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Section 4: Dokkum - Sneek | Eleven Cities Bicycle Route

(53 km)

From the north to the centre. From Dokkum you cycle down to the capital city of Leeuwarden and from there to Sneek, the midpoint of the route.

There are usually headwinds along this section of the route. But don’t let that spoil it for you! Today you get to discover all kinds of lovely little places. You cycle down to Leeuwarden along the Dokkumer Ee canal. On your way through Bartlehiem you pass the famous little bridge. In Burdaard you pass the statue of Maarten van der Weijden, who swam the entire length of the Elfstedentocht for charity, and at Gytsjerk you get to see the ‘It Sil Heve’ tile bridge.

The last time skaters started and finished the Elfstedentocht in Leeuwarden was in 1997. We all hope that one day there will be another Elfstedentocht! But even if it is not cold enough to skate, there is always plenty to see in the historic centre of Leeuwarden.

Then time to head back to Sneek along the Zwette canal. This stretch leads you through some charming little villages. Be sure to take in the panoramic views.

Along the way you will see the new signs for the Elfstedentocht bicycle route. If you are cycling the route in the clockwise direction, follow the green signs. If you are cycling the route in the anticlockwise direction, follow the blue signs.

If all goes according to plan, at the end of this section of the route congratulations are in order. You have completed the circuit of Friesland’s eleven cities!

Sights on this route

Starting point:

Waypoint bike 01
Dokkum
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Elfstedentocht Turning Point - Dokkum

Sit on a bench shaped like a traditional Frisian ice skate next to the famous turning point on the Elfstedentocht route. This is one of Dokkum’s most popular Instagram hotspots!

11Fountains Dokkum

The Ice Fountain is a toy for the elements and no two days are the same. The ice draws patterns on the copper surface layer of the sculpture.

Artwork Maarten van der Weijden

Artwork Maarten van der Weijden who had to stop his Elfstedenzwemtocht in Burdaard in 2018.

Bartlehiem Bridge - Elfstedentocht

Bartlehiem has no city rights, it is not even a village, but this hamlet is a world-famous place on the Elfstedenroute ("Eleven Cities Route").

Eleven Cities Monument Tegeltjesbrug Gytsjerk

Across the river De Murk near Gytsjerk you will find the famous Tegeltjesbrug, the Eleven Cities Monument of Friesland.

Bonkevaart - Elfstedentocht Finish Line

Whether you experience it standing on the ice, on the bank, or from the water, this historic stretch of water is a must-visit!

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.

Visit Leeuwarden

11Fountains Leeuwarden

Love’ consists of two 7 meter high, white sculptures of a boy and a girl. They seem to be looking at each other, but their eyes are closed.

Sneek (Snits)

Sneek, or Snits as we say in Friesland, is the water sports city of the Netherlands. But Sneek is more than water sports and the Sneekweek. The city is bustling with events, culture, unique hotspots, and nice shops.

Visit Sneek

11Fountains Sneek

A man with a Horn of Plenty stands on a golden ball in the middle of the water.

End point:

Waypoint bike 51
Sneek
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Name of Administrator:
Type of Route: Recreation, Eleven Cities route
Route characteristics: Theme route, From A to B, Multi-day, Node, Connecting cycle route, Narrow path
Explanation of accessibility:
Details of markings:
Route obstacles: On the road, Railway crossing

Farmland Yes
Urban Yes
Through villages Yes
Through the meadow landscape (flat) Yes

E-bike Yes
Tour bike Yes

Section 4: Dokkum - Sneek | Eleven Cities Bicycle Route

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Sights on this route

Starting point: