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Lits-Lauwersmeer Route - 72 km

This boating route is suitable for beginners and for motor yachts with a maximum clearance height of 3 meters.

Terherne, Akkrum, Drachten, Opeinde, Eastermar, Zwaagwesteinde, Kollum, Dokkum.

Distance and estimated travel time:

Van Naar Afstand Tijd
Terherne Akkrum 3.3 km 25 min
Akkrum Drachten 23.4 km 160 min
Drachten Opeinde 6.9 km 50 min
Opeinde Eastermar 4.6 km 30 min
Eastermar Zwaagwesteinde 9.6 km 65 min
Zwaagwesteinde Kollum 11.1 km 75 min
Kollum Dokkum 13 km 90 min

The revitalized Lits-Lauwersmeer Route connects the Frisian lakes and Lauwersmeer, as well as the towns of Drachten and Dokkum. This surprising corner of Fryslân offers a beautiful route that’s perfect for exploring by motorboat.

Beautiful Spots

The entire route has a clearance height of 3.00 meters and is accessible to boats with a draft of 1.65 meters. There are many mooring options in fantastic spots. Along the Strobosser Trekfeart and De Lauwers, for example, or at one of the small islands in the unique lake De Leien. Birdwatchers can enjoy themselves here in the birdwatching hut. Those looking for an active way to explore nature can dock at Zwaagwesteinde and explore the Sippenvennen nature reserve by canoe.

To Villages and Towns

Not only the water, but also the waterfront along the Lits-Lauwersmeer Route is well worth seeing. Beautiful, charming villages invite you to stop by. The picturesque Eastermar, Kollum with its famous Kollumer Cheese Days, Burgum with its pingo ruins, and Buitenpost with the De Kruidhof botanical garden. Drachten is one of the larger towns along the route and a great place for shopping. The Museum Smallingerland displays works by Frisian artists. In Dokkum, the second-oldest city in Fryslân, you’ll find the City Hall with its Rococo paintings, the former Orphanage, and the Waaggebouw. You’ll also find the natural history museum and the regional museum, the Admiraliteitshuis.

On the pedals

From the boat to the pedals: The area around the Lits-Lauwermeer Route is perfect for exploring by bike. By using the junction system, you can plan your own short or long bike rides.

Active Tips for Your Trip

Wonderful! A vacation on a boat. Relaxing on the deck. But of course, you’re also curious about what there is to do on shore! If you’re feeling active, you can go biking or hiking.

Beautiful, well-marked trails have been created. You can also try your hand at various Frisian sports—or why not come by and check it out first?

Cycling on Your Own

The area around the Lits-Lauwermeer Route is ideal for exploring by bike, especially by using the junction system, which has now been extended to North Friesland. It’s perfect for both long and short bike rides. You can also cycle the signposted Elfstedentocht on your own. Don’t have a bike with you? You can rent one at various locations!

Tips for Hikers

There are several city walks you can take, for example, to discover the beautiful historic Eleven Cities town of Dokkum. Or head straight into nature and hike a section of the famous Pieterpad. You can also fully enjoy nature in the Alde Feanen and Lauwersmeer Area national parks!

Unique Frisian sports!

You can enjoy sports in Friesland like nowhere else. Come experience for yourself how “fierljeppen” works! You can do that at the fierljep center in Zwaagwesteinde. Don’t forget to bring a change of dry clothes. Or try out that other unique, 500-year-old Frisian sport. We’re talking about “kaatsten.” You can get acquainted with this popular Frisian sport at the local kaats club in Zwaagwesteinde or Buitenpost.

Terherne, Akkrum, Princenhof, Drachten, Opeinde, Eastermar, Zwaagwesteinde, Westergeest, Kollum, Dokkum.

Downloads: Map of the Lits-Lauwersmeer Route
Map in: Google Maps

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