Boating the Elfstedenroute

The Elfstedenroute is a very popular route. On this trip you'll discover a large part of Friesland. Some boating experience is required for this route. Our tip: If you want to sail this route, allow plenty of time, preferably 2 weeks. If you don't have that much time, you can of course sail just part of the route. You can start and finish the Elfstedenroute wherever you like. You can sail it ‘clockwise’ or ‘anticlockwise’, depending on where you begin your trip. If you hire a boat from Familieboten.nl, we can plan a tailor-made route together. We'll send it to you in ‘Waterkaarten’ format, so you can download it in the ‘Waterkaarten’ app. In this article we sail ‘clockwise’.

We start our trip at the Prinsentuin in Leeuwarden, the lovely municipal marina by the park, with good moorings for an overnight stay.

Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden, the capital of the province of Friesland, is a charming city rich in history and culture. As a tourist destination, Leeuwarden offers a unique mix of historic sights, modern architecture and lively events.

One of the most striking features of Leeuwarden is its beautiful historic centre. Strolling through the narrow streets and canals, you'll feel as if you've stepped into another era. The old buildings and monuments breathe history and tell the story of the city. An absolute must-see is the Stadhouderlijk Hof, a former palace that now serves as a museum. Here you can catch a glimpse of the life of the Frisian stadtholder family.

Besides its historic sights, Leeuwarden also has a thriving arts and culture scene. The Fries Museum is highly recommended for lovers of art and history. Its exhibitions range from old Frisian art to contemporary international shows. If you love ceramics, the Keramiekmuseum Princessehof is a must-visit. This museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century building and holds an impressive ceramics collection.

A visit to Leeuwarden isn't complete without a visit to the Oldehove. This leaning church tower is the symbol of the city and offers a wonderful view over Leeuwarden. Do you love shopping? Then you'll certainly enjoy the cosy shopping streets of Leeuwarden, where you'll find a mix of well-known chains and unique boutiques.

Leeuwarden is also known for its lively events. Every year, various cultural festivals, markets and concerts are held. Leeuwarden then becomes a buzzing place full of activities.

As a tourist in Leeuwarden, you don't need to worry about finding good food. The city offers a wide range of restaurants, from traditional Frisian dishes to international cuisines.

When we leave Leeuwarden, we sail on the south-west side of the city via the Van Harinxmakanaal in a southerly direction onto the Swette. Via Scharnegoutum we reach Sneek. Because the bridges on the Swette in the centre of Sneek are too low, we turn left at Loënga and sail around the north side of the city. At the first opportunity we turn left onto the ‘Snitser Âldfeart’. Via the Jachthavenkanaal and the Sommerak we turn left onto the Stadsgracht. At the Kolk you'll find the famous Sneker Waterpoort.

Sneek

One of the most striking features of Sneek is its historic centre. Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the beautiful architecture of the old buildings. The Waterpoort, an imposing 16th-century gate, is an iconic symbol of the city and a popular attraction with tourists. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these historic sights!

For water sports fans, Sneek is a true paradise. The Sneekermeer, a vast lake just outside the city, attracts thousands of sailors and water sports enthusiasts every year. The waterways around Sneek are also perfect for relaxed boat trips and cruising through the picturesque landscape.

Besides its maritime charm, Sneek is also known for its lively culture. The city regularly hosts festivals and events that offer visitors a unique experience. The best-known festival is the Sneekweek, the biggest inland sailing event in Europe. During this week Sneek turns into a buzzing city full of festivities, music and good company.

If you love history and art, a visit to the Fries Scheepvaartmuseum is a must. This museum takes you on a journey through the maritime history of Friesland and offers a fascinating look at the region's seafaring culture. There are also many galleries and art exhibitions in the city showing the work of local artists.

We sail on from Sneek towards IJlst. Our route runs via De Geau and is the shortest stage of the Elfstedenroute. Within an hour you'll be sailing into IJlst.

IJlst

IJlst is a small town with a big history. It lies on the river Geau and was once an important centre for shipbuilding and woodworking. Many of the town's historic buildings still bear witness to this rich history. One example is the De Rat timber sawmill, which is still in operation and gives visitors a unique look at traditional woodworking.

IJlst is also known for its unique and characteristic waterside gardens on both sides of the Ee, a river with the character of a town canal that runs through the historic centre. A walk along these canals gives visitors a unique chance to enjoy the relaxed pace of life in this charming little town. Along the canals there are countless historic houses and buildings that are still used as shops, cafés and restaurants.

Another special attraction in IJlst is the Houtstad IJlst Museum. This museum offers a fascinating look at the town's history as an important centre for shipbuilding and woodworking. Visitors can learn about the crafts once practised in the town and see how local craftspeople still practise them today.

