The most beautiful cycling routes in Leeuwarden and surroundings
Get on your bike and experience Friesland at its best! Friesland has many attractions for every cycling enthusiast: waterways, vast meadows, picturesque villages and a rich cultural history. With an extensive network you can easily cycle from junction to junction. In this blog you will discover the most beautiful cycling routes of Leeuwarden and surroundings.
1. Cycle along the highlights of the center of Leeuwarden (33 km)
Did you know that Leeuwarden was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2018? During this cycling route you will discover why! The tour starts in the heart of the city, where the iconic Oldehove is not to be missed. The Oldehove is also called the leaning tower of Pisa. With a height of over 39 meters, the tower offers a spectacular view of the city.
Typically Frisian
Continue on the historical timeline and you will arrive at Museum de Grutterswinkel. Time seems to stand still at this atmospheric shop. Browse through old-fashioned products and Frisian specialties. In the cozy coffee room you can enjoy a cup of coffee and an authentic Frysk Dúmke.
After a ride through the city center, the route takes you to the Groene Ster, a beautiful recreation area where you can relax for a while. Take a seat by the water and enjoy a well-deserved break in the middle of nature.
Click here for more information about the route.
2. Back in time along the states of Friesland (60 km)
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Friesland with the Staten en Stinzen route. The cycle route takes you along old country estates, stately stinzen and beautiful gardens. Discover the story of monumental buildings such as Roordastate, Dekema State, Staniastate and Poptaslot. In the spring, the gardens are covered with a carpet of stinzen flora: snowdrops, wild hyacinths and bluebells colour the route.
Historical pearls
You cycle along centuries-old tree-lined avenues while you taste the atmosphere of noble life. Each estate breathes history, and you can see that in the monumental facades and quiet water features in the gardens.
Click here for more information about the route.
3. Eleven Cities Tour by bike (265 km)
When the first snowflakes fall, many Dutch people think of only one thing: the Elfstedentocht! The famous skating tour that takes you past the eleven most famous cities of Friesland.
With enough ice on the water, the nors are sharpened and we are all ready to skate. But even if the ice is not strong enough, you can experience this iconic route, namely by bike!
Along the eleven cities
With this bike tour of over 265 kilometers you largely follow the historical route of the skaters. Along the way you pass picturesque cities such as Hindeloopen, Workum, Franeker and Dokkum. Each city tells its own story with beautiful facades, atmospheric canals and cozy terraces.
Because the route is over 265 kilometres long, we recommend that you cycle it in several stages. This way you can really take the time to enjoy an extensive lunch, a museum visit or a walk through historic city centres.
Click here for more information about the route.
4. Discover the Frisian polders (43 km)
For lovers of peace and space, the Polder2Polder route is highly recommended. During the cycle route you cycle from the Hempensermeerpolder to the Leonserpolder and experience the real polder feeling along the way. Expect vast grasslands, historic farms and narrow waterways. Especially at sunrise or sunset this route shows its most beautiful side.
Breathtaking views
The route is full of beautiful views. Especially on quiet days you will feel like you are in the middle of a living painting of Dutch skies and green meadows with cows. Along the way you will pass charming villages, centuries-old mills and peaceful farms where sometimes traditional regional products are still sold. Take the time along the way to enjoy a picnic by the water or stop at one of the small tea gardens for a cup of fresh herbal tea.
Click here for more information about the route.
5. Experience the water-rich Friesland with the 8 van Grou (27-74 km)
Cycle, sail and discover the water-rich Friesland with the Pontjesroute: the 8 of Grou. During the route you cycle along picturesque waterways and lakes where small ferries take you back and forth. Take a moment of rest while waiting for the ferry and enjoy the view.
National Park De Alde Feanen
The route also takes you past National Park De Alde Feane, a nature reserve full of swamp forests, flowery meadows and beautiful waterways. Along the route are also characteristic villages such as Grou, Earnewâld and Warten. Sit down on a cozy terrace here for a cup of coffee or a traditional ice cream.
