Friesland borders on the IJsselmeer in the west and the province of Groningen in the east. The province is a cattle and dairy raising region with beautiful landscapes with numerous canals, small rivers and picturesque lakes. The region is a perfect place for water sport lovers. Leeuwarden is the capital and the Frisians even have their own language.

A beautiful city filled with monuments of a stylish past, Leeuwarden, home of Mata Hari, the dancing diva and double agent spy, is also a center of trade and industry and has a varied nightlife and some great museums.

Groningen borders on Germany in the east and the North Sea in the north. The capital is Groningen, home to a respected university.

Drenthe borders Germany and is situated south of Groningen. The province consists mainly of farmland. The capital is Assen and Emmen is the main industrial center.