Leeuwarden (; ; ; ) is a city and municipality in Friesland, Netherlands, with a population of 127,073 (2023). It is the provincial capital and seat of the Provincial Council of Friesland.
The region has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. It came to be known as Leeuwarden in the early 9th century AD and was granted Town privileges in 1435. It is the main economic hub of Friesland, situated in a green and water-rich environment. Leeuwarden is a former royal residence and has a historic city centre, many historically relevant buildings, and a large shopping centre with squares and restaurants. Leeuwarden was awarded the title European Capital of Culture for 2018. Also, Leeuwarden has been a UNESCO City of Literature since 2019.
The Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour), an ice skating tour passing the eleven cities of Friesland, starts and finishes in Leeuwarden.
The following towns and villages within the municipality have populations in excess of 1,000 people: Leeuwarden, Stiens, Grou, Goutum, Wergea, Jirnsum, Reduzum, and Wirdum. The municipality is governed by the mayor Sybrand van Haersma Buma and a coalition of the Labour Party, Christian Democratic Appeal, and GroenLinks.
Etymology
The name "Leeuwarden" (or older variants of it) first came into use for
Nijehove, the most important of the three villages (the other two being
Oldehove and
Hoek) which in the early 9th century merged into Leeuwarden (Villa Lintarwrde 825).
There is much uncertainty about the origin of the city's name. Historian and archivist
Wopke Eekhoff summed up a total of over 200 different spelling variants, of which
Leeuwarden (
Dutch language),
Liwwadden (
Stadsfries), and
Ljouwert (West Frisian) are still in use.
The second part of the name is easily explained: Warden, West Frisian/Dutch/Low German for an artificial dwelling-hill, is a designation of , reflecting the historical situation.
The first part of the name, leeuw, means lion in modern standard Dutch. This interpretation corresponds with the coat of arms adopted by the city, canting arms featuring a heraldic lion. However, modern standard Dutch was not used in this region in the Middle Ages, when the city was called Lintarwrde. Some scholars argue that the name of the city is derived from leeu-, a corruption of luw- (Dutch for 'sheltered from the wind', cf. the Sea term leeward) or from lee- (a Dutch word for waterway). 'Sheltered landing place or harbour' could be the original meaning. This suits the watery province of Friesland and the position of the original three villages at the end of an important estuary called Middelzee.
The name is also similar to that of the French commune Lewarde, located in the Nord Department, an originally Flemish-speaking area annexed to France in the 17th century. Western Flemish was related to Frisian and also to Saxon up to the 11th century.
History
The oldest remains of houses date back to the 2nd century AD in the Roman era and were discovered during an excavation near the Oldehove. Inhabited continuously since the 10th century, the city's first reference as a population centre is in German sources from 1285, and records exist of
Town privileges granted in 1435. Situated along the
Middelzee, it was an active centre of maritime trade.
[ Stadsgeschiedenis Leeuwarden , Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden.] The waterway silted-up in the 13th century.
[Langen, G. de Leeuwarden 750 - 2000 Hoofdstad van Friesland p. 19 (Franeker 1999)]
The Grote or Jacobijnerkerk () is the oldest building in the city. The 15th century was the period of the two opposing Frisian factional parties Vetkopers and Schieringers. The and a moat were built in the period 1481–1494. In 1747 William IV, Prince of Orange was the last stadtholder residing in the Stadhouderlijk Hof. In the first half of the 19th century the fortifications were demolished.
From 1580 to 1752, a provincial mint operated in the city, minting gold, silver and copper coins of Friesland.[ De muntslag van Friesland www.duiten.nl]
The Jewish community of Leeuwarden was one of the earliest in the Netherlands aside from Amsterdam, and was first mentioned in 1645.
The first synagogue in the city was built in the 17th century, and was also used by the city's Catholics who were not allowed to build a house of worship of their own because of the Protestant city authorities.
In 1901 the city's population was 32,203.
