Towns of Friesland (Netherlands)
Friesland (Fryslân) lies in the north of the Netherlands, between the IJsselmeer lake to the west and the Wadden Sea to the north. Its capital is Leeuwarden, the largest city in the province. On this map you learn to place the towns of Friesland in the right spot — from Drachten and Heerenveen in the east to Harlingen and Franeker closer to the coast.
Friesland has its own language, Frisian, and is famous for its lakes, meadows and the eleven cities of the Elfstedentocht skating race. Places such as Sneek, Dokkum, Bolsward and Franeker were part of that historic route. The list also includes Joure, Lemmer on the IJsselmeer, Wolvega, Burgum, Oosterwolde and the Leeuwarden districts Camminghaburen and Huizum.
Hop in the helicopter and find every town in Friesland at your own pace — a fun, free way for kids and grown-ups to master the Frisian map.
▶︎ Play nowFrequently asked questions
What is the capital of the province of Friesland?
The capital of the province of Friesland is Leeuwarden. It is also the largest city in the province and its administrative centre. Leeuwarden was European Capital of Culture in 2018 and is known for its leaning tower, the Oldehove. The city lies in the north-central part of the province.
What is the largest city in Friesland?
The largest city in the province of Friesland is its capital, Leeuwarden, followed by places such as Drachten and Sneek. Friesland has no very large cities; it is a province of many medium-sized and small towns, spread across a landscape of meadows and lakes.
Why is Friesland famous for the Elfstedentocht?
Friesland is famous for the Elfstedentocht, a celebrated skating race of nearly 200 kilometres past eleven Frisian cities, including Leeuwarden, Sneek, Bolsward, Franeker and Dokkum. The race is only held when the natural ice on the route freezes thickly enough, which has become rare.
What is the most fun way to learn the towns of Friesland?
The most fun way to learn the towns of Friesland is to place them on the map while playing in Toponauts. You fly a helicopter over the province and drop cities like Leeuwarden, Drachten, Sneek and Harlingen onto the right spot. It is free and you go at your own pace.