Sail through the idyll of the Frisian Lakes on a traditional sailing ship – no sailing experience required! The skipper and crew will guide you, taking you on a unique sailing journey through breathtaking landscapes with expansive water areas, charming canals, and picturesque villages rich in history.
When will you discover the Frisian Lake District at its most beautiful, from the water?
Discover Friesland's Impressive Maritime History
Look forward to a picturesque network of canals connecting the Frisian Lakes, leading to charming cities like Sneek and Lemmer – perfect for experiencing the region's traditions and renowned hospitality up close. The skipper and crew will take time to share fascinating stories about Friesland’s maritime history, giving you firsthand insights into seafaring.
Which cities around the Frisian Lakes are waiting to be discovered?
A sailing day on a historic flat-bottomed ship offers plenty of variety. Between active sailing maneuvers, you’ll have ample time to relax. Choose a sailing trip on the Frisian Lakes, and the many towns and villages will invite you to explore on land:
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Stavoren
Stavoren is one of the oldest cities in Friesland, known for its historic harbor and maritime history. The city is located on the IJsselmeer and offers numerous water sports opportunities as well as a beautiful beach. Stavoren is famous for the legend of the "Staveren Madonna" and the impressive "Zwarte Haan" windmill. The picturesque old town, with its ancient buildings and cozy cafes, invites visitors to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
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Lemmer
Lemmer is known for its charming center, with many shops and terraces by the water, perfect for relaxing. In the summer, you can unwind at Lemsterstrand, which is located right by the IJsselmeer. Alternatively, take a stroll to the historic lock or explore other monuments scattered throughout the harbor town.
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Makkum
Makkum is a charming Frisian village located on the IJsselmeer, known for its historic buildings, cozy streets, and long tradition in ceramics production (Makkum ceramics).
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Sneek
Sneek has a beautiful historic city center. The Waterpoort is a popular tourist attraction and a landmark of Sneek. It symbolizes the maritime heritage of the city. The Waterpoort is particularly atmospheric in the evening when it is illuminated and reflects romantically in the water.
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Langweer
It captivates with its historic town center, cozy cafés, and charming alleys, offering direct access to the Frisian Lakes. Every year, the traditional sailing competition Skûtsjesilen takes place in Makkum, where historic flat-bottomed boats, known as Skûtsjes, compete against each other.
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Woudsend
Woudsend is worth a visit for its authentic appearance, historical buildings, and the still-operating grain mill "het lam" ("the Lamb").
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Grou
Grou is a vibrant watersport village in Friesland, located directly on the Pikmeer. Known for its numerous sailing events and Frisian hospitality, Grou offers cozy restaurants, small shops, and charming streets – perfect for relaxation and activities by the water.
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Sloten
Sloten is a picturesque town in Friesland, known for its historic town center with well-preserved buildings and a charming atmosphere. The town is located along a canal and is surrounded by water, making it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Sloten is also famous for its beautiful cycling and hiking paths.
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Workum
The town has a rich maritime tradition and is famous for its ceramics (Workum Tiles). Workum is located on the IJsselmeer and offers numerous water sports opportunities as well as a beautiful sandy beach. The town is also known for its cultural events and festivals that celebrate Frisian heritage.
At Holland Sail, your sailing trip is in the best hands!
The enthusiasm for sailing is deeply ingrained in all skippers and employees of Holland Sail. Sharing this passion has therefore become our trademark for many years.
With great care and dedication, we maintain and preserve our traditional sailing ships — true ambassadors of a maritime tradition that has been making sailing history for over a century. This ensures that every sailing trip with Holland Sail becomes an unforgettable experience.
Customer satisfaction 2534 experiences
- Active sailing
- Comprehensive services
- Experienced skippers
- Our customers rate us 9.6 / 10
