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Highlights
Enjoy easy cycling on a pleasant flat route in Friesland on this 8-day self-guided tour
Cycle your way through the unique northern province of Friesland, taking in 11 historic Frisian cities along the way.
Visit Ijlst, known as the prettiest town in all of Friesland, where you’re sure to fall in love with the authentic ambience.
Enjoy fascinating museum visits where you’ll learn about the unique cultural heritage of Friesland.
Pedal the beautiful coast with the sea breeze at your back as you ride to Dokkum.
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.
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.
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The 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leeuwarden
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle 3 Frisian Cities from Leeuwarden to Sneek
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.”
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sneek
Distance: 59km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the Frisian Lake District
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stavoren
Distance: 55km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Ride to Makkum via Hindeloopen and Workum
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Makkum
Distance: 45km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Coast to Harlingen and Franeker
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel Franeker
Distance: 45km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle the Coast to Dokkum
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!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dokkum
Distance: 60km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle Frisian Meadows to Return to Leeuwarden
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!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leeuwarden
Distance: 25km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
Your tour ends this morning after one final breakfast in Leeuwarden. Check out of your accommodations and depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2024 Departures The departures are available daily (with some exceptions), from March 29th to September 23rd .
- Single room: from EUR1282*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR831*
Accommodation on the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour
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.
Night 3
Hotel Jans in Rijs ★★★
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.
What’s Included in the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included. You can add a half-board option (breakfast and dinner) for EUR210 per day.
Accommodations
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.
Transportation during the Tour
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.
Also Included
- Maps and route descriptions
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist taxes
- Phone hotline (also available on weekends)
Not included
- Ferry tickets
- Guide services
- Flights
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- GPS
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Entrance fees and excursions
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
- Child bike
- Hybrid bike
- Premium hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Biking extras:
- Bike breakdown pass
- Child seat rental
- Bike theft insurance
- Child trailer rental
- Helmet rental
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to the Netherlands?
- Are meals included on the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Leeuwarden to start this tour?
- Where does the 11 Frisian Cities Cycling Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- What equipment does bike rental include?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to the Netherlands?
- Are there any travel restrictions for the Netherlands?
- When is the best time to travel to Netherlands for this 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.
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.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included. You can book a half-board option (breakfast and dinner) as a supplement.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
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.
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.
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.
All bike rentals come with a chain lock and repair kit. Hybrid bikes and e-bikes also include a saddlebag.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
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.
The best time to travel to the Friesland for this cycling tour is between May and September when the weather is at its best.
Customer Ratings
Operating since 2017, Dutch Biketours knows how to immerse travellers in Dutch life–best done on a bike, of course! Their experienced staff can lead your trip planning, or they can take your ideas and tailor a custom itinerary that reveals the charm of the Netherlands.
