From the northeast to the southwest of Friesland, you’ll find large and small lakes ahead, connected by canals, ditches, and small rivers. The water covers a total area of 11,000 hectares, all at the same water level. So you can sail without having to go through locks!
Friesland is not just a land of lakes and vast meadows.
In Gaasterland, a large forested area stretches from Mirnserklif to Wijckel, featuring hiking trails and views of meadows and farmland. The characteristic farmhouses, with their glossy black and terracotta-red roof tiles, the almost graphic Frisian pedigree cattle, and the graceful black Frisian horse. All of this, along with the most historic villages and towns, glides past your boat. You’ll experience a sense of coziness and tranquility, nature and silence, and discover the most beautiful spots aboard your comfortable boat from Yachtcharter Wetterwille.
Kids on Board
There’s plenty for kids to do on a boat. Swimming, fishing, and feeding the ducks—a real treat for kids! The adventure continues wherever you drop anchor, even in those spots that used to be out of reach. Small beaches, picnic spots, and hidden groves can be found everywhere. You’ll find cozy water sports centers—such as those in Grou and Eernewoude—all throughout Friesland.
Historic Towns and Nature
Friesland has no shortage of historic towns and villages. Take a look at Hindeloopen, a beautiful old town famous for its hand-painted woodwork; Makkum, known for its pottery; or Workum, home to the Jopie Huisman Museum.
Head to Franeker to visit the planetarium, and to Sneek and Leeuwarden for a night out. Of course, you’ll want to check out the many outdoor cafes and restaurants, but be sure to also discover the tranquility of Friesland in the “De Alde Feanen” nature reserve, with its ponds, quarries, and unspoiled flora and fauna, or the Lauwersmeer region, which has been separated from the Wadden Sea since 1969. This area has become a home for many bird species. The Lauwersmeer is teeming with fish, so go ahead and cast your line.
Events
The most famous events on the Frisian waters are, of course, “It Skûtsjesilen” and Sneekweek. Throughout the entire season, there are numerous events on and around the Frisian waters. The tourist information offices in Friesland and Northwest Overijssel can tell you all about them.
Overnight Stays
A boating vacation means no worries about where to stay overnight. You’ll find marinas everywhere, where you can dock at the visitor piers. But for a true water sports vacation, there’s nothing better than spending the night on your luxury yacht out in the great outdoors.
From Lake Tjeukemeer to Blokzijl, in the northernmost part of Overijssel, the waterway opens up to the rest of the Netherlands. Of course, you’ll want to visit Giethoorn, the “Venice” of the north. Interesting places like Vollenhove and Zwartsluis are well worth a visit. Via the Zwarte Meer and Keteldiep, you’ll sail past the mouth of the IJssel to the peripheral lakes, the Drontermeer and the Veluwemeer. Here you can visit the old fishing town of Elburg with its many historic buildings. Past Harderwijk, along the Eemmeer, lies Spakenburg. This former Zuiderzee fishing village still has a large fleet of botters, which are moored in the town center next to the oldest botter shipyard in the Netherlands.
Wherever you dock, you’ll have plenty of museums, restaurants, and bistros to choose from, or you can go shopping and stroll through the harbor towns and villages.
We hope you enjoy your boating experience!
