11Fountains - De Vleermuis

11 Fountains — The Bat (or De Vleermuis) is an impressive bronze fountain sculpture that has become a modern symbol of the ancient city of Bolsward. Created by Belgian artist Johan Creten, this piece is part of the unique international 11Fountains project, which unites eleven cities in the province of Friesland in the Netherlands.

The 3.3-meter-tall sculpture is located on Broereplein square, directly opposite the majestic ruins of the Gothic Broerekerk church. The bronze figure of a bat was not chosen by chance: its design echoes architectural elements of the church facade, and it symbolizes both strength and vulnerability, community and individual rebirth.

11Fountains – The Bat. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

One of the fountain's main features is its interactivity: steps on the bat's back invite visitors to climb onto the sculpture. According to the artist's vision, this allows everyone to symbolically "conquer" their fears and feel a connection to the art and history of this unusual place.

To plan your visit to this unusual sculpture, use the contact information provided below. Please note that the object is located in an open public space, so there is no dedicated information phone number.

When visiting The Bat fountain, be sure to take the opportunity to interact directly with the artwork. Climb the steps located on the bronze creature's back—this is not just a physical action, but the artist's intended act of "conquest" and participation in the work of art. From the top, there is an interesting view of the square and the facade of the ruined church.

Pay attention to the soundscape: the volume of the water in the fountain changes, creating a special audiovisual atmosphere. This spot is perfect for thoughtful reflection and original photo sessions, especially against the backdrop of the Gothic arches of Broerekerk. A walk along the canals of Bolsward after seeing the fountain will allow you to see town halls and building facades designed in a wide variety of architectural styles.

If you have more time, you can turn your visit into a true adventure by following the 11Fountains route. Traveling between the cities of Friesland by bicycle, boat, or even paddleboard, you can discover ten more unique fountains created by world-class artists that form a new cultural heritage for the region.

The attraction is located in the very heart of the city at Broereplein 9. Bolsward is one of Friesland's historic cities and can be reached in several ways. If you are using public transport, buses run regularly from Leeuwarden; the trip takes about 30–40 minutes, after which the square is just a short walk away.

For those traveling through the region as part of the 11Fountains project, a bicycle or boat is an excellent option. The canals of the Netherlands historically linked these settlements, and today, the waterways or a bike ride allow you to fully enjoy the rural scenery before arriving in Bolsward.

The town is quite compact, so if you arrive by car, you will easily find parking nearby. From any point in the old center, The Bat fountain can be reached in minutes by following the prominent ruins of the Gothic church.

The 11Fountains project, which includes the sculpture in Bolsward, was conceived as a modern interpretation of the famous Elfstedentocht—the eleven-city ice skating race in Friesland. Instead of ice, curator Anna Tilroe suggested using water, inviting 11 international artists to create unique fountains that reflect the spirit of each location.

Belgian artist Johan Creten chose the square in front of the Broerekerk ruins for his work. During foundation work on the site of a former parking lot, 50 medieval human skeletons were discovered, confirming historical records of an ancient cemetery at this location. This find added a mystical depth to the image of the bat, a creature that often balances between the worlds of the living and the dead in various cultures.

The De Vleermuis fountain was officially opened in 2018, when Leeuwarden held the title of European Capital of Culture. Standing over three meters tall, the sculpture symbolizes rebirth and the role of the individual within a community, blending Gothic architectural motifs with modern eco-friendly water recycling technology.

Viewing the sculpture and interacting with the fountain usually takes about 15–30 minutes. This is enough time to appreciate the bronze craftsmanship, take striking photos, and climb the steps on the creature's back.

If you plan to combine your visit with a tour of the adjacent Broerekerk ruins and a stroll through the historic streets of Bolsward, we recommend setting aside about 1–2 hours. The town is very picturesque, and its relaxed atmosphere invites a more leisurely exploration of its details.

You can admire The Bat sculpture at any time: access to Broereplein square is open 24/7 every day. This allows you to see the fountain both in the bright daylight and in the mysterious evening atmosphere.

Keep in mind that the fountain's water cascades are typically turned off at night. If you want to see the object with the fountain functioning, it is best to plan your visit during daylight hours. To get up-to-date information on seasonal changes in the pumping system's operation, it is recommended to check the official project website.

Exploring the area around Broereplein square will allow you to fully experience the charm of one of Friesland's oldest cities. Just steps away from the fountain are unique architectural monuments reflecting the region's centuries-old history.