Harlingen to Franeker, Friesland Netherlands

Wijnaldum, a little town on our cycle from Franeker to Dokkum
Franeker

We had a very short cycle today. It was about 16 kms from Harlingen to Franeker, but we cycled around 25 km in total with touring around. As soon as we sat down on the bench all the ducks came swimming and running over. Lol.

Martinikerk in Franeker
De Oortwolk 11 cities fountain. It was designed by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and inspired by Franeker born astronomer Jan Hendrix Oort and his theory of a cloud of objects surrounding our solar system. The fountain uses flowing water, dark beads and fine mist to represent this cosmic idea, making it one of the most artistic and symbolic fountains in Friesland.
Franeker

We sat at a small restaurant on the side of the canal. I was ready for beer and Bart still needed more coffee.

Mustard soup (mosterdsoep in Dutch) is very much associated with Friesland, and common in cafes and lunch spots. It usually has smoked Frisian sausage or bacon it.
Planetarium in Franeker

We had pre-booked tickets for 2 pm for the popular Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker. it is the worlds oldest working planetarium, built inside a private home in the 18th century by a wool comber.

Standing beneath its moving model of the solar system, you get a striking sense of how curious its and craftsmanship turned a small Frisian living room into a lasting scientific wonder. .
Franeker
City Hall in Franeker
Museum Martena

We purchased a combo ticket with the Planetarium ticket and could also go in the Martena Museum. It is in a historic castle that shares the history of Franekers university, local, life and Frisian culture. Napoleon shut the university down in 1811.

The garden in the back of the Martena museum
They had a special exhibit in the museum, the history of the bike.
Franeker

This old building from 1634 was where the boats cargo would get weighed. Peter and Doreen told us that quite some time ago there was a family of 13 living here. Not sure where they would have put them all.

The view from our canal house. It was from 1790
I laughed at the translation that came up for the menu. Asparagus with leg hair. Not sure what the leg hair meant but I got the white asparagus and it was lekker, leg hair and all. Lol
Local fish with white asparagus.

Peter and Doreen recommended the Grand Cafe De Doelen. It was very close to them and it was nice atmosphere and the food was good. We sat inside as I was chilly.

We had the third floor of the canal house in Franeker.

We had a great day in Franeker and again, always more to see so we will have to come back one day. Bart’s Tante Anneke always told us that we should go visit Franeker as we would love it. Full of history and charm. And it was lovely.

Response

  1. debnaut Avatar

    very interesting!!

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