Round IJsselmeer | Sailing route
The big water of the IJsselmeer beckons: between Lemmer and Workum, you sail on the largest lake in the Netherlands. From the water, you can see the Friesian coast passing by with authentic church towers, such as Hindeloopen's.
So this sailing route through water-rich South-West Friesland also secretly crosses the IJsselmeer. But water sports enthusiasts: be warned! Sailing on the IJsselmeer can be dangerous, and only boaters with a boating licence are allowed to sail on the IJsselmeer, but the same goes for them: beware of strong winds, only enter the big water well-prepared.
Renting a boat in Friesland
Don't have your own sailboat or motor yacht? You can easily rent one in Friesland. This route is only suitable for larger boats and the skipper must have a boating licence.
Duration of the sailing route
This cr…
The big water of the IJsselmeer beckons: between Lemmer and Workum, you sail on the largest lake in the Netherlands. From the water, you can see the Friesian coast passing by with authentic church towers, such as Hindeloopen's.
So this sailing route through water-rich South-West Friesland also secretly crosses the IJsselmeer. But water sports enthusiasts: be warned! Sailing on the IJsselmeer can be dangerous, and only boaters with a boating licence are allowed to sail on the IJsselmeer, but the same goes for them: beware of strong winds, only enter the big water well-prepared.
Renting a boat in Friesland
Don't have your own sailboat or motor yacht? You can easily rent one in Friesland. This route is only suitable for larger boats and the skipper must have a boating licence.
Duration of the sailing route
This cruising route is 86 kilometres long. At an average speed of 6 kilometres per hour, it takes about 14 hours from Lemmer, but you can of course start in any other place. Stay on your boat at various places along the way and make it a wonderful boating holiday!
Bridges in Friesland
On this route, you will encounter a number of bridges and locks. Some bridges you can open 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.
Sustainable sailing
Sailing is a sustainable way of sailing. And do you need fuel? Then fill up with blue diesel. And make sure no items or empty packaging blow off your boat, ending up in nature.... Read more about sustainable water sports in Friesland.
Mooring your boat in Friesland
Along the route, you can moor at a marina with all facilities, for example in Lemmer, Workum, Gaastmeer, Heeg, Woudsend and Sloten. There are also free Marrekrite mooring places along the way. At such a jetty or buoy, you can stay on your boat for a maximum of three consecutive days free of charge. In the Watersport App you will find all free mooring places and marinas.
Fairway information
The fairway classification is mostly CZM on this route. This means that this waterway is accessible for boats with a maximum draught of 1.70 m. The stretch across the IJsselmeer is only suitable for larger sailing yachts and motor yachts. Do not enter the IJsselmeer with a sloop or open sailboat!
Sights on this route
Starting point
8531 DH Lemmer
Navigate to starting point
Woudagemaal: largest steam pumping station in the world
Visit the largest steam pumping station in the world!
Woudagemaal: largest steam pumping station in the world
Woudagemaal: largest steam pumping station in the world
Gemaalweg 1
8531 PS Lemmer
IJsselmeer
Het IJsselmeer is ontstaan na het voltooien van de afsluitdijk, de vroegere Zuiderzee werd hierdoor opgesplitst in de Waddenzee en het IJsselmeer.
Stavoren (Starum)
Stavoren (or Starum as we say in Friesland) is very much the main city of the IJsselmeer, being enclosed by the lake on three sides. It is also the oldest city of Friesland, founded around 300 BC at a waterway, and gaining city rights in the 11th century.
The Lady of Stavoren
From the 15th century on, the flourishing Hanseatic city of Stavoren began to fall upon bad times. It is this period in history that is related in the saga of the Lady of Stavoren. In the saga, all aspects of Stavoren as a trading city are covered.
Hindeloopen (Hylpen)
Hindeloopen, or Hylpen as we say in Friesland, is known for its painting and stylish costumes from the past.
Friesian Ice Skating Museum
This museum is a must for all ice skating fans. You will find the world’s largest collection of ice skates here, and a complete history of the Elfstedentocht in a specially designed Elfsteden-room.
Sluis Workum
De sluis vormt de verbinding tussen de Diepe Dolte in het centrum en het twee kilometer lange kanaal Het Zool dat uitkomt op het IJsselmeer.
Workum (Warkum)
Workum (or Warkum as we say in Friesland), is one of the famous Frisian cities that has enjoyed city rights since 1399. Located on the shores of the former Zuiderzee and bordering the Frisian lakes.
Railway Bridge Klifrak
The railway bridge Klifrak near Workum is a relatively low bridge, which is usually open, allowing water sports enthusiasts to pass through.
Aanlegsteiger FL11
Publieke aanlegplaats op het uiteinde van de Grûns, tussen Workum en Gaastmeer.
Woudsend (Wâldsein)
Woudsend is a village nestled between Lake Heegermeer and Lake Slotermeer.
Wheat mill 't Lam
Mole 't Lam is the oldest wheatmill in Friesland and is located in Woudsend, where the miller and his wife grind grains and wheat into artisanal flour products and various bread mixes.
Ie Akwadukt
South of Woudsend, since 2007, you can find the Ie Aqueduct: an aqueduct at the intersection of the river De Ie and the N928.
Sloten (Sleat)
Sloten (or Sleat as we say in Friesland) is the smallest Elfsteden town in Friesland. This walled mini-city is also called sipelstêd (Frisian for onion city) thanks to the unique shape of an onion.
Museum Sloten
In the middle of Sloten – a truly enchanting museum: experience the rich history of the city and the magical world of magic lanterns.
End point
8531 DH Lemmer
Navigate to endpoint
