Oranjewoud - Earnewâld - Leeuwarden

Follow the trail of the Oranje Nassaus through Friesland!

Wilhelminaboom Hofplein • Leeuwarden

When the Frisii entered into a treaty with the Romans in 12 BC it was impossible for them to imagine how their region consisting of a disorganised collection of Frisian tribes was to develop. In 1498 the freedom of the Frisians came to an end but it also meant the end of the chaos that had existed in their system of government: the German Duke Albrecht of Saxony was appointed hereditary ruler of Friesland by Emperor Maximilian.

From 1587 to 1747 the Frisian Nassaus held the reins. They were descended from John the Elder of Nassau-Dietz, a brother of freedom fighter William of Orange. In front of one of the palaces in Leewarden, the Stadhouderlijk Hof (Stadt­holder’s Palace) (1587), stands a monument of the most popular of the “Orange” stadtholders, William Louis (1560 - 1620), a nephew of William of Orange. “Us Heit” (our father) is what the Frisians called him.

Statue Willem Lodewijk “Us Heit” • Leeuwarden	Belvedere • Oranjewoud

Oranje Nassau Arrangement
Booking the 5-day Orange Nassau bicycle or car package, you can learn much more about the Orange Nassau’s in Friesland and follow their tracks in the province. You will stay two nights in a hotel in the south and two nights in the north of Friesland. Hotels, where monarchists and republicans enjoy a royal accommodation under the same roof. After booking you will receive a folder with lots of information, so you can prepare yourself on the journey at home.

www.oostfriesland.info
www.frieslandtravel.nl
www.frieslandholland.nl

Peat trips

Journey of discovery along the highlights of three provinces

Giethoorn

The peat trip is a voyage full of surprises in the moors, woody and full of lakes, of eastern Friesland, the north west of Overijssel and the western part of Drenthe. A trip along ancient treasures of culture and nature. Highlights as the National Parks The Drents-Friese Wold, the Alde Feanen and Weerribben-Wieden (including Giethoorn en Kalenberg) and royal Oranjewoud are items on this very special scenic route.

Peat trip: now that’s an experience!
The peat trip is initiated by the Frisian Tourist Office Friesland Holland in Wolvega. The peat trip is based on navigable ancient routes on lakes, small rivers and courses. Cyclists follow the track of the historic routes of the peat boats on land, riding from junction to junction. The routes guide you along small sluices, mills, pubs, farmhouses, villages with an atmosphere of olden days and region characteristic sights. But the route also includes some rather unique shops. You will find the most visit worthy attractions and catering and recreation businesses on the maps in this magazine.

Sailing or cycling, or both!
You can cover the peat trip sailing, cycling, walking, canoeing or by car or motorbike . Another option is joining a group in a coach or round-trip boat. In this magazine we outlined a route by boat, bicycle and car, motorbike and coach.
Whichever way you look at it, sailing or cycling a peat trip is by far the most beautiful way. It’s really an experience! Sailing the routes by motor boat with bicycles on board, is also marvellous. At numerous special locations, usually in villages, you can easily disembark and take a trip to a place of interest in the neighbourhood.
 

Giethoorn	Blokzijl

Dwingelderveld

Different distances
The peat trips range in distance between 150 km (the original peat course in the south east of Friesland) and 350 km through the peat canals and adjoining cycle tracks in the borderland of Friesland with Overijssel and Drenthe. The turf routes are suitable for a one day cycling trip, but also for a sailing or cycling vacation of several days, just like the touristic Elfstedentocht (eleven cities trip), also initiated by the tourist office Friesland Holland.

Carefree holidays by unique service
The travel organization of the Frisian tourist office, Friesland Holland Travel, offers dozens of thematic Peat Trips and Eleven Cities Trips on the website www.frieslandtravel.nl.  These are sailing, cycling, walking and car arrangements with services like luggage  transport, breakdown service, replacement transport and shuttle service (transfers) between Groningen Airport Eelde and railway stations and holiday destinations in Friesland.

Wheelchair-friendly peat trip
Friesland Holland also offers a wheelchair-friendly Peat Trip, that’s to say a trip including wheelchair-friendly hotels,  bed and breakfasts and group accommodations and attractions. Make inquiries about it through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +31 (0)561-615 364. You can even hire very nice wheelchair-friendly motor cruisers, offering all facilities you’re used to!

www.turftocht.nl
www.frieslandtravel.nl
www.frieslandholland.nl