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Writer's picturePascal Boogaert

The Frisian lakes. Discover the most beautiful places.


Photo by Peter de Vink from Skûtsjes on the Frisian lakes

Dive with us in the Frisian lakes


The Fryske Marren are a group of lakes in the southwest and center of the province of Friesland. The area is popular for its beautiful water landscapes and various water sports. The Frisian Lakes are known as an ideal area for recreational outings and water sports activities. In the broadest sense of the word. Surfing, kite surfing, SUPing, swimming, sailing, boating, canoeing, fishing... it's all possible here.


This tourist area of Friesland is therefore ideal for a relaxing holiday or just for a day out. There are more than enough mooring places for sailors, there is more than enough to see for nature lovers and there are numerous surfing schools for water sports enthusiasts. In short, a must-see if you visit Friesland.



Map of the Frisian lakes in Friesland

Where are the Frisian lakes?


The lakes are located in the southwest and center of the province of Friesland. They are sandwiched between the cities of Lemmer, Stavoren, Workum, Sneek, Akkrum and Joure. The lakes are easy to reach by car. So you are there to enjoy the beautiful nature. And from our holiday home in Húns you can get there within 25 minutes. The area is also known for its rich culture and special traditions, such as Skûtsjesilen.


Friesland in the early Middle Ages

History of the Frisian lakes


The lakes of Friesland were created by a combination of natural processes and human intervention. Originally the area was covered with a thick layer of peat. This peat has formed over thousands of years.


Illustration of peat cutters in the early Middle Ages in Friesland

Around the year 1000, farmers decided to drain this peat area. They built ditches to allow the top layer of the peat to dry out and make it habitable.





With the drainage, the land started to settle. It got lower and lower. Lakes were formed at the lowest places where peat was extracted. Peat, dried peat, was then used as fuel. But that's not the only thing that contributed to the formation of the lakes.


Illustration of salt mining in Friesland in the early Middle Ages

In the late Middle Ages, Friesland was ravaged by large storm surges. The Zuiderzee (which we now know as the IJsselmeer) was not yet closed off and still had free rein. During those storm surges, large areas of land around the excavated areas were washed away. As a result, small lakes in Friesland became increasingly larger.


Salt extraction in addition to peat extraction also played a role in soil subsidence and the creation of new water surfaces.



Most beautiful lakes in Friesland


The area consists of about 24 large and small lakes. We have listed the most important Frisian lakes for you:


Sneekermeer


The Sneekermeer, also known as the Snitser Mar, is one of the most famous lakes in Friesland. It has beautiful surroundings and is ideally suited for various water sports. The Sneekermeer is certainly worth a visit for water sports enthusiasts. You will find various water sports facilities on and around the lake. There is a speedboat track, several marinas and a starting tower for sailing competitions. Especially during the Sneekweek there is more activity.


It is interesting that Sneek is not located directly on the lake. The lake itself is largely located in the neighboring municipality of De Friese Meren. And Sneek itself belongs to the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân.


Sailboats on the Sneekermeer

The Heegermeer


The Heegermeer, or Hegemer Mar in Frisian, is located southwest of Heeg and flows into the Fluessen. There are several islands in the middle of the lake. The Rakkenpolle is the largest. The Heegermeer is a beautiful lake and ideal for a relaxing day out.


A concrete shipping route runs through the lake. This route is part of the Johan Friso Canal. The entire lake was formed by a glacier during the Saalien glacial period.


Boats on the Heegermeer

Groote Brekken


Another well-known lake is the Groote Brekken. An elongated lake between Lemmer and Spannenburg. There used to be a Kleine Brekken, but it has now been reclaimed.

The Prinses Margriet Canal runs straight through the Groote Brekken. This canal connects the lake with the IJsselmeer via the Prinses Margrietsluis. In the north the canal connects to the Koevordermeer. And via the Follegasloot there is an eastern connection to the Tjeukemeer. The Frisian name for the lake is Grutte Breken. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Friesland and definitely worth a visit.


Boat at the Groote Blokken

The Fluessen


The Fluessen is the second largest lake in Friesland. It is located northeast of De Holken and merges into the Heegermeer. The name comes from 'flues', which means floating sods.


Together with the Heegermeer and the Morra it forms an elongated glacial valley. This originated during the Saalien Glacial.


There are several artificial islands on the lake. Of which the Langehoekspolle is the largest. The Fluessen is ideal for various water sports. And the beautiful surroundings make it a must-see for anyone visiting Friesland.


Sailboat on De Fluessen

Activities at the Frisian lakes


Cycling


Cycling is an excellent way to explore the area and see the beautiful surroundings. There are several cycling routes in the area, including the Eleven Cities Cycle Route. Curious about our tips for cycling routes in Friesland? We have listed them here.


Racing cyclists in Friesland next to the water

Cycling holiday


Cycling holidays near the Frisian waters are perfect for exploring the area. Discover beautiful routes. After each tour you will find cozy places to spend the night. Experience the charm of Friesland from the saddle. Every day a new adventure. A fun and relaxing activity for the whole family.


Cyclists in Friesland

To walk


Hikers will also get their money's worth at the lakes. It's an excellent way to see the beautiful surroundings and experience the local culture. At the Frisian lakes you will find beautiful walking routes that lead you along the water. Discover the fun of the ferries over water. Feel the fresh air and enjoy the views. Every step brings you closer to Frisian life. Visit local markets and taste the Frisian delicacies.


