Franeker

In the old days the inhabitants stole the church bells of their neighbouring city Harlingen. Nowadays they still carry the nickname Thieves of the bells.
Franeker also offers you the most important match of the year of the Frisian sport ‘kaatsen’ and lots more.

Places to go
A working planetarium is something worth visiting! The ‘Eise Eisinga Museum’ exhibits a broad collection of historical, astronomical instruments. The University of Franker has long gone, but in the streets you can still feel the ambience of the old days when the academics were still about. Walk along the former houses of the professors and drink a beer in the oldest student pub of the country, Bogt van Guné.

Three other historical buildings you don’t want to miss, are the only medieval church left in Friesland with a choir gallery, the Martini church, the city hall from 1591 built in the renaissance style and the city castle right in the centre, called the Martenastins built in 1498. Since 2006 the castle exhibits the history of Franeker.

Be there
In Franeker, tension is growing on the fifth Wednesday after the first of July. The city is wellknown for a sport called 'kaatsen'. Once a year, the city hosts an important match; the P.C. This is your chance to experience a traditional Frisian sporting event. Don’t worry about the rules, it is worth going there. Being part of the special ambience during and after the match is something you will not forget easily. 

Around Franeker
Franeker is located in the surroundings better known as “Terpelân” (mound country).  A drive through the nice mound villages, a refreshing walk on the sea bank or a trip to Sexbierum, where children have a fantastic time in Aeolus (= activity centre). In Sint-Annaparochie where painter Rembrandt married his wife Saskia, are several handicraft workshops to visit.