Experience Camping in Friesland
Friesland is the ultimate Dutch province for a wonderful camping holiday. It’s a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with its many lakes and waterways. A holiday in Friesland means an active getaway, exploring the natural surroundings by bike or by boat, and visiting charming towns. There’s plenty to do, and a day trip to one of the Frisian Wadden Islands (Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog) is always a great option. You can even go mudflat hiking there, but always do so with an experienced guide. The many terpen—man-made mounds built to keep homes dry—are a unique feature of the Frisian landscape.
Choose Your Ideal Campsite in Friesland
Friesland offers a wide range of campsites, so there’s something for everyone. From small, nature-based mini-campsites to larger sites with swimming pools or direct access to the water—perfect for water sports lovers. Farm campsites are especially popular here, where you can camp on farmland and sometimes help out with feeding the cows or pigs—a delight for children. In short, Friesland is a versatile holiday destination!
Must-See and Must-Do Activities in Friesland
Friesland is a diverse province, offering something for everyone. Here are a few highlights you shouldn’t miss:
The Capital of Friesland, Leeuwarden (Ljouwert in Frisian)
Leeuwarden offers excellent shopping opportunities and plenty for culture lovers, with museums such as the Princessehof, Fries Museum, and, for kids, the Nature Museum Fryslân. The city’s nightlife is lively, and the Oldehove tower is a true landmark.
Sneekweek
For serious water sports enthusiasts, the city of Sneek—and especially the Sneekweek event—is a must. Every year at the beginning of August, this major event features sailing competitions in various categories, a fleet parade, a funfair (including Pink Monday), and a music festival. During Sneekweek, a special campsite opens just for visitors. It’s the perfect time to visit Sneek!
The Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker
This planetarium is well worth a visit. It is the oldest working planetarium in the world, built by Eise Eisinga in his living room between 1774 and 1781. Remarkably precise for its time, it doesn’t include the planet Uranus, which was discovered after the planetarium was completed and simply didn’t fit in the original design.
The Frisian Wadden Islands
Be sure to visit one of the Frisian Wadden Islands. Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog are all accessible by ferry. On Vlieland and Ameland, you can sometimes visit the lighthouses. Terschelling is famous for the Oerol cultural festival, held annually in June. Mudflat hiking is a unique experience here, but always go with a guide and only at low tide.
Lake IJsselmeer (the former Zuiderzee)
Picturesque towns such as Hindeloopen, Makkum, Workum, and Stavoren are located along the IJsselmeer. Each former port town has its own character—Hindeloopen is known for its painting style, Makkum for its pottery, and Workum is home to the Jopie Huisman Museum.
If you’re planning a camping holiday, summer is the perfect time to visit Friesland, with plenty of activities and events. But the region’s most famous event is something everyone hopes for in winter: the Elfstedentocht, a legendary ice-skating race through eleven cities. It has only been held fifteen times, with the last one in 1997—hopefully, it will return soon!
Book a Beautiful Campsite in Friesland
Are you convinced yet? Friesland is a fantastic place for a camping holiday this summer. With a wide selection of campsites and so much to do, water sports fans and visitors of all interests will want to come back again and again. We promise!
