The 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour

Your Frisian adventure begins in the charming capital of the province, Leeuwarden! The dynamic city provides the perfect introduction to Friesland with its deep cultural roots and unique ambience.

After settling into your hotel here, set out to peruse the cities ancient narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants, or enjoy a scenic boat tour of the town’s ancient network of canals.

Your first day of cycling has plenty of adventure in store! Set out this morning following breakfast on an epic ride through 3 Frisian cities to Sneek.

Up first is Bolsward, a gorgeous Hanseatic town with a stunning old center. Next, you'll ride to what some say is the prettiest of all the 11 Frisian cities, Ijlst, where you'll discover ancient canals lined with beautiful flowerbeds in the historic center of town. Then, continue to Sneek, where you'll find tonight's accommodations.

Sneek is a hub for watersports and home to the largest inland water event in all of Europe, called Sneekweek. Check out the town's famous 17th-century gate, Watergate, and admire the works of German artist Stephan Balkenhol's majestic "Fortuna’s Fountain.”

Today’s superb ride has you navigating the spellbinding Frisian Lake District, where peaceful country lanes and dazzling lakes pave the way. On the way, you’ll encounter the gorgeous wooded area known as Gaasterlad that boasts pretty creeks and atypical rolling terrain.

Take in the views of the bizarre wall of boulder clay, known as Rode Klif, jutting up from Lake Ijsselmeer as you press on to Stavoren.

Situated on a pretty harbour, Stavoren will welcome you with its serene ambience and breathtaking views of Lake Ijsselmeer.

More fascinating encounters with unique Frisian culture are in the cards today as you begin with a ride to Hindeloopen. Ancient wooden bridges, narrow streets, and traditional Frisian characterize this town that historically had its own unique style of costume typically made with vibrant floral patterns. Delve into the town's history and traditions at Atelier Glashouwer or the Hindeloopen Museum.

Continue the route to Workum, where you'll discover an artsy town once made up primarily of potters famous for their grooved ceramics. Today's final stretch will bring you to tonight's accommodations in Makkum, also renowned for producing beautiful Frisian pottery.

Today you’ll ride north on the coast, enjoying a spectacular ride to the harbour town of Harlingen. With the salty sea breeze in the air, peruse the seafront promenade here, taking in the beauty of the shallow Wadden Sea, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, enjoy a walk through the center of town where you’ll uncover a collection of impressive historical buildings and the quintessential Dutch canals.

The final leg of today to Franeker is short. Here you’ll discover the Netherlands’ second-oldest university in what is a tiny but impressive town.

Flanked by polders this morning, you’ll set out along the coast to Dokkum. Dokkum has long been a pilgrim destination, attracting those paying homage to St. Boniface, an English missionary who sought to convert pagan Frisians to Christianity and was murdered in Dokkum in the year 754.

Enjoy this quaint, fortified town steeped in history and legend!

Typical Frisian landscapes pave the way for your return to Leeuwarden today as you cruise past meadows and sprawling fields peppered with grazing cows. You’ll trace the Dokkumer Ee Canal to return to the capital of Friesland, enjoying a short but majestic ride.

Back in Leeuwarden, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy this gem of the north. From picturesque harbours to shop-lined streets, Leeuwarden is the perfect place to spend your final day of the tour, soaking up Frisian culture. Enjoy!

Your tour ends this morning after one final breakfast in Leeuwarden. Check out of your accommodations and depart.