Finally, IJlst also has a number of cosy cafés and restaurants, including the town inn “Het Wapen van IJlst”. The welcoming atmosphere of this little town will surely charm you and help you relax after a busy day of exploring.

Via the Wiidraai we sail in a southerly direction onto the Wide Wimerts. This is a fairly straight, wide waterway that takes us via the Nauwe Wimerts and the Noarderie to Woudsend. Past the bridge in Woudsend we sail via De Ie onto the Slotermeer, cross it straight over and sail into Sloten.

Sloten

Sloten is the smallest of the Eleven Cities. One of the most striking features of Sloten is its fortifications. The little town is surrounded by imposing town walls and bastions dating from the 17th century. These historic defences give Sloten a special look and take you back in time.

Strolling through the narrow streets of Sloten, you'll discover countless old houses and buildings with beautiful façades. The well-preserved architecture makes you feel as if you're walking through a living museum. Don't forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photogenic spots to be found!

An absolute must-see in Sloten is the Town Hall. This imposing building was built in classicist style in 1759 and has an impressive façade with beautiful decorations. Inside you'll find historic rooms that are open to the public, where you can learn more about the history of Sloten.

Another sight you shouldn't miss is the Grutte Tsjerke.

The Protestant late-Gothic church of Sloten was built in 1647 on the site where the Chapel of St John once stood.

Besides its historic and natural beauty, Sloten also has a lively culture. The little town regularly organises events and festivals that entertain visitors of all ages. From music concerts to craft markets, there's always something going on in Sloten.

From Sloten we sail north across the Slotermeer back to Woudsend. Past the bridge in Woudsend we turn left onto the Woudsender Rakken. This winds towards the Heegermeer, where we sail in a southerly direction. The Heegermeer flows into the Fluessen. Please note: these lakes can get a bit choppy. In moderate winds there are often quite a few waves. You can then choose to sail on the ‘lee shore’, where the waves are considerably smaller. Check the weather forecast beforehand. In strong winds we advise against sailing here.

We leave the Fluessen on the south side and sail onto the Johan Frisokanaal. This takes you via the Morra all the way to the IJsselmeer. Before the big lock we turn right onto the Stadsbuitengracht and sail into Stavoren.

Stavoren

Stavoren, on the IJsselmeer, is one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands and has a rich history.

One of Stavoren's main attractions is the harbour. Stavoren's harbour has been an important trading place for centuries and was once the gateway to Friesland. Today the harbour is especially popular with water sports fans and tourists who love to enjoy the lovely view over the IJsselmeer. From the harbour you can also take various boat trips, such as a cruise on the IJsselmeer or a trip to Enkhuizen.

Another sight in Stavoren is the Vrouwtje van Stavoren (the Lady of Stavoren). This is a statue of a woman known as the richest woman in Stavoren. According to legend, she wanted to show off her wealth and had a cargo of precious grain thrown into the sea. As punishment, she lost all her riches. Her statue can still be admired in Stavoren today.

At Museum ’t Ponthús you can find out everything about the history and culture of the region.

If you love cycling, Stavoren is also a great base for bike rides through the Frisian landscape. There are several cycling routes you can follow, such as the Elfstedenroute or the Zuiderzeeroute.

Finally, you can also enjoy delicious food and drink in Stavoren. There are several restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy typical Frisian dishes. And of course you can enjoy a nice beer or glass of wine on one of the cosy terraces in the town.

We sail via the Stadsbuitengracht and the Johan Frisokanaal towards the Morra. On this small lake we head north-west onto the Jan Broerskanaal. Via the Yndyk we sail into Hindeloopen. The marina in Hindeloopen is beyond the lock, so we recommend mooring at one of the Marrekrite spots near Hindeloopen.

Hindeloopen

Hindeloopen, or Hylpen as they say in Friesland, is a beautiful, picturesque little town on the IJsselmeer. The town has a rich history and is especially known for its famous Hindeloopen painting, which dates back to the 17th century. This traditional style of decorative painting can be seen on furniture, pottery and other objects. A walk through the streets of Hindeloopen is like a journey back in time, with beautiful old houses with colourful façades and characteristic woodcarving details.

One of the main attractions of Hindeloopen is the Schaatsmuseum. Here you can find out everything about the history of ice skating in Friesland and admire various old skates. You can also see how the traditional Frisian ‘doorlopers’ are made.

Another sight in Hindeloopen is the Museum Hindeloopen. This museum is housed in an old 17th-century building and shows the rich history of the town and its inhabitants. Among other things, you can admire the famous Hindeloopen costume, which some of the town's residents still wear today.

You can also enjoy the beautiful nature around Hindeloopen. The town lies on the IJsselmeer and you can enjoy lovely walks or bike rides through the Frisian landscape.

