland? Before making your final decision, review the property details to ensure it meets all your requirements. With such a wide selection, there’s sure to be something that suits your taste. Once you’ve found the perfect fit, don’t wait too long—book your preferred dates promptly. Simply click the “Book Now” button to be redirected to the provider’s website, where you can complete your reservation. Then, it’s just a matter of looking forward to your upcoming holiday!
Frequently Asked Questions about Friesland
Whether you’re seeking peace and quiet, stunning nature, or adventure, Friesland has it all. With its unique culture, charming towns, and picturesque villages, Friesland is an ideal holiday destination. After reading through this page, you’ll likely have a good idea of what else this province has to offer. Still have a question about Friesland? Take a look at the frequently asked questions alongside. You might just find the answer you’re looking for.
There are plenty of things to do in Friesland:
- Visit historic cities such as Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, known for its beautiful monuments and museums.
- Enjoy the stunning nature, including the Wadden Island of Schiermonnikoog, the Lauwersmeer area, and the Frisian Woods.
- Go sailing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing on the Frisian lakes and the Wadden Sea.
- Visit a local farm or cheese farm and taste regional specialties.
- Experience sporting events such as the Elfstedentocht or sailing competitions on the Frisian lakes.
- Explore charming rural villages and historic towns like Workum, Hindeloopen, and Sloten.
- Discover cultural activities such as visiting the Fries Museum, the Fries Agricultural Museum, and the Nature Museum Fryslân.
Leeuwarden, Sneek, Harlingen, Franeker, Hindeloopen, Sloten, Workum, Schiermonnikoog and Grou:
- Leeuwarden: the capital of Friesland, known for its beautiful landmarks such as the Oldehove Tower, the Frisian Museum, and the Frisian Agricultural Museum.
- Sneek: a historic city with a charming centre and plenty of cultural events, including the popular Sneekweek festival.
- Harlingen: a lively harbour town filled with interesting shops, restaurants, and cafés.
- Franeker: a historic city featuring a picturesque centre and the Eise Eisinga Planetarium, one of the oldest working planetariums in the world.
- Hindeloopen: a traditional fishing village with a lovely old town and a rich cultural scene.
- Sloten: a small historic town, famous for its scenic canals and windmills.
- Workum: a historic town with a charming centre and the Jopie Huisman Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the renowned Frisian artist Jopie Huisman.
- Schiermonnikoog: a beautiful island with stunning natural landscapes, scenic walking and cycling paths, and a striking lighthouse.
- Grou: a friendly waterside town with inviting terraces, restaurants, and many opportunities for water sports.
Friesland offers plenty of great destinations for families, where children can enjoy nature, activities, and learning experiences. Some examples include AquaZoo Leeuwarden, the Frisian Woods, the Frisian Wadden, the Frisian Lakes, and visits to local farms.
Yes, in Friesland you can enjoy a variety of water sports such as sailing, surfing, canoeing, and kitesurfing on the Frisian Lakes and the Wadden Sea.
There are many beautiful natural areas in the province of Friesland. Here are some examples:
- National Park Lauwersmeer: This stunning nature reserve features peatlands, reed beds, lakes, and ponds. It is home to a wide variety of birds, including some rare species.
- Wadden Islands: The Wadden Islands offer unique landscapes with beautiful dunes, mudflats, sandy beaches, and distinctive plant and animal life. The most well-known islands are Schiermonnikoog, Ameland, Terschelling, and Vlieland.
- De Alde Feanen: This remarkable natural area consists of peatlands, reed beds, lakes, and ponds. It is a great place to enjoy nature and take part in various recreational activities.
- Friese Wouden: This picturesque forested region is perfect for walking, cycling, horse riding, and relaxing in nature. The area is also rich in history, with many old villages, windmills, and country houses to explore.