De ’tocht der tochten’ wordt de Elfstedentocht wel eens genoemd. Bedoeld wordt de schaatstocht langs alle elf Friese steden Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker en Dokkum.

De eerste Elfstedentocht werd verreden op 2 January 1909 en de laatste op 4 Januari 1997. De eerste werd gewonnen door Minne Hoekstra de laatste door Henk Angenent.

Tegenwoordig wordt met weemoed teruggedacht aan de tijden dat er nog Elfstedentochten waren. Door de opwarming van het klimaat lijkt het er op dat het voorgoed voorbij is met deze bijzondere traditie. Toch is dit niet helemaal waar. Bij gebrek aan ijs kan de tocht der tochten op allerlei andere manieren worden beleefd en daar wordt het hele jaar rond gretig gebruik van gemaakt. (tekst volgt)

The leaning tower of Pisa is a household name but the Oldehove in Leeuwarden is almost as skewed. Yet the latter is a lot less known. The current Oldehove has a special history.

On the square where the Oldehove now stands, there was a tuff church around 1100, which would be replaced in the 13th century by a larger church built from red cloisters. However, they did not get any further than the construction of the foundation When the villages of Oldehove, Nijehove and Hoek were merged in 1435 and the city of Leeuwarden came into existence, there soon became a need for a larger church. This is how a three-aisled basilica dedicated to St Vitus was established.

But the Leeuwarders wanted more: They wanted to have just as high a tower as the Groningers in the neighbouring province had built in the years 1469-1482 with the Martini tower. So action was unleashed and the money poured in from all over Friesland. After an energetic start it soon became apparent that the geology was not really designed for the enormous weight of the tower, whose walls at the base are meters thick. Immediately intervened by taking the subsidence into account during construction. To no avail, a crooked, half-finished tower remained.

For many, Friesland is synonymous with water sports. This is mainly due to the enormous popularity of the Frisian lake area as a holiday destination. Every year the Frisian Lakes region is the domain of water sports enthusiasts. They sail over the lakes and moor at the dozens of marinas or passers-by at the popular water sports locations, the name of which sound familiar to many. Sneek, Joure, Langweer, Heeg, Elahuizen, Terherne just to name a handful.

In addition, during the season numerous water sports events are organized in the area of ​​which the skûtsjesilen, organized by the SKS and the IFKS, is perhaps the most appealing to the imagination. But don’t forget the Sneekweek. The largest sailing event in the world on inland water.

The Frisian lake area is perfectly equipped for all types of water sports enthusiasts, there are maintenance and boat rental companies. Sailboats in all kinds of classes, sloops or yachts from large to small can be rented in all water sports locations.

Hindelooper paintwork art is a special style of painted furniture, walls, and objects. The style is colorful and consists of ornate floral motifs, bible prints, and sea scenes. This type of painting originated around 1650 and was very popular at the time in the so-called "captain’s houses" in Hindeloopen.

The style of painting is in line with the late Renaissance and early Baroque of the Dutch north. This can be recognized by the use of the acanthus plant, the imitation marble and representations from Greek mythology. The most important background colors are red, blue, white and green.

When you visit Hindeloopen, you can be thoroughly informed about this special form of folk art.

In the southeastern part of Friesland and the western part of Drenthe you will find the beautiful Drents-Friese Wold. This area, which covers more than 6,000 hectares, was designated as a National Park in 2000 and is also designated as a Natura 2000 area (protected nature area). After the Hoge Veluwe, the Drents-Friese Wold is the largest contiguous forest area in the Netherlands. In this spacious forest area, you will find extensive peat and heathland landscapes, swamp and drifting sand areas, brook valley grasslands and beautiful forests. The area is perfect for a nice cycling or walking holiday. You will immediately recognize the typical landscape of villages, the bulbous fields around the small villages that are accompanied by vast heaths and stream valleys full of blooming flowers. Also an ideal area for nature lovers or people who are looking for peace and quiet.

There are numerous activities to undertake and experience, such as forest walks with the forester and various workshops. You can also experience a bit of history and take a look at the Dolmen of Diever. All in all, the Drents-Friese Wold is a wonderful place for a peaceful holiday. And it is certainly worthwhile for a nice day of cycling or walking in this beautiful and natural area.

In the living room of his stately canal house in Franeker, between 1774 and 1781, the "woolcomber" Eise Eisinga recreated the solar system to scale. Nowadays, after almost 240 years, it is the oldest working planetarium in the world where you can still read the current position of the celestial bodies.

But the Eise Eisinga Planetarium is more than a planetarium. It is also a museum that houses an extensive collection of historical astronomical instruments and that pays attention to modern astronomy.

Every visitor receives an explanation in the planetarium room. The unique Planetarium of Eise Eisinga in Franeker is on the provisional list of World Heritage. When visiting Friesland, a visit to the Planetarium cannot be missed.

The 13 meter high Stupa for world peace, called "Tashi Gomang", was built by Lama Gawang Rinpoche. It took four years to accomplish this feat. Not only the beautiful exterior is special, but the Stupa is also filled to the brim with many special and sacred objects.

You will find the stupa past the mill near the village of Hantum. This village is located a few kilometers north of Dokkum. The stupa is open to visitors every Sunday, including a cup of tea and a tour. A small gift is appreciated. Groups by appointment.