Sunset by colorful buildings in the historic center.

Indian summer in Leeuwarden
indian summer

With the arrival of September, sunny weekends alternate with the first autumn storms. Whether we get an Indian summer or an early fall – Leeuwarden is buzzing with energy. September is the official start of the cultural season in Leeuwarden. Special events (UIT de Harmonie or MuseumnachtFRL, anyone?), autumn festivals, and exhibitions await you! Local shopkeepers have the tastiest and nicest items in their windows, barges and the city train are working overtime, regional markets are pulling out all the stops, and our old reliable Oldehove also lets you enjoy a spectacular view. The only thing you have to do? Put on lots of layers and decide which cool events you are going to attend. Yeah right!

Storytelling
until October 31 Autumn holiday barge cruises

Autumn holidays extra regular sailings

Leeuwarden Canal Cruises ticket shop
Exhibition
until February 07 REDBAD: the legendary king

Once, in the distant past, a legendary king reigned over the great Frisia. Redbad was his name,…

Fries Museum
Walking tour
Daily Miniature People Leeuwarden

Walk through the streets and alleys of Leeuwarden's city center and go look for these tiny Liwwadders.

Markt
until December 05st Farmers' market in Vijzelstraat

Monthly farmers' market on Vijzelstraat in Leeuwarden, featuring local products directly from the farmer and producer. Every first…

Walking tour
Saturday November 21 Light at Night Walk Leeuwarden

On Saturday, November 21, 2026, we light up the night together during the Light at Night Walk in…

Oldehove
Exhibition
until November 22 Mummy Mysteries

Mummy Mysteries is a fascinating exhibition about animal mummies. There are animal mummies on display from Ancient Egypt, but…

Guided Tour
through April 02 Boat Tour Rental Leeuwarden

Discover the historic city center of Leeuwarden in one of our authentic historic farm barges through the canals of…

Boat Tour Rental Leeuwarden
Festival
until November 22 Explore the North Festival

Explore the North is a three-day journey of discovery full of stories in many forms!

Podium Explore
Exhibition
Weekly The Underwater Safari

Are you coming under with me?

Nature Museum Fryslân
Guided Tour
until October 31 Regular canal tours

Barge tours through the canals and waterways of Leeuwarden. The departure jetty is at Nieuwestad zz near the yellow…

Leeuwarden Barge Sailing Foundation
Guided Tour
Daily Team Leeuwarden City Walks

Private city walk led by an experienced guide through the oldest part of the former royal city. Duration is…

Leeuwarden City Walks
Guided Tour
Weekly Leeuwarden Free Tour (daily public city walk)

The most enjoyable city walk in Leeuwarden! Let yourself be carried away by Leeuwarden's top-rated guides!

City Walk Leeuwarden – A Guide to Leeuwarden
Guided Tour
Weekly Prison Tour Blokhuispoort

Step into the shoes of an inmate and let yourself be amazed.

Leeuwarden City Events
Dance
Saturday November 28 Early Peaks
Guided Tour
Saturday 31 October Halloween Night 2026

Saturday evening, October 31, 2026, is the day: Halloween Night 2026!

Boat Tour Rental Leeuwarden

Out into the woods and down the lanes

September is the perfect time for a nice walk. Whether you are a student just getting to know the city, on a weekend getaway looking for some great stories, or a seasoned Leeuwarden resident just wanting to hit their step goal, a walking tour is a great way to start. Fancy heading out on your own? Then you can pick up a DIY city walk at the Visitor Center for a few euros. Prefer a guided tour? Then book a tour with the guides from A Guide to Leeuwarden or Leeuwarden Tour.

Outside

Ready to get some fresh air? Your autumn starts at Buuten! Buuten is Leeuwarden's most versatile outdoor area. You can walk there (even with your dog!), surf, go boating (will you go for a silent sloop or a saloon boat?), swim, enjoy open-air art, and even dine.

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