A midweek in a nature house in Friesland!
The ideal way to completely relax? With a week(end) away of course! So when we were invited to spend a few nights in a nature house, we didn’t have to think about it for long. Yes please!
The vacay vibes already started when we visited the Nature house website. A. lot. of. choices! For those who are not familiar with this concept, at Natuurhuisje you will find the most beautiful cabins in nature for a guaranteed successful weekend away with peace, space and nature around you. Perfect for vacationerslooking for an escape away from the busy city bustle. And not only in the Netherlands, but also in various European countries. The set up is similar to Airbnb, however, instead of showcasing other people’s homes, the company features locations in the middle of European nature.
A nature house in Friesland
We would have loved a cozy little house in, say, Sweden, but that’s a little far for just three nights. So we chose this cute ecolodge from it Dreamlân in Friesland. This special accommodation is located on a mound in the middle of the meadows of Fryslân and can therefore rightfully be called a nature house. And let’s face it, a province with its own language, that definitely feels like a real vacation right?
Dark Sky area
On a drizzly Monday evening, we (Jazmarae, Nina and Kirsten) left from Rotterdam to the north of the Netherlands, where we were warmly welcomed on a pitch-dark park. And when we say pitch-dark, we really mean that. This area is in fact a so-called ‘Dark Sky area’, so you can enjoy a spectacular starry sky! Once inside we decorated the house with Christmas lights, we were already in the mood, and we drank the tasty bottle of wine that was waiting for us here.
Sustainable house
Spending the night in this sustainable cottage is not only good for your ecological footprint, but it is also a fantastic experience. We really enjoyed it! Our cabin was made of beautiful warm wood planks, and reminded us of a tiny house. It had a loft that could comfortably fit four people, a dining area, a fully functional kitchen, a large bathroom with a free-standing shower, and two large windows that filled the space with Friesland’s beautiful natural light. And do not be afraid of the cold, because the heating allows you to stay comfortably here in the winter (and we know, because it was cold during our stay). It’s exactly what you need if you are looking to recuperate on your holiday.
Tuesday morning we got up early. After a short coffee break at ‘Canadian Coffee House’ Binnen Markt Buitenpost in – yes – Buitenpost, we just had to spend the day in Leeuwarden.
A day in Leeuwarden
With a humble population of 122,293 this city, believe it or not, is the biggest in the region. Its cobblestone streets, small brick buildings, and towering church visible from all angles make it easy to imagine yourself wandering around a mecca of the middle ages. Inhabited since the 10th century, this town has done a wonderful job preserving its history while adapting to the current times. Inside old architecture, you’ll find popular clothing shops, Instagram worthy coffee houses, and restaurants featuring food from various parts of the world. During this time of year the leaves of the trees are auburn and golden and the sun hangs low in the sky, painting the town in a brilliant light. Our favorite thing about Leeuwarden was its canals and pockets of nature hidden in random nooks and crannies. Although brisk, I highly recommend a visit, especially for the autumn lovers out there.
After a city walk, we went to Lazy Lemon. This restaurant, located on one of the busier streets of the city center, was quite charming. Its bright and warm interior dressed with plants and industrial fixtures definitely brought those, ‘let’s lounge here for awhile,’ vibes. It is a popular spot amongst people of all ages. Whether you are interested in delicious bites, chatting over fine wine, or sharing a coffee while playing a board game, this place has it all.
We ordered their appetizer plate ‘Lazy Lemon favorites’ that had a large variety of traditional Dutch bites and paired it with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. The food was fresh and delicious while the wine was affordable and high quality. The staff was friendly and happy to answer any questions we had about the menu, we even got a free bottle of wine to taste! A perfect place to visit while you’re in the city.
The Area
In the evening we snuggled up in the sitting area of the cottage with – yes – some more wine and snacks and we played a game with the kazoo. The perfect ending to a fun day.
When we woke up on Wednesday, our view is almost gone: fog! It remained very foggy the whole day and that is why we decided to cancel our trip to the Lauwersmeer National Park and the Wadden Sea. Instead, we viewed the villages in the area and end up at Restaurant Herberg de Pater in Engwierum for coffee and a delicious lunch.
Glamping
So if you’re fond of a relaxing atmosphere, the outdoors and that ‘camping feeling’, but don’t actually think campings your thing, then we highly recommend glamping in this particular nature house. Enjoy a nice vacation without having to drag around camping gear. With a free bird concert when you wake up and a breathtaking view of the Frisian country!
→ This article was written in collaboration with Natuurhuisje. We got to stay here for free, in exchange for content. Of course you can read our own opinion here!
