Top 100 best museums in Friesland

The Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is an exhibition center situated on the Afsluitdijk in Kornwerderzand, in the Dutch province of Friesland. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and future of the Afsluitdijk, the Wadden Sea, the IJsselmeer, and the Fish Migration River.

The Eise Eisinga Planetarium is the oldest functioning planetarium in the world. It was built between 1774 and 1781 by Eise Eisinga. The entire building is a national monument. All planets move around the sun in the same amount of time as real planets do. In addition the museum exhibits an extensive

The 18th-century city palace of Maria Louise van Hessen-Kassel, Princess of Orange Nassau, ancestor to King Willem-Alexander, is located at the heart of Leeuwarden’s historic city centre. This building houses the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics. In 1898 Maurits Cornelis Escher, affectionate

The Fries Scheepvaartmuseum is dedicated to the history of Frisian shipping from the 17th to the 20th century. The collection consists of two parts: the history of Frisian shipping and the history of the city Sneek. In addition to shipping and the regional history, the museum also covers water and i

The Fries Museum is dedicated to Friesland and its inhabitants. In the museum the story of the countryside and the eleven cities is told, the dealing with water and the search for the typical Frisian. The collection includes contemporary art, archaeological finds, old costumes, the sword of freedom

The Ir. DF Woudagemaal is the largest pumping station in the world that is still in operation. The pumping station is used to lower the water level in Friesland and is one of the top 100 Dutch UNESCO monuments. The machine park includes four tandem compound steam engines with large linked flywheels

Museum Belvédère is a museum of modern and contemporary art. The collection mainly consists of 20th century and contemporary works by artists from Northern Netherlands. The museum focusses on the relationship of art with the surrounding nature. The collection includes works by the Dutch painters Jan

The Bolsward City Hall, a 17th-century structure, is a significant historical site in the Dutch city of Bolsward. It has been repurposed and is currently serving as a municipal desk, café, and library. This multi-purpose use of the building adds to its charm and makes it a point of interest for tourists who can appreciate its historical significance while enjoying modern amenities.

Aqua Zoo Friesland houses mainly animals that live in and around water. On display are penguins, seals, carp, windes, sea bears, red pandas and meerkats, among others. Ring-tailed lemurs roam freely among the visitors. There is also a playground for children.

Museum 't Behouden Huys is dedicated to the history, marine history and culture of Terschelling. The museum illustrates the history of the island and its former inhabitants, with special focus on explorer Willem Barentsz. In 1596 he got stuck in the ice near Nova Zembla, after which he got through t

Openluchtmuseum De Spitkeet illustrates on a site of more than four hectares how people lived on the Frisian and Groningen heath in the period from 1850 to 1950. In that period people were very poor and life was difficult. The museum displays various types of properties and conditions of that time.

Shell Museum Paal 14 is dedicated to the world of mollusks. More than 1,500 species of shells collected by the family itself are displayed in the museum.

The Schaatsmuseum is dedicated to skating. The museum has the largest collection of ice skates and sledges in the world. In addition, it displays objects related to the Eleven Cities Tour. The museum also features an old workshop, a paint shops and forges.

The Jopie Huisman Museum is housed in a modern building designed specifically for the collection that is exhibited inside of it. The museum is dedicated to the work and life of the self-taught Dutch painter and draftsman Jopie Huisman (1922-2000). His work is a homage to the simple Frisian peasant l

Museum Joure is housed in ten buildings, including six national monuments. The ten buildings are surrounded by quays and a museum garden. One of the buildings once was the first factory of Dutch coffee manufacturer Douwe Egberts. The building features a coffee, tea and tobacco collection. On the 19t

Museum Drachten illustrates the cultural history of Drachten and exhibits art from the 20th century to the present. The art collection consists of works by artists and movements that are associated with Friesland. The collection includes works by Theo van Doesburg, Thijs Rinsema and Kurt Schwitters.

