Bikepacking along the eleven cities
Bags secured, jacket zipped up. Cycling map and stamp card within easy reach. The Eleven Cities Cycle Route takes you through Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum. These cities owe their status to their historical significance. Each has its own character, bringing plenty of variety to the Eleven Cities Route.
The beauty of this route is that you decide where to start and how many days you want to spend on it. Bikepacking fits perfectly. Everything you need travels with you on your bike. Along the way, you decide where to make your next stop. Fancy cycling just part of the route? The route is divided into several stages. We’ll take you along stage 2, from Stavoren to Harlingen.
3 days, five of the eleven cities, 51 km
Stage 2 takes you from Stavoren to Harlingen via Hindeloopen, Workum and Bolsward. Spread the route over three days and you’ll have plenty of time to get off your bike and explore along the way. Give yourself that time, because these cities have plenty to discover. Museums, history, water, heritage, fountains and the distinctive atmosphere of Friesland’s cities await along the route.
There are plenty of places to recharge along the way too. Grab a coffee by the harbour, wander through historic streets, discover the 11fountains and find a terrace whenever you feel like taking a break. At the end of the day, park your bike for the night. The next morning, strap your bags back on and start pedalling again. This is what Opfriesen feels like: being on the move, spending time outdoors and feeling the fresh wind on your face. Afterwards, warmth and cosy city life await in one of the charming cities.
Day 1 - stavoren • hindeloopen • workum
± 16 km by bike
Start in Stavoren, the oldest city in Friesland, on the shores of the IJsselmeer. Before you get on your bike, take a look around the historic harbour with its colourful houses and discover the story of the Vrouwtje van Stavoren, a legend about the fate of the city.
At the harbour entrance, you’ll find De Vis. This remarkable work of art is a fountain and part of the 11fountains art project. Since 2018, each of the eleven cities has had its own fountain, designed by internationally renowned artists. From mid-November, most of the fountains go into winter mode. They’re still worth a visit, while the splashing, flowing and bubbling water takes a break.
Then it’s time for coffee and something tasty at Eetcafé de Visserman, right by the harbour. Or grab some fish from the fish stall. Remember to collect your stamp at the stamp point before you continue.
Get back on your bike and head towards Hindeloopen. After around 10 kilometres, the second of the five cities appears on the horizon. This compact city is packed with details. Narrow streets, little wooden bridges, characteristic façades and the famous Hindeloopen painting style give you plenty of reasons to park your bike for a while.
At Museum Hindeloopen, you can learn more about Hindeloopen painting and traditional dress. Want to dive deeper into the story of the Eleven Cities Tour? Then visit the Eerste Friese Schaatsmuseum. Good to know: you can collect a stamp at both museums. The ice skating museum is also home to Restaurant De Friese Doorloper, where you can stop for lunch.
Before continuing your journey, cycle past the bright blue building on the dyke. This former lifeboat house from 1911 is now a Rijksmonument, a Dutch national heritage site. Take a photo and cycle the final kilometres to today’s destination: Workum.
For dinner, Restaurant LOEV in the centre of Workum is a good option. From your accommodation, Bed & Breakfast De Garaazje, you can walk there.
Day 2 - workum • bolsward
± 15 km by bike
Start your morning at a relaxed pace in Workum. Grab a coffee at El Cafetín and give yourself some more time to explore the city. Love art? Step inside the Jopie Huisman Museum. Jopie Huisman’s striking paintings focus on people, nature and everyday objects.
Feel like wandering through the city? Take a city walk and collect your stamp along the way at Workum Tourist Information. During your walk, you’ll also pass the imposing Gothic Sint Gertrudiskerk. In front of the church stands the De Woeste Leeuwen van Workum fountain.
Then it’s time to get back on the bike. Cycle through the open Frisian landscape towards Bolsward. Meadows, farms and far-reaching views shape the scenery along the way. Once you arrive in Bolsward, park your bike and explore the centre on foot. Here you’ll find monumental buildings with distinctive façades, including the impressive Stadhuis. Museum De Tiid is located here too, along with a stamp point.
The Broerekerk is also worth a visit. This church ruin is covered by a glass roof. In front of the church, you’ll find the De Vleermuis fountain. Stop at Blend for lunch or dinner. Want to eat and stay overnight in the same place? De Wijnberg is another option.
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Workum Tourist Information - Elf Cities Stamp Point
Workum Tourist Information - Elf Cities Stamp Point
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Day 3 - bolsward • harlingen
± 20 km by bike
Start your final day of cycling with a relaxed breakfast in Bolsward. Pick up something tasty for the road at Breimer's Bakery and get ready for the final part of this stage.
From Bolsward, cycle through the open clay landscape towards the Wadden Sea coast. Your final destination is Harlingen, Friesland’s only seaport city. Park your bike and explore the harbour city on foot. You’ll find impressive warehouses, striking façades, distinctive inner harbours and atmospheric streets. Take a walk around De Nieuwe Willemshaven and enjoy a local beer at Het Brouwdok brewery.
A little further out in the water, beside the Zuiderpier, lies a sperm whale, Harlingen’s fountain. Fancy a good dinner? At Café 't Noorderke, you can enjoy a meal in the cosy atmosphere of a traditional Dutch café. Looking for something more refined? Restaurant 't Havenmantsje is another option.
One more tip: ferries leave Harlingen for Terschelling and Vlieland. Check the current timetable before you go and take your bike with you if you’d like to spend a few more days on the islands.
on your own
An Eleven Cities Tour naturally comes with proof that you completed it. Since the end of August, there has been a brand-new cycling map that comes with a stamp card. In each of the eleven Eleven Cities towns, you’ll find an official stamp point. Once you’ve collected all eleven stamps, you can pick up a certificate at an official stamp point. A real bucket-list experience, right?
The map follows Friesland’s cycle junction network and comes with a protective sleeve for the cycling map and stamp card. You can buy it here here. Practical tip: check the current opening hours of the stamp points before you set off.
