Friesland Aqueduct Route - 114 km - midweek

This route is suitable for beginners and for any motorboat.

Terherne, Sneek, IJlst, Heeg, Galamadammen, Warns, Stavoren, Woudsend, Sloten, Uitwellingerga, Grou, Akkrum, Terherne.

Distance and estimated travel time:

The popular lake region in the southwestern part of Fryslân has no fewer than five aqueducts. These make it possible to navigate unimpeded through this part of the province and provide a good solution for bottlenecks where water and road traffic intersect.

The Galamadammen Aqueduct, which opened in late 2007, ensures that boat traffic on the Johan Friso Canal and road traffic on Provincial Road N359 (between Bolsward and Balk) no longer interfere with one another.

The Ie Aqueduct opened in 2007, putting an end to the cramped and unsafe conditions for water sports enthusiasts near the bridge in the center of Woudsend.

Since late 2007, the Jeltesleat Aqueduct near Hommerts–Jutrijp has replaced the Jeltesleat Bridge, the busiest bridge in Fryslân.

The Houkesloot Aqueduct has been part of the Sneek Northeast Bypass since 2003. It relieves traffic in downtown Sneek and improves conditions for recreational boating.

Since 2008, the Geau Aqueduct has been an important part of the busy Rijksweg 7 near Sneek. It improves access to the city and provides water sports enthusiasts with an alternative route to the Prinses Margriet Canal.

Tips for your trip!

Boating through the southwestern part of the Frisian Lakes has become even more appealing. The construction of five aqueducts gives water sports enthusiasts plenty of room to maneuver: instead of waiting at bridges, you can now cruise right through. Anyone entering Fryslân from the IJsselmeer near Stavoren will feel a sense of freedom in the open landscape. At Galamadammen, that view is no longer interrupted by the busy bridge. The aqueduct blends seamlessly into the landscape. Near the aqueduct, sand martins watch us from their nesting walls. With the Koudumerbos on one side and Lake De Morra on the other, the variety of flora and fauna here is vast. The aqueduct therefore features special passageways for both land and water animals.

It’s a smooth ride

Continuing on toward Sneek from De Fluezen in the charming village of Woudsend is also smoother than before. The bridge is still there, but thanks to the construction of a bypass that includes the Ie Aqueduct, it doesn’t need to open and close as often. The terrace by the bridge remains pleasantly bustling. In the village itself, the old grain mill Het Lam is still in operation. Stop in for a moment and check out the artisanal products! From De Fluezen, the route via Heeg is also an option. Cheerful voices can be heard from the waterfront terraces. Beyond Heeg, the open landscape has become even more expansive thanks to the Jeltesleat aqueduct near Hommerts. From the embankment, hikers can enjoy the view of the countryside, the new swimming lake, and the aqueduct.

To Sneek

Off to Sneek through the green countryside. On the south side of this bustling city, two aqueducts welcome water sports enthusiasts. From the Snitser Mar, where the ultra-modern starting island is also located, boats cruise over the traffic via the cheerfully colored Houkesloot aqueduct into the city. From IJlst, the imposing yet airy Geau aqueduct offers a beautiful view of the city. People stroll along the boardwalk beside the water and the newly planted reed bank. As you cruise into Sneek, you almost forget that this is a busy intersection of road, rail, and water. There is plenty to do in the city itself. The Sneek city center exudes atmosphere. There is plenty of entertainment: shops, terraces, the Frisian Maritime Museum, the Model Railway Museum, or the old Weduwe Joustra distillery. From the water, the quays look beautiful. Time to moor!

Downloads: Map of the Aqueduct Route
Map in: Google Maps