Sailing through the south western part of the Friesian lakes has now become even more attractive. The construction of five aqueducts has given water sporters room to move: you now sail on instead of waiting for bridges.
On entering the Ijsselmeer lake at Stavoren Frylân, you’re in an open landscape, no longer interrupted by the busy bridge at Galamadammen. The aqueduct fits effortlessly into the countryside, and sand martins watch us from their nests just beside it. With the Koudemur woods on the one side and De Morra on the other side of the lake, there is a wide variety of flora and fauna. The aqueduct therefore has special passageways for both water and land mammals.
www.visitFryslan.com/aquaductenroute
No delay
Further on towards Sneek, traffic moves from De Fluessen in cosy Woudsend much quicker than before. The bridge is still there, but the construction of a ring road with the le aqueduct means that this bridge need be less frequently operated for shipping purposes. It’s always busy at the pavement cafes near the bridge. In the village itself, the old Het Lam corn mill still works, why not pay them a visit to pick up some traditional products? From De Fluessen, the route via Heeg is also an option. Follow the sound of happy voices from the quayside cafés. After Heeg , the vastness becomes even more apparent thanks to the Jeltesloot aqueduct At Hommerts. From its slopes, walkers enjoy the landscape and views of the new swimming lake and aqueduct.
On to Sneek
On we go to Sneek, through the green countryside. Two aqueducts welcome water sporters to the south east and south west of this bustling city. Coming from the Sneekermeer lake, which also features the hyper modern starting island, boats sail via the cheerfully coloured Houkesloot aqueduct over the traffic into town. From Ijlst, the impressive yet airy Geeuw aqueduct offers wonderful views of Sneek. People wander over the floating jetty along the waterfront and the newly planted reed banks. While sailing into Sneek , you’d almost forget it’s such a busy junction of roads, rail and water. There’s plenty to do in town. The centre oozes a cosy atmosphere, with lots to do: shops, pavement cafes, the Frisian Shipping museum, the Model Railway museum or the old Weduwe Joustra distillery. What a wonderful view of the quaysides from the water. Let’s moor here!
www.visitFryslan.com/sneek
Aqueducts route:
did we just cross a road?
The lakes area in the south western region of Friesland has no less than five aqueducts. They allow you to sail around this part of the province unhindered, and offer the ideal solution for bottlenecks where water and road traffic meet.