Local museums play a significant role in promoting regional history and culture. Hannemahuis is one such regional museum exhibited inside a historic house built in the 18th century. Tour inside this monumental house, one can find old-world charm still intact. The museum here has displays and exhibits related to the history and art of Harlingen. Visitors can see remarkable collections such as photographs, silverware, period furniture, maritime objects, paintings, and other artworks. Along with this, temporary exhibits are often organized here.
The Stone Man is an iconic monument of Harlingen, located near the beach of Westerzeedijk. This statue was erected in 1576 as a boundary marker after a disastrous flood in 1570. It was constructed in the center of the five-part dikes with the intention to determine and warn of any floods in the future. Over the year, the monument was rebuilt several times and replaced the face. Today, this beautiful landmark is a national monument.
Visit one of the last pottery factories in the country that still make ceramics and tiles in an old-fashion way. Using the tin glazing technique-one of the oldest and most authentic ways to make ceramics and tiles, the family-owned business invites visitors for a guided tour. Here, visitors are exposed to an engaging tour of the production process. Be awed by the remarkable craftsmanship of one of the oldest pottery manufacturers, whose family has been making ceramics since the 16th century. Visitors can also buy antique ceramics as souvenirs after the tour.
Overlooking a scenic harbor, Harlingen Town Hall is one of the iconic buildings in the town. This historic structure, built in 1730, boasts a graceful façade. Visitors are welcome to tour the monumental building on the working days. On the exterior front, one can see the golden statue of Saint Michael. Inside the building, one can notice period furniture, a spiral staircase, and historic paintings still intact. Do check for tours before going in.
Draining Louwsmeer polder of its embankments is the De Bullemolen or “The Executioner's Mill” as it is commonly known. The smock windmill of Lekkum, Friesland, it was moved to its current location to drain the polder of Lits. Built in 1825, the mill is said to have got its name from one of its owners who was a judicial executioner in the town of Leeuwarden. Currently under the ownership of Wetterskap Fryslân, the mill was declared as an emergency mill to be used during floods. Listed on the Rijksmonument at number 24,505, the mill was fitted with sails working on Fok system.
Dating back to a forgotten era in 1512, Poptaslot was previously known as the Heringastate manor, where the eponymous noble family resided. At the turn of the century, the house was passed on to another aristocratic family know as the Van Eysinga. Its last owner, Dr. Henricus Popta, bought the manor from the Van Eysinga family, and restored it to the glory it exhibits today. The hauntingly beautiful Poptaslot must be visited by anyone who travels to Marssum, and a guided tour of the manor's grounds and gardens will provide a much needed glimpse into its past. Drink in the stunning architecture of the manor's sandstone fireplaces, the radiant chandeliers, the 17th century decor and the surreal vibe of a formerly glorious era. The manor is officially open only in the months of July and August, while visiting during other months requires an appointment.
On Eise Eisingastraat, the tiny brick building with just a 'Planetarium' sign-board, that is no different from its neighboring structures, is home to the Koninklijk Eise Eisinga Planetarium. This planetarium houses the perfect replication of the solar system created by Eise Eisinga in the late 1770s, and is believed to be the oldest one. Housed in the living room of Eisinga's home, the planetarium accurately depicts the movements of the planets in our solar system, including the Earth, Moon, and five known planets at that time. Today, the Koninklijk Eise Eisinga Planetarium is a living monument to Eisinga's ingenuity and scientific prowess.
Tresoar is an interesting place to visit in Leeuwarden. The building houses a study room as well as a well stocked library for the visitors. Information is available in forms of catalogs and scanned documents. The center houses data about the regional historical events. It also has an online portal which keeps a record of all the information, that can be accessed easily. The center was founded in 2002.
Stadhuis Bolsward is a museum nestled at the heart of the town. This museum chronicles the history of the town with its exhibits. The museum is housed inside the former town hall, which dates back to the 1615, and has been operating since 1955. The highlights of museum’s exhibits include Bolsward beaten coin collection, pottery objects from 18th Century, a collection of local silverware. The entry to the museum is free and guided group tours are available at nominal fees.