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Leeuwarden - Mantgum | Elfstedenpad Hiking Trail: Section 1

(21.5 km)

The enchanting Prinsentuin park in Leeuwarden, Friesland’s capital city, is the starting point of the Elfstedenpad hiking trail which takes you to the eleven historical cities in the province.

Leaving the city centre via the monumental Vrouwenpoortsbrug bridge, you walk along old towpaths and Mass paths to the mound villages of Deinum, Boksum and Jellum. From afar you can see the lofty church towers of these little villages in the distance with a vast expanse of meadowland in between.

In the village of Bears you can see the spectacular steel replica of the Uniastate country house, which was demolished in 1756. From here you continue to the village of Jorwert, famous for its open-air theatre.

This section of the trail ends in the elegant village of Mantgum with its imposing properties, ancient trees, and gardens designed by the famous landscape architect Lucas Pieters Roodbaard.

Sights on this route

Leeuwarden (Ljouwert)

Leeuwarden, or Ljouwert as we say in Friesland, is buzzing. From tourists and students to locals. From unforgettable adventures to wandering through cozy little streets.

City Park and Marina De Prinsentuin

In 1648, a park/pleasure garden was constructed on this site by order of Prince Willem Frederik of Nassau. A tribute to the end of the 80 years war and the peace of Münster. This part of the city would remain closed to the public for another 150 years.

Jellum

Jellum is a village in the municipality of Leeuwarden, located southwest of the city of Leeuwarden between Boksum and Weidum, along the Hegedyk, which formerly served as the dike of the Middelzee.

Theaterkerk Mammemahuis

The theatre is named after the Mammema State, which once stood opposite the church and where Jonker Sikke van Dekema, lived. The little church of Jellum, now Mammema House, is the final resting place of Jonker Sicke van Dekema (1548-1625). He and hi...

Uniastate en Tsjerke Bears

On the grounds of the Cultuur-Historisch Centrum Uniastate, there is a 13th century church with an ornate interior and a beautiful wood-carved pulpit. The unique replica/mirage of the old State (country estate) is also on the property.

Jorwerd

Jorwert is an ancient mound village located in the triangle of Leeuwarden, Sneek, and Franeker. The highlight is the annual open-air theater in the notary garden. Are you looking for tranquility? Be sure to visit Nijkleaster, which stands for silence, reflection, and connection.

Redbadtsjerke Jorwert

The Redbadtsjerke in Jorwert has been owned by the Foundation Alde Fryske Tsjerken since 1994. The volunteers of this committee manage and rent out the Redbadtsjerke to, among others, musical groups and individuals. The church also serves as a wedding venue.