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Holiday home in Friesland – Experience the best of northern Holland

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Friesland: A gem of slow travel and cultural pride



Friesland is a masterclass in slow travel and cultural pride. It is a place where the horizon is broad, the language is melodious, and the locals are as resilient as the dikes they built. Whether you are looking for a seaside retreat, an active holiday or a cultural excursion, Friesland offers a distinct rhythm of life.

A brief history



Friesland has been inhabited for over 2,000 years. In the Middle Ages it was part of "Magna Frisia", a coastal powerhouse that stretched from modern Holland to Germany.

Terpene: Before modern dikes, the Frisians lived on man-made mounds called terpene to escape the rising tides. You can still see these high-altitude villages all over the landscape today.

Freedom-loving: Unlike much of Europe, Friesland never fully embraced the feudal system, leading to the proud motto: "Free Frisians".

Elfstedentocht: The history here is also linked to ice. Since 1909, the province has hosted the "Eleven Cities Tour", a 200km ice skating race on natural ice (although it hasn't frozen thick enough for a race since 1997).



If you like water and never-ending horizons, you've come to the right place. It's a premier sightseeing destination for nature lovers.

Wadden Sea: A UNESCO World Heritage Site. When the tide goes out, you can experience mudflat walking, a unique outdoor adventure where you actually walk on the seabed.

The Frisian Lakes: A paradise for sailors and windsurfers. It's the ultimate destination for a sailing holiday.

The Islands: Friesland comprises four inhabited Wadden Islands (Schiermonnikoog, Ameland, Terschelling and Vlieland), each with massive dunes and quiet beaches perfect for a relaxing break.

Typical Foods



Frisian cuisine is hearty and perfect for a windy day. Be sure to try these during your culinary tour:

Sûkerbôle: A decadent sugar loaf with pieces of pearl sugar baked inside.

Fryske Dúmkes: Small, crispy almond cookies flavored with ginger and anise.

Beerenburg: A strong herbal liqueur originally intended as medicine, but now the unofficial national drink.

Frisian clove cheese: A firm cheese seasoned with cloves and cumin.

Activities and Festivals



From family-friendly fun to energetic events, there’s always something going on.

Sailing and Boating: Hire a dinghy (small sailboat) and navigate the canals for a classic waterside holiday feel.

Waddling (Wadlopen): Walking through the mud at low tide to reach an island. It’s messy, exhausting and amazing.

Sneekweek: Europe’s largest inland waterway sailing event, combined with a massive week-long party in the town of Sneek.

Oerol Festival: A famous 10-day art and theatre festival held every June on the island of Terschelling, transforming the entire landscape into a stage.

Shopping & Cities



Don’t expect huge shopping malls; Friesland is all about charm and boutiques.

Leeuwarden: The capital. Check out the “Kleine Kerkstraat”, often voted one of the best shopping streets for its artisan shops.

Hindeloopen: A small, picturesque town known for its unique painted furniture and traditional fabrics.

Makkum: Famous for its world-famous "Royal Tichelaar Makkum" pottery, perfect for a souvenir that will last a lifetime.

Fun fact: The leaning tower of Oldehove in Leeuwarden actually leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa! It stands at an angle of 1.99°, whereas Pisa (after stabilization) stands at an angle of about 3.97° - but Oldehove looks much more "random".
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