Leeuwarden, like the rest of the Netherlands, was occupied by Nazi Germany forces in 1940–1945. This ended when elements of the Royal Canadian Dragoons seized the initiative and advanced into the heavily-defended city on 15 April 1945, ignoring direct orders to wait for supporting infantry. German forces had been driven out by the end of the next day. (The anniversary is marked by both the Dragoons and the city, by flying each other's flags every 15 April.)
Kneppelfreed () was an incident on 16 November 1951 in front of the courthouse at Wilhelminaplein (Wilhelmina Square), when the police used batons against Frisian language activists during a protest against the exclusive use of Dutch in the courts.[ Canon of Frisian History - Kneppelfreed 11en30.nu Retrieved 28 March 2018.] A committee of inquiry recommended that the Frisian language should receive legal status as a minority language.
On 19 October 2013, a fire broke out in a clothes shop on a busy pedestrian street. The fire started late in the afternoon and burned through the night, destroying five shops and eleven flats. The only casualty was a 24-year-old man who was living in one of the flats.
Heraldry
The coat of arms of Leeuwarden is the official symbol of the municipality. It consists of a blue escutcheon, a golden lion, and a crown. The fact that Leeuwarden carries a lion in its seal seems logical, considering that "Leeuw" is Dutch for "Lion". However, it is very plausible the oldest name of the city conceals an indication of water rather than an animal, and some sources suggest that the lion may have only been added after the name became official. It is also possible the coat of arms was a gift to the city from the powerful
Minnema family.
Geography
Leeuwarden is located centrally in Friesland. The military Leeuwarden Air Base lies northwest of the city. East of the city lies recreational area and nature reserve
De Groene Ster. It contains the windmill
Himriksmole, a golf course and
AquaZoo Friesland.
[ AquaZoo Friesland Retrieved 2 April 2018.]
Population centres
On 1 January 2014 parts of the neighbouring
Boarnsterhim municipality were added to Leeuwarden.
On 1 January 2018 it was enlarged by
Leeuwarderadeel and parts of former municipality of
Littenseradiel.
| Population |
| 92,146 |
| 7,545 |
| 5,655 |
| 2,945 |
| 1,685 |
| 1,360 |
| 1,210 |
| 1,175 |
| 1,125 |
| 960 |
| 915 |
| 570 |
| 570 |
| 435 |
| 435 |
| 425 |
| 415 |
| 335 |
| 325 |
| 295 |
| 255 |
| 225 |
| 205 |
| 185 |
| 155 |
| 150 |
| 125 |
| 115 |
| 80 |
| 80 |
| 50 |
| 35 |
| 35 |
| 30 |
| 26 |
| 16 |
| 122,293 |
Source: Statistics Netherlands[ Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2017 Key, CBS Statline (in Dutch) CBS 2 Februari 2018 . Retrieved on 1 March 2018.][ Bevolkingsontwikkeling; regio per maand , Population, CBS Statline (in Dutch) CBS 28 Februari 2018 . Retrieved on 1 March 2018.] |
Hamlets
The hamlets within the municipality are:
Abbenwier,
Angwier,
Baarderbuorren,
Bartlehiem (partially),
De Him, De Hoek, De Trije Romers,
Domwier,
Finsterbuorren, Fûns,
Groote Bontekoe,
Goatum,
Hesens, Hoarne,
Hoptille, It Hoflân,
It Wiel,
Marwert,
Midsbuorren,
Narderbuorren,
Noardein,
Oude Schouw (partially),
Poelhuzen,
Rewert (partially),
Skillaerd,
Skrins, Suderbuorren,
Suorein,
Tichelwurk,
Truerd,
Tsienzerbuorren,
Tsjaard,
Tsjeintgum, Vierhuis, Vrouwbuurtstermolen (partially),
Wammert and
Wieuwens
Climate
Demographics
As of 2020, Leeuwarden had a total population of 124,084.
Inhabitants by origin
Culture
Museums
Museums in the city of Leeuwarden:
-
Fries Museum. An art, culture and history museum.
[ Tresoar , Tresoar. Retrieved on 28 February 2018.] The building (2013) was designed by Hubert-Jan Henket.