Museum Hindeloopen illustrates the history of the former ‘Zuiderzee’ town. Objects such as Hindeloopen paintings, Hindeloopen costumes and interiors are on display in various rooms. In addition, the museum covers the merchant navy. There is also a reconstruction of a Hindeloopen house from around 17

Museum Heerenveen is a cultural history museum on topics related to Heerenveen. The various collections are displayed in four different rooms. The museum exhibits a large architectural city model that illustrates the history of Heereenveen. There is also an exhibition on wealthy families who had an

The Casematemuseum Kornwerderzand is dedicated to the Battle of the Afsluitdijk during the German attack on the Netherlands in 1940. It features seven casemates decorated in the style of 1940, a German bunker and several other buildings. The museum illustrates the daily lives of the soldiers during

The Wrakkenmuseum exhibits objects from shipwrecks that washed up on the shore around Terschelling. Finds from both old and new ships are on display. In addition there are finds from the beach, including messages in bottles and various containers and shoes. The larger objects are exhibited around th

Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden is the information and activity center for the history of Leeuwarden and surroundings. It is the oldest city archive of the Netherlands (1838). Anyone who wants to know about the history of Leeuwarden or the former residents can turn to the HCL. Besides the permanent ex

The Nationaal Modelspoor Museum is housed in the restored station of Sneek. It is dedicated to model trains. The museum features showcases with tracks with miniature locomotives, miniature train sets and model trains that run through various landscapes. It has a number of collections of both Dutch a

Natuurcentrum Ameland is a nature museum that illustrates the nature of Ameland. It includes a North Sea aquarium, a landscape experience with information on the flora and fauna of Ameland and a movie theater with a 360 degree view of the origins of the Wadden Sea. There is also a knowledge centre o

Information center the Noordwester is dedicated to the island of Vlieland. Exhibits include a stingray tank where visitors can pet rays. Also on display are finds from the North Sea in the Jutter attic and visitors can learn about gnome life in four seasons in the Gnome Forest. In addition, there is

Puzzle Museum Joure is a museum packed with logic puzzles, riddles, brainteasers and patience games. In the museum, visitors are first shown explanations and some examples of special puzzles. Then there is the opportunity to puzzle themselves. The tables are full of surprising and challenging puzzle

Kerkmusuem Jannum is one of the pearls of Fryslân and a well-kept secret to many people outside. The small medieval church on the mound of Jannum houses a collection of sarcophagi and old church objects, but most special is the atmosphere in and around the little church. You can sense centuries of h

The Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis Museum is part of Museum Willem van Haren. The museum is dedicated to Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis (1846-1919), the founder of Dutch socialism. The study room and library give an impression of Domela Nieuwenhuis' intellectual development and his private life. The mee

Skûtsjemuseum "De Stripe" is housed in a building whose design is derived from the "skûthûs," which used to be the heart of a Frisian shipyard. The museum focuses on the lives of an earlier generation of sailors who sailed on skûtsjes. There is also a focus on today's SKS and IFKS championship compe

Tresoar is the Frisian literary and historical centre. Besides a museum, it is also an archive, library and documentation centre. It houses a collection of information sources on various Frisian topics, including highlights of the Frisian literature, films about the ‘Elfstedentocht’ and plans of Fri

The Oldehove is a tower from 1529, which should once have become the status symbol of Leeuwarden. Now it is an impressive leaning tower. The tower can be both visited and climbed.

Informatiecentrum Mar en Klif is dedicated to the landscape and nature in Southwest Friesland. The museum has various exhibitions each season. It shows, among other things, films about the region and its nature. In addition, the museum houses a replica of a badger sett, where badgers roam freely. Th

Museum Opsterland is a regional museum that illustrates the history of Gorredijk and Opsterland. The collection is based on five themes: Geology & Archaeology, Peat & Socialism, Benefactors & Aristocracy, ‘De vlecke Gorredijk’ and Jewish history. Objects spread over four halls illustrate life and wo

The Openluchtmuseum It Damshûs illustrates how the peat workers worked and lived and how ‘laagveenturf’ was made in the period 1863 to 1920. The living and working conditions were the cause of social struggle. The museum also illustrates the change in the landscape as a result of peat extraction. On

The Sudergemaal (pumping station) from 1924 was one of the first electric pumping stations in Friesland. The museum pumping station shows how, after the peat extraction, the remaining marshy land could be cultivated. Art exhibitions are regularly organised in the pumping station with works by artist

Cultuurhistorisch Museum Sorgdrager is dedicated to the history, culture and customs of Ameland. The museum includes an originally decorated commander's house from 1751, a print room and an area for temporary exhibitions. A key theme in the museum is the relationship between the inhabitants of Amela

The Fries Landbouwmuseum illustrates two thousand years of agricultural history of Friesland. Working, living and housing conditions of a peasant family in different time periods are illustrated, including the mound period, the Middle Ages and periods before and after the Second World War. The colle

