Discover Franeker: Planetarium, museums and Frisian routes

Franeker brings together its planetarium, local history, sporting history and distinctive architecture with routes on land and water. When looking for a hotel in Franeker, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like to explore astronomy, museums and architecture, or combine Franeker with a route through the surrounding area? The sights and routes offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Planetarium, local history and architecture

The Koninklijk Eise Eisinga Planetarium is located in the historic centre of Franeker and is the oldest continuously operating planetarium in the world. It offers a clear focus in the town centre alongside the themes of local and architectural history. Museum Martena is located in the heart of Franeker in a historic town house. It tells stories about the town, the famous University of Franeker and the residents of the Martenahuis.

The Martinikerk also offers a distinctive architectural point of interest: it is the only medieval church in Friesland with an ambulatory. An ambulatory runs around the chancel; the term draws attention to a specific feature of the church's design. The Martinikerk also hosts concerts, including an annual organ concert series. If you are planning to attend a concert, check the dates in advance.

Kaatsen, museums and events

The Keatsmuseum in Franeker is the oldest museum in the Netherlands dedicated to a single sport. Its permanent exhibition presents the history of kaatsen. This allows you to explore sporting history not only as part of the town, but also through a dedicated museum visit. The Keatskuier takes the theme outdoors: this walking route leads to important and noteworthy places and objects from the history of kaatsen.

The PC competition is another connection to kaatsen. It takes place every year on the “sacred turf” of the Sjûkelân in Franeker. The 11Fountains fountain in Franeker offers a different perspective: it is a tribute to Jan Hendrik Oort, the world-famous astronomer who was born in Franeker. If you are planning a trip around a particular competition or concert, it is a good idea to check the relevant event dates in advance.

Routes through Franeker and the surrounding area

Several cycling and walking routes pass through Bloemketerp. Cars are not allowed there, except for those belonging to houseboat residents. This local access restriction is important to bear in mind if you want to include Bloemketerp in a tour. Another option, with a different focus, is the Toeristisch Overstap Punt Franeker: from there, you can go straight into this historic Frisian Eleven Cities town.

Franeker is part of the West Frisian pilgrimage route, Jabikspaad. The Idylle Waadhoeke on the Jabikspaad is also nearby: a peaceful 2.5-hectare oasis where nature, culture and biodiversity come together. This means your stay can include not only museums and urban architecture, but also routes and a nearby nature destination.

From Franeker, scenic routes lead to six of Friesland's eleven cities. The Kleiroute is a separate option on the water: it starts in Franeker and follows a boating route along the quiet waterways of Noardwest Fryslân. Check the navigation conditions before setting out on a route. To choose between the different options, consider whether you are most interested in a route to several Frisian cities, a pilgrimage route or the boating route.

Getting there and practical planning

Trains run from Franeker station twice an hour, and buses also travel in various directions. Bus routes include route 35 between Sneek and Franeker, route 75 between Bolsward and Harlingen, and route 97 between Harlingen Haven and Leeuwarden. As timetables and transport services can change, check the latest connections before travelling.

This gives you a simple guide for planning: the planetarium, Museum Martena and the Martinikerk offer different ways to explore Franeker's culture and history; the Keatsmuseum and Keatskuier share a focus on kaatsen. Walking, cycling and boating routes complement these themes. Tailor your search for a hotel in Franeker to the interests that will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Sexbierum, Peins, Firdgum, Tzummarum, Hitzum, Dongjum, Achlum.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Franekeradeel.