Friesland (Frisia) is a northern province of the Netherlands with its own language (West Frisian) and its own rich historic heritage. In the year 800 the Frisii - as the people were known in English - kicked out the Vikings out of their lands. Later the Frisians fought Holland with less success. Finally, after Napoleon was defeated in 1814, the Friesland joined the new nation of the Netherlands.
For many Dutch, Friesland is mentally far away. Especially those who live in the much populated big cities of Holland. But as a summer holiday destination, Friesland is known for its vast lakes and its vast space.
I have never visited Friesland properly. And also during my road trip through the Netherlands in August 2024, I mainly passed through. However, I did make a brief stop in two places: the fortified village of Sloten, and Grou. The latter as on a photo I saw prior to my travels, it looked like the house of Gru - the friendly villain in the Despicable Me animated films. But Grou - and its church - was less Gru-ish than thought.
Grou and its church. From a different angle it apparently looks a bit like the home of Gru in the Despicable Me
Sloten
In 1523, the fortified village of Sloten was the last stronghold in Friesland that resisted the armies of Holland. To no avail. But Sloten remained impotant, being located on the once important waterway from Sneek to the former Zuiderzee (South Sea), and guarded the access to the Hanseatic trade cities alongside the river IJssel. The village became rich by raising taxes. Sloten kept its strategic importance into World War 2, when the Germans blew up a bridge to delay the Allied offensive led by Canadian troops.
Nowadays, Sloten is mostly peaceful. Its 750 to 800 inhabitants take it easy, and only in the summer months it can become a tiny bit more hectic if a bus load of tourists visits the village. During my visit, Sloten was very tranquil.
The central canal of Sloten that splits the village in two.
Grutte Tsjerke Church
Mill De Kaai, built in 1755
One of the pedestrian bridges over the central canal.
A gun left behind on the defence walls.
Part of the central streets at the central canal.
Historic sailing boats in the Sleattemer Gat
The Snekerpoort, the entrance gate to the central canal of Sloten.