Prinsentuin

The Prinsentuin in Leeuwarden is one of the most beautiful and beloved city parks in Friesland. The park was laid out in 1648 by order of Stadtholder Willem Frederik of Nassau as a private garden for the Frisian Nassaus. Today, it is a public park where locals and visitors enjoy peace, greenery, and history.

Located by the northern city canal, close to Leeuwarden’s center, the Prinsentuin offers a scenic place for walks, picnics, and relaxation. The park features broad avenues, open lawns, ponds, and monumental trees. Benches are scattered throughout, perfect for enjoying the views of the water or flowerbeds.

A special highlight is the 19th-century tea house, where you can enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the marina. In the summer, pleasure boats dock here, creating a lively and cozy scene.

Cultural events such as concerts, markets, and festivals are regularly held in the Prinsentuin. Even on busy days, the park remains a peaceful retreat. It’s a popular spot for wedding photos and a key stop on many city tours.

The history of the Prinsentuin is closely linked to the House of Orange. Once a symbol of status and power, the garden is now a place for everyone. The ancient trees tell their own stories – some have stood here for hundreds of years.

Each season gives the Prinsentuin its own charm. In spring, flowers bloom; in summer, the park is full of life; in autumn, the leaves turn warm shades of yellow and red; and in winter, a serene silence takes over.

The Prinsentuin is within walking distance of attractions like the Oldehove, the Fries Museum, and the Waag. It’s the perfect place to begin or end your visit to Leeuwarden.

A walk through the Prinsentuin is a meeting with history, nature, and the atmosphere of royal times – right in the heart of Leeuwarden.