Museum Martena is located in the most beautiful city castle of Franeker (1506). In the museum, use all your senses to take in the story of the city. Drink a cup of tea in the garden room, feel the luxurious dress of Saepke van Vervou, taste the spices in the show kitchen or admire the many talents o

Botanische Tuin De Kruidhof is the largest botanical garden of the Netherlands. It features seventeen themed gardens each with their own plant collections. Themed gardens that can be visited include: medicinal herbs, cloister garden, butterfly garden, rose garden, woodland garden, fruit garden, fern

The Fries Verzetsmuseum is part of the Fries Museum. The museum illustrates Friesland during World War II, collaboration, resistance and persecution, daily life and liberation in Friesland. The collection includes a selection of army boots, guns, documents, photos and film clips. The museum focusses

The Hannemahuis is housed in a monumental patrician house. The regional museum exhibits objects that are related to the history and art history of Harlingen. The collection includes paintings, furniture, photographs, historical documents, maritime objects, silverware and tiles and pottery from Harli

't Fiskershúske consists of four small houses. The oldest house of the four is from 1794 and is decorated as a fisherman's house from around 1850. The museum exhibits objects related to the old coastal fishing and the lives of the inhabitants of Paesens-Moddergat. The museum also focusses on the dis

Fogelsangh State is a manor house from 1646. The rooms feature part of the Van Iddekinge collection. That collection includes crystal, silver, toys, cabinets, writing desks, bed linen in the bedrooms and copper in the kitchen. The house and its furniture, the carriage house and carriages and the Eng

Observeum is the only museum in the Netherlands with a large Middle Stone Age exhibition. It is based on years of scientific research and excavations on the banks of the Burgumermar. We also show the contrast between "rich and poor" in the 19th century, the 'Golden Age of the Frisian farmer' and how

The Stêdhûs Sleat museum is housed in the former town hall of Sloten from 1759. The museum illustrates the history of Sloten by displaying various objects that related to its history. Unique is the magic lantern collection, exhibited in the attic. Children can discover the magic of the magic lantern

Museum Hert fan Fryslan is housed in the monumental town hall of Idaarderadeel. It is dedicated to the history of central Friesland. The museum features a historical presentation on the eighteen villages of the municipality Boarnsterhim. Work and life of the Bruorren Halbertsma, their influence on t

It Gysbert Japicxhûs is dedicated to the important Frisian writer Gysbert Japicx, who lived in Bolsward from 1603 to 1666. Besides focussing on this writer, the museum is also dedicated to the Frisian language. There are five ongoing exhibitions. One of the exhibitions illustrates the life and poetr

In Scherjon's Klompenmakerij en Klompenmuseum various clogs are on display and the old craft is illustrated. Besides Dutch clogs, the museum exhibits clogs from all over the world. The museum shows the development, the fabrication and the use of clogs. In addition, there is a video presentation on t

Zuivelmuseum It Tsiispakhús is housed in a historical former cheese warehouse. The small museum organizes exhibitions on art, archaeology, culture and history. All exhibitions are related to the municipality of Littenseradeel. In addition it features a permanent exhibition on dairy. Various objects,

The Pier Pander Museum is located in the Prinsentuin. The museum is dedicated to the Frisian sculptor Pier Pander. The building that houses the museum consists of the museum and a temple. It illustrates the life and life work of Pier Pander. The temple features the marble sculptures Alba, Feeling, T

Command Post Grou is one of the visitor locations of the Museum Bescherming Bevolking. In the museum you imagine yourself in the world of the Cold War and visit the underground bunkers. This bunker is equipped with four command posts: Kringcommandopost Bescherming Bevolking (KCBB-Friesland-c), Provi

Museum Tromp's Huys is housed in the oldest building of Vlieland that was built just after 1575. From 1896 it was the residence of the married couple Akersloot. The museum collection consists mainly of paintings, prints, etchings and drawings by Betzy Akersloot-Berg, the former resident. Besides tha

Enter Huis Van Eysinga and explore this impressive 18th-century urban villa. Check out the beautifully decorated rooms, with original stucco and wood carvings, decorated ceilings, wallpaper painted with landscapes and marble floors. Walk the house's secret corridors with the audio tour, and disco

The Ruurd Wiersma Hûs Museum is housed in the former house of Ruurd Wiersma (1904-1980). Ruurd Wiersma was a Dutch painter whose painting style was known as naïve art. The walls and ceiling are completely painted. Each wall depicts one of the four seasons. The bedstead doors, the coal bucket and his

