

Island Hopping in Holland
The West Frisian Wadden Sea by bike and under Canvas
- West Frisian Islands Texel and Terschelling, sailing day in the Wadden Sea
- Full board included!
- Daily routes ●●●○○, altitude profile ●○○○○
- Bike & Sail: Leafde, Mare and Wapen fan Fryslân
Days
8
Ø km per day
50
Lines loose and sails hoisted - welcome to island hopping in Holland!
On one of the impressive sailing ships, you will sail across the IJsselmeer and to the Dutch North Sea islands. You will anchor in time-honored trading towns that once welcomed ships and people from all over the world. You will explore the countryside by bicycle. The water is never far away, there is always time for a short jump into the waves. Look forward to wildly growing orchids on the island of Texel, the fascination of the tides in the Wadden Sea, centuries-old lighthouses, and large and small windmills! In the evening you will return to your majestic sailing ship. Island hopping in Holland means seafaring romance and cycling tours like from a picture book.
Itinerary
- Booking code
Leafde fan Fryslân - NL-NHSWL-08I
Mare fan Fryslân - NL-NHSWM-08I
Wapen fan Fryslân - NL-NHSWW-.08I - Start / Finish
Enkhuizen - Duration
8 days / 7 nights - Length
to approx. 240 km
Daily routes ●●●○○
between 25 and 60 km, Ø 50 km
Altitude profile ●○○○○

Your ships: Leafde, Mare and Wapen fan Fryslân
Leafde fan Fryslân: Since 2018, the tall ship, now equipped with four masts, is used for cycling and sailing trips. The maximum of 38 guests will find every comfort on the ship: comfortably furnished cabins, a restaurant designed in nautical style and a wheelhouse, which comes up with a salon and a quaint ship bar. On deck, ample seating and a whirlpool await you to relax after the stages on the bike.
Mare fan Fryslân: The impressive three-masted schooner was converted into an extravagant excursion sailing ship. Driven by the wind, always in the sign of the tides you sail across the IJsselmeer and the North Sea. If you feel like it, your skipper will instruct you in hoisting the sails. If you prefer to relax rather than roll up your sleeves, lie down in the whirlpool, enjoy the sea breeze at the bar on the spacious deck or sit down with a book in the wood-paneled salon.
Wapen fan Fryslân: The imposing former cargo ship Wapen fan Fryslân is a picture-perfect two-masted schooner: with a length of 55 meters and a sail area of 550 square meters, it is the largest in the Netherlands. Erik van Aken is the experienced skipper who will take you on this exciting trip. If you feel like it, he will be happy to assist you! You can relax in the jacuzzi on deck.
Show more Show lessDay 1: Individual arrival to Enkhuizen
The starting point of your round trip is Enkhuizen, a venerable port city. When Dutch ships determined the trade in Southeast Asia, one of the company's headquarters was located here. Today, its good location on the IJsselmeer makes the port a popular vacation destination. The historic center bears witness to the city's heyday in the 16th century.
Day 2: Day Enkhuizen - Medemblik, approx. 25 / 40 km, Medemblik - Den Oever - Texel Island (ship)
You cycle on the old Zuiderzeedeich along the IJsselmeer to Medemblik, the oldest West Frisian town. There, explore historic houses, sidewalk cafes or Radboud Castle before sailing to Den Oever. The town has a small, cozy fishing harbor. Depending on the weather, you sail already today out on the Wadden Sea to the island of Texel. The trip through the lock into the North Sea is an experience!
Day 3: Cycle round trip on the island of Texel, up to 50 km
Texel, that means pure relaxation in ravishing nature. The fascinating dune landscape of the national park was created over centuries and is a unique natural paradise. The diversity of bird species and the sea of wild orchid blossoms create a very special backdrop. Beaches, picturesque villages and small, hidden cafes with the flair of the sea are on your way. There is also time to pay a visit to the EcoMare seal breeding station.
