Walking in Leeuwarden

December 18, 2024 | Annemarie Seunnenga

Pov: You - as a true hiker - are always looking for the most beautiful nature reserves, hiking trails and parks. Say no more! Because for a beautiful walk, you don't have to go all the way to the Hoge Veluwe. For nature lovers, Leeuwarden is the perfect base. With various historical parks in the city centre, nature reserves within cycling distance and a national park around the corner, you have everything your walking heart desires here. The only question now is: Where do you start?

We start at the Prinsentuin. In 1648, a pleasure garden was built in the city commissioned by Prince Willem Frederik of Nassau. A tribute to the end of the 80-year war and the Peace of Münster. This part of the city would remain closed to the public for another 150 years. It became public by order of King Willem I. He donated the Prinsentuin to the people of Leeuwarden. The park was renovated several times until it became freely accessible in 1795. In the summer months, you can enjoy the Prinsentuin concerts on Sunday afternoons, and on sunny days, people picnic and walk there. It is the backyard of many Leeuwarden residents. In addition, it is also a beautiful harbour, where boats can moor during the high season.
Visit de Prinsentuin
North of the city centre of Leeuwarden is a green area of over 12 hectares. This green lung of Leeuwarden consists largely of two special parks. The oldest, over four hectares in size, was laid out as a cemetery and is surrounded by fences. The other part is the beautiful Rengerspark: a special park with many different types of vegetation. Trees over a hundred years old, a duck pond, romantic benches, bridges and weeping willows make this park cinematically beautiful. Are you coming to Leeuwarden with your dog? Then directly behind Rengerspark is a dog play area, where dogs can roam and play freely.
City walk Rengerspark
Going for nature but don't want to lose sight of the city? During a walk along the Potmarge, the Achmea Tower remains a fixed landmark. In the Middle Ages, water flowed from the Potmarge towards the Middelzee. On the mounds next to it, the city of Leeuwarden arose. Leeuwarden was a favourite city of the royal family. It was even the royal city of the Netherlands from 1584 to 1747. The matriarch of the Orange Nassau’s, Maria-Louise van Hessen-Kassel, decided to have her country house built in the area near the Potmarge: Mariënburg. This area was full of market gardens, farms and a few estates owned by prominent families. Today, the Potmarge is a protected national monument.
Learn more about Leeuwarden as a royal city

Just a stone's throw from Leeuwarden, you will find some beautiful outdoor areas, where you can wander around for a long time. Whether you are out and about with the dog, want to enjoy the peace and quiet or just want to let your children have a good run, there is something for everyone.

De Kleine Wielen / Groene Ster

At the Kleine Wielen - also called the Groene Ster - you can take lovely walks. There are several lakes and beaches where you to enjoy leisure activities in the summer and there is a special dog beach, where the dog can run around unleashed. The Kleine Wielen is part of the complete Buuten countryside.

De Kleine Wielen / Groene Ster
De Grote Wielen

De Grote Wielen is a nature reserve where everything is possible. In addition to wonderful walks, you can moor your boat, sail, windsurf, swim and do sports. De Grote Wielen is also part of the rural area Buuten.

De Grote Wielen
Park Vijversburg

Park Vijversburg is one of the hidden gems of Friesland and is located near Leeuwarden. The estate was largely built in the 19th century by the Ypeij family. That is why it is also popularly called the Ypeij forest. Winding paths, bridges and the many ponds ensure that it is not a boring walk.

Park Vijversburg
De Froskepôlle

The Froskepôlle is a green oasis in Leeuwarden. This man-made island is only accessible via a bridge and you are literally between city and countryside. The iconic mill on the Froskepôlle provides running water in the ditch and ponds. The Froskepôlle is a popular place to walk with the dog. Your faithful four-legged friend can even take a dip on the beach at the lake.

How special is it to have a National Park just around the corner? The Âlde Feanen is one of the largest marshlands in Western Europe. The alternation of water, waving reed fields and fairytale marsh forests ensure that there are many different plants, flowers and animals to admire here. Start the walking, cycling or sailing route at the Visitors Center. Here they tell you all the ins and outs about this valuable nature reserve and the activities you can experience here.

In the neighbourhood anyway?

Want to walk, but need some direction? In the Leeuwarden Visitor Center, you will find everything you need: from fun city walks to (do-it-yourself) routes, from longer walks in the area to the best tips for restaurants and hotels in the area. This way you get the most out of your weekend away.