Sailing, kiting, swimming, surfing, paddling and jeeking. Whoever says Friesland, says water sports. Almost half of the province consists of water, water sports enthusiasts can indulge themselves here! The nice thing is:you don't necessarily have to come to the province in the summer. There is also plenty to do in the fall. We have listed three hotspots for you.
Mirnser cliff
Mirns is a popular and popular spot for wind and kite surfers. Thanks to the shallow water, this location is ideal for novice kite surfers and you can go there all year round, but most surfers can be found when the wind is wrong on the IJsselmeer. You can rent equipment or book lessons at Skyhigh Surf School and rest at Vakantieboerderij It Flinkeboskje, in nearby Hemelum. Also a day of rest? Then go and enjoy the culture in the area. Visit the cliffs of Gaasterland and the story routes nearby, or drive to the industrial Woudagemaal in Lemmer, the oldest working steam pumping station in the world.
Makkum
They also know how to surf and kite in Makkum! It is a well-known water sports place where you can fully enjoy yourself in the autumn. Both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts can contact Surf N Sail for professional lessons and top equipment. You can relax at Beach Resort Makkum. Here you can rent a house or apartment and possibly make use of half board.
The region around the surf hotspot is also worth a visit. For example, you can toast with a seaworthy beer at Het Brouwdok in the fishing town of Harlingen. You can also see the fantastic Whale Fountain there, as part of 11Fountains. In every Frisian city you will find a fountain of this project, in honor of the year as European Capital of Culture.
Leeuwarden
Capital Leeuwarden is not only a beautiful city to soak up culture, but also offers opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. For example, you can discover the city (with the most beautiful passenger harbor in the Netherlands) by supping or in a Venetian gondola. It is also an excellent base for De Alde Feanen National Park, where you will find numerous sailing schools. You can spend the night in the many atmospheric hotels, such as Hotel Post Plaza, a historic former post office.
Of course there is so much more to experience in the Frisian capital. For example, visit the former prison De Blokhuispoort. This impressive building has been transformed into a cultural center, with artisans in the former cells and fine restaurants in the wings. The Frisian Museum is also worth a visit. In this modern building you will learn more about Friesland and you can enjoy changing, international exhibitions. Until February 14, you can go to the highly rated Other.Worldly, an international expo about underwater art.
Fun facts
Did you know that half of Friesland consists of water?
All that water makes Frisians the happiest Dutch people. Water helps them to relax, celebrate and live.
You can walk or cycle here from your boat straight into nature, thanks to no less than 35 kilometers of free moorings, in the middle of nature!
In Friesland you will find the most beautiful marinas, with all the trimmings.
Long live the water, until the end of 2020 Friesland will be completely dominated by water with exhibitions and activities. Reason enough to come to Friesland this autumn as a water lover.
More information can be found at:www.friesland. nl/watersports
Image:ThomasVaer Photography
