Franeker and Its Surroundings

Some Academic History of Franeker

The University of Franeker was founded in 1585 and, for over two centuries, it was known as one of the most profound universities in Holland. In the 19th century, however, the number of students that enrolled decreased dramatically. Consequently, the French magistrate Napoleon decided to close down the university in 1811. The province of Fryslân has not had the disposal of a university ever since.


Eise Eisinga Planetarium

This planetarium in Franeker is the oldest, still working, planetarium in Europe. Eise Eisinga started working on this project in 1774, the year that was dominated by the belief that the world would collapse. A big catastrophe was about to come due to a collision of the earth with another celestial body. Eisinga rejected these prophecies and decided to build a planetarium in his own living room to show what the universe looked like. In 1781, Eisinga was content with the result and attempted to enlighten Europe. By then, he would not yet know that his magnum opus would destroy the lives of his wife, his children, his friends and, eventually, his own.


Mounds and Dikes

Frisian people have always had a love-hate relationship with water. The largest part of the province of Fryslân lies beneath sea level, so that the inhabitants’ lives were dominated by attempts to force down water. Consequently, all over the province, mounds and dikes can be found. These higher grounds, on which churches and farms were built, can be considered monuments of the ever-lasting struggle of the Frisians to survive on the grounds of their beloved province.


The Eleven Cities

One of Fryslân’s cultural trademarks is the "Alvestêdetocht" (Eleven-city Skating Race). It is a skating race of approximately 200 kilometres that leads through the eleven cities of the province of Fryslân. Even if there is no ice to be found, all of these cities have their own tourist draws.

Leeuwarden / Ljouwert: the capital of the province of Fryslân.
Sneek / Snits: famous for its Watergate.
IJlst / Drylst: known for the mill "The Rat".
Sloten / Sleat: little city with only about 600 inhabitants, who are surrounded by a characteristic city wall.
Stavoren / Starum: the city where a well known ‘lady’ has her residence.
Hindeloopen / Hylpen: has an ice skating museum.
Workum / Warkum: the city that houses the collection of the famous painter Jopie Huisman.
Bolsward / Boalsert: this is where the roots of the Frisian alcoholic beverage "Beerenburg" lies.
Harlingen / Harns: a harbour city with more than 60 monuments.
Franeker / Frjentsjer: the oldest university city, but also known for its annual sporting event the "PC", which can be regarded as the Wimbledon of kaatsen.
Dokkum / Dokkum: Saint Bonifatius was murdered in this city in 754 A.D.