Photos from Our World

• FryslÂn - Friesland
• Leeuwarden - Ljouwert
• Franeker - Frjentsjer
• Harlingen - Harns
• Northern Friesland
• Central Friesland

• Western Friesland
• Wadden Islands
• Winter in Friesland
• Traditions and Folkore
• Visserijdagen
• Frisian Flags

The South West of Friesland

The South Western corner of Fryslân is a very picturesque part of the province, with on the coast of the IJsselmeer (the former Zuiderzee) the beautiful small town of Hindeloopen (Hylpen), surrounded by water on three sides. It was a very prosperous town, especially in the 17th and 18th century when it had a fleet of over 80 ships and was a member of the Hanseatic League. It is especially famous for its painted furniture. The old port of Stavoren (Starum) on the south western point of Friesland is also very popular with boat owning tourists, many from Germany. It is one of the oldest Frisian cities, having obtained city rights in the 11th century.

The Gaasterland, the extreme south west of the province, has typical farmhouses featuring decorative "uilenborden" (ûleboerd in Frisian), a carved and brightly painted board that is part of the ridge. The decoration features swans and there is a round hole (that can be closed off) that gave owls the opportunity to make a nest here: farmers would like owls to nest here because these birds are good catchers of mice! This explains the name of these boards, lit. "owl boards".

Tourism is an important aspect of this region, especially because of the many lakes, all connected by canals; it is possible to visit most of Fryslân by boat. There are many opportunities for enthusiasts with sailing boats and motorised cabin cruisers. But on land, cycling is a great way to get around: the land is completely flat and there are cycle paths and quiet country roads everywhere.

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