Tips for day out – 12 fun activities in Friesland

When you think of Friesland, you may immediately think of water, sailing, picturesque villages and the famous Elfstedentocht. But this northern province of the Netherlands has even more to offer. In this blog, we highlight 12 fun activities in Friesland. Active outings, relaxing outings, cultural outings and just really fun and enjoyable outings. Because in Friesland there is something for everyone.

1. Island hopping in the Wadden Sea

An obvious activity, but also an absolute favorite: a day (or longer!) of island hopping on the Wadden Islands. Take the boat to Terschelling, Ameland or Schiermonnikoog and enjoy the beautiful nature, endless beaches and cozy villages.

Tip 1: Rent a bike on Terschelling and explore the entire island!

Tip 2: Go mudflat hiking at low tide

Tip 3: Visit Ameland’ s lighthouse for a spectacular view!

2. Suppen through the Frisian lakes

Discover the Frisian lakes in a different way than with a sloop: go supping! At several rental locations you can rent a supboard and enjoy paddling through the beautiful nature. Ideal for a sultry summer evening!

Tip 1: Try SUP yoga for an extra challenge

Tip 2: Join a sunset SUP tour!

3. Fries Natuurmuseum in Leeuwarden

Is the weather a bit off? No problem! Visit the Fries Natuurmuseum in Leeuwarden. Here you will learn everything about the Frisian nature and animal world. Super fun and educational for the kids!

Tip: Combine your visit with a city walk through the historic center of Leeuwarden.

4. Picnicking in the Drents-Friese Wold

Set out with a well-stocked picnic basket and enjoy the beautiful nature in the Drents-Friese Wold National Park. Walk through the woods, spot wildlife and end the day with a refreshing dip in the Aekingermeer lake.

Tip: Visit the visitor center for fun activities or book a nature excursion with a forest ranger.

5. Discover the Eleven Cities Route

Cycle part of the famous Elfstedenroute and discover the picturesque Frisian towns. Stop along the way for an ice cream or a terrace and enjoy the Frisian conviviality.

Tip 1: The stretch between Franeker and Dokkum is highly recommended!

Tip 2: Visit the Planetarium in Franeker

Tip 3: Discover the 11 ‘eleven cities’ fountains created by 11 top international artists that can be found along the route.

6. Aqua Zoo Friesland

A day at the zoo, but just that bit different! In Aqua Zoo Friesland you will discover all kinds of special water animals. From cute penguins to impressive sea lions.

Tip 1: You can organize 5 different kinds of children’s parties here

Tip 2: Unique in the Netherlands! During the polar bear inspection you get to see the medical checks that the animal caretakers perform on the polar bears every day from up close.

7. Sailing through the Frisian waters

Rent a sloop or motorboat and sail through the beautiful Frisian waters. Moor at one of the many waterside cafes or find a quiet spot for a swim. Ideal for a carefree summer day!

Tip 1: Check the canal cruise calendar to see which canal cruise you can join

Tip 2: Try canoeing or kayaking for a more sporty experience.

8. Fruit picking at Fruittuinen Verhage

Go on your own adventure in the fruit orchard and pick your own fruit! At Fruittuinen Verhage in Lutjelollum you can pick delicious cherries, plums and various berry varieties in the summer.

Tip: Since 2011, they are the first fruit growers in the Netherlands to have their own distillery which you can visit and where you can also book a tasting.

9. Visit the Woudagemaal in Lemmer

Discover the largest working steam pumping station in the world! The Woudagemaal is an impressive feat of engineering and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tip: In the visitor center, learn all about the battle against water.

10. Skûtsjesilen on the Frisian lakes

Experience a piece of Frisian culture and history by taking a day trip on an authentic skûtsje. These old sailing ships still sail on the Frisian lakes and you can sail along as an afternoon trip or day trip.

Tip: There are also several arrangements for group outings, family days or company outings

11. Go on an underwater safari

The Nature Museum Fryslân in Leeuwarden has something unique: The Underwater Safari is a truly interactive ride. Visitors board a vehicle that takes them on a journey through the underwater world of the Netherlands. From the fresh water of ditches and puddles to the salt water of the Wadden Sea. Along the way they see what lives under the water surface and go in search of the Big Five of the underwater world of the Netherlands: the beaver, otter, catfish, seal and porpoise!

Tip: In addition to a number of permanent presentations, the Nature Museum has ever-changing exhibitions and an extensive program of various activities ensure that there is always something new to experience.

12. Discover the Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer

Did you know that the Lauwersmeer area is an official Dark Sky Park? Go stargazing at night in one of the darkest areas in the Netherlands. In the summer, you can spot beautiful sunsets and maybe even shooting stars here!

Tip 1: Want to know where exactly you are looking? Then download the night map

Tip 2: The Forestry Commission also organizes regular excursions to experience the darkness. Keep an eye on the activity calendar for this.

Credits photos: Canva.com