Friesland offers many different boating routes, each with its own character. For beginners, the Frisian Lakes Route (3–7 days) and the Woudaa Route (1–2 days) are ideal. Nature lovers opt for the Alde Feanen or the Lits-Lauwersmeer Route. Experienced boaters opt for the challenging Turfroute (7–10 days) or the full Elfstedenroute (7–10 days). The choice depends on your experience, the time you have available, and what you want to see.
Friesland is known for its beautiful boating area, with hundreds of kilometers of navigable waters. But with so many possible routes to choose from, the decision can be overwhelming. Which route suits your level of experience? How much time do you need? And what are the best sights to see?
In this guide, I’ll help you make the right choice. You’ll learn which routes are suitable for beginners, where nature lovers should go, and which routes offer a challenge for experienced boaters. Whether you’re setting out for a weekend or have a week to spare, after reading this, you’ll know exactly which route is right for you.
How do you choose the right route?
The perfect boating route depends on four key factors. By determining these in advance, you can make the best choice for your situation.
Boating experience is the first thing to consider. Is this your first time boating? If so, routes with spacious lakes, good facilities, and movable bridges are ideal. You’ll have plenty of room to practice steering and docking without any stress. Do you already have experience? Then you can tackle more challenging routes with narrow waterways and more maneuvering.
Available time determines which routes are feasible. A weekend offers enough time for the Woudaa Route or part of the Frisian Lakes Route. For the entire Eleven Cities Route or Peat Route, you’ll need a week or longer. Don’t just factor in the distance to be covered—also allow time to visit places and enjoy the scenery.
Interests make the difference between a good and a great boat trip. Do you love historic cities and culture? Choose the Eleven Cities Route. Is unspoiled nature more important to you? Then the Alde Feanen or the Lits-Lauwersmeer Route are better options. Want a mix of both? The Frisian Lakes Route combines nature with charming villages.
Your boat’s clearance height is crucial. Some routes have low bridges or fixed bridges that do not open. Always check in advance whether your boat is suitable for the chosen route. From Terherne, most boats are suitable for the most popular routes, but specific sections require specific dimensions.
Routes for Beginners
If this is your first time renting a motorboat, choose routes that give you plenty of room to learn without stress. These three routes are perfect for beginners.
Frisian Lakes Route (5–7 days)
The Frisian Lakes Route is the classic route for beginners, and for good reason. The route connects the major Frisian lakes via wide waterways. All the bridges are movable, so there’s no need to worry about clearance. The lakes offer plenty of space to practice steering and docking.
You’ll sail past typical Frisian water sports towns such as Sneek, Sloten, IJlst, and Workum. These towns have good marinas with all the amenities—ideal if you’re still getting used to docking. The distance is approximately 80 to 160 kilometers, depending on which route you choose.
The beauty of this route is that you can adapt it to your own pace. Three days is the minimum, but seven days gives you the freedom to truly enjoy each town without rushing. The combination of spacious lakes, good amenities, and charming towns makes this the most popular route for first-time boaters.
Woudaaproute (1–2 days)
The Woudaa Route was designed specifically for families with children, which also makes it perfect for beginners. You’ll paddle from Terherne through Langweer and Woudsend to Heeg and back again. The distances are short, usually taking one to two hours to paddle.
All the villages along this route have playgrounds and swimming beaches. The short distances make for a relaxing trip, and you’ll still get to see a beautiful part of Friesland. Perfect for a first visit.
Aqueduct Route (1–2 days)
The Aqueduct Route through Southwest Friesland offers something unique: you’ll sail over five aqueducts. Traffic passes beneath you, so there’s no waiting at bridges. This modern solution makes for a very smooth journey.
The route combines modern technology with traditional Frisian villages. The waterways are wide and easy to navigate, making it ideal for first-time boaters.
Routes for nature lovers
Some routes take you through the most beautiful nature areas in the northern Netherlands. If nature is your priority, these routes are a must.
The Alde Feanen (1–2 days)
The Alde Feanen is not a route in the traditional sense, but an area to explore. This 2,500-hectare nature reserve is a National Park.
Here, you’ll glide through narrow canals between reed beds and marshes. The silence is overwhelming. In April and May, bird migration is at its peak. Herons nest, black-tailed godwits call, and with a bit of luck, you might spot a marsh harrier.
This area calls for a different way of boating. No rush, no schedule. For nature photographers, this is paradise, but families, too, can discover Frisian nature at its best here.
Lits-Lauwersmeer Route (3–4 days)
The Lits-Lauwersmeer Route connects the Frisian lakes with Lauwersmeer. Lauwersmeer was created in 1969 and is now an important bird sanctuary. In the spring and fall, you can see huge flocks of geese and ducks.
