CYCLING IN FRIESLAND ALONG THE WATER, THE MEASURES AND THE VILLAGES
The province of Friesland offers many beautiful cycling routes and cycle paths for an unforgettable cycling trip. And there is always something interesting to see. Whether it is a nature reserve, an extensive polder or a historic village. For example, in the fortified town of Sloten you can stop at the old inn for lunch.
DE ALDE FEANEN NATIONAL PARK
Cycle through the beautiful Alde Feanen National Park. Explore the winding paths and enjoy the birds singing. A paradise for nature lovers. The De Alde Feanen nature reserve has various routes along the beautiful Frisian waters. The cycle route is approximately 40 km long.
GAASTERLAND ROUTE
Discover the rolling landscape of Gaasterland with its forests, cliffs and vast meadows by bike. This route takes you past picturesque, cozy villages such as Oudemirdum, where you can stop for a drink in a café.
You will encounter various sights along the way. Between junctions 30 and 26 there are several bunkers from the Second World War spread across the meadows. You often see majestic cattle grazing in the meadows.
SNEEKERMEER ROUTE
Enjoy the serene landscape around the Sneekermeer as you cycle past picturesque villages such as Terherne and Goingarijp. Make a stop at one of the many sailing schools along the cycle route and admire the colorful sails. The route is approximately 34 kilometers long and is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the province.
FRISIAN FORESTS ROUTE
Cycle through the forests and heathlands of the Frisian Wouden. This route of approximately 36 kilometers starts in Dokkum and leads you along old towpaths through the Frisian Forests. This area is known for its small-scale landscape. You will be able to fully enjoy this during the trip. Along the route you will see many hedgerows, historic structures that were once used to keep livestock in or wild animals out.
LAUWERSMEER ROUTE
The Lauwersmeer is a paradise for bird watchers. Cycle along the banks and spot rare bird species. A trip around the Lauwersmeer is approximately 45 kilometers long. The Lauwersmeer was created when the Lauwerszee was closed off from the Wadden Sea in 1969.
This closure, together with the fresh water, has created a unique environment where water, plants, animals and people come together in a special way. The Lauwersmeer area has been a National Park since 1999. The cycling routes around the Lauwersmeer offer a panoramic view of this special area, both in Groningen and Friesland.
FRISIAN SOUTH SEA ROUTE
One of the longest cycling routes is the Frisian Zuiderzee Route with a length of 150 kilometers. Most of the route is located on the IJsselmeer, formerly known as the Zuiderzee, and takes you via beautiful cycle paths through the interior of Southwest Friesland.
Along the way you will pass a variety of beautiful landscapes; from the Frisian lakes to the hilly Gaasterland. And from picturesque towns such as Lemmer to charming villages such as Hindeloopen.
BONIFATIO ROUTE
Follow in the footsteps of the missionary Boniface and discover the rich religious history of Friesland. This route takes you past historic churches, monasteries and shrines. From the starting point in Burgum you cycle through a beautiful rural area in Friesland. Along the way you can cycle past charming villages and local farm shops where you can find fresh products.
FRISIAN LAKES ROUTE
This route of approximately 59 kilometers takes you along the glittering lakes of Friesland. Go cycling along the banks of the Groote Bracken (also known as Grutte Bracken in Frisian), Sneekermeer, Tjeukemeer and Slotermeer and enjoy the beautiful view over the water while breathing in the fresh sea air. The clear cycling network shows you the way.
ROUTE GREIDHOEKE
Get on your bike and explore the Greidhoeke meadow area, located southwest of Leeuwarden, and be enchanted by the abundance of birds and picturesque Frisian villages. During this cycle route you will pass the Húns mill and three meadow bird areas of Natuurmonumenten: Skrok, Skrins and the Lionserpolder.
11 LAKES CYCLING TRIP
For sportier cyclists we can recommend the 11 Lakes Cycle Tour. With eleven beautiful routes along the Frisian lakes. A great cycling party for all touring cyclists. With distances of 50, 100 and 150 kilometers through the beautiful Frisian lake area. Participants enjoy excellent care along the way and a great atmosphere at the start and finish. For many cyclists, the 11 Lakes Cycle Tour is the perfect preparation for the 11-city tour. The 150 km route takes you past cities such as Joure, Bakhuizen, Workum, Sneek and Terherne.
CYCLING ELEVEN CITY TOUR
The chance of an eleven-city tour on skates is getting smaller and smaller. Fortunately, there is always the Cycling eleven-city tour. A 235-kilometer long tour along the eleven Frisian cities, with start and finish in Bolsward, near Húns. A diverse group of cyclists takes part in this eleven-city tour, including fast 'competition' riders, sporty cyclists and touring cyclists. Bikes vary from e-bikes to racing bikes to 'regular' bikes, transport bikes, tandems and recumbent bikes. Participants often appear in colorful and sometimes hilarious costumes, making it a lively spectacle.
FRISIAN GREIDE ROUTE
This is our personal favorite. A charming route that takes you through the beauty of the Frisian meadow landscape. You cycle straight through vast meadows and pass beautiful villages such as Deinum, Jorwert, the idyllic Wirdum and Mantgum with its stately houses. Be enchanted by the Frisian countryside as you enjoy this relaxing and scenic bike ride.
FERRY ROUTE THE 8 FROM GROU
A beautiful and varied route in Friesland. This 37 kilometer long tour takes you through the picturesque landscape around Grou, past lakes, canals and green meadows. Characteristic are the eight ferries that take you across the water, a unique experience where you literally explore the waterways of Friesland.
Along the way you will pass picturesque villages and historic sights, and you can enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. The route is worthwhile for all ages and offers a perfect day out for cycling enthusiasts.
THE WADDEN AREA
Explore the Wadden area by bike. Cars are not allowed on Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog, so cycling is the best way to explore the area.
Vlieland
Schiermonnikoog
If you go to Schiermonnikoog, take the ferry from Lauwersoog. On the island you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze while cycling along the beautiful beaches. Don't forget to get off your bike at Paal 14, where you can visit the Shell Museum and learn more about the local nature and history.
THE SWALKROUTE AT WOMMELS
The Swalkroute in Wommels is a fantastic bike ride. You cycle through the beautiful Frisian landscape, past green meadows and old farms. The route is well signposted and ideal for a relaxing day trip. Along the way you will encounter historical places and picturesque villages. Enjoy the fresh air and the endless view. Feel free to take a break at a rustic terrace. The Swalkroute is perfect for exploring Friesland by bike and completely unwinding.
