Water in Leeuwarden - Visit Leeuwarden

Since their inception, Friesland and Leeuwarden have had a love-hate relationship with water. It is ingrained in our DNA. Not surprising, really, as we have been dealing with it for centuries. Fortunately, today we know how to make water work to our advantage. It is not for nothing that we have been awarded titles such as Water City and Capital of Water Technology. In Leeuwarden, for instance, the canals run through the city like muscles, making it the perfect base for discovering Friesland (from the water): just a stone's throw away, you will find the most fantastic water-rich nature reserves and picturesque watersports villages.

Water in the city

Anyone visiting Leeuwarden will soon discover that there is plenty to do on the water. The canal belt running through and around the city center offers all kinds of possibilities, from boating (including barges) to canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Along the Nieuwestad, you will find many terrace boats in the canal. If you manage to snag a spot here on a sunny day, you’ll never want to leave! And did you know that there is also a real beach right in the middle of the city? From the Stadsstrand, you can easily SUP into the historic center. As the icing on the cake, right in the heart of the city center, you will also find one of the most beautiful marinas in the Netherlands, situated in the centuries-old city park and former pleasure garden of the Nassaus: De Prinsentuin.

Discover the Water!

Delight!

aquatics

until November 30 Boat rental City Centre

Rental company of luxury electric sloops for a relaxing cruise through Leeuwarden and the surrounding area.

Boat Rental Bonkevaart, location: City Center

aquatics

until October 31 Rent a luxury sloop or sailboat!

Between April 1 and November 1, you can rent a luxury sloop or sailboat from Watersportbedrijf ANJA! -…

aquatics

Daily Electric Sloop Tour

Enjoy a lovely self-drive boat through the Frisian capital!

aquatics

until May 06 Greenjoy Boat Rental

Greenjoy

aquatics

until November 30 Boat rental Bonkevaart

Rental company of luxury electric sloops for a relaxing cruise through Leeuwarden and the surrounding area.

Boat rental Bonkevaart

Water in the region

Friesland and water, it's complicated. But above all, breathtakingly beautiful. It is not for nothing that we have more words for water than for bread here. Just a stone's throw from the city, you will find unique countryside and lively watersports villages. And did you know that you can do the Elfstedentocht in so many ways? Stand-up paddleboarding, boating, or even by canoe. The must-sees? We have listed them for you below.

Discover the Water!

By boat

Panoramic view in the De Groene Ster recreation park in Leeuwarden

The center of Grou under a blue sky, merk fryslan

A small sailboat on a lake in the De Alde Feanen nature reserve.

An old-fashioned Dutch windmill along the water in Friesland

Outside

Buuten is Leeuwarden's premier countryside. Within a fifteen-minute bike ride, you are in the heart of nature, where you can enjoy sports and relaxation, boating, and camping. Buuten encompasses several areas and businesses. For instance, you will find the Grote- and Kleine Wielen recreational area, AquaZoo, Park Vijversburg, and restaurant De Groote Wielen there. There is something to do in every season, 365 days a year!

Discover Buuten

Grou

Grou can be found just a stone's throw from Leeuwarden. It is the birthplace of Skûtsjesilen and is known for its water sports. In addition, you will find cozy shops and pleasant hospitality establishments in this characteristic village, so it is worth a visit even for non-water sports enthusiasts. Whether you put on your walking shoes, hop on a boat, or enjoy a drink on a waterside terrace, there are plenty of options here!

Discover Grou

Old Feanen

Another unique area close to Leeuwarden: the Alde Feanen. The Alde Feanen is one of the largest wetlands in Western Europe and boasts a wide variety of landscapes, with plenty of water, reed beds, and a great diversity of animals and plants. For the ultimate holiday feeling, explore this magical part of Friesland by boat. But you can also feast your eyes while cycling or walking. Conveniently, in Earnewâld you will find the Alde Feanen information point, where you can learn everything about the area.

Warten

Warten is often called the bridge between nature and the city. More than 12.000 boats pass through the village annually from Leeuwarden, en route to the Alde Feanen and further into the province. A true watersports village, in other words. In addition to water (activities) and beautiful nature, you will also find a museum and cozy cafes and restaurants there. Do you have the time? Then be sure to take a leisurely stroll through the village. You will feel like you are in an open-air museum, where the struggle against and for the water is visible on many levels.

Dining by the water!

The possibilities for dining while overlooking the water are endless in Leeuwarden. For example, enjoy a delicious lunch in old cellars, on quays, on terraces, and on towboats along the city canals. Looking for more space? About a 15-minute bike ride from Leeuwarden, you will find the Buuten area, where you can enjoy a delicious meal – naturally with an amazing view over the lakes.