Planning a boating trip in Friesland?

Friesland is the province of water — a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The beautiful Frisian Lakes are all interconnected by countless canals, waterways and rivers, making this region perfect to explore by boat. Let yourself be guided through unique landscapes with sweeping views, passing picturesque towns and charming villages along the way. Discover lively harbors, historic houses and authentic windmills. Moor your boat in peaceful nature or right in the heart of a vibrant town. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, nature, culture, or a bit of buzz — Friesland has something special for every boating enthusiast.

Plan your route through atmospheric watersport villages

Explore lively destinations such as Grou, Lemmer, Joure and Terherne — or visit some of the historic Frisian Eleven Cities. Friesland offers well-equipped guest marinas with modern amenities. You’ll also find plenty of free mooring spots in nature, maintained by the Marrekrite.

Start your boating adventure from Drachten

Our marina in Drachten is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable boating holiday. From here, you can cruise freely and effortlessly to popular watersport towns like Grou, Lemmer and Sneek. Within an hour, you’ll reach De Alde Feanen National Park — a peaceful nature reserve where you can completely unwind.

Planning a longer boating trip? In addition to Friesland, you can also discover other beautiful regions in the north of the Netherlands, such as Lauwersmeer National Park, located on the border of Friesland and Groningen, or De Weerribben-Wieden National Park in Overijssel. Prefer cultural experiences? From Drachten, it’s easy to reach cities like Amsterdam, Groningen, or Zwolle by boat.

   

Boating routes for every kind of traveler

With so much to see, it’s impossible to explore all of Friesland in a single boating trip. That’s why we’ve created a range of suggested routes to match your group and interests — whether you’re into culture, nature, or traveling with kids.

Click here for the best boating routes starting from Drachten!

First time on the water? Book our skipper training

Never steered a boat before? No worries — Friesland is the perfect place to get started. Sail across its many lakes and canals, which connect towns and villages without the challenge of strong currents or complicated locks. Most bridges are easily operated, giving you a hassle-free experience. Enjoy the freedom of mooring at a Marrekrite location and spending the night in nature — or opt for the charm of a town or village steeped in Frisian culture and history. All of our boats can be rented without a boating license. For extra confidence, we offer a skipper training session before departure.

Spend the night in nature with Marrekrite

Cruising the Frisian Lakes and want to spend the night in nature? Then choose a Marrekrite mooring spot. Curious about these unique locations? Check out our blog: What is a Marrekrite Mooring Spot?

The Eleven cities tour by boat

The Elfstedentocht is a legendary Dutch ice-skating tour — but did you know you can also follow the route by boat? We’ve created several routes so you can experience the historic Eleven Cities from the water in a truly unique way.

Bridges and Locks

Friesland features many movable bridges and a few locks that you’ll pass on your journey. When planning your route, always check the clearance height and draft of your boat. If a bridge is too low, passage might not be possible. Fortunately, many bridges are movable and can be operated remotely. You can find Friesland’s bridge opening times here.

Winter boating in Friesland

Yes, you can even go boating in the winter! While most people associate boating with sunny summer days, a winter boat trip offers a totally different, serene experience. Enjoy the peaceful water and crisp skies. Want to know more? Read more about winter boating in Friesland here.

More Information About Boating in Friesland:

• Boating routes in Friesland – Drachten
• Boating without a license
  
  • Follow a skipper training
• From our blog:
  • (Marrekrite) mooring spots in Friesland
  • The 3 most scenic natural spots in Friesland
  • Must-see sights in Friesland
  • Our favorite cycling routes in Friesland
• General practical info about renting a boat
• Planning a boating trip in Friesland during the winter