Taste of culture in the surroundings of Molecaten Park 't Hout

Discover the rich history

Friesland, mainly known for water and water sports, has so much more to offer. Discover the rich history and special museums in the vicinity.

Museums & sights

  • Gevangenismuseum in Veenhuizen: learn everything about the history of Veenhuizen in the Gevangenismuseum - which is located in one of the original buildings of the colony! - learn everything about the history of Veenhuizen.
  • Museum Belvédère in Heerenveen: the first museum for modern and contemporary art in Friesland.
  • Museum Dr8888 in Drachten: Modern and contemporary art from the twentieth century tells stories that should not be forgotten.
  • Nationaal Vlechtmuseum in Noordwolde: Noordwolde is known as the 'plaiting village of the Netherlands', where for years baskets, chairs, cradles and other products were plaited from local willow.
  • Groninger Museum in Groningen: The museum for art, design and art history with changing collections and exhibitions.
  • Skûtsjemuseum in Eernewoude: central to this museum is the life of an earlier generation of sailors who sailed on skûtsjes.
  • Museum Opsterlân in Gorredijk: Experience the interesting past of Gorredijk and the municipality of Opsterland in the Museum Opsterlân.
  • Sudergemaal in Nij Beets: the first electric pumping station in Friesland. At peak times, the authentic pumps are switched on and the pumping station still moves water with great force. The pumping station is also a gallery.
  • Memorial Centre Kamp Westerbork in Hooghalen.

Towns & villages

  • Visit the beautiful (brink) villages: Bakkeveen, Smilde, Orvelte, Ruinen, Vledder, Diever and Dwingeloo.
  • Leeuwarden: discover the capital of Friesland with a hundred names. Leeuwarden, Liwwadden, Leewadden, Ljouwert, Luwt, Lintwarde: it is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable journey through Friesland. With a town centre that is still the best-kept secret in the Netherlands, with a tower that is leaner than the building in Pisa and special people who do not take kindly to being told what to do but are always in for a chat and a beer.
  • Groningen: great adventures, experience them in Groningen. With your feet in the clay of the vast polders. Sailing past seals on a bed of sand. In a sturdy, centuries-old church. Or somewhere in a side street, wandering through the city.
  • Assen: here you will find a home furnishing boulevard, about ten (covered) shopping centres that have shopping evenings and Sundays and a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Most of the shops are in Assen's historic city centre.