Friesland by Bike and Barge: Wetlands, Heritage, and Coastal Islands

Welcome aboard! Your floating hotel will be ready and waiting in the historic harbor of Enkhuizen at 2:00 pm (or 4:00 pm on June 27, 2025 and June 13 & 26, 2026). Once you've met the crew and settled into your cabin, the adventure begins. The barge sets sail across the former Zuiderzee, a sea that was once wild and untamed, but is now a peaceful inland lake.

By late afternoon, you’ll dock in Stavoren, one of Friesland’s oldest towns and a former Hanseatic trading hub. Wander its quiet streets or enjoy a drink on deck. Your week of cycling, sailing and discovering the Dutch north has officially begun!

Time to hop on your bike. Today’s route hugs the Frisian coastline, leading you through two of the province’s most charming fishing towns, Hindeloopen, known for its colourful painted furniture and traditional costumes, and Workum, home to the fascinating Jopie Huisman Museum, showcasing the life and work of the beloved Frisian painter.

Continue along open pastures and quiet cycle paths toward Makkum, where you’ll see a massive hall in the distance. That’s where luxury superyachts are being built! Once you arrive, the crew will be waiting with tea, coffee, and a warm welcome aboard.

This morning, your captain navigates through sea locks and onto the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its tidal flats, sandbanks, and vibrant birdlife. Keep an eye out—you might spot seals basking on the shore.

You’ll arrive at Terschelling, a long, narrow island with dunes, wide beaches, and a relaxed island vibe. Spend your afternoon exploring the many villages, or head east into the nature reserve, home to spoonbills, stilt birds, and gulls.

After breakfast, enjoy a smooth cruise back to the mainland and dock at Harlingen, a lively port with centuries of seafaring tradition. From here, cycle inland to Franeker, one of Friesland’s famed "11 cities." Don’t miss the incredible Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium, a working model of the solar system built into a living room ceiling in the 1700s!

Then it's on to Leeuwarden, the provincial capital and European Capital of Culture in 2018. Stroll its canal-lined streets, climb the Oldehove tower (Friesland’s version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa), or relax with a local beer at a cosy terrace. Tonight, you’ll dine out in the city—ask the crew for recommendations.

Today’s ride takes you into De Alde Feanen National Park, a spectacular mosaic of peat bogs, lakes, reedbeds, and swampy forests. This region was once mined for peat and has since transformed into a haven for wildlife and rare plants, with over 400 species.

Wander through marshy forests, take in the open water views, and enjoy peaceful cycling through this lush nature reserve. You'll end the day in the friendly waterside village of Grou, where your barge awaits.

Leave Grou and roll west across Frisian farmland and scenic backroads. Your destination is the fortress town of Sneek, also known by its Frisian name Snits. It’s best known for the Waterpoort, a 17th-century gate that once protected the city and now serves as a symbol of Sneek’s maritime pride.

Sneek played a major role in the Friso-Hollandic Wars, and its historical character is still very much alive today. Dock here for the night and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this well-loved city.

Your final cycling day is full of Frisian charm. First stop: Heeg, a quaint village once known for trading live eels directly to London via special boats that sailed up the Thames. You'll continue riding past Fluessen Lake, through green fields and farmland dotted with grazing cows and charming windmills.

Back in Stavoren, your barge awaits for one last cruise across the IJsselmeer. Settle in, raise a glass, and enjoy the scenic sail back to Enkhuizen, the perfect way to end a week of adventure, culture, and nature.

Enjoy one final breakfast with your fellow travellers before checking out by 9:30 am. Whether you're heading home or extending your trip, you’ll leave with wonderful memories of Friesland’s wide skies, coastal towns, and relaxed rhythms.