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Stavoren, city on the IJsselmeer shores

  • Stavoren

    Starum

    stavoren haven gekleurde huizen

  • Stavoren

    Starum

    zonondergang bij stavoren

Discover Elfstedenstad Stavoren and its surroundings

Stavoren (or Starum as we say in Friesland) is very much the main city of the IJsselmeer, being enclosed by the lake on three sides. It is also the oldest city of Friesland, founded around 300 BC at a waterway, and gaining city rights in the 11th century. On sailing into Stavoren harbour, you'll be immediately welcomed by the Lady of Stavoren. This water sports city has much more to offer. Walk down to the fishing port, enjoy the views from the dike, sample some fish at the fountain, take a dip in the lake and enjoy the warmth of the sun on the beach or at one of the pavement cafés. During the summer season, you can make a lovely trip on the ferry between Enkhuizen and Stavoren. Discover more about Stavoren below and where to go in the Stavoren area for the most beautiful routes, nature reserves and surrounding villages. Are you also coming to discover Stavoren?

Book an overnight stay in the Stavoren area

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An overview of all addresses in Stavoren

Discover the 7 treasures of Stavoren

  • Visit the Lady of Stavoren in the old harbour. She scans the horizon, yearning for ships bringing valuable goods. Her pride is her own downfall, and she takes Stavoren down with her. Check out her story and take a moment. Would you be humble enough?

    Visit the Lady and read her story
    vrouwtje van stavoren

  • Experience the atmosphere of trade, fishing and recreational sailing. Stavoren is uniquely situated, as it is surrounded by the IJsselmeer lake on three sides. That makes for cosy and extremely photogenic locations such as the old sea lock dating from 1576, the fishing harbour, colourful little houses that remind you of Copenhagen, and the aesthetically designed harbour lights. Don't forget your camera!

    Visit Stavoren harbour
    zonsondergang bij de havenmond van stavoren

  • At the head of the harbour, near the old lock, 'The Lady of Stavoren' peers out over the waters of the IJsselmeer lake, the Zuiderzee in those days, awaiting her ships. Opposite it is a new cultural icon: The Fish. Three metres tall and eight metres long, it spouts water from its top and bottom jaws and invites children to brave the splashes. This fountain is part of the 11Fountains project of Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018 and was designed by the American artist Mark Dion.

    Visit the fountain
    visfontein in stavoren van de zeikant gefotografeerd

  • Here the time line of the famous Stavoren stories is brought to life. Why was Stavoren a target for the Vikings? And how about the trading relationship with Hamburg? Or read more about the story of the emergency landing of the Halifax V during the Second World War, on the IJsselmeer lake just south of Stavoren.

    Visit the museum
    Een kamer van het museum 't Ponthús in Stavoren

  • Before construction of the Afsluitdijk, the ferry between Enkhuizen in Noord-Holland and Stavoren was a very important connection. You arrived in Stavoren by train, switched to the ferry, crossed the Zuiderzee (now IJsselmeer) and continued your journey by train from Enkhuizen. The steam-powered ferry moored further up in the Spoorhaven railway port. It was used to transport freight and livestock. Loaded rail carriages were pulled onto the ferry via a bridge with rails on it.  The remnants of this dock were renovated in 2015, and are now a permanent monument in the railway port of Stavoren.

    Visit the ferry gap
    pontgat stavoren

  • After 1525, Friesland became part of the kingdom of Charles V, who had a large fortress built at Stavoren harbour in order to keep the Frisian people under control. A blokhuis is an old Dutch term for a military stronghold with a strategic location to guard an entrance route, in this case Stavoren harbour. This fortress was in place until around 1580. It was then gradually dismantled, and the stones incorporated in the city walls.

    During excavations in 1996, parts of the walls and towers were found, along with many cannonballs. A new representation of the stronghold has since been built on the location of the old foundations: a large artwork of steel, concrete and glass.

    Visit the blokhuis
    stavoren blokhuis

  • The locks and bridge built in 1966 connect the IJsselmeer lake and the Johan Friso canal. Over the years, the wait had been increasing up to two hours at times, and the capacity has therefore since been increased. King Willem-Alexander opened the second lock alongside the original lock on 8 May 2014. This new lock chamber is no less than 65 m long, and has all kinds of innovative features.

    Visit the lock
    Johan Frisosluis in Stavoren

What you really shouldn't miss in Stavoren

Sights in Stavoren

If you wonder whether Stavoren is fun to visit? Then we can only answer you with a resounding yes. There are many things to see, do and experience in Stavoren. Because the city is located on the IJsselmeer, you will find a kitesurfing spot and various beaches here, so there are plenty of water sports options! And of course a breathtaking view. You can also take a boat trip or even a day trip to Enkhuizen by ferry. You will certainly indulge your cultural heart during a visit to Museum 't Ponthús and the center of Stavoren.

rondvaartboot simmermoarn in stavoren

The lady's story

The story of the Lady of Stavoren is all about the famous expression that pride comes before a fall. The lady was a wealthy merchant's widow, but dissatisfied with her fate. She asked a boat's captain to find the world's most treasured item and bring it back for her. He brought her costly grain but the Lady was furious. Was that really the most treasured item he could find? Ignoring the advice of a passer-by, who predicted that she would fall into poverty, she had all the grain thrown into the sea. To emphasise her point even further, she also threw her golden ring into the sea, saying: 'Just like this ring will never be found again, so too will I never fall into poverty'. But the impossible happened. One of the servants retrieved her golden ring from the stomach of a fish. From that moment on, her fate changed and she was to end her days in great poverty.

Read more about the Lady's story
foto van het vrouwtje van stavoren tegen het zonlicht in

The bend of Molkwar

De Bend of Molkwar is a nature reserve managed by it Fryske Gea. The area is 271 hectares in size and extends from Stavoren to the north, to Molkwerum. The Bend of Molkwar is a true paradise for birds and birdwatchers. From bird hide De Swan you can see the influence of the wind that enters the country from the IJsselmeer.

More information
allemaal zwanen die in een plas water staan met op de achtergrond het ijsselmeer

The blokhuis

The Blokhuis is a special work of art on the IJsselmeer. It depicts the old fortification that stood in Stavoren until about 1580. On those old foundations, which are still visible, this imposing work of art arose in 2019.

Read more about the Blokhuis

Skûtsjesilen

Every year in July and August, the tradition of skûtsjesilen takes place on the Frisian lakes. The big battle at the SKS is about the championship. That goes to the skipper and his crew who have sailed as few points as possible. The competitions are held on several days and locations. One of the locations is at Stavoren on the IJsselmeer. You have a first-class seat on the Stavoren dike.

Read more about the Skûtsjesilen
toeschouwers van het skûtsjesilen zitten langs het water

“ AND THEN, ONCE THE SAIL STOPS FLAPPING ... SILENCE. SIMPLY THE SOUND OF WATER RIPPLING PAST THE BOWS AND A SEAGULL CRYING OUT, NOTHING ELSE. TIME TO ENJOY THE PANORAMA. ”

Max Vandaag

VVV Stavoren

At the Tourist Information in IJlst 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
VVV Inspiratiewinkel Stavoren

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

The city centre of Stavoren on the map

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