Make a self catering cottage or holiday rental in Friesland, Netherlands your home away from home
Friesland is in the north of the Netherlands and has a beautiful pastoral landscape and delightful coastal villages which makes it popular for holiday rentals. Friesland is well known for its boating holidays but its old waterways, lakes and coast can also be enjoyed on foot, bicycle or by car. The capital of the region is Leeuwarden, one of many delightful old market towns which provide outdoor cafés, small shops and restaurants amidst colourful hanging baskets and gardens full of flowers.
Things to Do in Friesland
Friesland and the Frisian Lakes provide a host of things to do which are water-related. Hire a boat, go sailing, paddle a kayak or canoe along the canals which have been created by peat harvesting or go fishing. Enjoy the waterbirds and wildlife which can be seen along the way. The coastal towns are ideal for touring, shopping and dining, surrounded by charming old architecture, old churches and scenic waterfront promenades. As the area is very flat, visitors can hire bicycles and explore some of the old towns on two wheels.
Along the waterways, watch the old Frisian vessels called “pramen”, now used for racing rather than transporting materials. If the weather is nice, Friesland has some fine beaches along its eastern coast.
Places to Visit in Friesland
Exploring the open farmland, and small villages around your Friesland holiday rental is a relaxing pleasure. The old town of Leeuwarden has many delights. See the leaning Cathedral, the Oldehove and the Prinsentium which is the small park which always has a show of colourful blooms. Leeuwarden also has many museums. The Ceramics Museum has a stunning collection of tiles and is located in the former home of graphic artist, M.C.Escher. The regional Fries Museum showcases local history from prehistoric times.
Harlingen is an altogether more sophisticated town. Stroll down the Voorstraat and admire the 18th century mansions. The old port offers sailing trips on the old Dutch barges, or take the ferry to one of the outlying islands for the day.
Hindeloopen is another favourite place to visit. Nestled on the seashore with its wooden footbridges over the old canals, it is a charming old town.
Weather in Friesland
Friesland has moderate temperatures all year round. Winters are fairly mild, around 5°C (41°F) during the day and just above freezing at night. Summer temperatures reach 21°C (70°F) in July and August. The area has around 5cm (2inches) of rainfall every month which may fall as drizzly showers.
Travel to Friesland
The nearest airport to your holiday home in Friesland is Schipol (AMS) Airport in Amsterdam. From there you can pick up a train or bus to Friesland. It is also easy to hire a car and drive to your Friesland holiday rental through some of the beautiful Dutch countryside.
