Publication date: 01/04/23 | Update date: 16/11/23
Frisian lakes, an ideal sailing destination
A rich, wide body of water
Land and water, Friesland is the largest province in the Netherlands. Located in the north of the Netherlands, it is made up of picturesque villages and exceptional natural areas. Among them are the 24 Frisian lakes, all different from one another, on which you can sail.
Based on our knowledge of the sailing areas in the Netherlands and the opinions of the many boaters who have visited our ports, we can recommend several lakes on which to sail in Friesland: Sneekermeer, Tjeukemeer, Langweerderwielen, Heegermeer, Fluessen, Slotermeer…
Visiting them, whether on a short boat trip or a longer cruise, will allow you to get away from it all and gain a different perspective on the region.
The Frisian lakes offer a wide range of activities
Each lake in Friesland is unique and offers boaters a wide range of activities: sailing of varying degrees of difficulty, relaxing at anchor, discovering nature and the many bird species, swimming or bathing, fishing, walking… Boaters who enjoy water sports can also take advantage of particularly suitable lakes, such as the Sneekermeer, Heegermeer, Fluessen and Slotermeer.
And for those who don’t want to miss a thing, why not consider following the itinerary of the famous Elfstedentocht? Embark on a 200-kilometer loop cruise and explore 11 of Friesland’s most important towns: Dokkum, Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen and Franeker. With a boat no more than 2.50 meters high, no more than 3.90 meters wide and a draught of less than 1.30 meters, you can complete the entire circuit.
In Lelystad, two marinas as departure points for discovering the Frisian lakes
As you can see, there’s a good reason why yachtsmen choose to moor near the Frisian lakes. By choosing a berth near Friesland, they benefit from a perfect location for exploring the surrounding area, whether by motorboat or sailboat.
If you’re interested in locating your vessel in the area, the Port Adhoc group has two marinas in Lelystad, on either side of the Houtrib dike, or Houtribdijk. From either of these marinas, you can easily reach Frisian waters and take full advantage of the sailing area.
Deko Marina Lelystad
North of Lelystad, capital of Flevoland, Deko Marina Lelystad is a marina directly on the IJssel lake. Sailors wishing to reach Friesland and its lakes need only cross the IJsselmeer. The Frisian town of Lemmer, for instance, is 32 nautical miles away.
Deko Marina Lelystad is a pleasant and friendly marina, suitable for all members of the family. In addition to quality harbour services – sanitary facilities, WiFi access, a supermarket, boat maintenance, repair and winterization solutions, a nautical store… – crews can enjoy a children’s play ground and a top-rated restaurant, Gusto del Porto.
Lelystad Haven
Located on the Markermeer, the Lelystad marina, or Jachthaven Lelystad Haven, also offers you the chance to stay in a harbour close to the Frisian lakes. To reach the Frisian lakes, you’ll have to pass through a lock on the Houtrib and, once again, cross the IJssel lake. But don’t worry: it’s a quick and easy operation from the port of Lelystad Haven!
In the Lelystad Haven marina, you can put your boat afloat for a short or long stay, and benefit from all the amenities. In the marina, you’re sure to enjoy Club Port Side, our floating restaurant. Finally, if you’d like to spend the night ashore, close to your ship, that’s also possible: you can stay at the family-run Hotel De Lange Jammer, just a stone’s throw from the marina.
Find your berth in a marina near Friesland
Have you found the marina you’ve been dreaming of in Lelystad, so you can set sail and discover the Frisian lakes? Contact us today to get a quote and reserve your berth in one of our marinas near Friesland!