Walking in the woods near the Frisian lakes

Fishing on the Frisian lakes


Fishing is a popular activity at the lakes. There are many anglers who fish in the lakes, ditches or canals for pike, bream, roach, perch or carp. You can find various fishing spots, especially at the Sneekermeer, the Heegermeer and the Slotermeer (in Frisian 'Sleattemer Mar'). Excellent destinations for fishermen who want to enjoy different fishing techniques and experiences.


Fisherman with fishing rod on the waterfront

Windsurfing and SUPing in the Friesland waterland


The lakes are ideal for SUPing and windsurfing. Discover places such as the Sneekermeer and the Langweerder Wielen. There is always plenty of wind at lakes. Perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. There are several surf schools in the region with lessons for all levels, including children. In short, a fun and relaxing activity for the whole family.


Woman paddleboarding on a canal in Friesland

5 beautiful sailing routes at the Frisian lakes


The Frisian lakes are a paradise for boating enthusiasts. Here are five beautiful sailing routes that you should not miss:


Map of the Eleven Cities Tour sailing route

Eleven Cities Route along the Frisian lakes


Sail through the eleven historic cities of Friesland. Visit Sneek, Leeuwarden, Franeker, Stavoren, Harlingen and Workum. Enjoy picturesque canals and old windmills.






Small tour of the Frisian lakes


A 65 kilometer long route along Sneekermeer, Tjeukemeer, Slotermeer and Heegermeer. Admire the beautiful nature, the atmospheric harbors and sights such as Museum Joure and historic mills.


Sailing boats at the Frisian lakes

Tour of Alde Feanen


Discover De Alde Feanen National Park in a tour of approximately 65 kilometers. This nature reserve is full of lakes, peat ponds, reedlands and swamp forests. Ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers.


Sailing a boat on De Alde Feanen

Tour of Southwest Friesland


A 130 kilometer long route through the watery Southwest Friesland. Start in Sneek and sail past beautiful villages and towns such as IJlst, Bolsward, Workum and Hindeloopen.


Motor boat on the water in Friesland

Aqueducts Sailing Route


Visit the modern aqueducts of Friesland. Sail through the Koudumer forest and along Lake De Morra without passing any bridges.


Aqueduct at the Galamadammen in Friesland

Sights and events


Eise Eisinga Planetarium


Had enough of the water? Then drive to Franeker in half an hour to visit the Eise Eisinga Planetarium. The oldest working planetarium is one of the most important sights in Friesland.


Ceiling of the Eise Eisinga planetarium

Skûtsjesilen sailing competitions


There are two important Skûtsjesilen sailing competitions. These are organized by the Sintrale Kommisje Skûtsjesilen (SKS) and by the Iepen Fryske Kampioenskippen Skûtsjesilen (IFKS). The competitions are popular events in the Frisian lake area. If you visit Friesland, you should definitely not miss the Skûtsjesilen.


Skûtsjesilen in Friesland

Spend the night at the Frisian lakes


Holiday home in Húns


Húns is a tiny village in the Greidhoeke. From the village you can reach the Frisian lakes, Leeuwarden, Sneek, Franeker, the IJsselmeer and Harlingen within half an hour. An ideal base to discover Friesland and the Frisian lakes.


The front of our holiday home in Friesland

Huns 16


We have transformed an old workers' house from 1842 into a modern holiday home. Where the atmosphere of old Friesland has still been preserved. And where you can still enjoy modern comfort.


Old sheep stable transformed into a comfortable kitchen/diner

Frisian lakes: nature


Bird resting areas


The bird rest areas in the Frisian lake area are a must-see for bird watchers. In Friesland, various bird species winter in bird rest areas. During this period they gain strength and build up a fat layer. This is crucial for their health. These fat reserves are necessary for their journey to the summer areas to nest there.


Bird rest area in Friesland

Animals near the Frisian lakes


You can see a variety of animals at the Frisian Lakes. Both in the water and in the surrounding nature. You often see the godwit near the water. In addition, various duck species such as the table duck and shoveler swim in the water and can often be found on the banks.


Black-tailed Godwit on a post in a meadow in Friesland

Mammals also feel very much at home on the Frisian lakes. Like the otter. A shy animal that prefers to hide near the water.


The combination of shallow waters and rich vegetation makes this area an ideal place for many animals to live and breed.


Tasting Frisian delicacies and local products


Toast in restaurant Het Wapen van Friesland in Easterlittens

Friesland has a rich culinary tradition with various typical delicacies. The villages near the Frisian lakes are ideal for getting to know Frisian cuisine. The specialties reflect local culture and traditions.






Orange cake with tea

Orange cake


An example of this is the traditional Oranjekoek, named after the orange peels in the dough. Every baker has his own recipe, which provides variation.





Frisian dûmbkes in a basket at a bakery

Dúmkes


Another specialty is the Fryske Dúmkes. These sweet cookies, served with coffee, contain anise seeds and hazelnuts for a unique taste. They can be found at many bakeries in Friesland.




Frisian sugar bread in a basket at a bakery in Leeuwarden

Sugar bread


Sugar bread, also called Sûkerbôle, is a sweet, sugar and cinnamon-rich bread that used to be often given as a gift at the birth of a daughter. It is still popular today.



Beerenburg drinks

Beerenburg


Beerenburg is a typical Frisian herbal bitter. This is made with various herbs and spices and is popular as a digestif. It is part of the Frisian drinking culture.




Butter dribble cake from Sneek

Drabble cakes


The Drabbelkoeken from Sneek are sweet, crispy and airy. They have been made according to a secret recipe since 1850, which gives them their unique texture.




Nail cheese in a cheese shop with nuts and grapes

Nail cheese


Friese Nagelkaas, a local cheese with a spicy flavour, goes well with dry white wine. It is an example of Friesland's rich dairy tradition.



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