Finally, you can also enjoy delicious food and drink in Hindeloopen. There are several restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy typical Frisian dishes. And of course you can also enjoy a nice beer or glass of wine on one of the cosy terraces in the town.

We leave Hindeloopen and sail a short way back along the Yndyk. After 4.5 kilometres we turn left onto the Koudemer vaart. Via Koudum we reach the Fluessen again. On the north-west side of the Fluessen, on the border with the Heegermeer, we head west onto the Yntemasloot. Via the Grutte Gaastmar, the Sânmar and the Klifrak we reach Workum.

Workum

Workum, a beautiful little town in Friesland, is an ideal destination for tourists.

With its rich history, charming architecture and lively culture, Workum attracts many visitors every year.

On the IJsselmeer, Workum offers breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding nature. The town is known for its impressive monuments, such as the imposing 15th-century Sint-Gertrudiskerk and the town hall, which dates from the 17th century.

A walk through the narrow streets of Workum takes you past beautiful façades and historic buildings that bear witness to the city's rich past. A visit to the Jopie Huisman Museum is highly recommended. This museum is dedicated to the famous Frisian artist Jopie Huisman, whose realistic paintings and objects are full of emotion and stories.

Workum is also known for its craft traditions, such as making pottery and ceramics. You can visit one of the local potteries and even make your own unique souvenir.

Whether you're interested in history, art or simply want to enjoy the serene beauty of Friesland, Workum is a destination that won't disappoint you.

We leave Workum via the Warkumer Trekfeart and keep following it. Before the railway bridge we turn left, heading north. 2 kilometres past Tjerkwerd we turn left under the A7 motorway and sail into Bolsward. If you want to stay overnight in Bolsward, keep right and find a spot at the quay. If not, take the 2nd waterway on the left onto the Stadsgracht.

Bolsward

Bolsward lies in the heart of Friesland. The history of Bolsward goes back to the Middle Ages, and you can see this in the beautiful architecture and historic buildings that adorn the city. One of the most striking sights is the town hall, an impressive 16th-century building with its characteristic stepped gables. A walk through the narrow streets of Bolsward feels like a journey back in time, with every building telling its own story.

Be sure to visit the Broerekerk. It was built in the 13th century as the monastery church of the Franciscans. The monastery was abandoned and demolished in 1580. The three-aisled church without a tower is a ruin as a result of a fire that took place on 8 May 1980. In 1986 the church was reopened as a ruin. This oldest monument in Bolsward was given a special glass roof in 2006. Under this special roof, the church can fulfil a social function again, while the character of the monument is preserved.

Besides its rich history, Bolsward also offers a range of cultural activities. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Titus Brandsma Museum, dedicated to the famous Dutch Carmelite and writer. The museum offers insight into his life and work and regularly organises exhibitions.

You can shop in Bolsward at small local boutiques and shops. You can also buy regional products in Bolsward. Pop into the local baker for a real drabbelkoek, a speciality. Every Thursday morning there's a market with fresh produce in the centre of Bolsward. Buy cheese, freshly roasted nuts and other artisan regional products here. Every Friday evening the shops stay open later and it's late-night shopping in Bolsward.

For nature lovers, Bolsward also offers plenty of possibilities. The area around the city is full of beautiful cycling and walking paths that take you through picturesque landscapes and past pretty villages.

The route from Bolsward to Harlingen is a challenging but beautiful route to sail. It's our personal favourite! Set aside the whole day for it, because the winding route is sometimes very narrow. You'll sail at a much slower pace here and sometimes you'll have to wait for oncoming boats.

We leave Bolsward on the west side of the city, via the Witmarsumervaart, which winds through the Frisian landscape towards Witmarsum. (Tip: pick up delicious artisan bread at Mevrouw de Molenaar.) In Witmarsum the waterway is small and winding. Sail slowly here, try to anticipate oncoming boats and give each other room wherever possible! Just before Arum we turn left onto the Harnzer Feart. This winds via Kimswerd and becomes the Harlinger Feart there. We follow it to the end. There we turn right and sail via the Bolswardervaart into Harlingen. There we immediately turn right onto the Davidsdokje and the Zuidoostersingel. This is a lovely spot to moor, explore the town or stay overnight.

Harlingen

Harlingen: an enchanting destination for tourists

On the beautiful coast of Friesland, Harlingen is a picturesque little town with an irresistible appeal to tourists from all over the world. With its rich maritime history, charming architecture and lively atmosphere, Harlingen offers a unique experience.

One of the most characteristic sights of Harlingen is its historic harbour. As an important hub for trade and shipping in the 17th century, the harbour still breathes an atmosphere of bustle and adventure. Stroll along the quays and admire the majestic sailing ships that moor there, while enjoying the fresh sea air. The harbour is also the perfect place to enjoy delicious fresh fish dishes in one of the cosy restaurants.