The route winds through varied scenery via Dokkum to the open waters of Lauwersmeer. Those open waters demand respect. Conditions can be rough when the wind is strong. Check the weather forecast and plan your crossing for a calm day.
Routes Through Historic Cities
For history and culture enthusiasts, Friesland offers routes through beautiful historic towns.
Eleven Cities Route (7–10 days)
The Eleven Cities Route is the most famous boating route in the Netherlands. The route passes through all eleven Frisian cities: Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, and Dokkum. The total distance is approximately 200 kilometers.
Each city has its own character. Leeuwarden is a bustling provincial capital, Sloten is the smallest town, Hindeloopen is known for its little harbor, and Harlingen has a rich maritime history.
Be aware of the clearance height: a maximum of 2.50 meters, so keep this in mind when choosing a boat. The route is manageable with a little boating experience.
Groningen Route (4–7 days)
The Groningen route connects Friesland with the province of Groningen. Passing through Leeuwarden and Dokkum, you’ll sail across Lauwersmeer to the city of Groningen. Groningen is a vibrant college town with a historic downtown. The mix of old buildings and youthful energy makes it well worth a visit.
The route combines nature (Lauwersmeer) with culture (cities) and takes four to seven days. Suitable for paddlers with some experience, especially because of the open waters of the Lauwersmeer.
Routes for Experienced Boaters
Some routes offer an extra challenge for more experienced paddlers looking for something special.
Peat Route (7–10 days)
The Turfroute is the most challenging route. As early as the 16th century, peat boatmen established a network of waterways. Today, the Turfroute follows those same narrow canals through Southeast Friesland, West Drenthe, and North Overijssel.
Navigating these narrow waterways requires skill and experience. This is not a route for beginners. But the reward is great: an authentic slice of the Netherlands with villages that have retained their character and unspoiled nature. Allow seven to ten days.
Please note: only available between May 15 and September 15.
Middelseeroute (2–3 days)
Historically, the Middelseeroute was the old waterway connecting Leeuwarden and Sneek. It was part of the original Elfstedentocht, but for a long time it was unnavigable for motorboats. Today, it serves as an alternative to the busy Prinses Margriet Canal.
The challenge: low bridges and lots of turns. You’ll need a boat with a mast that can be lowered and a maximum height of 2.50 meters. Many bridges don’t open, so the clearance height is limited. Check in advance to see if your boat is suitable.
For boaters with the right boat, this route offers a peaceful alternative. It’s less crowded than the main waterways and has more character.
Routes Based on Time
Are you short on time? Here you’ll find routes that fit your available days.
Weekend (2–3 days) – The Woudaap Route and Middelseeroute are perfect for a short weekend getaway. A day trip through De Alde Feanen with an overnight stay in a charming little village is also a great option.
Midweek (3–5 days) – With three to five days, more options become available. The Frisian Lakes Route is ideal for this timeframe. The Aqueducts Route is also a perfect fit. A shorter version of the Groningen Route is another option.
Full week (5–7 days) – A full week gives you plenty of time to explore the most beautiful routes. The Frisian Lakes Route takes five to seven days and shows you all the beautiful spots in Southwest Friesland. The Lits-Lauwersmeer Route also fits within this timeframe.
Long boat trip (7–10 days) – Do you have more than a week? Then the Turf Route or the Eleven Cities Route becomes a viable option. You can also take your time sailing the entire Three Provinces Route. Or combine several shorter routes into one big adventure.
Practical Information
The boating season runs from April 1 to October 31. Bridges are staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (until 8:00 p.m. in June through August). Some bridges have a lunch break. Line up at the back of the queue of waiting boats and pass through quickly when the bridge opens.
Expect a cruising speed of 7 to 9 kilometers per hour. Allow 5 to 10 minutes of waiting time at each bridge. For longer routes, be sure to schedule rest days. Always check your boat’s clearance height in advance.
You can moor at Marrekrite sites (free, in a natural setting) or marinas (for a fee, with showers and electricity, €15–25 per night).
Which route will you choose?
The choice is yours, but this information will help you make a good decision. Here’s a recap:
First time out on the water? Start with the Frisian Lakes Route or the Woudaa Route. Both offer plenty of space to learn at a relaxed pace.
Is nature the most important thing? Choose De Alde Feanen for pure tranquility or the Lits-Lauwersmeer Route for nature combined with open space.
Want to see some cities? The Eleven Cities Route or the Groningen Route will take you past the most beautiful historic sites.
Looking for a challenge? The Turfroute offers adventure for experienced skippers looking for something unique.
Got a short weekend? The Woudaap Route or Middelseeroute are perfect for two to three days.
Would you like to learn more about a specific route? On the website, you’ll find detailed descriptions of 13 routes, including maps and practical information. You can also contact us for personalized advice. After all, the best route is the one that’s right for you.