This Dutch city has a charming old town with a central fountain and historic buildings. It's home to the Fries Museum and surrounded by lakes and nature reserves.
Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland province in the northern Netherlands, is a city rich in Frisian culture and history. As you walk along its canals and cobblestone streets, you'll encounter the leaning Oldehove tower, the repurposed Blokhuispoort prison, and museums dedicated to Frisian history and ceramics. The compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike, allowing you to experience Leeuwarden's unique character at your own pace.
Museums in Leeuwarden
The Fries Museum offers insights into Frisian culture and history. Its collection includes artifacts from the region's past and exhibits about famous Frisian figures like Mata Hari. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics. This museum, in M.C. Escher's birthplace, displays a wide range of ceramics from various parts of the world.
Leeuwarden's Historical Landmarks
In the center of Leeuwarden stands the Oldehove, an unfinished church tower from the 16th century that leans more than the Tower of Pisa. You can climb its 183 steps for a view over the city. Not far from here is the Blokhuispoort, a former prison now serving as a cultural hub. Inside its formidable walls, you'll find local shops, workshops, and a library occupying what used to be prison cells.
Shopping on Kleine Kerkstraat
Kleine Kerkstraat, voted the best shopping street in the Netherlands, embodies Leeuwarden's local character. This narrow street is home to many independent boutiques and specialty shops. You can chat with local shopkeepers and find Frisian specialties here.
De Groene Ster
When you want a change from city sights, visit De Groene Ster, a large recreational area just outside Leeuwarden. This park has lakes for swimming and sailing, as well as paths for walking and cycling. It's an ideal spot for a picnic or a day of relaxation in nature.
Leeuwarden's Food Scene
Leeuwarden's restaurants serve both traditional Frisian dishes and contemporary cuisine. You can try local specialties like suikerbrood (sugar bread) or beerenburg (a herb-flavored gin) at many of the city's cafes. For an unusual dining experience, visit Proefverlof restaurant in the Blokhuispoort, where you can eat fresh, locally-sourced food in a former prison setting.
Getting Around Leeuwarden
You can easily walk around Leeuwarden due to its small size. Like many Dutch cities, it's also very suitable for cycling. You have the option to rent a bicycle to travel around the city. Public buses are available for longer journeys or trips to nearby areas.
Day Trips to the Frisian Islands
From Leeuwarden, you can easily reach the Frisian Islands. These UNESCO World Heritage sites feature beaches, unique ecosystems, and small villages. Take a ferry from nearby Harlingen to visit islands such as Terschelling or Vlieland and experience coastal Dutch life.
