Hindeloopen
Hindeloopen/Hylpen was very isolated from the rest of Friesland. Nevertheless, the city had an important position for worldwide trade and shipping. This was because they had a good connection with Amsterdam. The isolated location and the Amsterdam and international contacts ensured that Hindeloopen had its own language and traditional costume. They also developed the internationally renowned Hindelooper painting.
After years of prosperity and wealth, the town turned into a small fishing village in the 19th century. Amsterdam was given a direct connection to the North Sea. The route across the Zuiderzee and along Hindeloopen was therefore no longer necessary. It was just very far.
Today the town is still small. Less than 900 people live there. Still, the city is worth a visit. It’s like an open-air museum. The facades and the national monuments give you an insight into the once so rich past. Hindeloopen has even been labeled a ‘top experience’ by the Lonely Planet. That international allure is still in the air.
Get a stamp?
In Hindeloopen you will find the Frisian Skating Museum . This museum is worth a visit anyway, because Friesland and skating are inextricably linked. Pancake house ‘De Friese Doorloper’ belongs to the museum. Here you can not only eat good food, but also get your stamp.
Parking is available at Oosterstrand 6a. This is where you can easily park your motorhome.
What to do in Hindeloopen?
There is a lot to do in Hindeloopen. We have listed our favorite activities and sights.
1. Fountain
Chinese artist Shen Yuan created the Hindeloopen fountain. The fountain is inspired by Hindeloopen’s coat of arms on which a tree of life stands. The tree represents life energy and wisdom. Oriental birds sit on the fountain. It looks like they’re having a nice get-together. Around the fountain are large antlers where you can sit for a while to get a good look at the birds. You can take a city walk from the fountain, which shows you all the beauty of Hindeloopen.
2. Frisian Skating Museum
Now that you are riding the Elfstedentocht, it is of course also nice to learn a bit more about the one and only tour of the ice tours. A visit to the Fries Schaatsmuseum should therefore not be missed. The Skating Museum not only has the largest collection of skates and sleds in the world, the complete history of the Elfstedentocht can be admired here. In addition, you will find the largest skate in the world and a real frozen toe.
The love for skating within the royal family also becomes clear. King Willem Alexander skated the Elfstedentocht in 1986 under the name WA van Buuren. The skates he wore then are in the museum. There are also photos of Queen Wilhelmina and the princesses skating on the Hofvijver and a letter from Queen Wilhelmina asking for skates for Princess Juliana. Another beautiful item is the medal from Queen Wilhelmina from 1896 for Jaap Eden, which he received after his third world title in St. Petersburg.
3. Pancake house ' De Friese Doorloper '
In Hindeloopen you will find the Frisian Skating Museum. This museum is worth a visit anyway, because Friesland and skating are inextricably linked. Pancake restaurant ‘de Friese Doorloper’ ‘ belongs to the museum. Here you can not only eat good food, but also get your stamp!
4. Shop at the museum
In addition to the restaurant, the Fries Schaatsmuseum also has a shop , you can’t go here for a pair of skates, but for the Hindelooper painting. Gauke and Pieter Bootsma paint according to old tradition in this specific style. You can admire and buy various hand-painted objects, gifts and furniture in the shop. It is also possible to experience for yourself what it is like to be a Hindelooper painter during the workshop Hindelooper Painting .
5. Museum Hindeloopen
Would you like to know more about Hindelooper painting? Visit the Museum Hindeloopen ! Here you can admire the beautifully painted interiors and fabrics with colorful patterns of flowers, leaves and birds. Fun fact: not only skating, the Hindelooper painting is also loved by the Royal family.
In addition to painting, in Museum Hindeloopen you will also learn everything about the rich past of the town and shipping. In its heyday, Hindeloopen’s fleet consisted of 100 ships.
6. Textile workshop Durkje de Boer
Durkje de Boer likes to travel to distant destinations to be inspired by textile art, clothing and traditions. On her travels, she visits small workshops, meets creative craftsmen and buys textiles directly from the makers she visits. Through these trips she makes beautiful textile products in her Textile Atelier in Hindeloopen . A colorful collection of traditionally made textiles is available there, but you can also find beautiful quilting and folklore fabrics such as the Hindelooper chintz and furs.
7. Restaurant Sudersee
End your day at the seafood restaurant and liqueur brewery Sudersee . This restaurant is located in a beautiful location in the heart of Hindeloopen. From the terrace you have a view of the old courthouse and the 17th century church. You can enjoy super fresh fish dishes and taste all the liqueurs from the brewery. You can find restaurant Sudersee at Buren 1, 8713 KA in Hindeloopen.