One of eleven cities

Friesland is famous for its eleven cities, the Elfsteden. Workum is one of the oldest. Its elongated shape came about because ships used to sail from the Zuiderzee (now the IJsselmeer) through Workum to the Frisian inland waters. Nowadays Workum is very popular with water sports enthusiasts: there are several harbors and the IJsselmeer is nearby. You can explore the city on foot, on rollerblades, or by bike.

A rich culture

Walking through the old town of Workum is an attraction in itself: so many old facades! From the water, it almost looks (and feels) like the canals of Amsterdam. The wealth you see is mostly from shipping. There are still several shipyards. The historic shipyard ‘de Hoop’ (located near Hotel Workum) is the oldest in Western Europe. You can’t leave Workum without visiting the ‘Gertrudiskerk’ church and climbing the ‘Waag’ in the city center. The restaurants, studios, museums, and cafes contribute to a bubbling and buzzing city center! Famous painter Jopie Huisman, who compared painting to breathing, has his own museum showcasing his impressive art.

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