Enjoy easy cycling on a pleasant flat route in Friesland on this 8-day self-guided tour
Discover a unique part of Holland on the 8-day self-guided 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour! The northern province of Friesland, which even has its own language that differs from Dutch, beckons you to discover some of Holland’s best-kept secrets as you explore its extraordinary natural landscapes and charming, historical cities. Your ride begins in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, where canals, historical monuments, and buzzing streets lined with shops pave the way for a spectacular introduction to northern Holland. Then, over several mesmerizing days, you’ll explore 11 Frisian cities each with its own cultural heritage and traditional style.
Cruise through the spellbinding Frisian Lake District, where nearly 30 sparkling inland lakes flank the trail, as you pedal meandering creeks and charming woodlands. Visit small villages like Hindeloopen, with its characteristic façades and age-old wooden bridges. On the stunning coast, Makkum and Harlingen will take your breath away as you cycle harbours and stroll seafront promenades, taking in the mudflats and tidal creeks at low tide.
Spectacular 3 and 4-star accommodations along the route make for a comfortable trip where unwinding after an exciting day on the bike is a pleasant experience in itself. Discover one of Holland’s true hidden gems on the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour as you explore the best of Friesland by bike.
Highlights of the The 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour
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The 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your Frisian adventure begins in the charming capital of the province, Leeuwarden! The dynamic city provides the perfect introduction to Friesland with its deep cultural roots and unique ambience.
After settling into your hotel here, set out to peruse the cities ancient narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants, or enjoy a scenic boat tour of the town’s ancient network of canals.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leeuwarden
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle 3 Frisian Cities from Leeuwarden to Sneek
Your first day of cycling has plenty of adventure in store! Set out this morning following breakfast on an epic ride through 3 Frisian cities to Sneek.
Up first is Bolsward, a gorgeous Hanseatic town with a stunning old center. Next, you'll ride to what some say is the prettiest of all the 11 Frisian cities, Ijlst, where you'll discover ancient canals lined with beautiful flowerbeds in the historic center of town. Then, continue to Sneek, where you'll find tonight's accommodations.
Sneek is a hub for watersports and home to the largest inland water event in all of Europe, called Sneekweek. Check out the town's famous 17th-century gate, Watergate, and admire the works of German artist Stephan Balkenhol's majestic "Fortuna’s Fountain.”
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sneek
Distance: 59km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the Frisian Lake District
Today’s superb ride has you navigating the spellbinding Frisian Lake District, where peaceful country lanes and dazzling lakes pave the way. On the way, you’ll encounter the gorgeous wooded area known as Gaasterlad that boasts pretty creeks and atypical rolling terrain.
Take in the views of the bizarre wall of boulder clay, known as Rode Klif, jutting up from Lake Ijsselmeer as you press on to Stavoren.
Situated on a pretty harbour, Stavoren will welcome you with its serene ambience and breathtaking views of Lake Ijsselmeer.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stavoren
Distance: 55km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Ride to Makkum via Hindeloopen and Workum
More fascinating encounters with unique Frisian culture are in the cards today as you begin with a ride to Hindeloopen. Ancient wooden bridges, narrow streets, and traditional Frisian characterize this town that historically had its own unique style of costume typically made with vibrant floral patterns. Delve into the town's history and traditions at Atelier Glashouwer or the Hindeloopen Museum.
Continue the route to Workum, where you'll discover an artsy town once made up primarily of potters famous for their grooved ceramics. Today's final stretch will bring you to tonight's accommodations in Makkum, also renowned for producing beautiful Frisian pottery.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Makkum
Distance: 45km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Coast to Harlingen and Franeker
Today you’ll ride north on the coast, enjoying a spectacular ride to the harbour town of Harlingen. With the salty sea breeze in the air, peruse the seafront promenade here, taking in the beauty of the shallow Wadden Sea, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, enjoy a walk through the center of town where you’ll uncover a collection of impressive historical buildings and the quintessential Dutch canals.
The final leg of today to Franeker is short. Here you’ll discover the Netherlands’ second-oldest university in what is a tiny but impressive town.
Overnight Location: Hotel Franeker
Distance: 45km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle the Coast to Dokkum
Flanked by polders this morning, you’ll set out along the coast to Dokkum. Dokkum has long been a pilgrim destination, attracting those paying homage to St. Boniface, an English missionary who sought to convert pagan Frisians to Christianity and was murdered in Dokkum in the year 754.
Enjoy this quaint, fortified town steeped in history and legend!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dokkum
Distance: 60km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle Frisian Meadows to Return to Leeuwarden
Typical Frisian landscapes pave the way for your return to Leeuwarden today as you cruise past meadows and sprawling fields peppered with grazing cows. You’ll trace the Dokkumer Ee Canal to return to the capital of Friesland, enjoying a short but majestic ride.
Back in Leeuwarden, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy this gem of the north. From picturesque harbours to shop-lined streets, Leeuwarden is the perfect place to spend your final day of the tour, soaking up Frisian culture. Enjoy!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leeuwarden
Distance: 25km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
Your tour ends this morning after one final breakfast in Leeuwarden. Check out of your accommodations and depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily (with some exceptions), from March 29th to September 23rd .
- Single room: from $1,450 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $950 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guests may have access to amenities such as swimming pools, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on. All accommodations are private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hampshire Oranje Hotel in Leeuwarden ★★★★
This charming hotel located in front of the Central Leeuwarden Station since 1879 offers guests a whole host of modern amenities, including room service, a minibar, and a bar and lounge area.
Amicitia Hotel in Sneek ★★★★
A relaxed atmosphere and warm ambience define the Amicitia Hotel in Sneek that boasts a sauna, bar and lounge and solarium for guests’ use.
Hotel Jans in Rijs ★★★
Enveloped in gorgeous countryside, this historical hotel, situated in a manor dating back to 1890 provides a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day filled with adventures. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s superb in-house restaurant.
Hotel de Waag in Makkum ★★★
Enjoy this cozy, small hotel that features a lovely sun terrace and a myriad of amenities.
De Stadsherberg in Franeker ★★★
Situated on the canal, this centrally located hotel just 5-minutes from the center of Franeker offers great waterside views of Noorder Gracht, making for a pleasant stay in a picturesque setting.
Hotel de Posthoorn in Dokkum ★★★★
Hotel de Posthoorn is found in a restored 16th-century building brimming with traditional Frisian charm. The hotel offers several helpful amenities, such as laundry service and a cozy bar and lounge.
Hampshire Oranje Hotel in Leeuwarden ★★★★
This charming hotel located in front of the Central Leeuwarden Station since 1879 offers guests a whole host of modern amenities, including room service, a minibar, and a bar and lounge area.
What’s Included in the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included. You can add a half-board option (breakfast and dinner) for $250 USD per day.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour and after the tour in Leeuwarden are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transportation during the tour is included (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Maps and route descriptions
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist taxes
- Phone hotline (also available on weekends)
Not included
- Ferry tickets
- Guide services
- Flights
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- GPS
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Entrance fees and excursions
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
- Child bike
- Hybrid bike
- Premium hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Biking extras:
- Bike breakdown pass
- Child seat rental
- Bike theft insurance
- Child trailer rental
- Helmet rental
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about The 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour
Operating since 2017, Dutch Biketours knows how to immerse travellers in Dutch life–best done on a bike, of course! Their experienced staff can lead your trip planning, or they can take your ideas and tailor a custom itinerary that reveals the charm of the Netherlands.
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