Kleiroute
Rembrandt once wrote to his wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh: ‘A land of tranquillity, atmosphere and charm, partly due to the clear golden light found along the seaside. The sea also provides clean air, clear climbing and the summer clouds, which are still whiter than white...’ You’ll be rewarded on the Clay Route, a boating route that starts at Franeker, one of the most beautiful historic cities in Friesland and 15 km west of Leeuwarden. It takes you along atmospheric villages like Dongjum, Boer, Ried, Berlikum and Menaldum. You can sail along and enjoy the varied nature in a particularly fascinating environment. Amenities are available at various locations along the way. From these locations, you can go on lovely walks or bike rides. The Cl…
Rembrandt once wrote to his wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh: ‘A land of tranquillity, atmosphere and charm, partly due to the clear golden light found along the seaside. The sea also provides clean air, clear climbing and the summer clouds, which are still whiter than white...’ You’ll be rewarded on the Clay Route, a boating route that starts at Franeker, one of the most beautiful historic cities in Friesland and 15 km west of Leeuwarden. It takes you along atmospheric villages like Dongjum, Boer, Ried, Berlikum and Menaldum. You can sail along and enjoy the varied nature in a particularly fascinating environment. Amenities are available at various locations along the way. From these locations, you can go on lovely walks or bike rides. The Clay Route has a minimum depth of 1.50 metres, with two movable bridges that are operated in accordance with provincial times. The remaining bridges have a sailing clearance of 2.50 metres. Folders and a map of the route are available at the tourist offices in the Northwest Friesland region and the municipal offices in Franeker and Menaam.
Sights on this route
Starting point
Oostelijke industrieweg
8801 JW Franeker
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Franeker (Frjentsjer)
The Elfsteden city Franeker is a captivating town with its rich university history. For many years, this city was home to numerous students, including well-known names such as Descartes.
11Fountains Franeker
The fountain is an ode to the world-famous astronomer Jan Hendrik Oort, who was born in Franeker. His assumption that a ‘cloud’ of billions of comet-like objects is moving around our solar system was a breakthrough in astronomy
Museum Martena
At Museum Martena, the past comes to life. Step into the lives of former residents, well-known people from Franeker, learned women such as Anna Maria van Schurman and the historic University of Franeker. You are invited to look, touch, smell, listen and even taste.
Professor Loréstraat aan de Dongjumervaart, vlakbij het Elfstedenbruggetje
Professor Loréstraat
8801 EN Franeker
Berltsum (Berlikum)
A terp village with urban ambitions. Berltsum is also called the twelfth city of Friesland. Located on the northern eleven cities sailing route. In and around Berltsum, there are plenty of opportunities for cycling and walking.
Dome church Berlikum
Koepelkerk in Berltsum, both the church and the organ are national monuments.
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.
Dronryp (Dronrijp)
The largest village in the municipality of Waadhoeke, rich in history. The birthplace of, among others, Eise Jeltes Eisinga, a famous amateur astronomer, patriot, and builder of the Eise Eisinga Planetarium. In addition to cultural heritage, it is bustling with events.
