Franeker (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈfraːnəkər] ⓘ; West Frisian: Frjentsjer [ˈfrjɛntsjər]) is one of the eleven historical cities of Friesland and capital of the municipality of Waadhoeke.

[5] At the end of the 15th century, Albert, Duke of Saxony established himself in Franeker, when he had taken over Friesland with the help of the Schieringers led by Hessel van Martena [nl].

On 12 May 1500, the city was besieged by an army of 16,000 dissatisfied Frisians during the Siege of Franeker [nl], as a result of the high rents and taxes levied by Albert and his sons Henry and George of Saxony.

Duke Albert of Saxony hastily assembled a large army to relieve Henry and the city of Franeker.

On 26 March 1501, Henry IV of Saxony gave the city of Franeker a considerable (200 morgen) piece of salt marshland outside the dike, called the Franekerlanden.

[9] When the Dutch Republic revolted against the Spanish Empire, Franeker chose the side of William of Orange early on.

At this Academy of Friesland, donated by the Frisian stadtholder William Louis, one could study theology, law, medicine, classical languages, philosophy, mathematics, and physics.

[11] Some notable students include William IV, Prince of Orange, Peter Stuyvesant, René Descartes, and Eise Eisinga.

It is east of the city of Harlingen, north of the Van Harinxmakanaal, south of the Wadden Sea coast, and about 20 km (12 mi) west of the provincial capital Leeuwarden.

[20] Being one of the Frisian cities, Franeker is also on the route of the 200 kilometres (120 mi) Elfstedentocht (Eleven-cities Tour), an endurance skating event held at irregular intervals depending on weather conditions.