Blokhuispoort
A former prison, originally a 15th-century castle, closed only in 2007. It is now a creative park, a library and a prison-themed hostel.
Blokhuispoort was originally a castle built in 1499 by the Duke of Saxony and was later converted into a prison, which operated until 2007. Today, the cells have been converted into design studios, small shops, a city library and a youth hostel where guests can spend the night in former cells. The courtyard has a restaurant and event spaces, and some times there are guided tours of the prison’s history. Public areas are free to enter. It is about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Opening hours
Public areas open during the day
Nearby sights
- De Waag Leeuwarden
- Grote of Jacobijnerkerk
- Fries Museum
- Natuurmuseum Fryslân
- Nieuwestad & Canals
- Prinsentuin
- Keramiekmuseum Princessehof
- Oldehove