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Noordwest Friesland: polders, dijken en terpenland
Nowhere is the age-long struggle against the water more "present" in the landscape than in the Northwest of Friesland. The age-old mounds, and the impressive contemporary Wadden dike are the most striking. Less visibly present are the many old and historic dikes that wind their way through the area, among which the famous Slachtedyk.
In the Middle Ages, the northwestern part of Friesland was still an island, Westergo. It was enclosed by the Middelzee and the Marne, two sea arms that came together between Bolsward and Sneek and gradually silted up and poldered. The history of its origins has resulted in a beautiful area with alternating ’old’ and ’new’ land, an unprecedented vastness, picturesque villages and three fascinating cities: Bolsward, one of the two Frisian Hanseatic cities; Franeker, the second city in the Netherlands with a university; and Harlingen, port city and gateway to the Waddensea UNESCO World Heritage.
On the shores of the IJsselmeer lies the only real seaside resort of Fryslân: Makkum, which is often called the ’twelfth city’ of Fryslân for good reason. Makkum is renowned for it’s so-called "Makkumer Aardewerk" (pottery) and nowadays also it’s superyacht shipyard of Feadship.
Therefore, Northwest Friesland has a lot to offer for young and old. You will find a breathtaking landscape, space, tranquility, nature, and rich cultural history; you can cycle, walk, sail, sail, surf, shop, go out, buy a superyacht, and much more.
Colofon
FrieslandWonderland
