Discover Lemmer & Friesland

One of the pleasures of staying in the centre of Lemmer is how easy it is to go out for lunch or dinner. Around the historic waterfront you’ll find cosy restaurants, lively terraces and places where you can simply sit back and watch the boats pass by.

One of our personal favourites is Lenna — a place we know well and are always happy to recommend to our guests. We also enjoy Brasserie No. 14, FEM and La Gondola, each with its own atmosphere and style.

Whether you are looking for a relaxed lunch, dinner with friends or a long evening over good food and wine, there is plenty to choose from within walking distance of Maison Bo.

Part of the charm is not having to plan too much: step outside, wander through the centre and choose the place that suits the moment.

One of the nicest things about Lemmer is how easily village life and a day at the beach come together. Just outside the historic centre you’ll find the Lemsterstrand, a relaxed spot on the IJsselmeer where you can swim, sunbathe or simply enjoy the open water and wide views.

On warm days, the beach is perfect for a few quiet hours away from the bustle of the centre. The nearby beach club makes it easy to combine a day by the water with lunch, drinks or an early evening on the terrace.

For guests staying at Maison Bo, it is a lovely change of pace: spend the morning exploring Lemmer, the afternoon at the beach and return to the centre for dinner as the evening begins.

The historic centre of Lemmer is compact and easy to explore on foot, with a mix of independent boutiques, speciality shops and local stores along the streets around the water.

Directly below Maison Bo you’ll find Boutique Bo, our own fashion, lifestyle and living boutique. It is a natural part of the Maison Bo experience and a lovely place to browse during your stay.

Take your time wandering through the centre, discover local shops, stop for a coffee in between and enjoy the relaxed pace of Lemmer. Shopping here is less about rushing from store to store and more about combining it with the atmosphere of the village.

Part of the pleasure of staying at Maison Bo is having your own kitchen and dining space — perfect for bringing a few local favourites home and enjoying them at your own pace.

In and around the centre you’ll find several good speciality shops for fresh bread, meat, cheese, wine and other local treats. We particularly like Breimer, a local bakery, Keurslager ’t Plein for quality meat and charcuterie, Bruinsma Kaas for cheese and Wijnhalla for a good bottle of wine.

And if you want to try a real Dutch favourite, stop by Visser’s Vishandel for freshly prepared kibbeling — small pieces of battered fried fish, best enjoyed while still warm.

Pick up a few favourite products, open a bottle of wine and enjoy them back at Maison Bo. Sometimes the best evening is simply staying in, sharing good food and watching Lemmer settle down outside.

A stay in Lemmer is also a good excuse to slow down and enjoy a little extra time for yourself. Whether you feel like a relaxing treatment, a beauty moment or simply some personal care during your stay, there are several good options nearby.

For relaxation, we recommend Puur&Relax in Lemmer for massages, facials and other treatments focused on wellbeing.

For hair and styling, De Bruin & Cho Hair is a local salon we are happy to recommend.

Combine a quiet morning at Maison Bo with a treatment or appointment, a walk along the water and lunch or dinner in the centre — an easy way to make your stay feel just a little more special.

Lemmer is a place best explored at a relaxed pace. Walk around the historic centre, follow the water, cross the bridges and watch sailing boats and traditional Lemsteraken move through the village. Much of Lemmer’s character comes from its long connection with fishing, shipping and life on the water.

A true must-see is the Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside the centre. Built in 1920, it is the largest still-operational steam pumping station in the world and remains part of Friesland’s water management system today.

Back in the centre, take a walk around the waterfront, explore the historic streets and harbour, or simply find a terrace and watch Lemmer go by. The combination of heritage, water and everyday village life is what makes the town so distinctive.