Day 4: Island Texel - Island Terschelling, sailing day
Today's leg is pure island hopping in Holland: you sail from Texel to Terschelling. After this day of sailing, nautical terms will pass your lips quite fluidly: Starboard or port, unrigging or gybing - you can lend a hand on the way across the West Frisian Wadden Sea if you want. Or relax on deck before dropping anchor on Terschelling. Besides the pretty, lovely communities, you will also find a rich variety of flora and fauna on this island. The fertile soil also allows rare specimens of wild orchid species to thrive magnificently.
Day 5: Round trip on the island of Terschelling up to 40 km, island of Terschelling – Harlingen (boat)
With 70 km of bike paths, the elongated island of Terschelling offers a great view of the Wadden Sea, the dunes and the beach from almost every place. The beach stretches across the entire width of the island on the north side. Its landmark, the 400-year-old Brandaris lighthouse, can be seen from afar. You can hear the many ducks, waders, spoonbills and black-backed gulls. You will explore this landscape almost silently on your bike. In the late afternoon you sail to Harlingen. Finally, let the evening end relaxed on board.
Day 6: Harlingen – Franeker – Makkum, approx. 50 / 60 km
The province of Friesland is proud of its peculiarities: Not only the language and history, but also the landscape differs from the rest of the country. The inhabitants agree: in Friesland the most beautiful province of the Netherlands awaits you! On your bike you will cycle from Harlingen, a lively harbor town, through the vast landscape to Makkum. In this popular vacation resort with its spacious beach promenade, your majestic sailor awaits you. If you feel like a longer trip, you can cycle to Bolsward. The Frisian town once arose from a three-part shipyard.
Day 7: Makkum – Stavoren, approx. 30 / 50 km, Stavoren - Enkhuizen (ship)
After spending the night in the port of Makkum, you will get on your bike for the last time today: The tour to Stavoren will first take you to the small town of Hindeloopen. With not even 1000 inhabitants, it is nevertheless one of the eleven Frisian towns. Venerable captain's houses tell the story of the glory days of the Dutch trading colonies. Afterwards you can choose: Either cycle the direct route along the coast to Stavoren or take the worthwhile detour to the Frisian lakes. In Stavoren the sails are set again - destination is Enkhuizen.
Leafde fan Fryslân
- 13 lower deck double cabins (approx. 9-10 m²)
- 1 lower deck junior suite (approx. 12 m²)
- 2 single cabins
- 4 upper deck suites (approx. 15-16 m²)
- Extra bed possible in some cabins
- Equipment per cabin: bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, opening windows/deck hatches (except in single cabin), heating, air conditioning, hairdryer, mini-safe
Facts about the ship
- Year of construction: 1937
- Renovation: 2023/2024
- Sail area: approx. 760 m²
- Length: 64 m
- Width 7 m
- Draft 2.3 m
- Facilities: restaurant, saloon, ship's bar, whirlpool, WLAN
- Crew: 4
- Board languages: English, German, Dutch
Mare fan Fryslân
- 14 outside cabins on the lower deck
- 12 twin cabins, approx. 10 m² with single beds at ground level, 1 premium twin cabin, approx. 12 m² with single beds at ground level and a small sitting area and 1 single cabin, approx. 7 m²
- Facilities: shower / WC, ventilation
- In the cabins there are opening portholes
- In some cabins a third bed is possible as a bunk bed
Facts about the ship
- Year of construction 1960
- Renovation: 2006
- Sail area: approx. 650 m²
- 1 passenger deck
- Maximum occupancy: 40 passengers
- Crew: 4
- Length 62 m
- Width: 7.2 m
- Facilities: restaurant on the lower deck, bar on the upper deck, outdoor bar, grill, whirlpool, W-LAN (free of charge)
- Board languages: English, German, Dutch
Wapen fan Fryslân
- 12 outside cabins on the lower deck
- 12 twin cabins, approx. 8.5 m² with single beds at ground level
- Facilities: shower / WC, mini safe
- In the cabins there are opening portholes
- In the cabins a third bed is possible as a bunk bed
Facts about the ship
- Year of construction 1958
- Conversion to passenger ship: 2004
- Sail area: approx. 550 m²
- 1 passenger deck
- Maximum occupancy: 36 passengers
- Crew: 4
- Length: 55 m
- Width: 7.2 m
- Facilities: restaurant on the lower deck, bar on the upper deck, outdoor bar, whirlpool, W-LAN (free of charge)
- Board languages: English, German, Dutch
Dates / Prices / Services
The three sailing ships Leafde, Mare and Wapen fan Fryslân sail on the same route, usually alternating.
