The Eleven Cities tour at Lake Ijssel

Your tour of eleven cities around Lake Ijssel begins in Leeuwarden, the capital of the Dutch province of Friesland. After checking into your hotel, take the opportunity to explore the charming old town, encircled by picturesque canals and lined with grand townhouses. A visit to the iconic, tilting Oldehove is a must. Much like the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, this unfinished church tower has a noticeable tilt due to geological movement over the course of time. However, despite its lean, the tower remains accessible for visitors. To set the tone for your cycling holiday, enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along the tranquil canals of Leeuwarden.

The first leg of your journey takes you along flat, scenic cycle paths to the quaint town of Bolsward, one of Friesland's eleven cities. This historic town was originally built on a three-part terp—an artificial mound of earth used for settlements. A visit to the Sonnema Berenburg distillery is highly recommended. Here you can sample their renowned herbal bitters, made with Genever, a traditional juniper schnapps. Continuing on, the highlight of your first stage destination, Sneek, is the Waterpoort, a unique landmark in the Netherlands. Situated on the edge of the Frisian Lake District, Sneek is a popular haven for recreational boaters and water enthusiasts alike.

Today, your journey brings you to the shores of Lake Ijssel as part of your Eleven Cities tour. On the way to your stage destination, Rijs, consider taking a brief detour to Sloten, the smallest town in the Netherlands. Its historic buildings and charming terrace cafés offer a perfect setting for a leisurely break. Not far from Rijs, you'll be treated to an uninterrupted view of Lake Ijssel. Created by an artificial embankment, it is the largest lake in the Netherlands.
Upon reaching Rijs, leave your bike at the hotel and enjoy a long walk along the lake. Be sure to stay until sunset—it’s truly worth the wait.

Following the scenic coast of Lake Ijssel, you will arrive at the harbour town of Stavoren. The town’s most iconic landmark, the statue of Frouke fan Starum, stands proudly by the port. According to local legend, a wealthy merchant’s widow sought to possess the most valuable thing of her time. When wheat was brought to her, she rejected it, and... To discover how the story unfolds, visit the statue. A few kilometres further north, take a leisurely break in Hindeloopen. The picturesque old houses and wooden bridges offer a glimpse into the town’s prosperous days in the 17th and 18th centuries. Your overnight stay is in Makkum, a town renowned for housing the oldest earthenware factory in the Netherlands.

Shortly after departing from Makkum, you will see the 32-kilometre-long Afsluitdijk on your left. This impressive dam separates Lake Ijssel from the Wadden Sea. A detour to Franeker, one of Friesland’s eleven cities, is well worth your time. Be sure to visit the Eisinga Planetarium, which is renowned as the oldest working planetarium in the world. Your destination for today is the harbour town of Harlingen. Explore the charming old town, home to many fascinating houses, and don’t miss the beautiful town hall and the Grote Kerk, which stands proudly on a hill. For a perfect end to the day, enjoy a relaxing evening at Harlingen beach, just a short stroll from the Stenen Mans, the stone man.

Today marks the longest stage of your Eleven Cities tour around Lake Ijssel, taking you along the lush green dykes of the Wadden Sea. Cycling slightly inland, you will pass through the village of Hogebeintum, which sits at an impressive nine metres above sea level on the highest mound in the country. Your destination for the day is the pilgrimage town of Dokkum, where the charming atmosphere is enhanced by its distinctive stepped gables. According to local legend, the water from the Bonifatius spring is said to have healing properties. While the effects of beer remain uncertain, why not test the theory by sampling one of the refreshing hop beverages from the Bonifatius brewery? Cheers!

Only a few kilometres remain on the final stage of your Eleven Cities tour around Lake Ijssel. Cycle through the quintessential Frisian landscape as you make your way back to Leeuwarden. Once there, be sure to visit the Fries Museum, the largest provincial museum in the Netherlands, where you can explore fascinating exhibits showcasing the art, culture, and history of Friesland. Take a leisurely stroll down the charming Kleine Kerkstraat, a picturesque shopping street, and consider embarking on a guided boat tour through the scenic canals of Leeuwarden to round off your unforgettable journey.

After breakfast, your Eleven Cities tour around Lake Ijssel sadly comes to a close. However, we are delighted to offer you the option to extend your stay in Leeuwarden with an additional night, allowing you to further explore the city at your leisure.