Franeker

Franeker, tourist information

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Coat of arms of Franeker
Coat of arms of Franeker

Number of inhabitants: 12.760
Number of national monuments: 179

Franeker summary

Warehouse at the Prinshedrikkade in Franeker
Warehouse at the Prinshedrikkade in Franeker

Franeker is a pleasant city in the west of the province of Friesland, it is an important city within the eleven Frisian cities. With approximately 13.000 inhabitants, Franeker also has an important function for places in the area. Franeker has a pleasant city center, partly because many canals run through the city center and the city center is equipped with nice shops.

Interesting history of Franeker

The Zuiderkade in Franeker
The Zuiderkade in Franeker

In the Middle Ages Franeker developed so quickly that this city would almost become the capital of Friesland. Franeker is said to have originated in the year 800. in this period Charlemagne built a 'castellum' in northern Westergo. This settlement was named in history of Franeker, probably after 'Froonacker' which means 'Land of lord/king'.

Franeker became between 11e & 16e century the administrative center of northern Westergo this was one of the three regions in which the current province was divided in earlier times originally this was part of the 'Franconian Empire'

In the year 1500 the city was besieged by 16000 disaffected Frisians.

At the end of the 15e century settled duke Albert of Saxony temporarily located in Franeker. Then it seemed that this beautiful city would become the capital of Friesland. But in the year 1504 the Saxons unfortunately moved to Leeuwarden, which is now the capital. This was due to the more defensible Blokhuis (Blokhuis gate). But Franeker remained a very important city for the Saxons, until the Friesland passed as possession to Charles V.

When the Republic of the Seven Indigenous Netherlands revolted against the Spaniards. At that time Franeker chose the side of William of Orange. In 1585 Franeker was rewarded with a university. The University of France.

Unfortunately the city got hit in the 18e century in decline this was in the French era in 1811 Napoleon closed the university.

 

 

Franeker Landmarks

The Martini Church in Franke
The Martini Church in Franke

The most important monument is the beautiful old town hall, see photo above. But the entire city center has a cozy historic atmosphere and is worth a visit.

Shopping in Franeker

The Canal at the Raadhuisplein in Franeker
The Canal at the Raadhuisplein in Franeker

In Franeker you can enjoy shopping in the historic city center. If you need something, you have a good chance of finding it. For a large and cozy range of shops you can also visit Leeuwarden or for a nice shopping offer Sneek also a nice recommendation.

Shopping evening:
Friday

Things to do in Franeker

The Handball Museum in Franeker
The Handball Museum in Franeker

You won't be bored in Franeker. You can visit one of the museums, visit the town hall or the Martinikerk, catch a special film or attend a theater performance.

MUSEUMS FRANEKERATTRACTIONS FRANEKER
  • Handball Museum Franeker, click here for the site.
  • wheat bearer's housevery nice old house. kik here for the site.
  • Martina Museum, artist Martina. Click here for the site.
  • Royal Eise Eisenga Planetarium, what it's all 'about' at the Eise Eisinga Planetarium! Click here for the site.
  • Visit the Martinikerk, click here for the site.
CINEMAS FRANEKERTHEATERS FRANEKER
  • The Koornbeursspecial program. Click here for the site.
  • The Koornbeurs, click here for the site.

Nature & Parks in Franeker

The Canal at the Raadhuisplein in Franeker
The Canal at the Raadhuisplein in Franeker

It is better not to travel to Franeker for a green natural environment. There is, however, a park with special plants, the Martena Garden, and you can relax in the larger City Park. Furthermore, you are at the coast in no time, direction Harlingen.

Steps in Franeker

The Dijkstraat in Franeker
The Dijkstraat in Franeker


Despite the cozy town with the terraces, it's better to travel to the bustling place for the nice step work Leeuwarden.

More photos by Franeker