SAILING IN FRIESLAND.
DISCOVER THE WATER FROM HÚNS.
Friesland is steeped in water and surrounded by beautiful nature. A paradise for sailors and water sports enthusiasts. With its vast lakes, winding waterways and picturesque villages, Friesland offers a range of opportunities for adventure on the water. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day trip or an exciting sailing adventure, Friesland has it all.
WHY SAIL IN FRIESLAND?
Friesland is a unique destination for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The province of Friesland offers a wide range of sailing routes, from quiet canals to large waters and even the possibility to sail the Elfstedentocht. Let's take a look at some of the most enchanting sailing areas in the region. All of which you can discover from our holiday home in Friesland.
THE FRIESIAN LAKE AREA: A WATER-RICH WONDERLAND
The Frisian Lakes is one of the most beautiful and diverse areas in the Netherlands. With beautiful nature, historic buildings and cozy harbors. It is also the beating heart of water sports in the province of Friesland. With large lakes, such as the Sneekermeer and the Fluessen, this area offers endless possibilities for both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts.
A beautiful boat trip through Southwest Friesland takes you past cozy harbors and historic towns. Think of Sneek, with its famous water gate, or Sloten with its lively water sports culture. This route connects the large lakes and is a must for every water sports enthusiast.
Along the way you will come across many terraces where you can moor for a refreshing break. With the help of a water sports app you can easily plan your own route and discover the most beautiful places.
Discover more about the Frisian Lakes:
ALDE FEANEN NATIONAL PARK: NATURE AND WATER SPORTS IN HARMONY
Only 27 km from Hûns lies the National Park De Alde Feanen, a pearl for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. This vast marshland, with its reed fields and numerous islands, is ideal for exploring by boat.
De Alde Feanen offers a sustainable sailing route where you can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Friesland. Whether you choose a canoe route through the narrow waterways or a trip with a larger boat, De Alde Feanen is not to be missed during your sailing holiday.
Sail through winding canals, enjoy the peace and quiet of nature around you and observe the many bird species. In Friesland you will encounter the most special bird species.
For those looking for a unique experience, sailing the Elfstedentocht is a great route that you should not miss. This famous tour takes you past the eleven Frisian cities, including Leeuwarden, Sneek, and Dokkum.
Along the way you will pass various bridges and locks, and sail through both large waters and small lakes. You will sail past historical buildings and through pleasant harbours, experiencing the rich culture and history of Friesland up close.
This route offers a perfect mix of nature, culture and water sports, and is a great way to discover all of Friesland from the water.
THE ELEVEN CITIES TOUR ON THE WATER: A HISTORIC SAILING ROUTE
The IJsselmeer offers a completely different sailing experience. With its vast water surface and variable weather conditions, it is a popular destination for both sailors and motorboats. From ports such as Makkum or Lemmer, you can choose the open sea and enjoy the vastness of the largest inland lake in the Netherlands.
The IJsselmeer is perfect for a day trip or a longer adventure, and offers opportunities for all types of boats, from small sloops to larger yachts. Don't forget to moor at one of the charming harbour villages along the way for an authentic Frisian experience.
SAILING ON THE IJSSELMEER:
ENDLESS HORIZON
THE LAKES AT GROU
The pleasant harbour of Grou is located 21 km from Húns. A harbour on the edge of the Pikmeer. Grou is a popular destination for sailors and water sports enthusiasts. With its wide waters and picturesque harbour, this is an ideal base for a day of sailing.
Sail past picturesque villages, stop for a refreshing drink on one of the many terraces by the water, and enjoy the breathtaking view over the lakes. This beautiful trip takes you past various historical places and through beautiful nature. Whether you choose a quiet sailing trip or an exciting race with a skûtsje, the waters near Grou offer endless possibilities for fun on the water.
THE SNEEKERMEER
At 21 km from Húns lies the Sneekermeer. One of the largest and most popular sailing areas in the region. With its vast surface this is a paradise for sailors, windsurfers, water skiers, wakeboarders and SUPs.
Rent a sailboat and explore the islands and bays around the lake. Or take part in one of the many sailing competitions that are regularly organised here. The Sneekermeer is a great place for both beginners and experienced sailors.
Discover the water sports city of Sneek:
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THE FLUESSEN
At 33 km from Húns lies De Fluessen. Sailing on De Fluessen in Friesland offers excellent opportunities for both beginners and experienced sailors. De Fluessen is the second largest lake in Friesland and is known for its vast water surface and favorable wind conditions.
