Eleven Cities of Friesland by bike and boat
The Elfstedentocht is the Netherlands' most famous route: a loop of roughly 200 kilometres linking the eleven towns that hold historic city rights in Friesland. It began as an ice-skating race over frozen canals. On this trip you ride it in summer, by bicycle, in eight unhurried days.
Ship Josefien sails with you. While you cycle from one city to the next, she moves ahead and is moored in the harbour when you arrive. Dinner is served on board, your cabin is the same every night, and your luggage never leaves the ship.
Every day there is a choice of routes. The shortest follows the main roads; the scenic version runs through meadows, over shell paths and along dikes where you share the way with sheep. If you would rather rest for a day, you stay on board and watch Friesland from the water. Josefien often makes stops along the way, so a day can also be shortened.
The itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Leeuwarden
Board Ship Josefien in the Frisian capital, settle into your cabin and meet the other guests over dinner.
- 2
Day 2: Leeuwarden – Bolsward – Sneek
Cycling about 40 km
Cycle via Bolsward to Sneek, where Josefien waits in the town centre. During Sneekweek she moors at a different spot.
- 3
Day 3: Sneek – IJlst – Sloten
Cycling about 25 km
A short day through IJlst to the tiny fortified town of Sloten.
- 4
Day 4: Sloten – Stavoren
Cycling about 25 km
Ride past Laaxum, the smallest harbour in Friesland, to historic Stavoren on the IJsselmeer.
- 5
Day 5: Stavoren – Hindeloopen – Workum or Makkum
Cycling about 20 km
Along the coast through picturesque Hindeloopen to Workum.
- 6
Day 6: Workum or Makkum – Harlingen – Franeker
Cycling about 25 km
Through the harbour town of Harlingen to historic Franeker.
- 7
Day 7: Franeker – Dokkum
Cycling about 40 km
Across the open Frisian landscape to Dokkum, the most northerly of the eleven cities.
- 8
Day 8: Dokkum – Leeuwarden
Cycling about 40 km
The final stage closes the loop in Leeuwarden, where you say goodbye to ship and crew.
Departures
- 24 – 31 May 2027€1,460 p.p.
- 2 – 9 June 2027€1,460 p.p.
- 2 – 9 July 2027€1,460 p.p.
Prices are per person in a double cabin. E-bike rental: €140 for the week. Availability is confirmed by Ship Josefien when you enquire.
Check availability on schipjosefien.nl →What's included
- Double cabin with private shower and toilet
- Made-up beds, towels, shampoo and soap
- Breakfast and a packed lunch for the road
- Three-course dinner on board (on most routes one evening is left free to eat ashore)
- Touring bicycle with gears, pannier, helmet, safety vest and phone holder
- Cycling routes on paper and on your phone
- Unlimited coffee, tea and chilled water on board
About this route
- How far do you cycle each day on the Eleven Cities tour?
- Between about 20 and 40 kilometres a day: 40 km on the first, sixth and seventh cycling days, and 20 to 25 km on the days in between. The terrain is flat. E-bikes can be rented for €140 for the week.
- Where does the Eleven Cities bike and boat tour start and end?
- In Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland. You board Ship Josefien there on day one and return there on day eight.
- Can I skip a cycling day?
- Yes. You can stay on board and sail to the next city with the ship. Josefien often makes stops on the way, so you can also join for part of the day and shorten the ride.
- What does the Eleven Cities tour cost in 2027?
- From €1,460 per person for the 8-day trip, based on a double cabin with private shower and toilet. Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, the bicycle and the cycling routes are included.