Things to do in Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden is the capital of Friesland, in the North of the Netherlands. Here the local population still speaks a variety of dialects linked to Frisian, a Germanic language related to English which is recognized as a minority language in the Netherlands.

The city is known for its symbol, the Oldehove, a leaning and unfinished church tower in the medieval center whose intent was to compete in height with the city of Groningen. Unfortunately, the terrain was too unstable and construction work had to be stopped. The tower still stands but its top is slightly displaced, making it more inclined than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Other well-known buildings include the former chancellery (Kanselarij), the former residence of the stadtholders of Friesland (Stadhouderlijk Hof), the city hall, the old weigh house (Waag), Saint Boniface church, an important part of the neogothic movement, and the Centraal Apotheek, a pharmacy in the Art Nouveau style. The Blokhuispoort is a former prison that was transformed into a public library, hostel and restaurant while the Froskepôlemolen which dates from 1896, is the oldest still-standing windmill in the city.

Finally, the Fries Museum offers a chance to learn more about the most famous citizens of Leeuwarden: Mata Hari, the famous dancer and alleged WWI spy