Fries Scheepvaart Museum

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1938 by Johannes Halbertsma and his son Herre. It occupies canal houses from 1844 on the Kleinzand in the old town of Sneek and tells the story of shipping in Friesland, ice-sport culture and the town itself.

On display are ship models, seascapes and silverwork, along with the figurehead of the clipper Wylo. The exhibition shows how Beurt ships, skûtsjes and tjalks carried freight in the 19th century, that Friesland once had its own war fleet, and that eel fishermen from Heeg had their own berth in London. Other themes include Sneekweek, the landmark Waterpoort and a section with silver from Sneek.

In the ice hall, the focus is on the Elfstedentocht and skating, including memorabilia of well-known speed skaters. The building also houses a library and a film room. For families there is a children's museum and several treasure hunts. Part of the collection can be searched online. The museum also offers workshops and lectures, town walks with local guides including a climb up the Waterpoort, and programmes for school classes.

Highlights

• Skûtsje sailing, Beurt ships and Frisian merchant shipping
• Ice hall with the Elfstedentocht and speed skating
• Sneek silver and the history of the Waterpoort
• Free audio tour of the exhibited objects
• Children's museum and several treasure hunts (children's museum currently closed for renovation)

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zur Schifffahrt, zum Skûtsjesegeln und zur Eiskultur – Presents the history of Sneek, shipping in Friesland, skûtsje sailing and Frisian ice culture with the Elfstedentocht.

Founded

1938

Admission & discounts

Free admission with Museumkaart, Rembrandtpas and Ledenpas; the Museumkaart must be shown physically or in the official app (screenshots and wallet cards cannot be scanned).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

More than 95% of the exhibition rooms can be reached with a pram, wheelchair and rollator; lift and ramps available. Loan wheelchairs and lightweight crutches, two accessible parking spaces at the entrance, induction loops at the ticket desk and auditorium. Low-stimulus visits on weekdays 8:45–10 am with adjusted sound and video, dementia-friendly offerings and adapted programmes for visually impaired visitors (register at least 10 days in advance at boekingen@friesscheepvaartmuseum.nl).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

The children's museum (hands-on, for ages 4 to 12) is closed from September to November 2026 for renovation; the treasure hunts (including Viking and pirate themes) are still available. Children's birthday party €10.50 per child (5–15 children, about 1.5 hrs, drinks and crisps included, two accompanying adults free), not during the school holidays of the northern region. Baby-changing room with changing table available.

Getting there & parking

Two accessible parking spaces directly at the entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop; the building also houses a VVV information point.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 120 guests.

Gehoorzaal (seating for up to 60, up to 120 standing or in rows) with projector, sound, Wi-Fi and induction loop; IJlsterkamer (meeting room for up to 12 people). Catering on request; enquiries to boekingen@friesscheepvaartmuseum.nl.

Plan your visit