Leeuwarden is the capital city of our province Friesland (or Fryslân in Friesian). Nothing new, but… in 2018 (this whole year) Leeuwarden is the European Capital of Culture! During the weekend of January 26, 27 and 28th the official opening takes place.

The theme of the year long event is ‘iepen mienskip’. This is not Dutch, it’s Fries (the languague spoken in Friesland). It means something close to ‘open community’. You can read all about this Europan Capital of Culture Leeuwarden-Fryslân on the dedicated website Friesland.nl.

One of the goals of the event is to include Frisians in the organisation of the event. As such, many activities are organised by local individuals. One of these projects is called ‘Leen een Fries’, this means ‘Borrow a Frisian’. On the website of the project, locals offer innovative and cultural activities.

Below follows a list a few of the great inclusive initiatives!

1. Come along on a Riksja. The Riksja bike has a comfortable bench in front of the bike that offers space for two people to sit. During this Riksja tour, you’ll discover Leeuwarden with a local guide.
2. Urban Sketching. Meet your local sketch teacher at a beautiful spot in Leeuwarden and learn how to sketch on the spot!
3. Tour of Sneek with local tour guide. “Witte jim wêrom safolle bûtenlanners yn Snits omkuierje? Op in kuierke troch de stêd fertel ik jim oer dit prachtig plakje.” Again, this is no Dutch, but it means something like ‘Do you know why many foreigners visit Sneek? I will show you’.

And not only is Leeuwarden named as Capital of Culture 2018, Friesland has been elected third of the ten ‘Best in Europe’-spots of 2018 by Lonely Planet! This hidden gem is ready for you to discover. Other than the activities above that are specifically offered by Frisians, many other activities are promoted on the website of Friesland.nl. Such as walking, cycling and boating routes, the Eleven Cities of Friesland and the Frisian Icons, the most important cultural and historical heritage sites. For more information about Friesland being elected by worlds leading travelguide, have a look on their website: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-europe

Photo source: Friesland.nl