Heerenveen Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Heerenveen? Read our complete travel guide for information on attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Heerenveen

Heerenveen is a quaint town in the northern province of Friesland, Netherlands. Known for its rich history, ample outdoor activities, and picturesque landscapes, Heerenveen is a popular vacation spot.

List of Places to Visit in Heerenveen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum Belvédère
  • Heerenveen Museum
  • Molen de Vlijt

Natural Attractions of Heerenveen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wijde Ee Nature Reserve
  • De Oranjewoud Gardens
  • Deelenpolder Castle

Hiking/Biking Routes of Heerenveen

  • Oranjewoud Park’s Walking and Biking Routes
  • De Kuinderbos Hiking Trail

Best Things to Do in Heerenveen: Activities and Tours

  • Skate and Ice Skating Tours
  • Boat Tour of Princenhof Lake
  • Heerenveen’s Historical Walking Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Heerenveen

Day 1 Explore Museum Belvédère and the nearby Deelenpolder Castle
Day 2 Visit Heerenveen Museum and enjoy a bike ride through Oranjewoud Park
Day 3 Take a scenic boat tour of Princenhof Lake and enjoy a picnic
Day 4 Visit Molen de Vlijt and Wijde Ee Nature Reserve for stunning views
Day 5 Enjoy a full day walking tour of Heerenveen’s historical sites
Day 6 Spend the day skating and ice skating with friends and family
Day 7 Shop for souvenirs and relax in one of Heerenveen’s many cafes

Food and Drink Scene of Heerenveen

Must-Try Dishes

  • Frietjes
  • Friesche suikerbrood
  • Ech, a local delicacy made from liver sausage and herbs.

Local Beverages

  • Beer from the Tueb Brewery
  • Coffee from the Or Coffee Roasters
  • Shit this is a country famous for producing Heineken, not obscure local craft beer brands!

Where to Stay in Heerenveen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Oranjewoud Park Hotel
  • Golden Tulip Tjaarda
  • Fletcher Hotel - Restaurant Heidehof

What to Buy in Heerenveen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Friesche suikerbrood
  • Friesland embroidery works
  • Pottery made by local artisans

Local Culture and Customs of Heerenveen

The people of Heerenveen are generally friendly and welcoming. The local culture is influenced by historic ties to the Frisian Islands. It’s common for locals to speak both Dutch and Frisian, a regional language in the Netherlands.

Best Time to Visit Heerenveen

The best time to visit Heerenveen is during the summer months, between June and August. The weather is mild, and the town is buzzing with activity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Heerenveen

Do:

  • Try local delicacies like Friesche suikerbrood and ech.
  • Take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking and biking tours.

Don’t:

  • Ignore local customs and practices, like speaking both Dutch and Frisian.
  • Leave without trying Friesland’s famous beer.

Safety and Health

Safety in Heerenveen

Heerenveen is a safe town, but always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Heerenveen

Observe COVID-19 health and safety protocols while traveling to and while in Heerenveen.

Getting to Heerenveen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Heerenveen

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (120 km from Heerenveen)
  • Groningen Airport Eelde (40 km from Heerenveen)

Bus Stations Near Heerenveen

  • Heerenveen Station
  • Joure Station

Other Options

  • Train: Heerenveen is accessible via NS trains from different cities in the Netherlands.

How to Get Around in Heerenveen

The town is easy to navigate on foot or via bike rentals. Taxis and public transport options are also available, and tickets can be purchased at local stations.

Where to Go Next from Heerenveen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Groningen city (40 km from Heerenveen)
  • Leeuwarden city (25 km from Heerenveen)
  • Schiermonnikoog Island (60 km from Heerenveen)

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an enjoyable vacation in the Netherlands with a mix of history, nature, and entertainment, Heerenveen is the place to visit. With its quaint charm and picturesque landscapes, it’s sure to offer a memorable experience.

Heerenveen is known internationally for the Thialf ice skating arena Heerenveen is known internationally for the Thialf ice skating arena The Crackstate is now used as part of the city hall The Crackstate is now used as part of the city hall