Those wishing to combine culture and water in the Frisian Lakes can plan their trip around a range of experiences: museums and historic buildings are among the options, alongside cycling routes, ferries and activities on the water. The different places and routes each offer a distinct focus.
Museums, windmills and history
Museum Joure is an interactive museum. Its exhibits include the first Douwe Egberts factory, a historic metalworking factory, an authentic printing works and a Frisian clockmaker’s workshop. The museum also offers coffee tasting. As exhibitions and visitor programmes may change, check the current displays and programme before your visit.
In Sloten, Museum Sloten tells the story of the town using magic lantern projectors. It is housed in the former town hall, built between 1759 and 1761. A walking tour passes historic buildings, the windmill and the fountain, and explains the town’s history; check before your trip whether the route is available. The Protestant Late Gothic church in Sloten was built in 1647 on the site of the former Sint-Janskapel.
The windmills and churches also offer an opportunity to compare different periods of construction. The present-day church and tower in Langweer date from 1777. The Langweerder Molen has stood since 1782 on the boundary between Langweer and the neighbouring village of Boornzwaag. In Legemeer, the bell frame dates from 1720. After an autumn storm destroyed it in 1972, it was rebuilt in the same style.
In Sloten, the De Kaai grain mill has been grinding grain into flour since 1775. The mill is open to visitors on Saturdays and sells flour; check current visiting and sales arrangements before you travel. During the main season, the town’s marksmen’s guild fires the cannon every Friday evening on the mill grounds. The exact schedule may vary, so it is worth checking the dates in advance.
Cycling routes and waterways
The Langweerder Wielen are suitable for sailing yachts and motor yachts. A 12-kilometre cycling route also runs alongside them and crosses a ferry twice. For comparison, the Kliffenroute van Gaasterland is more than 29 kilometres long. The stated lengths of the two cycling routes therefore differ considerably.
The signposted leisure route “Vlecke, dorp en stad” runs around or along the Frisian Lakes and includes a ferry crossing. The Langwarder Feart ferry is located in Langweer on the Pontdyk and can carry cars, cyclists and pedestrians. In the Brekkenpolder, another ferry takes cyclists and pedestrians across the Riensleat. As operating hours and fares may vary, and the ferry service is seasonal, check the latest information before setting off.
Those who want to combine different activities can try the “Fyts, kuier en vaarroute”, which brings together cycling, walking and canoeing. In the Vegelinbossen, you can walk, cycle and ride horses. For an activity right on the water, consider Mirnser Klif, where you can swim or surf in the IJsselmeer. Weather and water conditions change. Doniaga beach has a sunbathing lawn and three fishing piers.
Landscape and technological heritage
Oudemirdumerklif is six metres high and is a remnant of a Saalian Ice Age glacier lobe. In Joure, the Iepenarboretum is considered the largest elm garden in Europe. Together with the routes and waterside destinations, it offers different perspectives on the landscape, nature and regional history.
Another destination for anyone interested in technology and culture is the Woudagemaal in Lemmer. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest working steam-powered pumping station in the world. This means that very different visits can feature in your itinerary: a town’s history in a museum, historic windmills and churches, a route with ferry crossings or a look at a major feat of engineering.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Poppenwier, Mirns, Langweer, Wymbritseradiel, Het Bildt, Tytsjerksteradiel, Gaasterlân-Sleat and Dantumadiel.
Return to the main travel overview: Friesland.