Dekema State is a former manor house (‘state’) located on an estate with moats, an orchard with old varieties of fruit and an ornamental garden and a forest park. The house is decorated as was common around 1930, just before the Second World War. The museum illustrates life and work during that time

The Natuurmuseum Fryslân is housed in a former orphanage. The central theme of the museum is the nature of Friesland. The museum consists of four floors with animals, plants, information, assignments and experiments. Doing and experiencing are important in the museum. The collection consists of appr

Museum Dokkum is partially located in the 17th century building of the ‘Admiraliteit van Friesland and Groningen’. It is a regional museum dedicated to the history of Dokkum. The collection includes paintings, photographs, a silver collection, Frisian pottery and Frisian costumes. In addition there

Diving Museum Lemmer displays the developments in materials that humans have used to explore life underwater. Already in the time before Christ, divers donned their equipment to explore the underwater world.

The Batavus Museum displays a collection of more than 150 bicycles from the company's origins to contemporary bicycles. The museum was established in 2004 because of the centennial anniversary of bicycle manufacturer Batavus.

The Ice Age Museum is located at the Kruidhof garden complex. It stands in a landscape formed from the ice ages and in which authentic and cultural-historical elements are still present. The museum focuses on the ice ages but also the cultural history of the area. The visitor experiences the hunting

SanjesZoo zoo is a combination of a (children's) farm as a zoo. SanjesZoo is home to some forty different animal species, consisting of goats, rabbits, chickens, nose bears, camels and ostriches, among others. The park is also home to Nature Museum Bruinenberg.

Bunkermuseum Schlei is housed in a bunker of the Seeburg type. During World War II, the bunker served as a communications center. Data from radio and radar signals were collected here and transmitted to the Luftwaffe, which tried to intercept signaled Allied aircraft with fighters.

Museum Pakhuis Koophandel ('t other museum of vintage cars and lace) is housed in a 19th century warehouse. The museum's collection includes European lace attributes, hats, radios, historic cars from Europe and America and sports cars from Europe.

The Tuberculosis Museum is located in the former X-ray house on the sanatorium grounds. It features an exhibition on the history of tuberculosis control in the North.

Oudheidkamer Weststellingwerf is a historic room located in a former official residence from 1925, where several mayors used to live. The museum consists of an old grocery store, an old classroom and a living room with bedstead decorated as was common in 1920. In addition there are several showcases

Landbouw en juttersmuseum Swartwoude is dedicated to agriculture and combing on Ameland. The authentically furnished farm illustrates peasant life in Ameland around 1900. Outside the farm machines are exhibited. In the beachcombers section of the museum several beach finds collected by beachcombers

Museum the Grutter Shop is located in a 17th-century building. It was a grocery store in the past. The museum consists of several rooms. The former living room can be seen, as well as a coffee room and an old wine cellar. On the second floor is the back house where people used to live. Among other t

The Nationaal Vlechtmuseum is dedicated to one of the oldest crafts: braiding. The museum shows that various materials can be used to braid. With various materials It shows both contemporary and traditional braided objects, such as basketry, furniture, jewellery, utensils, applied art and packaging.

Museum Oold Ark exhibits hand tools primarily used in the past at the ‘Stellingwerven’. In reconstructed workshops, exhibitions illustrate how the various tools were used in the past. The museum features a special room where tools of Mr. Bulthuis are exhibited, who restored wooden tjotters. Every ye

Nature Museum Bruinenberg illustrates the diverse nature of North Friesland. The permanent exhibition features over seventy different animals. In addition, the museum has bins with insects and it exhibits a collection of boulders and shells. There are various activities for children, including class

The Heksehoeve is an old farmhouse that is used as a workshop to make magical gifts. The Witch Museum is situated behind the old farmhouse in the garden with herbs, trees and plants. Visitors can do 29 witch rituals to learn about witches and dreams and to make wishes come true.

Museum De Sûkerei illustrates how people lived and worked in the Northern Frisian Woodlands in the early twentieth century. Sûkerei means Chicory which was a replacement in 1800 for the then very expensive coffee. The museum consists of three small houses and a Chicory drying place. The cottages and

The Nobilis Center for Printmaking is a foundation that focuses on printmaking from the second half of the 20th century with an emphasis on figurative art.