The Eleven Cities tour at Lake Ijssel

Your eleven cities tour at Lake Ijssel starts in Leeuwarden, the capital of the Dutch province of Friesland. After checking in at the hotel, explore the old town surrounded by canals with its stately town houses. Visit the leaning Oldehove. Like the leaning tower in Pisa, Italy, the unfinished church tower is gradually leaning to one side. Despite the slight tilt, the tower can be visited without any problems. Get in the mood for your cycling vacation with an evening stroll along the canals of Leeuwarden.

Your first stage takes you along flat cycle paths to the small town of Boalsert, one of Friesland's eleven cities. The historic town was once built on a three-part terp. Terps are settlement mounds made of earth. A visit to the Sonnema Berenburg distillery is well worthwhile. Try their famous herbal bitters based on the juniper schnapps Genever. The landmark of your first stage destination Sneek is the Waterpoort, which is unique in the Netherlands. Situated on the Frisian Lake District, the town is popular with recreational boaters and water rats.

Today you cycle to Lake Ijssel on your Eleven Cities tour. On the way to your stage destination of Rijs, it is worth taking a short detour to Sloten, the smallest town in the Netherlands. Historic buildings and cozy terrace cafés invite you to take an extended break. Not far from Rijs, you have an undisturbed view of Lake Ijssel. The lake, created by an artificial embankment, is the largest in the Netherlands. Leave your bike at the hotel in Rijs and go for a long walk. Stay until sunset, it's worth it.

Following the coast of Lake Ijssel, you reach the harbour town of Stavoren. The town's landmark – the statue of Frouke fan Starum – is located right by the port. Legend has it that a rich merchant's widow wanted to own the most valuable thing there was at the time. When wheat was brought to her, she spurned it and... You can find out how the story continues at the statue. A few kilometers further north, it is worth taking another break in Hindeloopen. The picturesque old houses and wooden bridges tell of the port town's heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries. You spend the night in Makkum. The town is known for the oldest earthenware factory in the Netherlands.

Shortly after your start in Makkum, you will see the 32-kilometre-long Afsluitdijk on your left. The dam separates Lake Ijssel from the Wadden Sea. First, it's worth stopping in Franeker, another of Friesland's eleven cities. Visit the Eisinga Planetarium. It is said to be the oldest in the world. The harbour town of Harlingen is your destination for today. Discover the old town with its many interesting houses. Don't miss the pretty town hall and the Grote Kerk, which stands on a hill. You can spend a wonderful evening on Harlingen beach not far from the Stenen Mans, the stone man.

The longest stage of your Eleven Cities tour at Lake Ijssel today takes you along the green dykes along the Wadden Sea. You cycle slightly inland through the village of Hogebeintum. At around nine meters above sea level, the village lies on the highest mound in the country. The pilgrimage town of Dokkum is your destination for the day. Adorned with characteristic stepped gables, the town exudes a special atmosphere. Legend has it that the water from the Bonifatius spring has a healing effect. We don't know if beer has a healing effect. Find out and try one of the refreshing hop juices from the Bonifatius brewery. Cheers!

Only a few kilometers lie ahead of you on today's last stage of your Eleven Cities tour at Lake Ijssel. Cycle through the typical Frisian landscape back to Leeuwarden. Visit the Fries Museum. The largest provincial museum in the Netherlands displays exhibits from the art, culture and history of Friesland. A stroll through the charming shopping street Kleine Kerkstraat is worthwhile, as is a guided boat tour through the Leeuwarden canals.

After breakfast, your Eleven Cities tour at Lake Ijssel unfortunately comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Leeuwarden with an extra night.