‘It giet oan!’

Discover the Eleven Cities Route by boat with Yachtcharter De Drait.

Say Friesland and you say ‘Elfstedentocht’: a tour of nearly 200 kilometers that was originally skated along the 11 cities of Friesland. Over the years, many other variations of the Elfstedentocht have emerged. For example, you can cycle or walk past the 11 Frisian cities, collecting a stamp in each city. Once your stamp card is full, the tour is completed and participants earn their Eleven Cities Cross. But did you know you can also experience this iconic route beautifully from the water? Rent a boat from Yachtcharter De Drait and cruise at a relaxed pace past historic Frisian cities, through picturesque villages, lakes, and canals. Have you already filled your stamp card?

Zeg je Friesland, dan zeg je Elfstedentocht, een tocht van bijna 200 kilometer die van origine op de schaats gereden werd langs de 11 steden in Friesland. Inmiddels zijn er vele andere variaties op de Elfstedentocht. Zo kun je bijvoorbeeld met de fiets of lopend langs de 11 Friese steden om in elke stad een stempel te halen. Bij een volle stempelkaart is de tocht volbracht en verdienen de deelnemers hun Elfstedenkruisje. Maar wist je dat je deze iconische route ook prachtig vanaf het water kunt afleggen? Huur een boot bij Yachtcharter De Drait en vaar in alle rust langs de historische Friese steden, door schilderachtige dorpen, meren en vaarten. Heb jij de stempelkaart al vol?

Eleven Cities

The eleven cities of Friesland together form the heart of the famous Eleven Cities Tour. Each city has its own character and history, connected by water, culture, and Frisian pride. From the vibrant Leeuwarden to the picturesque Sloten, the cities together tell the story of Friesland. The lakes and canals connect the cities, making a boating trip along the Eleven Cities an unforgettable adventure.     (left: Finish arch Bonkevaart (Leeuwarden), center: skater (Tjerkwerd), right: Eleven Cities Monument Tegeltjesbrug (Gytsjerk))

11 Fountains

The 11 Fountains in Friesland form a unique art project spread across the eleven historic Frisian cities. In 2018, when Leeuwarden was the Cultural Capital of Europe, each Eleven Cities city received a fountain created by an international artist, translating the character of the city into water and sculpture. Together, these artworks—sometimes featuring splashing water, mist, or even ice—form Europe’s largest open-air sculpture garden. You can admire all the fountains during a journey along the eleven Frisian cities: from Love in Leeuwarden to the Ice Fountain in Dokkum, each with its own story and atmosphere.   (left: Leeuwarden, right: Dokkum)

The Eleven Cities boating route

Sailing the Eleven Cities Route by boat is a unique way to discover Friesland. To complete the full Eleven Cities Route by boat, you will need approximately two to three weeks. Are you boating through Friesland for one week? Then choose whether you want to explore the Northern or Southern Eleven Cities Route. On our website, both boating routes are fully mapped out with starting and ending points in Drachten and Woudsend. Click on the map below to view the routes.

These Eleven Cities Routes can be completed with a motor yacht as well as with a Sloep Cabin, Doerak, or Safari Houseboat. If you are sailing with a BunBo or Campi Houseboat, you can complete a smaller section of the Eleven Cities Route.

Northern Eleven Cities Route

Drachten – Akkrum – Joure – Langweer – (Woudsend) – IJlst – Sneek – Leeuwarden – Franeker – Harlingen – Leeuwarden – Dokkum – Lauwersmeergebied – Zoutkamp – Groningen – Eernewoude – Drachten.

Southern Eleven Cities Route

Drachten – Grou – Sneek – IJlst – Bolsward – Workum – (via het IJsselmeer: Hindeloopen) – Stavoren – Woudsend – Sloten – Langweer – Joure – Terherne – Akkrum – Eernewoude – Drachten. Please note: Do you want to sail from Workum to Hindeloopen or to Stavoren via the IJsselmeer? Extra conditions apply for sailing on the IJsselmeer (Zone II). Sailing on the IJsselmeer depends on weather and wind conditions, as well as sailing experience and possession of a boating license. You will also need a charter package and life jackets for all passengers. Below you will find more information about the 11 Frisian cities, in the order of the traditional skating Eleven Cities Tour. In addition to highlights of what there is to see and do in each city, we also provide tips on where you can moor your boat. With this information, you can decide whether you want to explore the Northern or the Southern Eleven Cities Route by boat.

