Middelseerûte | Sailing route
The historic tow canal between Leeuwarden and Sneek used to be an important sailing connection. In 2005, the upgraded Middelseerûte was reopened, as part of the Frisian Lakes Project.
Now this sailing route - for motor yachts, sloops and sailboats with a good ironing mast - is a good alternative to the busy Prinses Margrietkanaal,
The Middelseerûte takes its name from the former Middelzee: it was a branch of the Wadden Sea that split Friesland in two until the year 1300. Characteristic are the mounds along the banks of the old sea, where the Frisians lived back then. The Middelseerûte takes you past many of these authentic mound villages, such as Boazum, Easterwierrum, Iens and Raerd. But the Elfsteden towns Sneek, Leeuwarden, Franeker, Bolsward and IJlst are also on the programme,
Renting a boat in Friesland
Don't…
The historic tow canal between Leeuwarden and Sneek used to be an important sailing connection. In 2005, the upgraded Middelseerûte was reopened, as part of the Frisian Lakes Project.
Now this sailing route - for motor yachts, sloops and sailboats with a good ironing mast - is a good alternative to the busy Prinses Margrietkanaal,
The Middelseerûte takes its name from the former Middelzee: it was a branch of the Wadden Sea that split Friesland in two until the year 1300. Characteristic are the mounds along the banks of the old sea, where the Frisians lived back then. The Middelseerûte takes you past many of these authentic mound villages, such as Boazum, Easterwierrum, Iens and Raerd. But the Elfsteden towns Sneek, Leeuwarden, Franeker, Bolsward and IJlst are also on the programme,
Renting a boat in Friesland
Don't have your own sailboat, motor yacht or sloop? You can easily rent one in Friesland. After proper instruction from the rental company, you can sail a boat of up to 15 metres in length in Friesland even without a licence.
Duration of the sailing route
This multi-day route is about 130 kilometres long in total (you can take a few side branches to shorten the route). Sailing at an average of 6 kilometres per hour, you'll be cruising for about 22 hours for a complete trip. Stay in several villages and towns along the way for a lovely week's break!
Bridges in Friesland
On this route, you'll encounter a number of bridges. Quite a few can be operated and fixed bridges are at least 2.50 metres high.
Sustainable sailing
Refuelling? Choose blue diesel. Or take an electric boat out. Something tasty for on the way? Fine, but make sure empty packaging does not blow overboard. And do you come across litter on the way? Then take it on board. Read more about sustainable water sports in Friesland.
Mooring a boat in Friesland
The villages along the Middelseerûte are easily accessible thanks to the many mooring facilities. Choose a cosy marina, where all facilities are available. In addition, there are free Marrekrite mooring places along the way. Moor, for example, in De Swette or enjoy the sunset at a jetty in the Easthimmer Mar.
Fairway information
The fairway classification is largely DM on this route. This means that this waterway is accessible for boats with a maximum creep height of 2.40 m and a draught of 1.30 m. The stretch between Bolsward and Sneek is CZM, which also allows larger boats with a draught of up to 1.7 m and a height of 3 m.
Sights on this route
Starting point
8605 DL Sneek
Navigate to starting point
Loënga Bell Tower
The bell tower in the village of Loënga rises high above the graveyard and has a saddle roof. The bell is rung at 12:00 and 16:00 every day except Sunday.
The Swette
The Swette was dug as a drainage and boundary ditch between the regions of Oostergo and Westergo after the Middelzee had silted up.
Leeuwarden (Ljouwert)
Leeuwarden, or Ljouwert as we say in Friesland, is buzzing. From tourists and students to locals. From unforgettable adventures to wandering through cozy little streets.
Dome church Berlikum
Koepelkerk in Berltsum, both the church and the organ are national monuments.
Professor Loréstraat aan de Dongjumervaart, vlakbij het Elfstedenbruggetje
Professor Loréstraat
8801 EN Franeker
Franeker (Frjentsjer)
The Elfsteden city Franeker is a captivating town with its rich university history. For many years, this city was home to numerous students, including well-known names such as Descartes.
Museum Martena
At Museum Martena, the past comes to life. Step into the lives of former residents, well-known people from Franeker, learned women such as Anna Maria van Schurman and the historic University of Franeker. You are invited to look, touch, smell, listen and even taste.
Wommels
Wommels is a mound village located in the heart of the Greidhoek. Every year, the Freulepartij is played in Wommels, which is a highlight on the village's calendar.
Museum It Tsiispakhûs
The village of Wommels has a rich history in the field of butter-but even more so in the cheese trade. The many still clearly recognisable cheese merchant houses in Wommels are a reminder of that time, which lasted from ca. 1880 to 1910.
Path along the Bolswardertrekvaart (Bolsward Canal).
A beautiful walking and cycling path along the tow canal of the Bolsward to Leeuwarden canal, near Burgwerd. The path is also referred to as a towpath.
Path along the Bolswardertrekvaart (Bolsward Canal).
Path along the Bolswardertrekvaart (Bolsward Canal).
Trekpad
Burgwerd
Bolsward (Boalsert)
Bolsward, or Boalsert as we say in Friesland, is the city where history and architecture play a leading role. Let yourself be carried away by the rich history of this eleven cities city.
Museum De Tiid
Museum De Tiid, the House of Stories, is located in the former town hall of Bolsward and presents the fascinating history of Southwest Friesland.
Museum De Tiid
Museum De Tiid
Onderdeel van Cultuur Historisch Centrum De Tiid
Jongemastraat 2
8701 JD Bolsward
IJlst (Drylts)
IJlst (or Drylts in Frisian) is not only one of the famous 11 cities, but also a 'wood city'. For many years, tree trunks were processed here by the legendary wood trading companies Oppedijk and S.O. de Vries.
Museum en Werkplaats Houtstad IJlst
Experience the history of IJlst during an active visit to: Museum and workshop Houtstad IJlst. IJlst has been connected with wood for many centuries.
Sneek (Snits)
Sneek, or Snits as we say in Friesland, is the water sports city of the Netherlands. But Sneek is more than water sports and the Sneekweek. The city is bustling with events, culture, unique hotspots, and nice shops.
Water Gate Sneek
The Waterpoort in Sneek is a water gate, a gate in a defensive wall that connects a city to a waterway. In the 15th and 16th century, a defensive wall had been built around Sneek.
Marina and Camping de Domp
Marina and Camping De Domp is open year-round and features a city campsite nestled in greenery and a (transit) marina on the banks of the Oudvaart canal with an open connection to the Sneekermeer lake and the Middelsee route to Leeuwarden.
Marina and Camping de Domp
Marina and Camping de Domp
Jachthaven en Camping De Domp
Jachthaven de Domp 4
8605 CP Sneek