-
Fries Verzetsmuseum, a museum that documents the impact of World War II on Friesland.
[ Fries Verzetsmuseum, Fries Verzetsmuseum. Retrieved on 28 February 2018.] The museum is part of the Fries Museum.
-
Princessehof Ceramics Museum,
[ Princessehof , Princessehof Ceramics Museum. Retrieved on 28 February 2018.] a ceramic art museum.
-
Pier Pander Museum, an art museum dedicated to the works of sculptor Pier Pander.
-
Natuurmuseum Fryslân,
[ Natuurmuseum Fryslân , Natuurmuseum Fryslân. Retrieved on 28 February 2018.] a natural history museum.
-
The Other Museum. Collections: classic car, model trains, lace and photography, radio and Meccano.
[ The Other Museum . Retrieved 6 March 2018.]
-
Tresoar, a historical centre and museum with archives about Friesland.
-
Fries Landbouwmuseum, an agricultural museum.
[ Fries Landbouwmuseum . Retrieved 14 January 2020.]
Architecture
There are over 800
Rijksmonuments (national heritage sites) in the municipality of Leeuwarden.
[ Monumentenregister , Rijksmonument 1 January 2018 . Retrieved on 1 March 2018.] The Oldehove, a leaning unfinished church tower, is a symbol of the city. Other well-known buildings in the city centre include the
Kanselarij (former chancellery), the Stadhouderlijk Hof (former residence of the stadtholders of Friesland), the city hall (1715), the
Waag (old weigh house), the Saint Boniface church (an important part of the neogothic movement) and the
Centraal Apotheek, a pharmacy in the
Art Nouveau style. The
Blokhuispoort is a former prison that has been transformed into a public library, hostel and restaurant.
The Froskepôlemolen (built in 1896), is the last surviving windmill to have stood in Leeuwarden. The remains of the Cammingha-Buurstermolen were demolished in 2000.
The tallest building in the city is the Achmeatoren (Achmea insurance tower), built in 2001 and designed by Abe Bonnema – who also designed the second-tallest building, Averotoren at .
File:Leeuwarden, Netherlands - panoramio (26).jpg|Oldehove
File:20120519 Stadhuis Leeuwarden NL.jpg|City hall
File:Leeuwarden Blokhuispoort 40 Voormalige Gevangenis Blokhuispoort.jpg| Blokhuispoort
File:Leeuwarden, Netherlands - panoramio (23).jpg|Leeuwarden canal Kelders
File:Leeuwarden 1558.jpg| Centraal Apotheek
Cultural events and festivals
On 6 September 2013 Leeuwarden was voted European Capital of Culture for the year 2018.
Many events were organised throughout the year.
[ european-capital-of-culture . Retrieved on 1 March 2018.][ LF2018 Retrieved on 1 March 2018] The largest art project was the
11Fountains, fountains in the Frisian eleven cities. The
Love Fountain, located in front of the train station, was designed by artist
Jaume Plensa. The fountain is seven metres high and consists of two white heads of a boy and a girl, their eyes closed and dreaming.
[ 11fountains-Leeuwarden Retrieved 21 March 2018.]
Annual music festivals are Cityrock, Dancetour, Welcome To The Village, Into the Grave, Explore the North[ Explore the North . Retrieved 7 March 2018.] and Fries straatfestival. Other festivals are Noordelijk Film Festival (an event for film makers), photofestival Noorderlicht and the Media Art festival. Other events are Racing Expo and a large flower market (held on Ascension Day).[ Tourist information Leeuwarden Retrieved on 2 March 2018.] There is also a weekly cattle market.[ Cattle market Leeuwarden . Retrieved on 2 March 2018.]
Transport
Leeuwarden railway station (opened on 27 October 1863) is the main railway station of Leeuwarden. It is a terminus station of the NS railway line from Zwolle. Regional trains, served by
Arriva, operate to Groningen in the east, Harlingen in the west and Stavoren in the southwest.
