The Wadden Sea is unique in the world! The Wadden Sea along the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark is an unparalleled dynamic landscape. Nowhere else in the world will you find such a vast and varied area, created under the influence of ebb and flow and where changes are noticeable on a daily basis.

An extensive system of channels and gullies is interspersed with dry sandbanks. Mussel beds, nutrient-rich mud flats, vast salt marshes, white sandy beaches and dunes and here and there waving seagrass fields. This variety of landscapes makes the Wadden Sea a unique habitat that many visitors enjoy throughout the year. The Wadden Sea is an indispensable stopover for millions of birds during their migration. And more than 10,000 often rare plant and animal species find their home here.

The Wadden Sea of ​​the Netherlands and Germany has been a world heritage site since 2009. The aim is for the Danish part to be added.

The Wadden Sea is best experienced in Frisian villages such as Moddergat, Paesens, Wierum, Holwerd, Zwarte Haan, Westhoek, Harlingen or Zurich.

A magical experience of steam, architecture, and water, the ir. D.F. Woudagemaal in Lemmer is the largest functioning steam pumping station in the world. The pumping station was opened by Queen Wilhemina in 1920 and had the task of pumping excess water from Friesland into the Zuiderzee, and later the IJsselmeer.

The stately brick building is sleek and sober in character, entirely in keeping with the style of the Amsterdam School. The duties of the steam pumping station in Lemmer were taken over in 1966 by the electric Highland pumping station in Stavoren. Nevertheless, the monumental Woudagemaal still plays a crucial role in emergencies. In the event of extremely high water, the old steam pumping station is still used to discharge excess water into the IJsselmeer as quickly as possible. Since 1998, the Woudagemaal has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Every year in July and August Friesland is dominated by Skûtsjesilen. ... text follows!

In the north-east of Friesland and north-west of Groningen, you will find the beautiful Lauwersmeer area. This area declared a National Park because of its diversity, covers around 5800 hectares and is known as a bird breeding ground. Since the construction of the dam in this area (1969), part of the seabed has been drained, which has provided the ideal breeding ground for a number of birds. For example, you can see Steltkluten, spoonbills, or if you are lucky the bald eagle that has started breeding here in recent years. During the bird migration in spring and autumn, you can even see 30,000 barnacle geese flying over in one day. This makes the Lauwersmeer region very popular among bird and nature lovers. In addition to birds, you can also encounter foxes, Scottish Highlanders, and Konik horses in this beautiful nature reserve. The Lauwersmeer area has an activity center, which is an ideal starting point to explore the area

There are activities and courses for young and old. In addition to all this beautiful nature and animals, you would almost forget that the Lauwersmeer is ideal for water sports. There is often a good wind on the water that makes it perfect for sailing, kite surfing, and windsurfing. There are also a number of beaches accessible where you can relax in the summer. All in all a special place that is worth a vacation or day trip.

The IJsselmeer forms an impressive border of land and water in the west of Friesland. The former Zuiderzee, definitively closed off from the Wadden Sea by the Afsluitdijk since 1932, is still impressive in all weather types in terms of vastness and nature.

The Frisian IJsselmeer coast is characterized by beautiful old fishing towns such as Hindeloopen, Stavoren, Workum and Harlingen. But there are also picturesque villages such as Cornwerd, Gaast and Piaam, not to mention the larger Makkum. The latter is, together with Harlingen, the base for many charter ships that take to the water with groups of tourists or staff associations. The fishing towns bear witness to the rich history of the area. The world seas were sailed from Hindeloopen, Stavoren, Workum, and Harlingen for trade. Harlingen also played an important role in whaling.

The coast has also played an important role in the defense of Friesland. For example, the Battle of Warns on 26 September 1345 was the most important battle in the Frisian-Dutch War between Count William IV of Holland and the Frisians. The Frisians won with force majeure. This battle is commemorated annually at the monument on the Rea Klif near Warns. The words ’Leaver dea as slaef’ are written on the monument. Nowadays, the IJsselmeer coast is a popular destination for both culture-tourists and water sports enthusiasts. In strong winds, the coast is a perfect location for wind and kite surfing. There are several surfing schools where this active sport can be learned.

Tip: While you are in the area, take a look at one of the smallest ports in Europe, you will find this one in the village of Laaksum.

Due to the fact that Leeuwarden was European Capital of Culture in 2018, the Frisian eleven cities each received a fountain gift. These fountains were designed by a team of artists from as many countries. The fountain in the photo is situated in the city of Stavoren and was designed by the artist Mark Dion (1961) from the United States.

Many visitors to Friesland have turned it into a sport to visit all the fountains and take pictures of them.

Op de verre achtergrond een boorplatform, de Vliehors express en het Drenkelingenhuisje