The municipality also comprises the following towns, villages and townships: Bontebok, De Knipe, Gersloot, Hoornsterzwaag, Jubbega, Katlijk, Luinjeberd, Mildam, Nieuwehorne, Nieuweschoot, Oranjewoud, Oudehorne, Oudeschoot, Terband, Tjalleberd.
The city was established in 1551 by three lords as a location to win peat and turf, hence the name (heer is "lord", veen is "peat").
The Thialf speed skating stadium was one of the first indoor rinks in the world, and annually held international events draw large crowds. The city's football team, SC Heerenveen, plays in the Dutch Premier Division.