Dokkum celebrates Kletterdei 2026 with art, music, and community spirit
Over 100 residents and visitors gathered in Dokkum to celebrate Kletterdei 2026, a festive event centered around the city’s iconic IJsfontein. The day featured art, music, and student exhibitions, highlighting local culture and the 11fountains project’s legacy as part of Leeuwarden-Fryslân’s European Capital of Culture.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Kletterdei 2026 |
| Location | Dokkum, Fryslân |
| Participants | Over 100 people |
| Highlights | Breakfast in Grote Kerk, Opus3 performance, student art exhibition |
| Featured Artist | Birthe Leemeijer (creator of IJsfontein) |
| Child Mayor | Menthe (ribbon-cutting ceremony) |
| Exhibition Duration | Two weeks (until April 3) |
| Organizers | Merk Fryslân & Noardeast-Fryslân municipality |
| Project Origin | 11fountains (Leeuwarden-Fryslân, European Capital of Culture) |
The municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân, in collaboration with Merk Fryslân, plays a key role in promoting cultural events like Kletterdei, which celebrate local heritage and art. These initiatives aim to strengthen community engagement and showcase Fryslân’s unique identity as part of broader cultural projects.
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This was Kletterdei 2026 in Dokkum
Kletterdei began with a delightful breakfast in the Grote Kerk. The meal brought together over 100 people, just like the fountain. With participants of all ages, tastes, and stories about the IJsfontein, as well as the other fountains in Friesland. Beautiful music was provided by Opus3, along with two authentic 'Dokkumer' poems by Warner Banga. Dutch artist Birthe Leemeijer, who created the IJsfontein, was also in attendance.
International art project
Each fountain tells the story of the city through the eyes of the international artists. The 11fountains originated as a major international art project for Leeuwarden-Fryslân, European Capital of Culture. Eleven artists designed unique fountains for the eleven Frisian cities.
In the afternoon, the artworks by students from Pro Dokkum were unveiled in the HEMA storefront in Dokkum. Child mayor Menthe had the honor of ceremonially cutting the ribbon. A fantastic location, and now everyone can admire the creations!
The exhibition can be viewed for two weeks until April 3.
An evening show on De Markt
Although the IJsfontein stands year-round, our fountain was once again put in the spotlight.
This celebration of @11fountains is organized by @Merk Fryslân and the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân around the unique IJsfontein on De Markt. This year, Dokkum is the host city for this festive event.