Fun spots in Friesland? Too many to mention! With almost as much water as land, the best way to get to know the province is from the water. For a day, or make a long weekend or week of it. We have collected a few places here that are definitely worth a visit if you go boating in Friesland.
The Lemmer
On the IJsselmeer lies the town of Lemmer, one of Friesland's most famous water sports resorts. Lemmer is a place visited by many German tourists every year.
Lemmer (as its Frisian name suggests) is one of the province's gateways both by land and by water. Lemmer has a bustling centre that you can sail all the way through. So you can moor for a while to stroll along the quay or do some shopping. You can also unwind on the beach, or check out the Woudagemaal, Europe's largest working steam pumping station.
Sleat
Near Lemmer is Sleat (Locks), one of the towns from the Frisian Elfstedentocht. The mini-city has only 760 inhabitants and an authentic town centre where the look of yesteryear has been well preserved. The town has several monuments, including beautiful antique houses from the 17th century. Near the corn mill 'De Kaai' is an old cannon that is fired every Friday night in July and August. Sloten also still has a 'town crier'. Town announcers brought news to residents of a place when there were no newspapers or the internet. In short, a town where it seems like time stands a little still.
Sloten has a fine marina and plenty of opportunities to moor in the town centre.
Snits
Snits (Sneek) is a true water sports town, located in Friesland's lake district. Besides water sports, it has Sneek also offer culture and conviviality. There is also a wide range of culinary offerings. With the historic city centre with its monumental buildings and canals, there is something to see everywhere. Around the Martini church is the oldest part of the city. The city is filled with museums, a shopping centre and many terraces, cafés and restaurants. The most famous structure is the Waterpoort, in former times the symbol of the city's wealth.
Sneek is additionally known for the major sailing event Sneekweek. During the day there is fanatical sailing on the Sneekermeer lake, and at night there is partying on the starting island and in town. Sneekweek begins annually on the first Saturday of August.
Nice places in Friesland: Heech
The centre of water sports in SudWest Fryslan is the cosy Heech (Heeg). Here you will find everything you could want as a water sports enthusiast. Beautiful marinas with good facilities, a water sports shop with an extensive range and several boat rentals.
There are also several shipyards in Heeg, including the Waijer shipyard and the Piersma shipyard.
But the best part is that you can be on the lake in five minutes by boat and after a day on the water you can enjoy drinks and food at the lovely waterside terraces. Highly recommended!
The Alde Feanen
In the heart of Friesland, between Leeuwarden and Drachten, lies the national park De Alde Feanen. The approximately 2,300 ha large low moor swamp has a varied composition of lakes, marsh forests and thickets. The area is rich in animals, including 110 species of birds, and some 470 species of plants. Much of the park is freely navigable and mooring places have been created where you can moor and stay overnight. One of the nicest spots in Friesland.
By sailing boat, you can go on the larger waters. The smaller canals are not very navigable with a sailing boat due to overgrowth along the banks and limited depth. However, you can switch to a canoe, rowing boat or sloop to explore the small waters and areas especially for these types of boats.
Grou
Originally a farming, fishing, and boating village, Grou has grown into an internationally renowned water sports centre. The town has a cosy centre with many shops, cafés and restaurants. The old part of the centre still has many features of the old town. On the Pikmeer and Wijde Ee, you can enjoy sailing or take your sloop and drop anchor.
Are you also coming to sail in Friesland?
Will you be sailing in Friesland? Cruising the Frisian lakes without a boating licence? Go to boat hire Friesland, Choose your favourite boat and your day out, weekend we or holiday can begin!L
Sneek is additionally known for the major sailing event Sneekweek. During the day there is fanatical sailing on the Sneekermeer lake, and at night there is partying on the starting island and in town. Sneekweek begins annually on the first Saturday of August.
