Once upon a time there were around 500 stinzen (Medieval stone strongholds with a moat and a gate) and staten (stately homes) in Friesland . Only 50 have, completely or partially, stood the test of time. One stins was preserved for posterity, namely the Schierstins in Veenwouden to the northwest of Leeuwarden .

The ‘Noord-Friesland’ Frisian castle tour starts at the Weidumerhout country hotel-restaurant on the banks of the Zwette stream (along the Elfsteden [ Eleven City ] route) in Weidum, twenty meadows to the south of Leeuwarden . The village of Bears is close to this attractive rustic hotel. The information centre about stinzen and staten is housed in the local church. The church is located next to the where the Uniastate used to be. An imposing steel construction has been erected on the same spot which shows just how grand these stately homes were. From Bears we lead you to staten which have been preserved in Franeker and Leeuwarden and the surrounding area. On each occasion you are given opportunities to view the buildings and the gardens.

The Frisian Castle Tour takes you past numerous attractive historic places to eat and drink. The Friesland Holland tourist office sends anyone who books this tour a route and information folder before the tour starts to enable participants to find out beforehand about how the Frisian elite lived.

The Tour:

- A magnificent 5 day cultural-historical cycling holiday in Leeuwarden and the surrounding area.
- A special route past the most attractive castles in Friesland .
- Cycle trips through green meadows, historic villages and towns.
- Accommodation and dining in hotels near the Frisian castles.
- No lugging of baggage: Friesland Holland brings your suitcases from one hotel to the next.

For more Dutch delights, please visit www.1000dutchdelights.com