For many, Friesland is synonymous with water sports. This is mainly due to the enormous popularity of the Frisian lake area as a holiday destination. Every year the Frisian Lakes region is the domain of water sports enthusiasts. They sail over the lakes and moor at the dozens of marinas or passers-by at the popular water sports locations, the name of which sound familiar to many. Sneek, Joure, Langweer, Heeg, Elahuizen, Terherne just to name a handful.

In addition, during the season numerous water sports events are organized in the area of ​​which the skûtsjesilen, organized by the SKS and the IFKS, is perhaps the most appealing to the imagination. But don’t forget the Sneekweek. The largest sailing event in the world on inland water.

The Frisian lake area is perfectly equipped for all types of water sports enthusiasts, there are maintenance and boat rental companies. Sailboats in all kinds of classes, sloops or yachts from large to small can be rented in all water sports locations.

Hindelooper paintwork art is a special style of painted furniture, walls, and objects. The style is colorful and consists of ornate floral motifs, bible prints, and sea scenes. This type of painting originated around 1650 and was very popular at the time in the so-called "captain’s houses" in Hindeloopen.

The style of painting is in line with the late Renaissance and early Baroque of the Dutch north. This can be recognized by the use of the acanthus plant, the imitation marble and representations from Greek mythology. The most important background colors are red, blue, white and green.

When you visit Hindeloopen, you can be thoroughly informed about this special form of folk art.

In the southeastern part of Friesland and the western part of Drenthe you will find the beautiful Drents-Friese Wold. This area, which covers more than 6,000 hectares, was designated as a National Park in 2000 and is also designated as a Natura 2000 area (protected nature area). After the Hoge Veluwe, the Drents-Friese Wold is the largest contiguous forest area in the Netherlands. In this spacious forest area, you will find extensive peat and heathland landscapes, swamp and drifting sand areas, brook valley grasslands and beautiful forests. The area is perfect for a nice cycling or walking holiday. You will immediately recognize the typical landscape of villages, the bulbous fields around the small villages that are accompanied by vast heaths and stream valleys full of blooming flowers. Also an ideal area for nature lovers or people who are looking for peace and quiet.

There are numerous activities to undertake and experience, such as forest walks with the forester and various workshops. You can also experience a bit of history and take a look at the Dolmen of Diever. All in all, the Drents-Friese Wold is a wonderful place for a peaceful holiday. And it is certainly worthwhile for a nice day of cycling or walking in this beautiful and natural area.

In the living room of his stately canal house in Franeker, between 1774 and 1781, the "woolcomber" Eise Eisinga recreated the solar system to scale. Nowadays, after almost 240 years, it is the oldest working planetarium in the world where you can still read the current position of the celestial bodies.

But the Eise Eisinga Planetarium is more than a planetarium. It is also a museum that houses an extensive collection of historical astronomical instruments and that pays attention to modern astronomy.

Every visitor receives an explanation in the planetarium room. The unique Planetarium of Eise Eisinga in Franeker is on the provisional list of World Heritage. When visiting Friesland, a visit to the Planetarium cannot be missed.

The 13 meter high Stupa for world peace, called "Tashi Gomang", was built by Lama Gawang Rinpoche. It took four years to accomplish this feat. Not only the beautiful exterior is special, but the Stupa is also filled to the brim with many special and sacred objects.

You will find the stupa past the mill near the village of Hantum. This village is located a few kilometers north of Dokkum. The stupa is open to visitors every Sunday, including a cup of tea and a tour. A small gift is appreciated. Groups by appointment.

11fountains - Bolsward - De Vleermuisfontein