WHAT TO EXPECT

Bolsward is an unexplored gem in Friesland, situated between the cities of Franeker, Sneek, and Makkum. The oldest of the three mounds on which Bolsward was built. This is only one of the features that give this seemingly ordinary city its unique character.

On your way to Bolsward, you will see a beautiful green route, passing villages, meadows and historic windmills. A lovely appetizer before exploring the city.

Bolsward, or Boalsert in Friesland, is the city where history and architecture play a leading role. Let yourself be carried away by the rich history of this “eleven cities” city. Enjoy monumental buildings with unique facades in the center of Bolsward, such as those of the City Hall and the Broerekerk. Dive into the life of the famous Titus Brandsma and Gysbert Japicx in Cultural History center De Tiid.

Stroll through the city in a guided tour of the historical center of Bolsward where you’ll learn more about the Frisian culture and heritage. After the guided tour, you’ll head over to the Museum De Tiid, a contemporary museum where the history of Southwest Fryslân and the trading town of Bolsward comes to life.

After that, you’ll drive to the The Afsluitdijk Wadden Center where you’ll enter the visitor’s center; the Aquavista 4D experience and the Exhibition. Learn all about how the Dutch manage water works and make it possible to live below sea level.

BOLSWARD – HISTORIC CENTER GUIDED TOUR

Bolsward was part of the Hanseatic League. Cooperation between these cities countered piracy and protected the trade route that ran through northeastern Europe. The profits were mostly for the merchants who moved safely from city to city with their wares. Thus hides, beeswax, grain, salt and sheets found their way into the households of the fourteenth century.

Walk along Bolsward historical center through beautiful and important landmarks, historical sights, sculptures and artwork. Bolsward is one of the eleven Frisian cities where eleven fountains were designed by eleven artists from eleven different countries. 

The route starts at the Bat Fountain, designed by artist Johan Kreten, which is one of the 11fountains international art project for Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018. The dark bat spews water, like gargoyles used to do on the façades of cathedrals.

Attractions:
Town Hall Bolsward
Niewmarkt
Broerekerk, 13th century monastery church
Sint-Franciscuskerk , 15th century gothic church
Martinikerk
Museum De Tiid
Juliannapark
Us Heit Distillery / Frysk Hynder (Slijterij)
Distillery tours must be reserved in advance, extra fee. Groups of 1-19 persons, Saturday tours only. Groups 20 and above, Thursday, Friday and Saturday tours.

MUSEUM DE TIID

De Tiid is a contemporary museum where the history of Southwest Fryslân and the trading town of Bolsward comes to life. In the monumental town hall you will discover stories of icons such as Titus Brandsma, Gysbert Japicx and Grutte Pier, bringing the past close to you. Climb the impressively restored tower loft of the museum.

In September 2021, King Willem Alexander opened Museum De Tiid; part of Cultural Historical Centre De Tiid. Built between 1614 and 1617, the versatile and stately building literally breathes the history of Fryske language and culture, especially that of Bolsward and its surroundings. Each exhibition provides a fresh look at the region’s heritage.

Entrance ticket is included in this excursion.

AFSLUITDIJK

UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea – Visitor Center

The Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is the place where you can experience the story of Dutch Delta Design, UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea, the fish migration river and the renewed, future-proof Afsluitdijk and the IJsselmeer.

It was built to keep the sea out and to create additional arable land. The water will always try to reclaim The Netherlands. By building dikes, the Dutch, have made it possible to live below sea level.

Exhibition

There is an interactive experience exhibition in the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center. The main theme is the (survival) of the Dutch in the Delta, over the centuries and with a view to the future of climate change and sea level rise.

The Afsluitdijk is a major dam and causeway in the Netherlands. It was constructed between 1927 and 1932 and runs from Den Oever in the North Holland province. It is the ideal testing ground for innovative and sustainable energy sources. Wind, sun, water, it’s all there. At the Afsluitdijk, using water currents and the confluence of fresh and salt water to produce energy.

Aquavista 4D Experience

Experience the inspiring hinterland of the Afsluitdijk through a unique flying experience. Aquavista takes you on a unique 4D flight over the region. This film shows you the beauty of this region through the eyes of the godwit. Lean back in one of our cinema seats or lie down on one of the beanbags and imagine yourself flying! It is an experience that is sure to stay with you.

Entrance ticket is included in this excursion.

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

✔  What’s included? • Driver guide for small groups. Driver and guide for big groups. • 8-hour tour. • Guided tour Bolsward historical center. • Entrance ticket to Museum De Tiid. • Entrance ticket to Afsluitdijk Visitor Center. • Transportation. • Bottled water. ✕  What’s not included? • Food and beverage. • Gratuities for the guide(s).

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

✔  What’s included?
• Driver guide for small groups. Driver and guide for big groups.
• 8-hour tour.
• Guided tour Bolsward historical center.
• Entrance ticket to Museum De Tiid.
• Entrance ticket to Afsluitdijk Visitor Center.
• Transportation.
• Bottled water.

✕  What’s not included?
• Food and beverage.
• Gratuities for the guide(s).

LANGUAGES

Up to 7 persons: English and Dutch
From 8 persons: English, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tour starts at 09.00 hrs. and end 18.00  hrs., unless otherwise agreed upon.

The tour ends at the designated depature point.

MEETING POINT

Guests will be always picked up at their hotel or accommodation in Amsterdam. Amsterdam Terminal and Felison Cruise Terminal.

Hotels located outside the Amsterdam region, you will be picked up at an easy-to-find pick-up location. Extra travel time will be charged for pickups outside of Amsterdam.