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This wonderful bike ride around Sneekermeer lake includes three ferry crossings. The ferries run throughout the day in the summer. In March and November they sail between 11:00 and 16:00 on Saturday and Sunday. 

The water gate city
As you would expect, this cycle tour starts in Sneek, one of Friesland’s historical eleven cities. The city has a famous water gate, so it is also known as ‘the water gate city’. You set off from the VVV tourist office at the Frisian Maritime Museum in the vibrant centre of Sneek. The city is a haven for those who enjoy water sports and has a rich history when it comes to water. Start by heading east out of town.

Griene Dyk 
You will soon find yourself on Griene Dyk, which means ‘green dike’. This pretty little road leads along the banks of Sneekermeer (Snitsermar) lake. The road is rarely used by motorists and, as its name suggests, it is surrounded by green countryside. You pass the Potschar nature reserve where there are several bird-watching points and continue on to the village of Jirnsum. 

Oude Schouw
You cross the water of the Princess Margrietkanaal and arrive in the hamlet of Oude Schouw. You will see the River Boorne on your left. This confluence of three waterways has been a popular spot in Friesland for centuries. The historic waterside ferry station now houses Hotel-Restaurant De Oude Schouw. 

You cycle past IJsboerderij Boereiis. In the summer, you can enjoy the wonderful dairy ice cream made on the farm. 

Chameleon village
On to the ‘chameleon’ village of Terherne! But don’t expect to find reptiles here. Terherne is referred to as the ‘chameleon’ village because a famous Dutch children’s book series, De Kameleon, was set in and around the village. The village is laced with waterways and situated between Sneekermeer (Snitsermar) lake and Terkaplesterpoelen (Terkaplester Puollen) lake. Who knows? You may see Hielke and Sietse sailing by in their little red boat! 

After Terhene, you pass two restaurants: Pavilion Salt and Picknickers. Both are situated in a beautiful location where you can relax on a terrace with a spectacular view of Sneekermeer (Snitsermar) lake.

Hairpin turns and ponds
You follow the hairpin trail to Goingarijp, a picturesque little village with a bell tower, on the banks of Goëngarijpsterpoelen (Goaiïngarypster Puollen) lake. From here, you cycle past a series of small ponds to the first ferry on this route, which will carry you across the Noorder Oudeweg (Noarder Alde Wei) waterway near Rufus. 

The second ferry
As you head south under the motorway and cycle a short distance along the bank of Langweerderwielen (Langwarder Wielen) lake, you will see the second ferry come into view. The Woudfennen passenger and bike ferry will transport you across the water to the village of Boornzwaag. From here, it is just a short stretch to the charming little village of Langweer with its ancient lime trees and the impressive Osingastate estate. Along the way you pass the Langweerder Molen windmill, which was used to drain the polder and grind rye.

Twin villages
From Langweer, you cycle along Pontdyk road to the third ferry. This ferry is somewhat larger and also transports cars. You disembark on the opposite shore of the Langweerdervaart (Langwarder Feart) waterway and make your way back to Sneek through the twin villages of Uitwellingerga and Oppenhuizen, known locally as Top and Twel.

Highlights of Sneek
You return to the centre of Sneek via junction 50. At the second roundabout (just after the Lidl store), turn left into Anna Paulownastraat. If you continue along the water, you will arrive at the famous Waterpoort water gate that is the symbol of the city. Behind it is the Fountain of Fortuna created by Stephan Balkenhol. End your bike ride with a visit to the Frisian Maritime Museum, the final point on the route, where the VVV tourist office is located.

Refreshments
Want to stop for a drink and a bite to eat along the way? There are plenty of restaurants in Sneek, Terherne and Langweer and also along the route, where you can also charge your e-bike.

Don’t feel like cycling?
There are other options. You can do this route on rollerblades, an electric scooter, an e-chopper...! 

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