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 Harich 55 km

Harich, located near the IJsselmeer (IJssel lake). Passage through Sloten, which is, with its 700 inhabitants, the smallest town on this circuit passing through 11 towns in this historic region. Enjoy a stop in the small village of Balk, to enjoy the superb view of the Frisian landscapes. Overnight in Harich.

Day 4 - Harich to Bolsward 55 km

The small town of Bolsward is known in the Netherlands for its picturesque streets. You can't miss Stavoren, now famous among water sports enthusiasts, and Workum. At the time, all these towns around the lake (Ijsselmeer) had a good trading activity around fishing. There are traces of this prosperous period with beautiful period houses such as in the city of Hanze. Overnight in Bolsward.

Day 5 - Bolsward to Harlingen 45 km

A day full of emotions, with the discovery of the Noorderhaven and Suiderhaven ports of Harlingen, a long straight line that opens directly onto the North Sea. Moored on either side, old rigs wink at you from the top of their mast.
Continuation of the route towards Franeker in Frisian Frjentsjer (very difficult to pronounce and our essays amuse the Dutch a lot), a village which 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.

Day 6 - Harlingen to Dokkum 63/75 km

Dokkum has preserved its architectural heritage with its fortifications and restored ramparts. Add to these curiosities a few canals and the traditional Dutch windmills. You will then understand that it is a region that you can fall in love with. Overnight in Dokum.

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 :

Departure from Leeuwarden everyday
From 17/04 to 25/09

• Low season : from 17/04 to 11/06 and from 01 to 25/09
• High season : from 12/06 to 31/08

Included :

• Bed and breakfast stay
• Travel documents : we will provide you with the information relating to the progress of your stay as well as the itinerary upon validation of your reservation, subject to change.
• 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.