Sailing around Leeuwarden and from the Frisian capital to Akkrum: this is now possible for boats with a standing mast. As part of the national standing-mast route, you’ll find a beautiful sailing trip here, right in the heart of Fryslân.
This route is suitable for beginners and for any type of motor yacht.
Terherne, Akkrum, Grou, Wergea, Leeuwarden, Burdaard, Dokkum.
| Van | Naar | Afstand | Tijd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terherne | Grou | 7.9 km | 55 min |
| Grou | Wergea | 6.6 km | 45 min |
| Wergea | Leeuwarden | 16.8 km | 115 min |
| Leeuwarden | Burdaard | 12.7 km | 85 min |
| Burdaard | Dokkum | 8.7 km | 60 min |
Sailing vessels whose masts are difficult to lower can now choose an alternative to the busy Princess Margriet Canal. Don’t forget to explore the capital itself! Leeuwarden offers many activities and interesting landmarks, including the historic Prinsentuin harbor in the heart of the city. Nearby, in the Museum Harbor, you’ll find, among other things, old tjalken, towboats, milk boats, fishing vessels, and clippers.
. From the Van Harinxmakanaal in Leeuwarden, you’ll sail over the Langdeel aqueduct to Wergea. Passing the village, you’ll sail south through the expansive grasslands, past Domwier to Grou. The waterfront is beautiful and inviting, with its walking promenade, visitor moorings, and Het Theehuis. On the breakwater, walkers enjoy the view and anglers try their luck. In the village itself, a walking trail takes you past the most charming historic buildings. The Pikmar, which houses the modern starting island for sailing races, connects to the Alde Feanen nature reserve. After Grou, the route leads to another premier water sports village: Akkrum. Here, the railroad bridge allows boats up to 3.50 meters to pass unimpeded.
. Boats with standing masts can also sail around Leeuwarden. The Standing Mast Route can also be followed northward. You’ll sail past the Prinsentuin to the Dokkumer Ie, a famous section of the Elfstedentocht.
Whether you’re starting or ending your trip here, Leeuwarden is well worth a visit. You can enjoy strolling through the historic city center with its many lovely shops and outdoor cafes. Or visit the diverse Fries Museum, which features a wide range of rotating exhibitions. For children, the Aquazoo, a water-themed animal park just outside Leeuwarden, is a real adventure.
On the south side of Leeuwarden, we leave the Frisian capital behind us as we pass the lake near the new Zuiderburen neighborhood and set course for Wergea, the village of *Afke’s Tiental*. The family from Nienke van Hichtum’s famous book is immortalized here in bronze in the park. Beyond the village, the new route rejoins the “old” route. On the way to Grou, the agricultural landscape of Central Friesland offers beautiful views.
Grou is an authentic, cozy village. A stroll through the narrow streets makes it clear how the village developed around the church. The village is the birthplace of skûtsjesilen and is home to one of the oldest water sports clubs in Fryslân. The De Trije Gritenijen Museum showcases the history of Grou and the surrounding villages. Via the fairly small but centrally located Pikmar, the route leads to Akkrum. A charming village with plenty of shops and outdoor cafes along the water. As you sail along the water, you’ll pass behind the imposing Coopersburg, built to provide shelter for elderly people in need. The building was founded by Akkrum native F.H. Kuipers, who emigrated to the United States in 1866 and changed his name to Cooper. A little further on, the Amsterdam-style “Welgelegen” retirement home surprises passing boats. Traditionally, “unmarried ladies of respectable bourgeois standing” lived here.
. Once you pass Akkrum, it’s not far to Terherne. At the Klassieke Schepenhaven, you can admire boats from the last century and browse the charming shops and the Schepenhal. In the nearby Kameleondorp, the world of Hielke and Sietse Klinkhamer from the famous Kameleon books comes to life. Just outside Terherne, we catch the wind in our sails as the Snitser Mar unfolds before us.
Downloads: Map of the Staandemast Route
Map in: Google Maps
