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Section 3: Harlingen - Dokkum | Eleven Cities Bicycle Route

(75.0 km)

This section of the Eleven Cities bicycle route takes you through three of Friesland’s eleven cities: Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum. These northern cities

are all quite large by Frisian standards: you will find plenty of shops, small terraces, museums and much more. 

Yet they are different in nature. Harlingen is a real port city, Franeker was once a university city and Dokkum is actually a place of pilgrimage.  

You cycle from cycling junction to cycling junction, past charming little towns and villages separated by vast stretches of countryside. You also cycle along part of the Wadden Sea dike.

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.

T…

This section of the Eleven Cities bicycle route takes you through three of Friesland’s eleven cities: Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum. These northern cities

are all quite large by Frisian standards: you will find plenty of shops, small terraces, museums and much more. 

Yet they are different in nature. Harlingen is a real port city, Franeker was once a university city and Dokkum is actually a place of pilgrimage.  

You cycle from cycling junction to cycling junction, past charming little towns and villages separated by vast stretches of countryside. You also cycle along part of the Wadden Sea dike.

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.

This section of the route also takes you through Het Bildt, where the fertile clay soil of the reclaimed land in this part of Friesland produces an abundant variety of potatoes. The long dikes wind their way past monumental farmhouses and simple workers’ cottages.

Sights on this route

Starting point: Tuinsteeg
8861 BG Harlingen
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Harlingen (Harns)

Harlingen is de Elfstedenstad aan het Wad. Een prachtige stad met een nautisch heden en verleden, gebouwd op de bodem van de oude zee...

Bezoek Harlingen

Harlingen (Harns) Harlingen stad
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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.

Bezoek Franeker

Franeker (Frjentsjer) Franeker
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Elfstedentocht Turning Point

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!

Elfstedentocht Turning Point Doorlopers bankjes bij Keerpunt Dokkum
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Dokkum (Dokkum)

Dokkum is de meest noordelijk gelegen Elfstedenstad, ze ontstond nadat deze plek een bedevaartsoord werd na de moord op Bonifatius in 754.

Bezoek Dokkum

Dokkum (Dokkum) Dokkum kerk en fontein
End point: N 910
9101 Dokkum
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