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Visit Sneek: Water sports city of Friesland

  • sneek

    snits

    Waterpoort Sneek

  • sneek

    snits

    drukte op het water in de zomer in Sneek

Discover Elfstedenstad Sneek, its surroundings and the Sneekermeer

Want to visit Sneek? Here are some tips from VVV Waterland of Friesland for your visit. What should you not miss? Where can you spend the night? And what is there to do in Sneek? Sneek, or Snits as we say in Friesland, is the water sports city of the Netherlands. Every year, the largest sailing competition event on inland waterways in Europe takes place in Sneek: the Sneekweek. But Sneek is more than water sports and the Sneekweek. The city is bustling with events, culture, unique hotspots, and nice shops. Also, don’t forget to discover the surrounding villages and the Sneekermeer (the Lake of Sneek). Don’t wait and plan your visit to Sneek today.

Book an overnight stay in the Sneek area

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  • Book locally
  • Best price
  • Frisian passport with discounts
  • The certainty of VVV

An overview of all addresses in Sneek

Discover seven treasures of Sneek

  • Did you know that in Friesland almost all freight was transported by water in the past? And that public transport also largely went by water? And why is Sneek actually called Waterstad..? See, read and hear all about it in the Fries Scheepvaart Museum.

    Visit the Fries Scheepvaart Museum
    een stel in het fries scheepvaartsmuseum

  • Near the Waterpoort is the fountain by artist Stephan Balkenhol. On a golden sphere in the middle of the water stands a man with a Cornucopia. The statue refers to Fortuna, the goddess of fortune and the patroness of cities, families and peoples.

    Read more about the fountain

  • With its octagonal towers and bridge, the symbol of Sneek. Did you know that the clock is always 5 minutes ahead? This dates from the time when the Waterpoort still belonged to the city wall around the city. Then people would have enough time to leave or enter the city in time. Because at night everything was locked.

    Discover more about the watergate
    Waterpoort Sneek

  • The Grote or Martinikerk is located on a mound in the center of Sneek. Nearly 1,000 years old and with a checkered history of collapse, austerity and reconstruction. Could it be because the Frisian freedom fighter 'Grutte Pier' is buried here?

    Visit the Martinikerk
    een stel staat voor het orgel in de martinikerk in sneek

  • Lovers of culture, music and art can indulge themselves in Sneek. Within walking distance of each other in the center you will find a theater, pop stage and arts center. Together they form Cultuur Kwartier Sneek.

    Visit the Cultural Quarter Sneek
    bolwerk sneek in de nacht

  • The rich times of Sneek are clearly reflected in the facade of the City Hall. The beautiful baroque platform and facade in rococo style are examples of prosperity. The facade houses many hidden messages and reads like a picture book. Well worth a look.

    Read more about the City Hall
    voorkant stadhuis sneek

  • Sneek is the cradle of clothing group C&A. The first C&A store was founded in 1841 by two men: Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer. The statue 'Lapkepoep and Frisian farmer' is a reminder of this.

    Read the full story
    beeld lapkepoepen

What you really shouldn’t miss in Sneek

Waterpoort Sneek

The Waterpoort in Sneek is the most famous icon of the city. With its octagonal towers and bridge, this water gate is the symbol of Sneek. If you take a cruise on the canals you will sail under the Waterpoort. Come and discover the Waterpoort with your own eyes!

More on the Watergate
Waterpoort Sneek bij nacht

Sneekweek

This largest inland sailing event in Europe starts on the first Saturday of August and is preceded by the naval review on Friday evening. The Sneekweek is not only a must for the true sailing fan but also for people who just love fun and conviviality. The (outdoor) cafés, the music, the fair; in short, the Sneekweek is one big party!

More information about the Sneekweek
straat vol mensen tijdens sneekweek

Sneekermeer

The Sneekermeer is the water sports hotspot of Friesland. Of course during the Sneekweek, with about 700 sailing boats, one of the largest sailing competitions on European inland waters, but also around it. At the Sneekermeer you can enjoy the beach or one of the terraces on the water. Cycle around the lake or rent a sloop or sup and discover the lake and the pools around it.

More about the Frisian lakes
twee zeilers met een rode jas op een zeilbootje tijdens de sneekweek

Canal cruise in Sneek

Sneek is also called a small version of Amsterdam, and if you visit the city centre, you understand why! Around the old town of Sneek runs the city canal. A canal full of history that will be part of the next Elfstedentocht (the famous tour skating event)! As long as it is not yet freezing, you can go on an interesting cruise. The crew will show you the nicest and most charming places of Sneek. The low passage height of the bridges in the old town makes sure it is an adventure. You will even sail under the famous Waterpoort.

Look at all the canal cruises in Sneek

“ I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES IN THE CITY: I JUST LOVE OLD CITIES WITH CANALS, HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND NARROW ALLEYWAYS. ”

Cynthia Schultz, Cynthia.nl

Tourist Information Sneek

At the Tourist Information in Sneek you will always be personally attended by a 'local'. So ask them about everything you want to know about experiences in Southwest Friesland. Also pick up the free inspiration magazine and the inspiration newspaper full of events and stories.

Visit the Tourist Information

The event calendar of Sneek - Discover what to do in Sneek today and tomorrow

The city centre of Sneek on the map

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