Viva Friesland: an ode to the picture perfect landscape and more
Winter is (almost) on. Rain, falling leaves, bare branches and more rain. And when that wintery season has started again, we feel like doing other things again. Making plans for spring, what are we going to do during the May holidays or what are we doing at Easter? What will we do when we can pack our suitcases again? Out and about with the family, get aways in your own country, experience a bit of culture, and hit the road with all the stuff.
Dunes and dikes, forests and beaches, lakes and swamps. Nowhere else will you find so many different landscapes per square kilometer as in Friesland. In 2021, the province will celebrate Ode to the Frisian landscape. How does that work then? Well, they organize fun activities there and there are a lot of sights that show you why the Frisian landscape deserves an ode. Friesland is one good to go place because: 1) Friesland has a beautiful landscape and it here all year round is a nice place to stay. 2) Friesland also has the perfect places to warm up between rain showers and 3) viva Friesland: it's always fun there and there is more than enough space for everyone, you know with the pandemic and all. Do you read and take notes? Not just tips were to go in Friesland but also tips and tricks to go again when it comes to that beautiful landscape.
You know what's so funny? The Frisians have found a friend and an enemy in the water. For centuries they have been trying to keep it out and let it in. Nice and schizophrenic. But they do it very well! We sail on it, cycle along it and put on our skates when it freezes. Who doesn't know the Eleven Cities Tour (did you know that the last one was held in 1997?) Let's just ignore it - we'll leave that to the pros. And we are not the only ones, so the creative Frisians have come up with something about this: The 11fountains in Friesland. Eleven internationally renowned artists have upgraded the eleven cultural cities of Friesland with waterworks. Fog, ice, steam, seawater… every city has its own story. The good news? This 11fountains tour is perfectly possible without ice. Also nice, every state has one 11fountains walking trail. These routes take no longer than 30 minutes and take you past the nicest ones highlights of the different cities. Image via 11fountains
If you are looking for a nice place to stay the night, this is the Post Plaza good to go. A more than nice hotel in a former post office. The building was cleverly and attractively renovated while retaining original elements and was occupied by both a hotel and a grand café. Leeuwarden does not have many breakfast places, so if you want to start the day like a king, then this is it Post Plaza a good idea. (Tweebaksmarkt 27).
Wadopera Peter Grimes
The largest tidal area in the world can be found along the Frisian coast, cool, right? Quite a unique piece of nature in the Netherlands. We understand that UNESCO has even given the Wadden Sea area World Heritage status. How about Wadopera, wad? Yes, wadopera. Put it in your diary: premiere on September 17, 2021, Wadopera in Fryslân. That's what we call a unique location for one performance. Wadopera Peter Grimes is performed outside the dike. Very special to experience, even if you have never been to an opera. This will be a magical spectacle.
Also nice mudflat walking. Good to know not suitable for couch potatoes, binge watchers, landlubbers, speed demons, concrete eaters, Sunday drivers, people who stay indoors or people who find nature dirty. More of this? Then take a look here.
Image via Jan Bijl and Niels Lahuis
Museums? Save it for a rainy day? Well, a museum visit is always possible. Provided the museum in question is worth it, of course. Fortunately, Leeuwarden has at least two great recommendations:
Tough, stiff and idiosyncratic? Hop, to it Fries Museum and discover the Frisian within yourself, ha. Go there for a cup of coffee, a movie, but especially for the museum. All information about the eleven cities and the countryside, the love-hate relationship with the water, the search for the typically Frisian and the place of Friesland in the world. Fun and educational, it can't get any crazier here in Viva Friesland.
The program Fries Museum has already won several (international) awards and that is of course not without reason. From February 13 to July 18, 2021, a major exhibition about embroidery in fashion can be seen in the Fries Museum. In the exhibition Haute Bordure clothing and accessories from our own collection are supplemented with many historical and striking works such as an evening dress with tinkling bells by Viktor and Rolf and a richly decorated gown by Queen Máxima. Image via Petrovsky & Ramone.
Between about twelve and three o'clock the hunger clap sounds. The tasty appetite. In Leeuwarden you will – sooner or later – find it at the address of Conscious sandwich. A mega menu is ready for you to sample, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
The ooh-ooh of an owl in the distance, crickets in the grass, wind along the roofs and waves in the water, you only hear it when it is really quiet. Lying on your back, looking at the starry sky, you know it all in Friesland. Romantic get away with your sweetheart? Then visit Dark Sky Park in National Park Lauwersmeer, here it is not just dark, no this is unique. Why then? Well, it is almost nowhere else this dark, that is why you can see so many stars. There are only two Dark Sky Parks in the Netherlands and both can be found in Friesland (the other on De Boschplaat on Terschelling). In clear weather the Milky Way can be clearly seen here. Here it is dark and it will remain so, visitors are welcome at night to view the starry sky and everything else that darkness brings with it.
That starry sky is not just a picture to look at, what lies behind it is also interesting and fun for young and old. Plan a visit and it Planatarium (the oldest in the world by Volkammer Eise Elsinga) in Franeker and learn all ins and outs about the stars and planets. More information? Then take a look here.
