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The Tour of all Tours
The utmost point of the route. It is called 'The Hell of the North' getting there. It is also the turning point on the route. The most northern city of the Netherlands has a rich history, but is standing firmly with two legs in the clay soil (dutch saying). A sober, but fancy town where you can shop pleasantly and lounge after a nice walk. With the Waddenzee and the area surrounding the Lauwersmeer in its backyard this is not the end of the world, but you can see it from there.
The passionate history of the city of Franeker, Frjentsjer, is reflected in its centre, with grand monuments and small historical gems. The Franeker church has its own garden, with a fountain depicting the birthplace of comets, and in the house of a humble wool carder, you'll find the oldest still-working planetarium in the world, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2023.
Harlingen, Harns, is the only seaport city in Friesland where wind and water reign. Enthusiasts of a glorious nautical past will discover beautiful warehouses, impressive facades, unique inner harbours, and charming streets here.
Bolsward originated on three artificial mounds, the oldest of which dates back to the beginning of the Common Era, and there is more to this seemingly ordinary town. The city is full of small discoveries, rich history, monumental buildings, and cozy terraces.
Workum has something for everyone: from Jopie Huisman to cozy terraces, from guild bars to natural values. You can enjoy the beautiful paintings of the scrap metal and rag dealer Jopie Huisman, and there is also a museum where you can learn about the rich history of Workum. The old town centre and the nature surrounding the town are certainly worth a visit.
This city likes to do things its own way, making Hindeloopen, Hylpen, a distinctive trendsetter. The direct connection from the Zuiderzee to the Baltic Sea brought them in contact with printed cotton fabrics, known as sits. The fashionistas of the 19th century could be found in Hindeloopen.
Surrounded by the waters of the IJsselmeer, you can’t miss Stavoren. At least not without a boat. Like all the other Frisian cities along the former Zuiderzee, maritime trade played a significant role here as well. Enjoy beautiful sea views during a walk along the harbour.
Welcome to the smallest of the eleven cities: Sloten, or Sleat. Once a strategic player along the waterway from Sneek to the Zuiderzee, it is now a haven for water sports enthusiasts and a cozy retreat for those looking to escape the daily routine. The town centre, with its old, beautiful houses and fortifications where you can hear a cannon fire, gives it a charm that you won’t find anywhere else.
IJlst has three churches, two windmills, a museum, a protected cityscape, and a train station. So, you won’t have to bite on a piece of wood if you want to spend a day in IJlst (Frisian: Drylts). And that piece of wood is actually the heart of this town. Here, tree trunks were sawn into planks and wood was crafted into handy items. Today, you can fully relax here and leave feeling completely zen, ready for the next city.
For a brief period in the fifteenth century, Sneek was the capital of Friesland. It makes sense, as it was the central hub for all Frisian water traffic. Sneek, or Snits, remains that hub, and the annual Sneek Week is a full reminder of this. Around the Waterpoort, the largest pool party in Friesland takes place. Thanks to the shops, terraces, and parks of historic Sneek, it’s a lovely place to visit throughout the year.
The capital of Friesland and the start/finish location on the Friesche Elfsteden route. The historic capital with a centre that is still the best-kept secret of the Netherlands, featuring a tower that leans more than the one in Pisa.
