Sailing area Friesland

Eleven Town Route by boat

The Elfstedentocht (known in Frisian as the Alvestêdetocht) is a skating race over almost 200 kilometres of natural ice which is organised by the Eleven Frisian Towns Association [Vereniging De Frisian Elf Steden]. Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, has traditionally been the start and finish location. The Elfstedentocht was first held in 1909. The race can only take place if the condition of the ice is right. The race has been organised for a total of fifteen times. The last race was in 1997. 

Luckily the roat can also be discoverd by boat. We have two sailing routes: a north and south route. 

The Marrekrite

Natural moor in Friesland

Mooring for free in the middle of nature is possible in Friesland thanks to the Marrekrite. The Marrekrite is a concept, domestically as well as abroad. Through the use of the Marrekrite (a joint venture between the province and 21municipalities that establishes and maintains free moorings in rural areas along the Frisian lakes and waterways), provincial and municipal authorities in Friesland want to enable you, as a water sports enthusiast/tourist, to sojourn in our beautiful nature.

Since 1957, more than 300 landing facilities have been erected in the Frisian lakes region, with a total capacity for approximately 3500 boats. Garbage containers have been stationed at various locations to keep the terrains and areas clean.

Marrekrite moorages are unique and very much in demand. In order to provide as many interested parties as possible with the opportunity to use the Marrekrite moorages, a maximum of three mooring days has been imposed. As a yacht rental agency, we also support the Marrekrite. This is why you will see a small flag of the Marrekrite on the masts of our ship

Download the flyer about the Marrekrite

Bridges and locks

On your trip you will cross several bridges and locks. It is possible that the boat is too big to fit under a bridge. In that case, you will need to handle the bridge to open. This you can either do by yourself or there is someone who operates the bridge or lock. 

General scheme of service time in Friesland:

• 9.00 am - 12.00 pm
• 1.00 pm - 4.15 pm 
• 5.15 pm - 7.00 pm (June till August 8.00 pm)

For some bridges you must pay a small fee. This fee is about € 2,00 and must be payed with cash. 

The Frisian language and traditions

Friesland is unique because it has its own language, flag and national anthem. Its residents can speak, write and read Dutch and Frisian (or Frysk). The new Frisian literature, music and poetry which appears every year is proof that the Frisian language is alive and kicking. Frisian sayings have even been incorporated into the Dutch language. For example, ‘It giet oan!’ (It's on), ‘It kin net’ (It can't be done) and ‘Oant moarn!’ (See you in the morning)

Anyone who counts the leaves will see that there are seven in the Frisian flag. These represent the seven districts which Friesland used to have, and which extended from Alkmaar to Wezer in Germany.

Friesland is also a fantastic location for sports and events. Fierljeppen (pole vaulting ditches), keatsen (Frisian handball), Skûtsjesilen (sailing competitions using 19th century Frisian cargo ships) and, of course, the world-famous Elfstedentocht (Eleven Towns Skating Race). During the summer season all kinds of events are organised in Friesland for young and old. The following are just a few examples: the Sneekweek sailing activity week, the Chameleon Village of Terherne, the old-fashioned country wedding and balloon celebrations in Joure and the PC handball competition in Franeker.