Frisian Elf Lakes North | Sailing route

Just like there is an Elfstedentocht, there is also an Elfmerentocht for skaters and cyclists. The Frisian Elfmeren sailing route is a beautiful sailing route along the eleven lakes in Friesland. The route is split into a northern section and a southern section, both about 90 kilometres long.

This sailing route - along the northernmost lakes - starts from Sneek and leads you via the Snitser Mar (Sneekermeer), Goaiingarypster Puollen (Goingarypsterpoelen) and Terkaplester Puollen (Terkaplsterpoelen) to Akkrum. And then via the Wide Ie (Wijde Ee), the Sannemar near Earnewâld, the Burgumer Mar (Bergummermeer) and the Pikmar (Pikmeer) back to Sneek.

Rent a boat in Friesland
Don't have a motor yacht, sailboat or sloop of your own? You can easily rent one in Friesland. After proper instruction from the rental company, you can also sail a boat up to 15 metres long in Friesland without a boating licence.

Electric boating
This sailing route was created in cooperation with the SEFFF (stifting elektrysk en fossylfrij farren Fryslân) and is therefore very suitable for sailing with an electric boat. Several charging points are located along the route. To charge an electric boat, it is not necessary to find a special charging station as with an electric car. Ports and public moorings facilitate boat charging. Sometimes you have to pay for this with coins. 

Duration of the cruising route
This route is almost 90 kilometres long (you can extend it with the southern part for an additional 90 kilometres). If you cruise at an average speed of 6 kilometres per hour, it will take about 15 hours for just the northern part of the route. Stay in several villages and towns along the way for a few wonderful days away!    

Bridges in Friesland 
On this route, you will come across a number of bridges that can be opened. Some bridges can be opened yourself with the help of the Watersport App. Consult the Watersport App of the province of Friesland to check the opening times of the bridges.

Get rid of your rubbish
Something sweet for the road? Fine, but make sure empty packaging does not blow overboard. Do you come across litter on the way? Will you take it on board? The birds and fish will thank you! There are containers at various places along the route where you can dispose of your rubbish.

Mooring your boat in Friesland   
The villages along the Elfmerenroute are easily accessible thanks to the many mooring facilities. Choose a cosy marina where all facilities are available. In addition, there are so-called Marrekrite mooring places along the way, where you can spend the night free of charge for a maximum of three consecutive days. In the Watersport App of the province of Friesland, you will find all mooring places in Friesland. 

Fairway information
The waterway classification is at least CZM on this route. This means that this waterway is accessible for boats with a maximum draught of 1.70 m.