Boating routes in Friesland: the lakes and the routes

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Why it's so different from other provinces

Friesland has more than 200 lakes and hundreds of kilometres of waterways. That's wonderful, and also overwhelming when you look at a waterway map for the first time. Where do you start? Which way do you go? Which lakes are worth visiting?

On this page we bring together the most important Frisian lakes, the best-known boating routes and the questions motorboaters ask most often. A practical guide for anyone considering or planning a boating holiday in Friesland.

Sneekermeer

The best-known lake in Friesland, between Sneek and Terherne. Wide, open and popular. During Sneekweek in August it buzzes with activity here; in the early and late season you'll have the water largely to yourself.

Tjeukemeer

The largest lake in Friesland, in the south of the province. Spacious and open, with few buildings along the shores. Ideal if you want to experience the vastness of Friesland. Please note: in strong winds the waves here can get quite big.

Fluessen

A large, wide lake south of Sneek, connected to the Hegermeer and Heeg. One of the most beautiful lakes in Friesland for motorboaters: plenty of space, lovely shores and good mooring options.

Hegermeer

Right next to Heeg, the best-known watersports village in Friesland. A little quieter than the Fluessen, but every bit as beautiful.

Slotermeer

Near Sloten, the smallest of the eleven Frisian cities. Smaller and more intimate than the big lakes in the south, but well worth it if you want to visit Sloten.

Bergumermeer

In the north-east of Friesland, far less visited than the southern lakes. Peaceful, green and a surprising discovery if you want to avoid the crowds.

Witte and Zwarte Brekken

North of Heerenveen, two smaller lakes that connect well with the wider lakes region and make an ideal stopover on a longer route.

The Elfstedenroute

The most iconic route in Friesland: past all eleven historic Frisian cities, over a distance of around 200 kilometres. The route takes you through Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum and Leeuwarden. You can comfortably do it in a week, or in stages over several holidays. Many boats in our range are specifically suited to the Elfstedenroute. Read all about it in our blog: Elfstedenroute varen: genieten van de Friese Elfsteden.

The lakes route (southern)

If you prefer lakes to towns, choose the southern lakes route: from Sneek via the Fluessen to the Tjeukemeer, mooring at Balk or Lemmer, and back via the Sneekermeer. A route of three to four days, mostly over open water. Less culture, more nature and, in good weather, one of the most beautiful routes in the Netherlands.

The city route (shorter)

For a shorter stay of two to three nights, the city route is an excellent choice. Start in Sneek, head to IJlst or Sloten, spend a night moored in town, and return via the canals. Easy to follow, varied and manageable even for beginners.

The northern route via Leeuwarden

Less frequently sailed, but well worth it. From Grou or Leeuwarden you cruise along the Prinses Margrietkanaal towards Dokkum and the north-east of the province. Quieter waters, beautiful terps in the landscape and a Friesland that many tourists never see.

Boating routes in Friesland for motorboaters

Motorboaters have a few extra things to bear in mind when planning a route through Friesland.

On many Frisian waterways a maximum speed of 7 or 8 kilometres per hour applies. On the large lakes and wider canals you may go faster, but always check the local rules. The waterway map and the information from the boat hire company will give you clarity.

Friesland also has many bridges with limited clearance. Check the height of your boat (including the aerial and any raised windscreen) before you plan a route. Most boats in our range have been selected with this in mind, so you can sail the most popular routes, including the Elfstedenroute, without any trouble.

Almost all marinas in Friesland are accessible to motorboats. Marrekrite berths (free, in the middle of nature, or buy the pennant) are also an excellent choice. In high season, book a berth in good time in popular marinas such as Sneek and Sloten.

Want to read more about the rules? Take a look at our blog Belangrijkste regels bij het besturen van een boot in Friesland.

Boat hire on the Frisian lakes: where do you start?

Your choice of starting point largely determines which lakes and routes you can do. Terherne and the Sneek area give you access to the southern lakes (Sneekermeer, Fluessen, Tjeukemeer). Grou connects to the lakes in the middle of the province. Leeuwarden is the best starting point for the northern route.

At Familieboten you can filter by departure location on the booking page. That way you can see straight away which boats are available at the starting point that best suits your route plans. Also take a look at the inspiration page for more route ideas.

Never stood at the helm before? You'll get good instruction when you set off. Families with young children go boating in Friesland. Retired people who spend half the summer on the water go boating in Friesland. Groups of friends who want to unwind for a week go boating in Friesland. And yes, also people who never thought they'd be boating enthusiasts, but who never let go after just one holiday.

Hiring a boat for your route through Friesland

The route is in your head. Now for the boat. At Familieboten you'll find motorboats for every group and every route. From a compact boat for two on the lakes route to a spacious cruiser for a group that wants to sail the Elfstedenroute. All boats can be hired without a boating licence, are personally selected and ready to use.

Not sure which starting point best fits your route, or would you like advice on whether a particular trip is feasible for your group? We'd be happy to help you think it through. Taco and Wietske know the Frisian waterways inside out. Give us a call and we'll help you put together a route that suits the boat, the time and the people coming along.

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