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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Your tour ends this morning after one final breakfast in Leeuwarden. Check out of your accommodations and depart.
This self-guided cycling tour in the Netherlands is run as a custom tour for your group and the price depends on the kind of room you prefer.
Prices below are per person:
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.
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.
A relaxed atmosphere and warm ambience define the Amicitia Hotel in Sneek that boasts a sauna, bar and lounge and solarium for guests’ use.
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.
Enjoy this cozy, small hotel that features a lovely sun terrace and a myriad of amenities.
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 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.
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.
7 breakfasts are included. You can add a half-board option (breakfast and dinner) for $250USD per day.
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.
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.
How hard is the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 1/5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 60km in a day, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making for a pleasant and easy ride.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Netherlands?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour?
7 breakfasts are included. You can book a half-board option (breakfast and dinner) as a supplement.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Leeuwarden to start this tour?
Fly into Amsterdam Schipol Airport (AMS). You can reach Leeuwarden by taking the Amsterdam express shuttle to the city center. From the city center, you can take a train to Leeuwarden, which takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Where does the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour end?
The tour ends in Leeuwarden. You can return to Amsterdam by train, which takes approximately 2 hours. From the city center, you can take the airport express shuttle to get to Amsterdam Schipol Airport (AMS). Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are 21 gear hybrid bikes, 17 gear premium bikes, e-bikes or road bikes.
What equipment does bike rental include?
All bike rentals come with a chain lock and repair kit. Hybrid bikes and e-bikes also include a saddlebag.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to the Netherlands?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for the Netherlands?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Netherlands for this tour?
The best time to travel to the Friesland for this cycling tour is between May and September when the weather is at its best.
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Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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We rate this tour as a 1/5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 60km in a day, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making for a pleasant and easy ride.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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