Photos via Marcel van Kammen
Dinner tip: Probationary leave. During your stay in Leeuwarden you should definitely visit the Blokhuispoort. This former prison was renovated at the beginning of 2018 and has since housed the wonderful restaurant including an incredibly nice terrace on or actually practically on the water, which - if you are on a boat - can mean mooring. Even if it is only for a short while, with your feet over board, probationary leave is fun, the people are very nice there, which is also important to us. For example, try the salmon tataki as a starter and order it again. And again. Never enough.
Also very nice, the Grutterswinkel, an old-fashioned grocer located in a listed 17th-century building where the nicest ladies in impeccable aprons serve you. (Nieuwesteeg 5)
Peat route, what that is? A cultural sailing route through Friesland that meanders past forests, nature reserves and heathlands. And while you sail the route you will pass all kinds of stories about the rich and famous people from years ago, the peat owners and poor peat givers. A stop in Heerenveen along the way, or fill a picnic basket and tour but. And if you are in the area, it is worth a visit Oranjewoud estate strip card you can also book a good to go.
The post office is a grand bistro in the center of Heerenveen. And when we talk about service, it is second to none here. Very friendly people who, together, do everything they can to make your evening go as it should collision. The passion shines through. The formal and casual looks are as you expect them at a bistro. Cozy, warm and atmospheric, but at the Post Office you feel a cool swing. The dishes come from as much as possible Big Green egg and charcoal, cool and very tasty. And not only meat comes from the charcoal, but also fresh fish, vegetables and other vegetarian options.
Hardwork x Fogeltje, an awesome vintage store in the City Leeuwarden with sustainable clothing from brands such as Nudie, Armed Angels, Nümph and Selected Femme. Plus cool ones vintage finds such as an old school desk or a beautiful wooden sideboard. Read more here.
Party, the UNESCO declared largest functioning steam pumping station in the world celebrates its 100th birthday bash. The Woudagemaal has a special visitor center for young and old with a cinema with 3D film, panoramic room and children can participate in a treasure hunt and be trained as an assistant engineer.
Do you want to keep going to the mudflats with dry feet? In the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center you will learn everything about the future of climate change and sea level rise.
Keramiekmuseum Princessehof is also always a good plan. It is not only the birthplace of the famous Escher, now you can also see the exhibition Home at MC Escher here. Really worth a visit during your stay get away to Friesland. Not least because of the beautiful building with the handsome courtyard, but also because of the special entrance and the old room of Princess Maria Louise (yes really, Maria Louise as in the Princess of Orange-Nassau). A whole lot of porcelain, pieces of shipwreck and more from the depths of the sea, in short: the secrets of the Maritime Silk Road. Keramiekmuseum Princessehof
You will find it right in the center of Leeuwarden Roast. Another great business with an industrial look. The main component of Roast is – you may have guessed it – the grill. And there is usually chicken underneath. But also duck, beetroot with carrots or tuna. The menu changes regularly and beer lovers have also come to the right place. Would you like something different than a high tea? We get it, they serve a high Gin here, ha. Hendricks in a teapot with matching bites, ha.
moon, two people, 1 experienced catering entrepreneur, 1 creative food lover who's in to the power and possibilities of social media. This has come together in a concept called Moon. The most instagrammable spot in the city, Leeuwarden. Where quality is number 1 in all areas. Only the best is good enough for our guests. The best quality in the food served, the drinks, the staff and especially the interior. An eye for detail. By quility pleasures to healthy eating. Bee Moon can do it all.
The Place is your place for vintage clothing and accessories, we like. (Ossekop 1)
NØRD concept store, a nice shop and coffee bar. In the store you will find interior items, handmade jewelry, sustainable goodies, children's gifts, crockery, paper products and mega-beautiful plants. Made by small designers and, if possible, with a sustainable story behind it.
Eand door further away Tres Jolie where you can shop in rural chic: chalk paint, furniture and small gifts. (Sint Jacobsstraat 13)
At Beat the Day denim from the most beautiful, contemporary brands is sold, both for him and for her. The place is hip: there is a DJ booth, at the back there is a hair salon with a barber and if you walk a little further, you will arrive in a hidden garden. (Nieuwestad 53).
Here are some of the nicest Airbnbs – perfect for a night or weekend in Ljouwert. From us, for you, the 'you want it' Airbnbs of Frieslands finest on a row.
City lodging, this picture of a city lodging is located in just such a prime location. Your own kitchen within reach and a brand new bathroom. Everything spic and span, we like. Favorite spot: the window seat. Enjoy a cup of coffee and look out over cozy Leeuwarden.
Number 100 sleeping on the waterWhen you think of Friesland, you think of water. And skating, but that is after all on frozen water, immense? Staying on this houseboat in Leeuwarden is a great tip. Inside, the ark is neatly decorated and spotlessly clean. A fifteen minute walk takes you to the center and on sunny days the terrace of the boat is the only place you want to be.
For more information about viva Friesland, read here. And here for all events.
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