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The Eleven Cities Tour by bike

Stages

Stages

The legendary Eleven Cities Tour divided into four cycling routes.

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Practical tips

Practical tips

Junctions, luggage transport, maps and more.

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Highlights

Highlights

Highlights of the legendary Eleven Cities Tour at a glance.

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Hop on your bike and discover Friesland in a special way along the Eleven Cities Route. This historic tour takes you through eleven atmospheric cities, varied landscapes and past plenty of special places. On this page, you’ll find everything you need for your adventure: route descriptions, practical tips for the journey, places to stay and luggage transport.

The route - in four stages

  • Stage 1

    75 kilometer

    The first stage of the Eleven Cities Cycle Route takes you from Sneek to Stavoren, passing through the historic cities of IJlst and Sloten.

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  • Stage 2

    51 kilometer

    The second stage of the Eleven Cities Cycle Route takes you from Stavoren to Harlingen, passing through five of Friesland’s eleven cities: Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward and Harlingen.

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  • Stage 3

    80 kilometer

    The third stage of the Eleven Cities Cycle Route takes you from Harlingen to Dokkum via Franeker.

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  • Stage 4

    53 kilometer

    The fourth and final stage of the Eleven Cities Cycle Route takes you from Dokkum back to Sneek via Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland.

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The complete route

The Eleven Cities Cycle Route is around 260 kilometres long and takes you through Friesland’s eleven historic cities. You start in Leeuwarden and cycle clockwise through Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum before returning to Leeuwarden.

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Route with stamp card

For €9.95, you can buy the official Eleven Cities Route map, including a stamp card. In each city, you’ll find a stamping point where you can collect a stamp. Once your stamp card is complete, you can pick up your well-earned certificate. You can find an overview of all stamping points here.

Good to know: Check the opening hours of the stamping points before setting off.

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Practical tips - before and during your trip

  • The Eleven Cities Junctions

    The Eleven Cities Cycle Route follows the cycle junction network throughout and is signposted with special Eleven Cities signs. The green signs show the route clockwise, while the blue signs guide you in the opposite direction.

    Along the way, look out for the green-and-white numbered signs leading you to the next junction.

  • Plan your tour with accommodation and luggage transport

    Friesland Holland Travel is the only provider in Friesland that can help you organise your Eleven Cities Cycle Tour with luggage transport. You decide how many days you want to take to cycle through all eleven cities. Accommodation and luggage transport from one place to stay to the next are included.

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  • Explore the Eleven Cities Tour on a rental bike

    Want to cycle the Eleven Cities Tour but don’t have your own bike with you? In Friesland, there are plenty of places where you can rent one. That way, you can set off straight away and discover the famous Eleven Cities Tour and its surroundings at your own pace.

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  • Good to know

    The route is not suitable everywhere for tandem bikes, side-by-side bicycles and other adapted mobility equipment due to narrow paths, steps and tight corners. Under ‘Good to know’, known obstacles are listed for each stage. Consult the cycle junction network for possible alternative routes.

    Please note that there may be additional obstacles not listed here. Do you have any suggestions or information about accessibility along the route? Please email routebureau@marrekrite.frl.

  • Recharge your battery

    At the Fietsnetwerk e-bike charging points, you can recharge your e-bike battery while enjoying a well-earned break yourself. A convenient way to continue your journey with renewed energy.

    View Fietsnetwerk charging points

Eleven Cities Tour highlights

Eleven Cities Cycling Tour Event

Traditionally, around fifteen thousand enthusiastic participants set off every year from Bolsward on Whit Monday to take part in the Eleven Cities Cycling Tour. This official Eleven Cities Tour, with recognised status, is known for its friendly atmosphere, sporting challenge and route through the eleven Frisian cities. To take part, you must obtain a starting pass, which sells out very quickly every year.

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Plan and book your visit - to Friesland

  • Food & Drink

    You should not cycle the Eleven Cities Tour on an empty stomach. Fortunately, the route takes you past welcoming terraces, atmospheric restaurants and excellent lunch spots.

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  • Accommodation

    Turn your Eleven Cities Tour into a multi-day adventure. Stay overnight in one of the eleven cities or somewhere along the route and enjoy Frisian hospitality.

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  • Activities

    Discover what there is to see and do along the route and in the surrounding area. From museums and walking trails to unique places on and around the water. All activities can be enjoyed throughout the year.

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Frequently Asked Questions - about cycling the Eleven Cities Tour

The official Eleven Cities cycling route is approximately 260 kilometres long and passes through all eleven Frisian cities. You can complete the route in a single day or divide it into several stages.

That depends on your pace. Many cyclists spread the route over three to five days. Four suggested stages are presented at the top of this page.

You can start in any city. Some cyclists begin in the city where they arrive, such as Leeuwarden. Others prefer to start near their accommodation.

You can cycle the route either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The route is signposted in both directions.

Yes, GPX files are available, allowing you to navigate the route easily using your cycle computer or smartphone. You can find them with the individual stages and the full route at the top of this page.

Yes, the route is suitable for e-bikes. Tandems and standard bicycles can also follow the route without any issues.

Yes, the route is freely accessible. The stamp card is an optional extra that adds to the full Eleven Cities Tour experience.

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