Dunes and dikes, forests and beaches, lakes and swamps. Nowhere else will you find so many different landscapes per square kilometer as in Friesland. The idiosyncratic character of the Frisians is visible in these landscapes. In the mounds, meadows, royal gardens, natural forests and National Parks. In 2021 Friesland will pay tribute to that special landscape on the basis of 5 landscape themes. Read here what you absolutely should not miss.
Water landscape
Friesland consists of half water, which makes Frisians the happiest Dutch people. They sail on it, cycle past it and put on their skates when it freezes. The art project '11fountains' is a souvenir from 2018, when Leeuwarden-Fryslân was European Capital of Culture. The fountains in the eleven Frisian cities are inspired by the landscape, the changing climate and the rich history. Discover the stories behind the fountains and make a route through the landscape and the city.
All fountains will be switched on again from March 20 until approximately the end of October/beginning of November 2021.
Wadden landscape
Photo:Mijke Bos
Discover the world between land and sea on the mainland, but also on one of the Wadden Islands with an experienced mudflat guide. The Terschelling chef Flang is happy to take you on a culinary trip across the mudflats. Where you collect ingredients while walking on the mudflats to make a delicious meal later.
Highly recommended in 2021 is the Wadopera Peter Grimes, which will be performed outside the dikes at Paesens-Moddergat. More than 150 singers, musicians and actors tell the moving story of fisherman Peter Grimes against the background of the Wadden Sea Unesco World Heritage. With beautiful visual music by composer Benjamin Britten, conductor Arnaud Oosterbaan and director Paul Carr take the viewer along to a small fishing community struggling with itself.
Play dates:10, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 24 September 2021.
Nightscape
Photo:Tobias Hoiten
The only two Dark Sky Parks in the Netherlands can both be found in Friesland. The Boschplaat on Terschelling and Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer have been declared official Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. A place where the darkness is preserved and where visitors can enjoy the beautiful starry sky. In clear weather you can even see the Milky Way! You will experience more nocturnal beauty when it dries up and spend the night on the mudflats. Sail into the Wadden Sea with a skipper and enjoy the landscape while the ship sinks to the bottom of the sea at low tide. A unique accommodation in the middle of Unesco World Heritage area.
Cultural-historical Landscape
Photo:Marcel van Kammen
The Peat Route was once dug with a shovel by peat workers. Full loads of peat were transported over these waters to the west of the country. Anyone who now sails the route through Southeast Friesland will see a variety of landscapes pass by. Wooded nature reserve interspersed with meadows and picturesque villages. Pack a lunch basket and enjoy a delicious picnic in the most idyllic spots along the way. Extra fun:you can operate some of the bridges on the route yourself!
Sustainable landscape
Photo:Simone Wittgen
The Frisians are careful with their landscape, so more and more sustainable initiatives are being created. The sturdy E-Chopper, for example, is a unique vehicle for a carefree day of sustainable cruising through the Drents-Friese Wold National Park. With the wide tires you sit comfortably and relaxed behind the wheel, without emissions or noise. The Wadden Islands also offer a wide range of sustainable entertainment. Go on an island safari in an electric TukTuk on Vlieland or traverse the special landscape of Terschelling and Ameland in an eco-car. The guide will show you the most beautiful places on the island.
Would you like to know more about how Friesland will pay tribute to its landscape in 2021? Then visit www.friesland.nl/ode.
Photo header:Marcel van Kammen
