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deTravel report by Marion / Reisjubel
When the first holiday plans for spring and summer are being made, many families immediately think of a camping trip or a holiday abroad. But did you know that a boating holiday in Friesland with children is a surprisingly accessible and relaxing way to travel?
I am Marion, the face behind Reisjubel. On my Instagram account I share the best kid-friendly hotspots, day trips and travel destinations.
Together with my husband Jurre, our daughters Mosa (3) and Holly (0), and Pake Willem, we stepped on board a motor yacht from Yachtcharter De Drait. For one week, we explored the most beautiful places in Friesland from the water. From charming Elfsteden towns to peaceful nature areas: it became a holiday full of special memories.
A relaxed start from Woudsend
Our journey begins in Woudsend, where the Deluxe 42 ‘Drait 116’ is already waiting for us. This spacious motor yacht accommodates up to ten people and features four cabins, two bathrooms and two toilets. For a holiday with children, this extra space immediately proves to be a major advantage.
Before departure, we book a skipper training session and receive a detailed introduction to the boat. We take a test cruise, learn the essential operations and can ask all our questions. The great thing is that no boating licence is required for this yacht. Thanks to the clear instructions, we set off with confidence.
Also convenient: we ordered our groceries in advance from the SPAR in Woudsend, which were delivered directly to the boat. This meant our holiday could start right away.
The life jackets are ready, the suitcases are unpacked, and the holiday can begin.
First stop: Stavoren
We sail across the Frisian lakes towards Stavoren, our first overnight stop. In the harbour, we find a quiet mooring spot, where harbour fees can easily be paid via QR code.
After arrival, we take a walk through the town. Mosa quickly discovers a playground near the beach, and of course, an ice cream is a must. Afterwards, we return to the boat for a relaxed evening.
Life on board turns out to be surprisingly comfortable. While dinner is being prepared, the children still play outside. Then follows the familiar evening routine: showering, changing into pyjamas, reading a book and going to sleep. Mosa has her own low bed, while Holly sleeps comfortably in her Deryan travel tent placed on a double bed.
When the children are asleep, we enjoy the peace on the aft deck while the sun slowly sets.
Sailing to Leeuwarden
The next morning, we set off early towards Leeuwarden. We have a relaxed breakfast indoors before casting off.
The route takes us past Heeg and Starteiland. Along the way, we enjoy the Frisian landscape. By midday we arrive in Leeuwarden, where we are immediately introduced to the many bridges the city has. Good planning is important, as some bridges close during rush hours.
We spend the night in the Prinsentuin, a unique mooring location in the heart of the city. Despite its central location, it is remarkably peaceful.
A trip to Bartlehiem
After picking up breakfast from the popular restaurant STEK in the Prinsentuin, we continue towards Bartlehiem. Of course, we make a stop at the famous Elfstedentocht bridge.
On the way, we discover a place that quickly becomes one of the highlights of the trip: Anne-Famkes Pleats. Here we enjoy coffee and cake while Mosa happily plays. This combination of sailing and frequent child-friendly stops is exactly what makes a boating holiday with young children so enjoyable.
Overnight stay in National Park De Alde Feanen
Later that day, we sail to National Park De Alde Feanen. Here we choose a so-called Marrekrite mooring: free nature moorings in the middle of the landscape where you can stay for up to three days.
It feels like we have discovered a hidden part of Friesland. As soon as the boat is secured, we set up a small paddling pool for the children, light the Skottelbraai and enjoy the peace and quiet.
When evening falls, we are treated to a spectacular sunset. Moments like these make it easy to understand why so many people fall in love with boating in Friesland.
Via Terherne and Sneek to Heeg
The next day we head towards Terherne, where we have lunch at restaurant SALT. Thanks to the large sandpit and trampoline, this is once again an ideal stop for families.
We then continue to Sneek. It remains special to sail past the famous Waterpoort from the water. Afterwards we pass IJlst, one of the smallest Elfsteden towns.
In the late afternoon, we arrive in Heeg. Here we stay overnight in Heegerwal marina and visit the Pharshoeke beach. With a large playground, shallow swimming water and a spectacular slide, it proves to be a true paradise for children.
An additional benefit of holidaying in your own province: family can easily visit. Tomorrow both grandmothers will join us on board for a day.
Sloten and Langweer
The final days take us to Sloten and Langweer. In Sloten, we walk through the historic streets and pay €3 bridge toll by dropping coins into a wooden clomp lowered by the bridge keeper.
In Langweer, we once again experience how enjoyable the combination of boating and shore excursions can be. After a morning on the water, we enjoy coffee on board while the children are still asleep. Later, we walk into the village for a drink on the terrace of restaurant Noflik, which has a large play area for children.
This confirms what we have experienced throughout the trip: although space on a boat is naturally more limited than on a campsite, it is more than compensated by the variety of sailing, playing, discovering and enjoying new places every day.
A holiday we will not forget
After one final overnight stay, we sail back to Woudsend. The suitcases go back into the car, the boat is tidied up, and slowly our journey comes to an end.
The freedom of waking up in a different place every day, the peace of the water, the beautiful Frisian nature and the many child-friendly stops made this boating holiday an unforgettable experience.
Route Reisjubel
Day 1: Woudsend – Stavoren
Day 2: Stavoren – Leeuwarden
Day 3: Leeuwarden – Bartlehiem – De Alde Feanen
Day 4: De Alde Feanen – Terherne – Sneek – Heeg
Day 5: Heeg – Sloten – Langweer
Day 6: Langweer – Woudsend
Book your boating holiday with Yachtcharter De Drait
Would you like to enjoy a wonderful boating holiday in Friesland just like Reisjubel and her family? Then book your holiday on the water with Yachtcharter De Drait. With a fleet of over 70 different motor yachts, suitable for groups of 2 up to 14 people, there is always a boat that fits your needs.
Check out Reisjubel’s Instagram post and benefit from an exclusive discount. And if you plan to sail before 31 July 2026, you will also receive an additional 20% last-minute discount.
No boating experience? No problem. Book a skipper training before your trip and learn the basics of handling and manoeuvring a boat within one hour. All our boats are also licence-free.