[ Actuele vertrektijden Station Leeuwarden (in Dutch), Nederlandse Spoorwegen. Retrieved 19 June 2016.] The other stations in the municipality are Leeuwarden Camminghaburen, and Grou-Jirnsum. A fourth station Leeuwarden Werpsterhoeke was planned to be opened after 2018.
[ Leeuwarden Werpsterhoeke (in Dutch), ProRail. Retrieved 19 June 2016.]
Near the train station is the bus station. Qbuzz runs several city, regional and national buses.[ Qbuzz Friesland][ Arriva Dienstregeling Friesland (in Dutch), Arriva. Retrieved 8 March 2018.] Route 66 Leeuwarden-Holwerd connects with the ferry to Ameland, bus route 50 to Lauwersoog connects with the departures of the ferry to Schiermonnikoog[ Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten public transportation Retrieved on 8 March 2018.] and route 350 via the Afsluitdijk connects to Alkmaar in North Holland.
The motorway A31 passes Leeuwarden and the A32 connects Leeuwarden to Meppel. The Van Harinxmakanaal is a major canal and connects Harlingen to Leeuwarden.
Education
Leeuwarden has a number of respected schools of applied science (HBO in Dutch), (21,480 students in 2017),
[ HBO students Leeuwarden Retrieved 1 April 2018.] such as the Van Hall Instituut (agricultural and life sciences) and the NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (hotel management, economical and media management).
[ NHL Stenden University Retrieved 1 April 2018.] In addition to higher education, the city is also home to three regional vocational schools (MBO): the Friese Poort, Friesland College, and Nordwin College.
Although the city has no university of its own, several are located here, including Campus Fryslân (University of Groningen),[ University of Groningen/Campus Fryslân Retrieved 1 April 2018.] Dairy Campus (Wageningen University and Research)[ Dairy Campus . Retrieved 1 April 2018.] and the Academie voor Popkultuur (Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen)
Technological Top Institute Wetsus does research into water-related technologies.[ Wetsus Retrieved 1 April 2018.] Centre of Expertise Water Technology (CEW) is the knowledge and innovation centre for applied research and product development in the field of water technology[ CEW Leeuwarden Retrieved 1 April 2018.] and the Wadden Academy to study and research the Wadden Sea.[ Wadden Academy Retrieved 1 April 2018.]
Economy
Among the 10 largest employers in Leeuwarden are Medical Center Leeuwarden (MCL),
ING Group, The Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB),
, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden Air Base and
FrieslandCampina.
[Gemeentegids Leeuwarden 2011] WTC Expo is the largest events complex in the Northern Netherlands.
[ WTC Expo Retrieved 3 April 2018.]
Sports
The city's local football team,
SC Cambuur, are playing in the second tier
Eerste Divisie. Their home ground is the
Kooi Stadion, which has a capacity of 15,000. The city's basketball team,
Aris Leeuwarden, has played in the Dutch Basketball League since 2004.
The Elfstedenhal is a sport venue. The stadium is used for long track speed skating, short track speed skating, ice hockey, figure skating and curling.[ Elfstedenhal Retrieved on 3 March 2018.] The 400m indoor speed skating oval is named after speed skater Atje Keulen-Deelstra. The ice hockey club is IJshockeyclub Capitals Leeuwarden (IJCCL).[ capitalsleeuwarden ice hockey club. Retrieved on 3 March 2018.]
Leeuwarden is the starting and finishing point for the celebrated Elfstedentocht, a speed skating race over the Frisian waterways that is held when winter conditions in the province allow. it last took place in January 1997, preceded by the races of 1986 and 1985. In 1986, the Dutch king Willem-Alexander participated in the Eleven cities tour, with the pseudonym W.A. van Buren, which is the pseudonym of the royal family of the Netherlands.
Loop Leeuwarden[ Loop Leeuwarden . Retrieved on 2 March 2018.] is an annual road running competition (5 km, 10 km and half marathon races). The race was first held in 1985 and takes place in May. It attracts amateur runners. The city of Leeuwarden has two sailing boats (skûtsje) racing in the yearly sailing competition Skûtsjesilen.