The area around the lake consists of various reed beds and natural banks, which makes it a peaceful and relaxing sailing location. In villages such as Elahuizen, there are several rental companies where you can rent sailboats. These companies offer a wide range of sailboats, from small open boats to larger cabin sailing yachts. In addition, there are often also opportunities for taking sailing lessons and obtaining route suggestions.
Read our tips for fun sailing routes:
THE HOUTWIEL
Only 20 km from Húns lies De Houtwiel, near Leeuwarden. It is one of the most iconic sights in Friesland. This small but beautiful sailing area - with green meadows and picturesque farms - offers a quiet and peaceful environment to sail and enjoy nature. Sail along narrow waterways and enjoy the song of the birds.
Want to see more of Friesland? We have listed the most special sights for you:
Step aboard a traditional Frisian skûtsje and let yourself be carried away on an enchanting journey through the waterways of Friesland. With its characteristic flat bottom and impressive sails, a skûtsje offers a unique experience on the water. Listen to the lapping of the waves and feel the wind in your hair.
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SAILING WITH A SKÛTSJE
BOLSWARDER TREKVAART
2 km from Huns
At Leons you have the possibility to rent different boats and explore the area from the water. From the village you can sail to destinations such as Leeuwarden, Franeker and Easterlittens. These trips offer a unique way to discover Friesland, while sailing past small villages and through the vast Frisian landscape.
It is a beautiful journey through beautiful nature. With opportunities to stop along the way and enjoy a snack and a drink.
Find out more about this special canal:
Heeg is one of the most popular destinations in Friesland for water sports enthusiasts. Here you can rent a sloop and explore the beautiful Frisian lakes and canals. Heeg offers a wide range of sloops and boat rental companies, so you always have the perfect boat for your holiday. With a sloop you can discover historical places and cozy harbors of Friesland, and enjoy the local culture and history.​
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RENT A BOAT AT HEEG
Friesland also offers many multi-day boat routes. From short routes of a few days to longer routes of a week or more. These routes are the perfect way to discover the beautiful nature and historical locations of Friesland. With a multi-day boat route you can, for example, sail the Elfstedentocht, visit the famous Waterpoort of Sneek, and enjoy a beautiful route through the Frisian lake district.
MULTI-DAY SLOE ROUTES
Friesland has sailing routes for every preference and every skill level. For those seeking peace and quiet, there are the small pools and waterways around villages such as Terherne or Earnewâld. Where you can make a beautiful trip along historical places and through beautiful nature.
Adventurers can venture on a challenging journey towards the province of Groningen via the rivers. And for those who love city life, there is a beautiful route that takes you through the centre of Leeuwarden.
Planning a route? Remember to take into account the clearance of bridges and the opening hours of locks. It is also important to be alert for commercial shipping, especially on the busier waterways.
SAILING ROUTES FOR EVERY WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIAST
OVERNIGHT STAY ON THE WATER: THE ULTIMATE FRIESIAN EXPERIENCE
For the ultimate Frisian water sports experience, you can of course also consider staying overnight on your boat. Many ports in Friesland offer facilities for overnight stays, from basic moorings to luxury marinas with all the amenities.
Places like Grou, Sneek, and Heeg have cozy harbors where you can moor for the night. Wake up to the sound of splashing water and seagulls, and start the day with a refreshing dive straight from your boat: an experience you won't soon forget. Make sure you arrive on time, especially in high season, because the popular harbors can fill up quickly.
CONCLUSION: FRIESLAND, A WATER SPORTS PARADISE FOR EVERYONE
Sailing in Friesland is more than just an activity; it is a way to experience the region at its best. Whether you choose a quiet trip through nature reserves, a cultural route along historic cities, or an adventurous sailing trip on the IJsselmeer, Friesland offers something for everyone.
With its many lakes, rivers and canals, combined with beautiful nature and rich culture, Friesland is without a doubt one of the most beautiful water sports areas in the Netherlands and definitely worth exploring.
So what are you waiting for? Rent a boat, plan a beautiful route, and discover the magic of sailing in Friesland. And don't forget, our holiday home in Hûns is the perfect base for your water sports adventure in this beautiful area.
Book now and get ready for an unforgettable holiday on the water!
HÚNS IS WAITING FOR YOU