Besides its maritime heritage, Harlingen also has a wealth of architectural beauty to offer. The cobbled streets are lined with beautiful historic buildings, each with its own story. From the imposing Grote Kerk to the elegant town hall, there's no shortage of sights to explore.

For those interested in art and culture, Harlingen also offers a range of museums and galleries. Visit the Hannemahuis, a museum dedicated to the history of the town, and discover the fascinating stories behind Harlingen. Or visit one of the many art galleries, where local artists show off their talents. From paintings to sculptures, there's something for everyone.

But Harlingen has more to offer than just history and art. It's also an ideal destination for nature lovers. Take a relaxing walk along the beautiful beaches and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Wadden Sea.

Harlingen is also known for its lively festivals and events. Whether you like music, dance or culinary delights, there's always something going on in this buzzing town. Be sure not to miss the annual Harlinger Visserijdagen, where you can enjoy delicious fish dishes while joining in the festive atmosphere.

The trip to Franeker is a fairly short and easy route. We leave Harlingen heading east via the Franekertrekvaart. Via the connecting canal we sail east onto the Van Harinxmakanaal and sail for an hour and a half to Franeker (watch out for the barges and look behind you regularly). On the west side of Franeker we turn left onto the Noordergracht. Here you can moor at the Bolwerk.

Franeker

One of Franeker's most famous sights is the Eise Eisinga Planetarium. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest working planetarium in the world. Step inside this remarkable building and admire the precisely moving models of planets and stars. Learn more about the universe and the fascinating history of this planetarium.

A walk through the historic centre of Franeker is like a journey back in time. Admire the beautiful façades of the old mansions and discover hidden courtyards. The town hall, with its impressive Renaissance architecture, is a real eye-catcher. Be sure to visit the Martenatuin too, a lovely city park where you can relax among flower beds and ancient trees.

For history buffs, Franeker has plenty to offer. Discover the Keatsmuseum, the oldest sports museum in the Netherlands, entirely devoted to the Frisian sport of kaatsen. Don't forget to visit the Martena Museum, housed in the impressive Martenahuis, where you can find out more about the history of the town and the noble family that once lived here.

Besides its historic and natural beauty, Franeker also has a lively culture. Festivals, markets and events are regularly organised that bring the town to life. Visit the famous PC Kaatswedstrijd, a traditional Frisian sport that has been practised for centuries. Be sure to sample the local delicacies at the weekly market or enjoy live music at one of the summer concerts in the town.

We leave Franeker heading north via the Dongjumer Faert and prepare for a long trip towards Dokkum. After 3 kilometres we keep right onto the Ried, which becomes the Berltsumer Wiid. At the junction of waterways near Berlikum we turn left onto the Moddergat. After a sharp turn to the right you reach the lock. A few hundred metres after the lock, the waterway turns sharply east and becomes the Blikvaart. This in turn becomes the Sûdhoekster Vaart, which we follow for a long time. About a kilometre past the Vrouwbuurstermolen we turn right onto the Leister Feart. Here you'll find the second lock on the route. We continue along the Feinsumer Feart as far as the junction in Bartlehiem. Please note, this is a rather confusing junction, so reduce your speed. We turn left, heading north onto the Dokkumer Ee, all the way into the centre of Dokkum.

Dokkum

With its rich history, picturesque canals and friendly atmosphere, Dokkum offers a unique experience for culture lovers and nature lovers alike.

One of the most striking features of Dokkum is its historic centre. Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the beautiful old buildings dating from the 17th century. The town hall, with its imposing façade and clock tower, is a real eye-catcher. Be sure to visit the Grote Kerk too, an impressive Gothic building dating from the 13th century.

A walk along the canals of Dokkum is a must-do activity. Enjoy the soothing sound of lapping water and admire the charming bridges that span the canals.

For history lovers, Dokkum has plenty to offer. It's known, for example, as the place where Saint Boniface was murdered in the year 754. Visit the Bonifatiuspark and learn more about this important event in the history of the Netherlands. Dokkum is also home to the Admiraliteitshuis, a former headquarters of the Admiralty of Friesland. The house is now a museum that offers a fascinating insight into the maritime history of the region.

For nature lovers, Dokkum also offers plenty of possibilities. Take a walk or bike ride through the beautiful Lauwersmeer National Park, which is close by. This vast nature reserve is home to various bird species and offers breathtaking views over the water and the surrounding landscape. Don't forget to visit the nearby Wadden Sea too, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is known for its unique flora and fauna.

We sail south again along the Dokkumer Ee. At Bartlehiem we turn left onto the Aldtsjerkster Feart and sail east. At the end of the waterway we turn right, heading south onto the Moark. We follow it all the way to the end and turn right onto the Bonkefeart. This is where we finish the Elfstedenroute.