Culture in Franeker

Diagonally opposite the house where I was born in Franeker stands the Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium. As a child I went every year, and I was awed by the imposing ceiling paintings. My Frisian blood ran faster when, on 19 September 2023, UNESCO added the planetarium to the World Heritage List. In Franeker it was celebrated with a slice of oranjekoek. Frisians never get overly excited, but they are certainly grutsk (proud)! 

The Planetarium was built between 1774 and 1781 by Eise Eisinga, a self-taught astronomer and wool carder. Eisinga, born in 1744, was inspired by the prediction of an approaching planetary conjunction that caused fear and unrest among the people. With his extraordinary knowledge of astronomy, Eisinga decided to build an accurately working model of the solar system to calm public concerns and, at the same time, express his own passion for science.

The precision and craftsmanship with which Eisinga constructed the model are bjusterbaarlik. Using clocks and gears, he simulated the orbits of the sun, moon and the five planets that were known at the time. 

The Franeker Planetarium is an impressive piece of 18th-century craftsmanship that highlights both the historical and scientific significance of the town. The Planetarium is housed in the living room of Eisinga’s home and is still operational, making it the oldest working planetarium in the world.

As a child I thought Franeker was a bit of a dull place, but these days I see the beauty of this Elfstedenstad. Think of the canal houses, the beautiful (old) town hall, the Martenahus with its lovely stinzen garden and the ramparts around the town. The people are friendly, calm and hospitable. That is the culture of Franeker. 

Of course everything looks lovelier when the sun is shining, but Franeker is also well worth a visit in winter. Besides the planetarium, I have a few more tips. I'm sure you'll get curious about this old university town in Friesland.

Franeker has several museums. Pay a visit to the Martenastins, a town castle built in 1506 that now houses the Museum Martena . Or visit the Kaatsmuseum and let yourself be swept up in the passion for this Frisian sport.

Then enjoy a delicious lunch in the impressive Art Deco building of Brasserie de stadstuin. This used to be the coffee roastery of the Van Balen family. As a six-year-old I would gaze around in wonder there. I can still clearly remember the smell of freshly ground coffee. That wonderful aroma comes back when you walk in and enjoy a good lunch with great coffee. As a child I grew up next door to the Chinese-Indonesian restaurant of the Cheung Kwong family. My old neighbour, the youngest member of the family, now offers the tastiest Thai and Japanese specialities alongside the Chinese classics. 

For a special overnight stay, you can choose picturesque places such as the Bolwerkhuske or Turfkade 9. Frisian hospitality will surprise you.

Of course you can't leave Franeker without some Frisian treats. I'm probably not objective, but Bakkerij Schaafsma really does bake the best sûkerbôle. Buy the tastiest Frisian dúmkes at Bakkerij Siesling. 

We at familieboten.nl think Friesland looks its loveliest from the water in glorious summer sunshine, of course. But as a Franeker native, I enjoy every season of this beautiful little town. I'm glad I still visit often, and I can recommend everyone to go. Even when it's cold and raw outside. Don't forget to book at the Planetarium and say hello from us in Franeker!