Leeuwarden was to be the host of the World Flying Disc Federation 2020 World Ultimate and Guts Championships from the 11th to the 18th of July. The event was expected to have over 2500 athletes from 40 countries.[ WFDF 2020 World Ultimate and Guts Championships , World Flying Disc Federation. Retrieved on 21 May 2019.] The event was cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic).
Media
The Leeuwarder Courant
[ LC Leeuwarder Courant. Retrieved on 6 March 2018.] and
Friesch Dagblad[ Friesch Dagblad , Friesch Dagblad. Retrieved on 6 March 2018.] are daily newspapers mainly written in Dutch (published by the
NDC Mediagroep). Omrop Fryslân is a public broadcaster with radio and TV programs mainly in Frisian.
[ Omrop Fryslan , Omrop Fryslân. Retrieved on 6 March 2018.]
Notable residents
-
Lawrence Alma-Tadema (1836–1912), knighted painter
-
Eva and Abraham Beem (1932/1934–1944), young Jewish Holocaust victims
-
Cornelis Botke (1887–1954), painter and etcher
-
Cisca Dresselhuys (born 1943), journalist and magazine editor
-
Esmée van Eeghen (1918–1944), resistance fighter in World War II
-
Dirk van Erp (1860–1933), artisan and metalsmith
-
M. C. Escher (1898–1972), graphic artist
-
Richard Hageman (1881–1966), conductor, pianist, composer, and actor
[ IMDb Database retrieved 11 February 2020]
-
Willem van Haren (1710–1768), poet
-
Havank (1904–1964), writer, journalist, and translator
-
Wilhelmina van Idsinga (1788–1819), painter
-
Johannes Henricus Gerardus Jansen (1868–1936), archbishop
-
Wijerd Jelckama ( 1490–1523), military commander
-
Mata Hari (1876–1917), exotic dancer and courtesan, possible double agent
[ IMDb Database retrieved 11 February 2020]
-
Hendrik Niehoff (1495– 1561), pipe organ maker
-
Piet Paaltjens (1835–1894), minister and romantic author
-
Joachim van Plettenberg (1739–1793), colonial governor
-
Tjitske Reidinga (born 1972), actress
[ IMDb Database retrieved 11 February 2020]
-
Jan Jacob Slauerhoff (1898–1936), poet and novelist
-
Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel (1622–1672), painter
-
Pieter Jelles Troelstra (1860–1930), politician
-
Cornelis Adriaan Lobry van Troostenburg de Bruyn (1857–1904), chemist
-
Saskia van Uylenburg (1612–1642), wife of the painter Rembrandt van Rijn
-
Lodewijk Caspar Valckenaer (1715–1785), classical scholar
-
Rinskje Visscher (1868–1950), first female municipal archivist in the Netherlands
-
Campegius Vitringa (1659–1722), theologian
-
Hans Vredeman de Vries (1527– 1607), architect, painter, and engineer
-
Harm Wiersma (born 1953), draughts player and politician
-
William IV, Prince of Orange (1711–1751), stadtholder
-
Joost Klein (born 1997), rapper/singer and Participant of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
Politics
In the Netherlands, a municipality is governed by the college of mayor and aldermen and the municipal council. Sybrand van Haersma Buma of the CDA has been mayor of Leeuwarden since 26 August 2019.
Since the 2014 municipal elections, the Labour Party (3 aldermen), Christian Democratic Appeal (2 aldermen), PAL
GroenLinks (1 alderman) form a coalition.
[ Gemeente Leeuwarden (Friesland) (in Dutch), Overheid in Friesland. Retrieved 19 June 2016.] The municipal council of Leeuwarden has 39 seats.
[ Gemeenteraadsleden en ondersteuning (in Dutch), Municipality of Leeuwarden. Retrieved 19 June 2016.]
As provincial capital, Leeuwarden is also the seat of the King's Commissioner Arno Brok and the Provincial Council of Friesland.
International relations
The city of Leeuwarden is twinned with
Bibliography
External links
