When choosing a hotel in Bolsward, it’s worth first asking which side of the city you’d like to focus on: architectural history, the history of the old trading town, or Frisian crafts. Churches, a museum in the historic town hall and activities on the canals offer different ways to explore these themes.

Churches and the town hall: history in different forms

The Gothic Martinikerk was built between 1446 and 1466. At 68 metres long, it is a striking example of this period’s architecture and is protected as a Rijksmonument. The Broerekerk takes you further back in time: it is Bolsward’s oldest monument and was built around 1300 as a monastery church for the Friars Minor, or Franciscans. A glass roof allows safe access to the medieval ruin while preserving its character as a ruin.

The Sint Franciscusbasiliek offers a different architectural contrast: this Roman Catholic church is designed in the Expressionist Art Deco style. Together, the churches show how varied Bolsward’s religious architectural history is.

Museum De Tiid is located in the monumental town hall and focuses on the history of the old trading town and the Southwest Fryslân region. Guided tours explore the historic town hall; the tower platform is accessible only with a guide. A visit therefore combines the history of the city and the region with a close-up look at one of Bolsward’s historic buildings.

Experience the city on foot or from the water

The stadswandeling Bolsward passes canals, monumental buildings and lesser-known places, offering insight into the city’s history. It focuses on the seven so-called treasures of Bolsward and is available from the VVV-Punt at Museum De Tiid. This lets you plan a walk around several aspects of the city’s history rather than limiting yourself to a few well-known buildings.

A guided canal cruise offers another perspective: it lasts 45 minutes, travels through the historic city canals and gives you a sense of the buildings along the water. The cruise is offered seasonally; check current dates and times in advance. The two activities have clearly different focuses: the walking tour connects canals, buildings and lesser-known places on a stadswandeling, while the boat trip focuses on the canals and the buildings along their banks.

Parkland and Frisian crafts

Julianapark is a green Rijksmonument, laid out in 1913 to mark the 100th anniversary of liberation from French occupation. In the park, you can stroll among old trees, beside ponds and through a rose garden; you can also make use of the lawns. An old aviary serves as a stage for small events. The park thus combines a specific history with green spaces and garden features.

The local tradition of crafts and production encompasses a wide variety of businesses. Us Heit Bier- & Whiskydistilleerderij produces pure beer and craft spirits with a distinctly Frisian flavour. Visitors can sample the drinks in the tasting room. Guided tours explain how beer and whisky are made, which ingredients are used and how the flavours develop. Check in advance for current tour options.

Van Buren Bolsward is the only sheepskin tannery in the Netherlands and a family business with a history dating back to 1861. Visitors are welcome to view handcrafted sheepskin products in the shop and exhibition space. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

A visit during Bolletongersdei

Bolletongersdei is an annual tradition in Bolsward. What began as a trading day for cows and livestock developed into a lively fair. If you’d like to plan your stay around the event, check the dates for the relevant year, as the exact dates vary.

Discover more destinations: Gaast, Parrega, Lollum, Westhem, Makkum, Workum, Wons, Cornwerd.

For the regional travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.