Leeuwarden
Leeuwarden/Ljouwert has been the capital of Friesland since 1524. The city has a rich history and the Liwwadders are still proud of it. You can see it everywhere in the city. Monuments, old facades and museums, all represent the city’s history.
On a city walk, you’ll learn all kinds of things about the city. Who were those ancestors of King Willem-Alexander? What special buildings did they live in? Where was Mata Hari born? And what influence did Leeuwarden actually have in the past? Combine a walk through the city with a visit to the various museums. That way you will really get to know the city!
Not only the history of Leeuwarden is rich. Today, Leeuwarden is the center of Friesland. A province that values its own language culture. Since 2018, Leeuwarden has carried the name of Cultural Capital of Europe. As a result, there is still plenty to do, see and experience in the city. One of the most striking remnants of 2018 is the fountain “Love” in front of the entrance to the central station.
Which, by the way, is also not unimportant: Leeuwarden is the start and finish of the Elfstedentocht, which has existed since 1912. The last Elfstedentocht on ice was in 1997. Fortunately, there are all kinds of alternatives. Every year, for example, the elfstedentocht is ridden by bicycle and motorcycle on Whit Monday. In many places, bridges have been raised or locks installed so that the route can be sailed all the way. But … that’s not all. You are, in fact, at the start of the one and only elfstedentocht in the motorhome!
Get a stamp?
As usual for the elfstedentocht, you have to collect stamps in all eleven cities during this camper elfstedentocht. The stamp for Leeuwarden can be collected at Camperplaats Leeuwarden. 
Motorhome site Leeuwarden
When visiting Leeuwarden by motorhome as part of the Elfstedentocht, the best place to stay is at Camperplaats Leeuwarden. This newly renovated camper place is located in a neighborhood outside the center. The places are spacious, there is greenery and at night the gate closes so you can stand here with a safe feeling.
When you check in, you will receive a key containing various discount codes for activities in town and for free fresh rolls from the nearby Jumbo. In addition, when you show your stamp card, you will receive a traditional Frisian sugar roll from Teije De Boer when you spend a minimum of €25. At the nice store Ut Streekie, on presentation of your stamp card, there will be goodies waiting for you from Van Der Meulen and you can buy a Camperelfstedentocht sweater here.
From the camper place you are on the bike in 10 minutes in the center, but also by bus the connection to the station is good. When getting off you are directly in front of the fountain “Love”!
What to do in Leeuwarden?
As you read, Leeuwarden has a lot to offer. Below we have compiled a list of what to do in Leeuwarden!
1. Fountain
Leeuwarden is home to the fountain “Love. It was created by the Spanish Jaume Plensa. The fountain consists of two 7-meter-high white sculptures of a boy and a girl. They appear to be looking at each other, but their eyes are closed. Around the fountain hangs a cloud of mist. The whole thing has something dreamy about it. The artist was inspired by the mist over the Frisian fields in the morning. It gives the same dreamy feeling.
You can combine a visit to the fountain with this walk. This way you will discover other highlights of Leeuwarden as well.
2. Bikes
Want to discover the city better? You can with a Bike Tour through Leeuwarden led by an enthusiastic local. After this bike tour you will have a good impression of the beautiful Frisian capital. The guide cycles past old monuments, hidden gems, trendy places and tells great stories about them. It is certainly not a boring history lesson, but just a super fun bike tour, crisscrossing through Leeuwarden!
You can also explore Leeuwarden with Baja Bike. You can cycle with a group in two hours past all the highlights or opt for a private tour.
3. Prison Tour BLokhuispoort
For centuries, the Blokhuispoort has stood in the center of Leeuwarden. Many criminals have been imprisoned in this old prison. With a Prison Tour through the Blokhuispoort you will take a look inside the impressive cell block of the A-wing. Learn more about the building during the tour of the courtyard and squares and marvel at the bunker and solitary cells in the building’s cellars.The former jailer takes you on the tour.
4. City Walk
Also highly recommended is a city walk from A Guide to Leeuwarden. These guides bring the city to life with their beautiful stories. With a lot of humor they tell about the history of Leeuwarden, about its famous inhabitants and also show you the most beautiful hidden spots and street art. Throughout the year you can join a public Leeuwarden Free Tour almost every day of the week. On these city tours you get to decide afterwards what you think it’s worth. It is also possible to do a Street Art Tour or book a private tour. These tours have been rated as the best tours in Leeuwarden for years.
5. Miniature Route Leeuwarden
What’s also fun? A scavenger hunt along Miniature People. Leeuwarden photographer/artist Michel Tilma enjoys photographing miniatures. He puts these miniatures all over the city, since August 2019 he has left them all. You can find more than 60 of them by now, even a tableau of miniatures at the motorhome. The route map with hints to find all the miniatures is also for sale at Camperplaats Leeuwarden.
Rather looking for something bigger? You can also take a walking tour of the most beautiful murals. With the help of the Street Art Map, you can find the most beautiful murals and also get background information on them.
6. The Oldehove
One of the most important features of the city is the Oldehove. The idea was that this should be the highest tower in Leeuwarden.
