Leeuwarden Map

Description: This map shows neighborhoods, streets, roads, lakes, rivers, canals, buildings, railways, railway stations, and parks in Leeuwarden.

Description: This map shows streets, rivers, canals, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, pedestrian areas, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, museums, points of interest, and parks in Leeuwarden City Center.

Leeuwarden (West Frisian: Ljouwert) is a city and municipality in the Netherlands, serving as the capital of the province of Friesland. Located in the northern part of the country, it has a population of approximately 95,000 residents, making it the largest city in Friesland. The city's history dates back to the 8th century when it was founded on three artificial dwelling hills (terpen).

The city gained city rights in 1435 and became an important trade center during the Dutch Golden Age. Leeuwarden was historically the residence of the House of Nassau-Dietz, ancestors of the current Dutch royal family. The city's rich cultural heritage is evident in its numerous historical buildings and monuments, including the Oldehove, an unfinished leaning church tower from the 16th century that has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

Notable attractions include the Fries Museum, which houses a significant collection of regional art and historical artifacts, and the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics, located in the 18th-century palace where M.C. Escher was born. The city's historic center features well-preserved architecture from various periods, including the Waag (former weighing house) and the Kanselarij, a former court building dating from the Renaissance period.

In 2018, Leeuwarden served as the European Capital of Culture, alongside Valletta, Malta. This recognition brought increased international attention to the city's cultural heritage and contemporary arts scene. The city is also known for its educational institutions, including NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, which attracts students from around the world.

The city maintains strong connections to its Frisian heritage, with both Dutch and West Frisian being commonly spoken. Leeuwarden is also famous for being the birthplace of Mata Hari, the exotic dancer and alleged spy, and features the Mata Hari Monument in her honor. The city's economy is diverse, with strong sectors in services, education, and agriculture-related industries. The surrounding region is known for its dairy farming and water technology innovation, with the WaterCampus Leeuwarden serving as a hub for water technology research and development.

Main sights in Leeuwarden