Surroundings
Exploring Friesland
The nearby area of Waadhoeke Resort offers holidaymakers plenty of entertainment. In Leeuwarden, located about ten kilometers from the park, you will find many shops, Aquazoo Zoo and cruise tours through the city in a flat sloop. Thanks to the compact construction of the city, you can get to wherever you want even on foot or by bike. You can also go to the Frisian capital for physical exertion. Think of indoor karting, bowling, swimming in Subtropical Swimming Paradise Blue Golf and playing in the Monkey Town play paradise.
Water lovers in particular will find ample challenges in the area of Waadhoeke Resort. You can easily make the crossing to Vlieland and Terschelling from Harlingen by ferry. On these islands there is ample opportunity for relaxation, with characteristic villages, beautiful nature and sandy beaches a stone’s throw from each other. Go mudflat when the Wadden Sea dries or go looking for seals in a kayak, it’s all here. It is not for nothing that the Wadden Sea is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, because of the importance of the flora and fauna in the area.
Water rats can also enjoy themselves on the Frisian mainland. In the summer, the Sneekweek is completely dedicated to sailing, but certainly also to parties. Sneek is therefore known for its many opportunities for water sports such as sailing and sailing on the Frisian lakes. The Sneekermeer, Tjeukemeer and the Groote Brekken may be the best known, in reality this area consists of almost thirty lakes. Here it is nice to stay along the water, but of course you can also enjoy the sea on one of the sandy beaches in the area.
In addition, you can look for fun in fishing villages such as Makkum and Workum, with their characteristic streets and lively harbor, or marvel at the Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker. After a guided tour through the distillery of the famous Frisian Berenburg or visit the ir. D.F. Woudagemaal, the largest working steam pumping station in the world. In the Frisian Museum Village Allingawier you end up in an authentic mound village, where you literally bump into the stories of the past.
If you go for that cultural enrichment, then there is plenty of choice with the Frisian Museum, Fries Scheepvaartmuseum, Fries Kaatsmuseum, Museum Martena, Hannema Museum, Jopie Huisman Museum, National Modelspoor Museum and the new Belvédère Museum, especially now that Leeuwarden European Capital of Culture 2018 is.
If you prefer to travel to nature, the National Park De Oude Venen is around the corner. Or, as the Frisians call it, De Alde Feanen. Sailing in a skûtsje, cycling or on foot, you can enjoy the green of whatever you want! And although it is now a long wait for the real Elfstedentocht, in Bolsward every Whit Monday starts the Elfsteden cycle tour that takes you through the beautiful Frisian country. All in all, Waadhoeke Resort is the perfect base for exploring Friesland!