The 11 Cities of Friesland

Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden is the capital of Friesland and, during the skating Eleven Cities Tour, the city of both the start and finish. Sail to Leeuwarden, moor in the park De Prinsentuin, and walk to the charming and often lively city center (2–3 minutes on foot). Enjoy a drink on one of the floating terraces in the canals of Leeuwarden and stroll through the many shops in the city center.

Sneek

Sneek is the vibrant watersports heart of Friesland. Known for the iconic Waterpoort, lively canals, and the annual Sneekweek, the city attracts watersports enthusiasts from far and wide. Sneek offers many facilities for boaters, with plenty of mooring options and cozy waterside terraces. Moor at the visitor berths at Houkesloot, in the city center near the Waterpoort, or in one of the welcoming marinas such as De Domp or Sneeker Jachthaven.

IJlst

IJlst is perfect to discover from the water. With its historic shipyards, characteristic canals, and tranquil waterways, IJlst offers a picturesque boating experience. Here you uniquely combine peace, history, and watersports enjoyment. Moor near Molen de Rad, at a Marrekrite location around IJlst, or in the municipal harbor of IJlst.     (left: Leeuwarden, center: Sneek, right: IJlst)

Sloten

The smallest city of the Frisian Eleven Cities. Sloten is a picturesque town that is perfect to explore by boat. Walk through the center along narrow canals, historic bridges, and characteristic façades, and soak up the authentic atmosphere of this charming town. A true gem for lovers of peace and history. Moor at a visitor berth near the mill or by the bridge, or in the visitor harbor of Sloten.

Stavoren

Stavoren is the oldest city of Friesland. It is a quiet harbor town on the IJsselmeer coast. As you sail into Stavoren, you are welcomed by “The Lady of Stavoren”, gazing out over the water. Enjoy a portion of freshly fried fish at one of the fish stalls in town. Moor along the quay of the Stadsgracht, where you will also find a playground for children.   (left: Sloten, right: Stavoren)

Hindeloopen

Hindeloopen is a charming Eleven Cities city on the IJsselmeer coast, known for its traditional painting, regional costume, and crafts. Visit the Skating Museum and discover everything about the Eleven Cities Tour. You can visit Hindeloopen by bike from Workum, or moor (only accessible from the IJsselmeer) at Hindeloopen Marina.

Workum

Workum is a small, cozy town on the IJsselmeer coast. You will find the Frisian Shipping Museum and the Jopie Huisman Museum here. Enjoy local delicacies and artisanal shops, and admire the “Woeste Leeuwen” fountain of Workum. Moor at the visitor harbor right next to the fountain, or at the visitor berths along the Trekvaart and Diepe Dolle.

Bolsward

This Hanseatic city hosts the start and finish of the Eleven Cities Cycling Tour, making Bolsward a true Eleven Cities city. In the center you will find the impressive City Hall, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Friesland. The lively town center offers everything you need. Moor just after the bridge at Stoombootkade or along Laag Bolwerk, from where you can walk straight into the center.     (left: Hindeloopen, center: Workum, right: Bolsward)

Harlingen

Along the Wadden Sea coast lies the city of Harlingen. Harlingen is a lovely place to moor and stroll through the cozy city center. The city has great restaurants with terraces, including spots with views over the Wadden Sea. Tip: In Harlingen you need to call for bridge operation; the bridge keeper will then cycle along with you to open all the bridges. Moor at Zuidoostersingel, Noordergracht, or Noorderhaven.

Franeker

Franeker is a charming city full of history and Frisian culture. Here you will find historic monuments and museums, such as the world-famous Eise Eisinga Planetarium. A wonderful place to moor and enjoy peace and character. Moor at the Zuiderkade, right in the city center.

Dokkum

Dokkum is the northernmost city of Friesland and a fortified city with a rich past. The historic ramparts, cozy streets, and waterside terraces make it a pleasant place to moor. Moor your boat along the Baantjegracht/Zuidergracht near the mills.     (left: Harlingen, center: Franeker, right: Dokkum) Would you also like to discover the Eleven Cities Route by boat? Rent a boat from Yachtcharter De Drait via our online booking calendar or contact us at contact@dedrait.com for a no-obligation quote. Experience Friesland at its best with this iconic boating journey along the Frisian Eleven Cities and across the Frisian lakes.