Netherlands cycling routes in the Frisian country

The Friesland by bike between Leeuwarden and Harlingen

Friesland, located in the north of the Netherlands, is one of its oldest regions. In this part of Holland you will find the indications in 2 languages: Frisian and Dutch.
Completely flat cycle route inland through the beautiful Frisian countryside.

Points of interest of the stay:

• Leeuwarden
• the lake of Ijssel
• Bolsward, Harlinger and Dokkum
• traditional canals and mills

Day 1- Arrival in Leeuwarden

Historic city and capital of Friesland, with its famous canals that combine with red brick and green pastures to make this landscape typically Dutch. Discover the bridges, the city center, the nature museums, and the Princessehof during your visit to Leeuwarden. Installation at your hotel. Overnight in Leeuwarden.

Day 2 - Leeuwarden to Sneek 50 km

Pick up the bikes and set off for a first tour on the legendary Dutch cycle paths. Sneek, a historic town, was once surrounded by water canals and fortifications. Admire the center of the city, the Martini Church, the small bridges that span the canals and the river activity. Overnight in Sneek.

Day 3 - Sneek to Ijlst/Balk 50 km

This stage guides you to the town of Balk, located near the Ijsselmer (Ijssel lake). The route passes through Stolen, the smallest town along the 11 towns route. Your cycling day ends in Balk, which offers a beautiful view of the Frisian landscape and the charming surrounding villages. 

Day 4 - Balk to Bolsward 51 or 58 km

The small town of Bolsward is known in the Netherlands for its picturesque streets. You can't miss Stavoren, nowadays very well known among water sports enthusiasts, and Workum. In the old days, all these towns around the lake (Ijsselmeer) had a great trade around fishing. There are still traces of this splendid period with beautiful period houses like in the town of Hanze. Overnight in Bolsward.

Day 5 - Bolsward to Harlingen/Franeker 40 km

The cycling trip in the Netherlands continues towards Makkum, a village famous for its pottery.
The route continues towards Franeker in Frisian Frjentsjer (very difficult to pronounce and the Dutch are very amused by our attempts), a village that is home to one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, the University of Friesland. You can also see the oldest planetarium in Europe still in operation. Overnight in Franeker or Harlingen. 

Day 6 - Harlingen/Franeker - Dokkum 48 to 75 km 

Dokkum has preserved its architectural heritage with its restored fortifications and ramparts. Add to these sights some canals and the traditional Dutch mills. You will then understand that this is a region to fall in love with. Night in Dokkum.

Day 7 - Dokkum to Leeuwarden 35 km

Last circuit through the green landscapes where the Frisian cows graze peacefully while watching ... the bikes. Passage through the towns of Rinsumageest and Burdaard. Overnight in Leeuwarden.

Day 8 - Leeuwarden

End of the tour after breakfast and departure or possibility of an additional night in Leeuwarden or Amsterdam.

General information :

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Comfort level of the accommodation : 3* and 4*
• Child prices : please contact us

Dates :

Departures every day from 16/04 to 24/09/2023
High season : 10/06 to 31/08/2023

Included :

• Bed and breakfast stay
• 7 nights in hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• Access to our hiking application Respire Voyages with day by day itineraries
• Tourist tax
• Self-guided loop tour
• Luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation
• Toll parking at the Leeuwarden hotel or unattended parking near the hotel

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits

Options :

• Half board
• Bike or e-bike rental
• Extra night(s) in Leeuwarden
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat ground. Cycle paths and small roads.

Weather :

Continental, mild sun, pleasant temperatures.

Technicality :

- 40 to 55 km of cycling per day, or about 3 or 5 hours of cycling.
- Easy to follow route. No difficulties, accessible to everyone.

Bibliography :

Maps about Friesland

Meals :

Breakfast : generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, bread, milk, butter, jam, orange juice)
Lunch : not included
Dinner : optional half board, dinners in the hotel or in nearby restaurants (3-course menu).

Bike :

Rental bike : 7-speed bike (21 speeds on request), equipped with a computer (for two bikes), a bag, a card reader and a repair kit. The rented bike will be assigned to you upon arrival. A security deposit will be requested. At the end of the tour, you must leave the bike at the Bruges hotel and notify reception.

Personal bike : we do not recommend bikes with small tires (minimum 28). Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off. At the end of the tour, you will have to take care of your bike.

Assistance :

Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

Luggage :

Transported by a courier or by our correspondent, and limited to one piece of luggage per person (maximum 20 kg).

Transport :

By train : from Brussels to Leeuwarden (about 2h30).
By car : 630 km from Paris via Antwerpen and Breda.
By plane : Amsterdam international airport.

Your vehicle :

Toll parking at the Leeuwarden hotel, or unattended parking near the hotel.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the refund of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more, please click here.