Sailingroute 'Lits-Lauwersmeer'
The Lits-Lauwersmeer Route is a beautiful itinerary for exploring the northern part of Friesland in a week. The route takes you through unique national parks, De Alde Feanen and Lauwersmeer, with the Friese Wouden in between, where historic villages alternate with unspoilt nature. Along the way to the Lauwersmeer, the Lits-Lauwersmeer Route passes through an area that offers plenty for water sports enthusiasts. It is particularly enjoyable to navigate the route with boats with a low air draught.
- week
- orange: 2.75m blue: 3.00m
- 109km
Starting in Terherne, you sail via the Prinses Margriet Canal past Jirnsum to Grou. Grou is one of the bestknown water sports villages, with plenty to see and do. In summer, numerous events take place, alle centred around water sports. The village, situates on the Pikmeer, is known as the starting point of the annual Skûtsjesilen. Grou has a lively village centre, a varied shopping area, a wide selection of welcoming restaurants, and many attractions. After Grou, you continue to Eernewoude. See the rest of this sailingroute or rent a motorboat in Friesland to sail this route with.
The rest of the Lits-Lauwersmeer route
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Discover the Beautiful Nature Reserve near Eernewoude
In Eernewoude, you come across the beautiful nature reserve De Oude Venen. The landscape is a mix of lakes, peat pits, strips of land, reed beds, bog pools, rough grasslands, scrub, swamp forests, and extensive hay meadows, creating a truly stunning natural environment. This area can be explored on foot, by bike, or by boat.
Eernewoude also has a marina and a lovely swimming beach with a large recreation area. You will also find several restaurants, cafés, and a supermarket. -
Sailing from Leeuwarden to Dokkum
Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, has everything a city should have: excellent restaurants, shops, museums, nightlife, and countless activities. The canals, many of which are navigable, create a truly urban atmosphere. This route takes you around the city, but spending a full day exploring Leeuwarden is highly recommended. From Leeuwarden, the route continues northwards to Burdaard.
Burdaard lies between Leeuwarden and Dokkum. In summer, the village buzzes with water tourism, with around ten thousand boats passing through each year. It is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a spot on a terrace. Burdaard is a popular water sports village, and it is also an excellent base for walking and cycling trips. From here, the route continues along the Dokkumer Ee towards Dokkum.
Dokkum is a city with plenty to do. You can canoe through the city, take a walking tour of the historic centre, visit museums and churches, play tennis, or enjoy a ride on the “Dokkumer Lokaeltsje.” In addition, Dokkum offers many shops and restaurants, as well as nightlife options.
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Sail across Lake Burgumermeer to Drachten
After Dokkum, smaller vessels with an air draught up to 2.75 m have the option to visit Kollum. Kollum is a true
water sports village, with a lively shopping centre and a variety of restaurants and cafés. Throughout the year,
numerous activities are organised in the village, so there is always something going on. From Kollum, you sail
through a vast landscape and pass under low bridges. The route continues through Zwaagwesteinde, across the
Burgermermeer and the Leien, towards Drachten.In Drachten, you will find marinas with good facilities. There is also the option to hire bicycles to explore Drachten on two wheels. The town has a large shopping street, ideal for a shopping trip. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of restaurants, and there is a swimming pool. From Drachten, the route continues along the long, narrow lakes towards Akkrum.
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Sailing back to Terherne via Akkrum
Akkrum is a charming village with a number of small shops and various facilities, including a supermarket, a butcher, and a bakery. In addition, there are several marinas.
On the way to Terherne, you sail past small islands, each with its own charming Marrekrite recreation spots. It’s a great place to spend the last night. Another option is to stay the final evening at our cosy marina.
Ending in Terherne
Once you arrive in Terherne, there is still plenty to see and do. Terherne is also known as the Chameleon Village. The cosy village has 900 inhabitants in winter and no fewer than 8,000 in summer. For children, Chameleon Island is a real highlight. The island has exciting paths that lead along and over the water, through trees, and across marshes. There are also activities such as pole vaulting over the ditch, riding the zip line, and countless other adventures to enjoy.