Click here for more information about the route.
6. Afternoon cycling to Sneek (from 38 km)
Discover the charming water city of Friesland during a sporty day trip! The city of Sneek is one of the famous Eleven Cities. From Leeuwarden you cycle to Sneek in about 38 kilometers.
Water, history and conviviality
There is plenty to see in the centre and the surrounding area of Sneek. Be sure to visit the famous Waterpoort, the proud symbol of the city that leads you directly to the atmospheric city centre. A perfect place to get off and stroll through the cosy shopping streets and along inviting terraces.
Do you have time to spare? Take an extra round along the Sneekermeer, where you can enjoy wide views over the water, sailing boats passing by and picturesque harbours.
Of course, a visit to Sneek is not complete without a cup of coffee and some real Fryske Dúmkes, the famous Frisian aniseed biscuits.
Click here for more information about the route.
7. Cycling through vast nature (31 km)
Directly from Leeuwarden, the Groote Wielen cycle route takes you to the vast nature reserve De Groote Wielen. With the city behind you, you cycle towards an area full of reed fields, lakes and birds.
Be sure to bring your binoculars, because there is a good chance that you will spot special birds such as the purple heron or the bittern! On the way you can also visit the visitor center of nature reserve De Groote Wielen. Here you can learn more about the unique flora and fauna of the area.
A route for every season
In the summer months the fields are full of blooming flowers, while in the winter the frozen landscape provides a breathtaking view. Thanks to the good cycle paths this route is suitable for both families and sporty cyclists.
Combine the route with a stop at one of the cozy cafes in the villages around Leeuwarden for a real Frisian treat.
Click here for more information about the route.
8. Along art in the city (11-15 km)
Explore Leeuwarden in an original way? With the Street Art bike route you will discover more than 100 murals, from colorful graffiti to impressive mural art. Each work of art tells its own story about the city, its history and the future.
You cycle along hidden alleys, large squares and industrial buildings where gigantic works of art can be admired. Expect historical figures and mythical stories to modern themes and current issues. Keep your eyes open, because some works are subtle and hidden.
Creative hotspots
At the Blokhuispoort you will find colorful masterpieces on old prison walls. The Cambuursterhoek and Vrijheidswijk districts also offer beautiful street art that reflects the diversity of the city. Tip: get off along the way to admire the works up close. Sometimes the small details only become apparent if you look closely.
Click here for more information about the route.
9. Tour through National Park De Alde Feanen (from 26 km)
Just outside Leeuwarden you will find National Park De Alde Feanen, a nature reserve full of marshes, reed fields, waterways and grasslands. In short, the ideal place to discover the beautiful Frisian nature from the saddle.
The route starts in the charming village of Earnewâld. From here there are no fewer than nine different cycling routes that meander through the park. From quiet rides along meadows to adventurous paths along water and lakes. Did you know that the sea eagle lives here? With a bit of luck you will spot this impressive bird of prey high in the sky.
Cycling, sailing and enjoying
Some routes include a ferry crossing. This allows you to enjoy the landscape while sailing. Along the way you pass picturesque villages with small museums and authentic churches.
Click here for more information about the route.
Cycling package in Leeuwarden
Want to discover Leeuwarden and its beautiful surroundings from the saddle? Combine your bike tour with an overnight stay at Bastion Hotels with the cycling package in Leeuwarden! The package offers a comfortable overnight stay in the hotel including breakfast. Optionally, you can choose a packed lunch and a three-course dinner.
|
Arrangement |
Price per person per person |
Price per person per night for 2 persons |
|
Bed and breakfast + cycling routes |
€102.25 |
€120.50 |
|
Bed and breakfast, packed lunch + cycling routes |
€121.25 |
€154.50 |
|
Bed and breakfast, packed lunch, dinner* + cycling routes |
€141.25 |
€199.50 |
*3-course à la carte dinner (excl. drinks)
