Bolsward

Fryslân, Netherlands

Why visit Bolsward?

Bolsward is a destination in the Netherlands, offering visitors a unique experience in this distinctive part of the country.

Bolsward is one of the original eleven Frisian cities after which the most popular Dutch ice skating event Elfstedentocht (eleven-city tour) is named. However in comparison to other cities in the region it is considered to be more of a town nowadays. It's much quieter than its neighbours

Bolsward has no rail connections but is easily reached by road.

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How do you get there?

By Plane

The nearest airport serves Bolsward with connections from major hubs. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport for the onward journey to the destination.

By Car / Road

Bolsward is right next to the A7 motorway which goes from , just take the exit Bolsward and follow the signs and you'll be in the old town centre in no time. There's plenty of free parking space at Plein 1455, at the edge of the town centre, just follow the signs 'P - Gratis'.

The town centre is very walkable on foot or by bike, and there aren't many alternatives to choose from anyway.

What are the things to do?

  • A beer brewery and whiskey distillery with a shop, tours and tasting sessions.

  • An 13th-century church that regularly has (modern) art exhibitions. The original roof and interior burnt down in 1980, but the walls are still standing and are topped by a large glass roof.

  • Walking and cycling tours through the historic streets and surrounding countryside

  • Boat tours or water activities (where applicable)

  • Local festivals and cultural events throughout the year

  • Shopping at local markets and specialty shops

  • Day trips to nearby attractions and neighboring towns

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Where to eat?

Dining options in Bolsward range from casual beachside eateries to upscale restaurants. Local Caribbean cuisine features fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and international influences. Many restaurants offer outdoor terrace dining.

Where to drink?

Beach bars and cocktail lounges are popular, serving tropical drinks and local beers. Happy hour is common at many establishments. Fresh fruit smoothies and local rum-based cocktails are widely available.

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Where to stay?

Bolsward offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

  • Located right on the town square, this is the biggest and most centrally located hotel in Bolsward.
  • €75 double, €50 single, breakfast included
  • A small hotel with a café and billiards downstairs.
  • €67.50 double, €47.50 single, breakfast included
  • Next to a swimming hall, where you can also register and pay for your stay. Beware: on weekends the swimming hall is closed after lunchtime, in that case you have to ask another guest for a key to the campsite and pay when it's open.

What should you buy?

Souvenir shops and local boutiques offer gifts and local crafts. Duty-free shopping is available at the airport. Local markets provide fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Where to go next?

The old harbour town of is 30 minutes away, and is also the ferry terminal for services to the Wadden islands of Terschelling Routes through Bolsward This article is issued from . The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.

Nearby in Fryslân

More places to explore around Bolsward.

Guide content as of June 2026. Portions adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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