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Water in Leeuwarden

Ahoi Captain!

Exploring Friesland (from the water) should be on everyone's bucket list, with Leeuwarden as the perfect base. The city is not called Water City for nothing. Will you moor your sailboat in one of the most beautiful harbours in the Netherlands? Or will you see the city from a different perspective during one of the daily boat trips in the old city centre? Whether you come by boat yourself, rent a whisper boat or go on a flat-bottom boat, there is a lot to discover from the water.

Anyone who visits Leeuwarden will soon discover that there is plenty to do on the water. The city canals meander through the picturesque centre, the old moat boldly fences off the city and less than fifteen minutes by bike from the city centre, you will find yourself in beautiful nature reserves with large lakes and panoramic views. The question is not whether you will get on the water, but what you will do first! Canoeing, paddling or sailing?

There is enough to do! - On the water

Would you like to discover Leeuwarden from the canals? Then rent an electric sloop from Greenjoy or Bootverhuur Bonkevaart and sail through the city center of Leeuwarden on your own. If you prefer to explore the city with a guided tour, you can do so with a boat tour from Praamverhuur Leeuwarden or Stichting Praamvaren. They will sail you past the most beautiful places in the city. Are would you prefer luxury, and would you like to be taken around in a real gondola? Then choose Venetian Gondola Tours.

Fancy some action? Then rent a paddle board (SUP!) or a canoe at the city beach and paddle at your leisure through the historic city centre. Are you an experienced SUP’er and ready for a challenge? Then rent a clean-up SUP or canoe: you will receive a bucket and a grabber. Along the way you collect litter that you find in the water. When you hand in the bucket of waste, you will receive a big discount on your tour. Win-win situation, right?

Go to 'buuten'! - outdoor fun!

 

Buuten is Leeuwarden's countryside. Within fifteen minutes of cycling, you are in nature and surrounded by nice beaches where you can swim, sail and relax. Several areas are part of Buuten, including the Grote Wielen and the Kleine Wielen.

On the north side of the Groningerstraatweg you will find the official swimming location of the Grote Wielen nature reserve, or ‘Grutte Wielen’ in Frisian. Don't like sandy feet? Then you're in luck! Here you will find a sunbathing grass area instead of a sandy beach.

The area on the other side of the Groningerstraatweg, the Kleine (Lytse)(=small) Wielen, is also known as the Groene Ster. As the name suggests, this is a recreational area in the middle of greenery. Since its inception, the people of Leeuwarden have absolutely loved it! Here you will find three recreational beaches, playgrounds for the kids and a kiosk for tasty drinks and snacks.

Dineren aan het water - wow!

The options for eating while overlooking the water are endless in Leeuwarden. For example, enjoy a delicious lunch on old cellars, quays, terraces and barges on the city canals. Looking for more space? About 15 minutes by bike from Leeuwarden you will find the areas of Buuten, where you can enjoy delicious food - of course with an amazing view over the lakes.

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