The two ships Mare and Wapen fan Fryslân start the journey on Saturdays, the Leafde fan Fryslân starts on Sundays.
The exact departure dates can be found in the booking form.
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Show more Show lessBasic travel price
Services
- 7 nights on board
- Full board (7 x breakfast, 5 x packed lunch, 1 x lunch, 1 x packed lunch in the evening, 6 x dinner)
- Coffee and tea in the afternoon, welcome drink
- Regular cabin cleaning
- Bed linen and towels are provided
- All port, Bridge and lock fees
- Parking space when bringing your own bike or e-bike
- Daily bike tour briefing, on-board tour guide
- Travel documents with maps (1 x per cabin)
- Service hotline (7 days, 8 am - 8 pm)
Basic travel price
Services
- 7 nights on board
- Full board (7 x breakfast, 5 x packed lunch, 1 x lunch, 1 x packed lunch in the evening, 6 x dinner)
- Coffee and tea in the afternoon, welcome drink
- Regular cabin cleaning
- Bed linen and towels are provided
- All port, Bridge and lock fees
- Parking space when bringing your own bike or e-bike
- Daily bike tour briefing, on-board tour guide
- Travel documents with maps (1 x per cabin)
- Service hotline (7 days, 8 am - 8 pm)
Basic travel price
Services
- 7 nights on board
- Full board (7 x breakfast, 5 x packed lunch, 1 x lunch, 1 x packed lunch in the evening, 6 x dinner)
- Coffee and tea in the afternoon, welcome drink
- Regular cabin cleaning
- Bed linen and towels are provided
- All port, Bridge and lock fees
- Parking space when bringing your own bike or e-bike
- Daily bike tour briefing, on-board tour guide
- Travel documents with maps (1 x per cabin)
- Service hotline (7 days, 8 am - 8 pm)
Additional services
Additionally bookable services
Leafde fan Fryslân
|
Mare & Wapen fan Fryslân
|
|
---|---|---|
Surcharge for single use of double cabin |
50 % |
|
Supplement twin cabin upper deck |
500 € |
Rental bikes
Rental Bikes


7-speed rental bike |
59 € |
Electric bike / pedelec |
199 € |
Short info
- Booking code
Leafde fan Fryslân - NL-NHSWL-08I
Mare fan Fryslân - NL-NHSWM-08I
Wapen fan Fryslân - NL-NHSWW-.08I - Start / Finish
Enkhuizen - Duration
8 days / 7 nights - Length
to approx. 240 km
Daily routes ●●●○○
between 25 and 60 km, Ø 50 km
Altitude profile ●○○○○ - Parking information
Free parking at the train station of Enkhuizen, located directly at the harbor.
No reservation by Radweg travel possible. - Minimum number of participants
Up to 21 days before the start of the trip to reach minimum number of participants: 18 people
For ship trips are changes due to weather, water level or technical conditions possible and remain reserved. - Note
For this trip, only the departure and arrival ports are fixed in advance.
The route to be covered is primarily dependent on the weather and tides and is determined from day to day. The stages presented are a sample itinerary. Route changes are therefore always reserved. - Own wheels
If you do not need a rental bike, please specify in the booking form whether you arrive with your own bike or your own electric bike. - Implementation
Local cooperation partner - Mobility advice
The trip is suitable for people with limited mobility only conditionally.
Simply contact us regarding your individual needs. - Print version PDF
