Explore Friesland
NHL University of Applied Sciences is located in the province of Friesland in the north of the Netherlands. Friesland distinguishes itself from the other eleven Dutch provinces through having its own language, Frisian or ‘Frysk’. Most people speak both Frisian and Dutch.
Friesland is a popular holiday destination. This is because of the water sport opportunities. Sailing on the Frisian lakes and canals is very popular.
The province is also famous for its speed skaters. In very cold winters the freshwater canals in Friesland freeze hard and the whole province longs for the Elfstedentocht (Eleven cities tour), a 200-kilometer ice skating tour along the eleven cities in the province. This tour is rarely held because it has to freeze very hard and long otherwise it isn’t safe for the public and the contestants. The last time the race was held was in 1997.
Dutch Islands
Dutch Islands
The four islands that belong to the province of Friesland are called the Waddeneilanden. These islands have beautiful sandy beaches and are surrounded by dunes. The islands are called Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog. They are really worth visiting!
Events
- Queen’s Day (30 April)
- Liberation festival (5 May)
With free music throughout the whole city.
- Frisian Street Festival
With theatre at lots of places in the heart of Leeuwarden in the summer.
- Skûtsjesilen (July)
A typical Frisian contest held with a specific kind of boat.
- Sneekweek (August)
A week of water sports in the city of Sneek with music and events.
- Ballooning in Joure
In summer with the most beautifully shaped balloons.
- Sint Maarten (11 November)
Children go from door to door with Chinese lanterns and sing songs, and get sweets in return.
- Sinterklaas (5 December)
A festival especially for children. All families celebrate the birthday of Sinterklaas on the 5th of December. Every child receives a gift that day and a rhyme.