How to Reach Oldehove in the Netherlands
Oldehove is a historical leaning tower located in the city of Leeuwarden in the Netherlands. If you're planning to visit this iconic landmark, here are a few ways to reach Oldehove:
Oldehove
Oldehove is a unique landmark located in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. This leaning tower is an iconic symbol of the city and attracts visitors…
Best for you if…
- A long weekend
- Walkable sightseeing
- Historical sightseeing travelers
- Cultural tours travelers
- Visiting in Summer
More about this guide
Oldehove is a strong pick for historical sightseeing & cultural tours — plan about 2-3 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.
Solid guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 67/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈1.1 km span)
6
Places to explore
2-3
Recommended days
Summer
Best season
8
Nearby places
Find nearby destinations
When to go
High season: Summer
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December
Weather
Autumn
10°C - 15°C
Spring
10°C - 20°C
Summer
15°C - 25°C
Winter
0°C - 10°C
How to get there
By Air:
If you're coming from abroad or a distant city, the nearest international airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From there, you can take a train to Leeuwarden, which is the closest major city to Oldehove. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and offers scenic views of the Dutch countryside.
By Train:
Leeuwarden is well-connected to other major cities in the Netherlands by train. If you're already in the country, you can take a train directly to Leeuwarden Central Station. Once you reach the station, Oldehove is just a short walk away. Follow the signs or use a navigation app to guide you.
By Car:
If you prefer driving, Leeuwarden is easily accessible by car. The city is connected to the Dutch highway network, making it convenient to reach from any direction. There are several parking areas available near Oldehove, where you can safely park your vehicle before exploring the tower.
By Public Transport:
Leeuwarden has an efficient public transport system, including buses. You can take a bus to Leeuwarden Central Station and then walk to Oldehove. Alternatively, you can use a taxi or a ride-sharing service to reach the tower directly.
On Foot or Bicycle:
If you're staying in Leeuwarden or nearby, consider exploring Oldehove on foot or by bicycle. The city is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, and you can easily rent a bicycle from various rental shops. Enjoy a leisurely ride or stroll through the charming streets of Leeuwarden to reach Oldehove.
Once you arrive at Oldehove, be prepared to be amazed by its unique architectural design and the fascinating history surrounding it. Don't forget to capture some memorable photos and take in the panoramic views of Leeuwarden from the top of the tower.
Getting to know Oldehove
Oldehove is a unique landmark located in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. This leaning tower is an iconic symbol of the city and attracts visitors from all over the world. Standing at a height of 40 meters, the tower's distinctive feature is its significant tilt, which is even more pronounced than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.
The construction of Oldehove began in 1529 with the intention of building a tall church tower that would rival those in other cities. However, due to unstable ground conditions, the tower started to lean even before it was completed. The builders attempted to correct the tilt by adjusting the height of the upper floors, but their efforts were in vain, resulting in the characteristic slant that Oldehove is known for today.
Despite its unintended lean, Oldehove remains a cherished monument and an important part of Leeuwarden's history. The tower offers a stunning panoramic view of the city from its top, making it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can climb the tower's 183 steps to reach the viewing platform and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Pre-trip checklist
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
Local tips
- Climb to the top of Oldehove tower for panoramic views
- Explore the nearby canals and take a boat tour
- Visit during the annual Oldehove Festival for live music and entertainment
- Try local delicacies at the traditional Dutch restaurants
Places worth exploring
6 places mapped for this destination
01
02
03
04
05
06
Walking loops
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
Evening stroll 1
~0.4 km · 2 places
Evening stroll 2
~0.4 km · 2 places
Half-day loop 1
~0.4 km · 2 places
Half-day loop 2
~0.4 km · 2 places
Full-day loop 1
~5.5 km · 4 places
Suggested 2-day outline
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
Day 1
~5.1 km path
Day 2
~12.1 km path
Best Western Plus Hotel Restaurant Aduard
Highest guest rating nearby
Friesestraatweg 13, 9831 TB Aduard
Listings update over time — confirm availability before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
How many days do you need in Oldehove?
Most travelers spend about 2-3 days in Oldehove, Netherlands.
When is the best time to visit Oldehove?
High season is typically Summer.
Which months are more budget-friendly in Oldehove?
Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.
What kind of trip is Oldehove good for?
Oldehove suits Historical sightseeing, Cultural tours, Architecture exploration, City walks.
Is Oldehove walkable?
Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.
Any local tips for Oldehove?
Climb to the top of Oldehove tower for panoramic views
Build your trip
Add Oldehove and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
Multi-city ideas
Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes
- Oldehove → Zuidhorn → Grijpskerk · ≈8 km
- Oldehove → Zuidhorn → Niekerk · ≈9 km
- Oldehove → Leens → Ulrum · ≈9 km
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