Visit Leeuwarden!

Leeuwarden is the cultural capital of the province Friesland and is located nearby Van der Valk Hotel Hardegarijp-Leeuwarden. Leeuwarden has something to offer to everybody. Do you love visiting museums? The “Fries Museum” offers a wide range of exhibitions. Also at the “Princessehof”, one of the two palaces within Leeuwarden, several exhibitions can be seen. Also outside of the museums, you will get to enjoy art. Leeuwarden offers a unique “Miniature People Route”. In the city center, you can go look for miniature people (small dolls), at 42 locations. Stroll through the small alleys in search of these little “Liwadders”. This is a great way to really discover unknown places. A map of this route is available at our front desk.

Leeuwarden has a beautiful historic city center. “De Oldehove”, the icon of the city Leeuwarden, should not be missing from your list of historical highlights. The leaning tower is even more leaning than the “Leaning Tower of Pisa”. You can admire the tower both from the inside and the outside. Climb the old spiral staircase to the roof of the tower and enjoy a beautiful view of the city. At the other end of the city center, you will find the “Blokuispoort”. This is a former prison from the 16^th century. You will see history in everything within the former prison! Where the real crooks used to be, you will now find various shops, restaurants, and creative entrepreneurs.

Enjoy Leeuwarden from the water. You will find city canals throughout the entire city center. Rent a boat yourself, or let a skipper sail you through the canals on an original “Friese Praam”. The skipper will tell you all about the history of Leeuwarden. Are you looking for a more relaxing activity? Take a stroll through the hidden courtyards and guest houses of Luilekkerland, Boshuisengasthuis, and the Sint Anthony guesthouse. Here you will find an oasis of peace and it is as if time has stood still!

Besides culture and history, the center of Leeuwarden also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, enjoying a drink on a terrace, or having a snack or drink in one of the many trendy restaurants and bars.

Throughout the year several festivals are organized in and around Leeuwarden. In the recreation area “De Groene Ster” you will find Aqua Zoo. At this zoo, you will get to see the most special animals. Tickets for Aqua Zoo are available online or at our front desk.

Leeuwarden is easy to reach by car, motorcycle, bicycle, and public transport. We are happy to provide you with all information you might need for your visit to Leeuwarden.