Friesland facts for kids
Friesland (called Fryslân in Frisian and Friesland in Dutch) is a province located in the northern part of the Netherlands. Its capital city is Leeuwarden, which is known as Ljouwert in Frisian. People in Friesland commonly speak both Frisian and Dutch. The Frisian language is also spoken in a small area of Groningen (province), and in parts of Germany like East Frisia and North Friesland. There is also a region in North Holland called West Friesland, but its residents are not considered Frisians.
The main ways people earn money in Friesland are through agriculture and tourism. Many tourists visit the beautiful lakes and the islands in the Wadden Sea.
Friesland is also very famous for its ice skaters. It is home to the legendary Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour), which is a challenging ice skating race covering 200 kilometers.
Famous Frisians
The Frisians are an ancient group who live in Friesland. Many notable people have come from this region.
Brave Fighters
- Pier Gerlofs Donia was a very tall man from Friesland, often called a giant. He was said to be about 7 feet (2 meters and 15 centimeters) tall.
- Wijerd Jelckama was a legendary freedom fighter and leader. He was as tall as his uncle, Pier Gerlofs Donia.
Inspiring People
- Mata Hari was born in Friesland and became a famous spy.
- Doutzen Kroes is a supermodel born in Friesland. She speaks Frisian and encourages others to learn about the language and culture.
Drenthe • Flevoland • Friesland • Gelderland • Groningen • Limburg • North Brabant • North Holland • Overijssel • South Holland • Utrecht • Zeeland
Images for kids
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Map of the North Sea coast, around 150 AD.
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The Frisian representative refusing to kneel before Philip II at his coronation.
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De Alde Feanen National Park.
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A view of the northern coast of Friesland.
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The municipalities of Friesland in 2019.
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A beautiful Friesian horse.
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The finish line of the Elfstedentocht in 1956.
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Leeuwarden railway station is a national heritage site.
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