Section 4: Dokkum - Sneek | Eleven Cities Bicycle Route

From the north to the centre. From Dokkum you cycle down to the capital city of Leeuwarden and from there to Sneek, the midpoint of the route.

There are usually headwinds along this section of the route. But don’t let that spoil it for you! Today you get to discover all kinds of lovely little places. You cycle down to Leeuwarden along the Dokkumer Ee canal. On your way through Bartlehiem you pass the famous little bridge. In Burdaard you pass the statue of Maarten van der Weijden, who swam the entire length of the Elfstedentocht for charity, and at Gytsjerk you get to see the ‘It Sil Heve’ tile bridge. 

The last time skaters started and finished the Elfstedentocht in Leeuwarden was in 1997. We all hope that one day there will be another Elfstedentocht! But even if it is not cold enough to skate, there is always plenty to see in the historic centre of Leeuwarden. 

Then time to head back to Sneek along the Zwette canal. This stretch leads you through some charming little villages. Be sure to take in the panoramic views. 

Along the way you will see the new signs for the Elfstedentocht bicycle route. If you are cycling the route in the clockwise direction, follow the green signs. If you are cycling the route in the anticlockwise direction, follow the blue signs.

If all goes according to plan, at the end of this section of the route congratulations are in order. You have completed the circuit of Friesland’s eleven cities!