In 1529 Jacob van Aaken started the construction of this leaning, crooked and ultimately unfinished tower. It was intended that a new church would rise next to the Oldehove to replace the old St. Vitus Church, but it never came to that. The tower was supposed to be over 120 meters. It was not easy for master builder Jacob van Aaken, as the tower was already leaning during construction. Attempts were made to build on the slanting substructure at right angles, but unfortunately without the desired result. In 1532 Jacob van Aaken was dismissed and replaced by Cormelis Frederiks. Construction stopped in 1533 and never resumed. Special functions the tower never had. Nevertheless, the tower has become one of the most important symbols of the city of Leeuwarden. The people of Leeuwarden are proud of their Oldehove. “A’k de Oldehove niet siën ken, dan foël ik my onwennich”, is a well-known saying in the city dialect. A ticket costs €3.50 per person.
7. Fries Museum
The Fries Museum is one of the most famous museums of Friesland and Leeuwarden. The museum has a wonderful permanent collection of ancient art and modern art , in addition you can learn a lot about Frisian history. There are also changing top exhibitions that attract many visitors every year. There is also an extensive program of activities.
The museum moved a few years ago to a new building on Wilhelminaplein, better known among Lilleans and Frisians as the Zaailand.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special opening days: Easter Monday, Whit Monday and Boxing Day
Closed: New Year’s Day, King’s Day and Christmas Day.
8. Events
There is regularly something to do in Leeuwarden! Throughout the year there are various events. One of the best known is the StraatFestival. Every year the Fries StraatFestival turns the city center of Leeuwarden upside down for a weekend. There are also all kinds of different exhibitions at the various museums and there are often large musical events on the Oldehove and the Wilhelminaplein (better known among Frisians as the Zaailand). Keep an eye on the agenda of Visit Friesland and the agenda of Visit Leeuwarden for the most up-to-date information.
9. Restaurants
Spinoza
Spinoza has been a household name in Leeuwarden for over 30 years. In 2020, the restaurant was taken over and underwent a transformation. You can dine in the courtyard garden, enjoy wine from the wine cellar and attend theater dinners. The dishes are fresh and flavorful with local and conscious products.
Barrevoets
It breathes Leeuwarden. It’s fresh, mindful and makes a killer cappuccino. At Barrevoets is the place to go for really good cappuccinos and all kinds of goodies made by themselves with fresh ingredients. From smoothies, to a nice lunch or drinks, they have it all. It’s also a cozy place to take a break from all the bike rides and strolling through the streets.
10. AquaZoo
Grab your walking shoes from the camper and walk among the ring-tailed lemurs, stroll along the beach with the penguins and stand face to face with the Nile crocodiles. AquaZoo Leeuwarden is a zoo where you can see the animals up close. You can walk in peace through a natural green environment. And good to know: everywhere in the park you have plenty of space, which is nice these days.
11. Gondola ride
Gondola rides only in Venice, certainly not! You can also get to know Leeuwarden from the water with a Gondola gondola ride. Rent a private gondola, join a group or book a special package and let yourself sail through Leeuwarden in a romantic way. Through the site you can make a reservation, but you can also call + 31 6 36515670.
12. Museum House of Eysinga
In the Museum House of Eysinga, you go back in time and visit the noble van Eysinga family. The mansion dates from the eighteenth century and was built by a man of great prestige at the time. The house looks like nothing but pomp and circumstance, but feel free to also take a look at the staff’s rooms to see what they looked like. That way you really get to know the family well.
13. House of taste
Prefer to enjoy good food by the RV? Then drop by House of Taste on Kleine Kerkstraat. Here you will find all kinds of delicious delicacies. From nuts to a good sausage and from a good bottle of wine to tasty beers from Kâld Kletske from Dokkum.
14. Ut Streekie
Would you like to enjoy various Frisian regional products on the way? That is possible at Ut Streekie . In Leeuwarden, something delicious from Van Der Meulen is also waiting for you at Ut Streekie! The address in Leeuwarden is Oldehoofsterkerkhof 52.
As a true Frisian family of bakers, Van der Meulen of Hallum likes to contribute. At Ut Streekie in Leeuwarden, Van Der Meulen has a gift ready for you upon entry. Van der Meulen wishes you a warm welcome to Friesland and to this nice Frisian store.
There are also many Frisian products for sale separately such as the Camperelfstedentocht sweater but you can also put together a nice Frisian package. If you are looking for a souvenir, you will find both Frisian and Dutch souvenirs here. Great to give away but also to take with you as a souvenir!
Partners in Leeuwarden
15. Boat Rental Bonkevaart
Discover the beautiful province of Friesland on a motorhome trip along the Elfstedentocht with Boat Rental Bonkevaart. Enjoy the beauty of Friesland from the water in our comfortable and spacious electric sloops with swim platform. You can cruise up to 9 hours on a full battery, without worrying about fuel refills. No license required, our sloops are easy to drive for ultimate boating pleasure. Choose from 2 extra large luxury sloops and 6 spacious sloops for your perfect trip from De Grote Wielen Marina. Rent a sloop from Boat Rental Bonkevaart today and discover the Elfstedentocht in a unique and beautiful way!