Municipality in Friesland, Netherlands
Photo: Sietze Kraak, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Designed by D.F. Wouda, this is the largest steam-powered pumping station in the world that is still in operation, although due to developments in pumping stations and land reclamation it nowadays only works one week a year. It dates from 1920, and has been pumping away excess water in Friesland ever since. It can pump 4,000 cubic metres of water per minute at full power. It is just outside of Lemmer and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
A large museum consisting of 10 old buildings, covering everything that makes Joure what it is today; like the history of coffee and tea, old Frisian clocks, a local metal workshop and old (newspaper) printing methods. Also has a lovely shop selling Dutch candy from yesteryear.
Sloten is a lovely and small fortified city and is one of the Eleven Cities. The town was founded in the 13th century and has been fortified sometime in the 15th century. The town that stands today is loved by watersports enthusiasts.
Frisian Hot Air Ballooning Festival
By public transit
The Frisian Lakes have no train connection to be found.
By boat
The region, being littered with waterways and lakes, has, to no-one's surprise, some twenty marinas. When coming from outside the region, the IJsselmeer is most likely your best way in.
If you do not have access to a car, your best chance at getting from A to B is by public transit. Bus lines aren't numerous, but they get the job done. If the weather allows for it, renting a bike is advised.
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Groningen · International · GRQ
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