Seven days of enjoyment in Friesland: what to do?

A week in Friesland? We say: there is enough to experience for at least a month! If you want to taste the heart of Friesland for 7 days, here are a few tips:

Day 1

Arrival: park in front of the uhhh… church? Yes, in your own parking space*, under the church tower of Jirnsum. Wow, that's really 'coming home'. So we're really sleeping in a church for a whole week!? In the heart of Friesland, no less. After settling in - and a cup of coffee or Chinese tea - explore Jirnsum, one of the oldest villages in Friesland. Walk along the old Rijksweg, once the highway between Leeuwarden and Heerenveen with more than 30 shops - pay close attention to the beautiful facades and nameplates! Did you know that the Frisian flag was invented in Jirnsum?

Terraces can be found at the famous restaurant De Twee Gemeente in Friesland or at café De Fantast in the village centre. What you can't miss is a visit to Frits, the bargain shop of Jirnsum, our own 'bazaar'.

Day 2

Is the weather nice? Then we go to the beach! Enjoy lying in the sun, water skiing or a game of football on the sand. This is possible at De Potten, a recreation area, beach & swimming lake (free access) at the Sneekermeer. Also climb the lookout tower and be amazed by the wide view over the water. In the far distance you can see the Mauritius church tower, where you are sleeping. Snacks are great at the catering facilities of holiday park RCN De Potten.

Day 3

B&B guests are allowed to visit the church tower – and ring the church bell in the morning. The clock is from 1870, the church bell from 1488 (!). And what a beautiful view in that tower built by the Frisian architect Nijdam.

Then: boating on the Frisian Waters - plenty of rental options in the area. This is enjoyment. Sailing on the open water or between the meadows, wow wow wow. Am I sailing next to a cow? A nice round is Jirnsum-Grou-Pikmeer-Nes-Akkrum-Jirnsum. Waving to the church! But duck under the bridge at Nes!!!

Even strolling through the boat village of Grou is always enjoyable. And in the picturesque Akkrum, a visit to Coopersburg is worthwhile, a courtyard with 20 homes for the elderly. It was built by a businessman from Akkrum who became filthy rich in the United States. Folkert Harmens Kuipers, who called himself Frank Cooper in the US, lies with his wife in the Mausoleum in the garden that is freely accessible. So have you seen Lenin and Mao? Then Cooper should not be missing from your mausoleum bucket list.

Day 4

Leeuwarden Day! The Frisian capital is 14 kilometers from Jirnsum. So: bike, bus, train or car? The city center is surprisingly cozy. Terraces along the canals. Church streets with culinary and creative shops. Beautiful museums such as the Fries Museum, Keramiekmuseum Princessehof (surprising!) or the Natuurmuseum. Don't forget to climb the Oldehoven tower for the view!

And the Prinsenpark – yes Leeuwarden is traditionally an Orange city – not to forget. Oh, a boat trip through the canals. And the many (free) walking tours through the center... how do you still find time to shop?

What and where are we going to eat? Frisian steak? Fish or sushi? Indian? Pakistani? Indonesian rice table? Or a delicious pizza? You can also take it with you – or have it delivered to eat in our church garden at your own outdoor table.

Oh yes, Friday and Saturday are market days in Leeuwarden. And in the summer every Thursday: antique and curio market in the center, nice to rummage around!

Day 5

Rest day. Nice and relaxing sitting in the church garden. Or reading in our library. Enjoying your purchases. Still want to move a bit: walk the 5km route through the meadows, the Jirnsum-Friens-Jirnsum circuit. Or cycle the Jirnum-Sneekermeer-Jirnsum circuit. Or rent a boat from Bauke in the village for the evening.

Can't sit still, you relax by doing something? In a church there are always chores. Feel free to ask if you can do volunteer work in the garden, our vegetable garden or on the building. Can be cozy with a cup of coffee or other treats.

Day 6

What is it already the last day of vacation? We can go to Oranjewoud, the 'royal' forest and park near Heerenveen, 19 km from Jirnsum. On the way back, stop by the Wijn en Whisky Schuur just outside Sneek (more than 1500 types and what wines, they have been around since 1919). And if you like fresh eel: visit eel farmer Ale de Jager in Reduzum-dorp, he is the only one allowed to fish for eel in the Pikmeer and he smokes it himself. Smoked and raw for sale in his eel shop. You can also join him for a day in his boat: eel fishing! A feast!

Day 7

Do we eat the leftovers in the morning or do we order a nice local breakfast as a farewell? Another walk or bike ride through the meadows before leaving? No, just for some souvenirs to Frits? And a last cappuccino at De 2 Gemeenten. You can leave your suitcases in the church if you want to take a dip in the river De Boarn at the harbor in front of De Fantast like the locals do. Deliciously ice cold!

Pack your bags and on the way back pass Kameleondorp Ter Herne? On the way - 4km from Jirnsum - we pass the IJSboerderij... creamy ice cream in various flavors, watch cows and jump in the Frisian playground... Or do we drive back via the Afsluitdijk?

Anyway… back home. Friesland boppe – see you next time! Oant sjen!!!

*If you come by public transport: Arriving by bus from Leeuwarden or Heerenveen; uhhhhh… does the church have its own bus stop, really? Yes, around the corner, stop Hervormde Kerk – that’s handy, Arriva!