About Friesland
Friesland is one of the Netherlands' twelve provinces. Located in the north of the Netherlands, Friesland is one of the most remarkable provinces. In a relatively small physical area (about 5700 km2) you will find an enormous diversity in culture, history and landscapes. Although Friesland is famous for its water (the sea and the lakes), Friesland has a lot more to offer you: apart from the approximately 50 (!) lakes, there are woods, moors, sandy plains, flatlands, dykes, beaches, picturesque villages, and 4 beautiful Frisian islands (Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog).
Friesland has something for everyone: Whether you come to enjoy the city life with its discotheques, bars, terraces and restaurants or you come to enjoy nature with its quietness and peacefulness, or both, Friesland has got what you are looking for.
To put it this way: Friesland is unique in its diversity.
There was a time when Friesland was part of the sea, and the ancient inhabitants of the northern part of Friesland built so-called 'Terpen' (hills on which they founded their villages), in order to be protected from the in-coming water of the sea. A lot of these mounds can still be seen and visited.
By draining land and building dykes (that's what made us famous throughout the world), the sea has been forced back to its present shores. A lot of lakes, which determine a large part of the landscape and thus the province's culture and tourism, came into existence by the digging of peat.
Friesland cares a lot about its nature, so even nowadays, you can still enjoy the fresh air and the clean water without worrying about pollution.
