Wondering what to do in the surroundings of Leeuwarden? At our walking tours in Leeuwarden we often get the question what you can do in the surroundings of Leeuwarden. So we made a list of our 11 favourite spots in the surroundings of Leeuwarden.
1. Visit the Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker.
Eisinga build a planetarium in his living room between 1774 and 1781, and it still works today! This makes it the oldest functioning planetarium in the world! Franeker is easy to visit by bike, but it’s also only a 15 minute trainride from Leeuwarden. Location: Eise Eisingastraat 3, Franeker Open: Tue t/m Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 13:00 – 17:00. Between 1 april – 31 october also on Mon 13:00 –17:00. Admission charges: Adults € 5,25 Children < 13 jaar 4,50.Distance to Leeuwarden (city centre): 18,7 km.
2. Park Vijversburg
Visit Park vijversbrug just outside of Leeuwarden. This park, known locally as the “Bos van Ypey”, was largely laid out in the 19th century. However, it also has a large new section that was constructed between 2005 and 2009. It is a wonderful place to walk and enjoy beautiful gardens. Once you have seen everything this park has to offer, you can continue your walk through the adjacent recreational area of the Grote and Kleine Wielen. Distance to Leeuwarden city centre: 9 km
3. Go to the Nationalpark de Alde Feanen
Rent a kajak or a boat and discover the Alde Feanen National Park from the Water. This lowlying peat land is magnificent. You can also go on various walks here or just enjoy a swim! Are you travelling with a group? Then hire a skûtsje (old sailing boat) at Annage!! If you want to travel to Earnewoude by public transport, you will need to change once and use a dial-a-bus, so make sure you book in advance! Earnewoude is also easy to reach by bicycle. Distance to Leeuwarden city centre: 20 km
4. A Biketour along mounds and Frisian castles (north of LWD)
Cycle a round north of Leeuwarden through Jelsum-Britsum-Wyns (with ferry). This biketour is about 20km long and goes pass the beautifull villages along the river the Dokkumer E and sometimes even through the medows. You also pass some Mansions like the Martenastate in Koarnjum and the Dekema State in Jelsum. In Wyns you have to use a ferry to cross the river. This is also a good place to have a drink at the terrace at Eetcafe de Wynze. You can also find the scheduale of the ferry here. If you don’t have a bike, than you can rent one at Fietsstation 058. Distance Wyns to Leeuwarden (centre): 8 km
5. Visit the Poptaslot!
This manor can be found just outside Leeuwarden and was build in the 15th Centrury by the Heringa family. In 1687, is was sold to Dr. H. Popta, who lived there untill his death. After that, the castle was never inhabited again. Between July and August, guided tours are available every hour on the hour from Monday to Saturday. At other times, it is also a nice place to visit and explore the surroundings with a pleasant walk. Location: Slotleane 1, Marssum, Open: Mon-Sat 11:00-17:00 (July-Augustus), Admission charges: Adults € 6,-, Children < 12 Year € 3,-, Distance to Leeuwarden (city centre): 6,3 km.
6. Visit one of the 11 cities
Friesland is known for its 11 cities. From Leeuwarden, almost all other cities can be reached within half an hour’s drive, and they are all worth a visit! They are all smaller than Leeuwarden and can therefore easily be visited in an afternoon. To the north, the fortified town of Dokkum is highly recommended, and to the east, Franeker or the port city of Harlingen with its brown fleet. And to the south, Sneek and IJlst are a nice combination. It is also fun to visit some of the 11 fountains. The most beautiful one is in Leeuwarden :). And if you want to know more about Leeuwarden, join a guided tour. Every Tuesday to Sunday, you can join a Leeuwarden Free Tour. On Saturday there is also on in English.
7. Explore the surroundings by bike! (south of LWD)
De 8 van Grou biketour is one of the most beautifull bike tours through the heart of Friesland.
Part of the route takes you through the water-rich Alde Feanen National Park, past pretty villages and through the vast open spaces of Friesland. What’s more, there are no fewer than 12 ferries on this route! So be sure to bring some change. The ferries operate during the sailing season from April to September (check the website for sailing times). Depending on where you start the route, you can cycle between 35 and 65 kilometres. If you don’t have a bicycle with you, you can rent one at Fietsstation 058.
8. Frisian Mummies!
Visit the little church in Wiuwert and marvel at the mummies of Wiuwert. In the basement of this church, you can discover mummies that are 400 years old! How this is possible is still unknown. Location: De Terp 1, Wiuwert, Open: Monday to Saturday 13:00-16:30 (April to October). From June to August, the church is open from 10:00. Distance to Leeuwarden (centre): 19 km
9. ‘Climb’ the terp of Hegebeintum
There used to be around 1,000 mounds throughout Friesland. The inhabitants used them to protect themselves against high water. Many mounds were excavated in the 19th century for their fertile soil. Hegebeintum is almost 9 metres above sea level, making it the highest mound in Friesland. A number of archaeological finds are on display in the visitor centre. Location: Hegebeintum, Open: Sun 13:00-17:00, Tue-Sat: 10:00-17:00 Distance to Leeuwarden (city centre): 21,8 km
10. Visit the WaddenSea
The WaddenSea is Unesco World Herritage. From Leeuwarden you can easily reach Zwarte Haan, from where you can have a walk on the sea dike. There is no real beach here, only lots of mud. If you want to enjoy beaches, you better visit one of the Islands. There are ferries leaving from Harlingen, Holwerd and Lauwersoog. But the most special way to visit the island is to walk over there! This ‘Wadlopen’ or mudflatwalking is a really unique experience. In Summer you can join a guide to get across.
11. Walk through De Deelen
South of Leeuwarden is a beautiful nature reserve De Deelen. This wetland was created by excavating peat. It is now a protected nature reserve and a favorite place of many birds. You can walk two different routes that take you over wooden bridges over the wet landscape. Location: De Deelen, Distance to Leeuwarden (center): 30.9 km
Explore more tips about Leeuwarden or check the various walking tours we offer to discover the city with one of our guides!