The Northern Provinces: Lauwersmeer, Groningen and a night at anchor
The Northern Tour is the quietest of Josefien's routes. It suits nature and bird lovers who also enjoy a cultural outing, cyclists and walkers, and guests who simply want to stay on board and watch the landscape pass.
From Leeuwarden the ship follows the narrow, winding Dokkumer Ee to Dokkum and on into Lauwersmeer National Park, a former sea inlet that has been closed off by a dike since the 1960s and is now one of the best bird-watching areas in the country. Beyond it lie the fishing village of Zoutkamp, the old trade route of the Reitdiep and the city of Groningen, where Josefien moors right in the centre.
The last night is spent at anchor on the Burgumermeer, away from any quay. The crew hangs out the swimming ladder, and the next morning the ship lifts anchor during breakfast.
The itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Leeuwarden
The journey starts in the centre of Leeuwarden, capital of Friesland. On board you meet your fellow travellers.
- 2
Day 2: Dokkum
After breakfast you get on the bike or stay on board as Josefien follows the narrow, winding Dokkumer Ee to Dokkum.
- 3
Day 3: Lauwersmeer
Lauwersmeer National Park is a former sea inlet, safe behind a dike since the 1960s. Rare birds can be seen from the hides. Depending on the weather you spend the night at a quay or beside a small island in the middle of the lake.
- 4
Day 4: Zoutkamp
A picturesque fishing village on the edge of the Lauwersmeer. Have fish at the harbour; the ship lies at a historic wooden jetty beside the lookout tower.
- 5
Day 5: Garnwerd
Between Zoutkamp and Groningen winds the Reitdiep, a former trade route. Halfway lies the well-preserved old village of Garnwerd, where Josefien spends the night.
- 6
Day 6: Groningen
A lively city with museums, markets, terraces and shops. Josefien moors in the middle of town.
- 7
Day 7: Burgum and the Burgumermeer
Back through the quiet countryside of Groningen and Friesland. In Burgum you board again and the ship sails onto the Burgumermeer for a night at anchor.
- 8
Day 8: Leeuwarden
Josefien lifts anchor during breakfast and sails back to Leeuwarden, where the trip ends.
Departures
Dates for the coming season have not been published yet. Ask Ship Josefien for the next departure of this route.
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
- Who is the Northern Provinces tour best suited to?
- Nature and bird lovers, cyclists and walkers, and guests who like to stay on board and see the landscape from the water. It combines Lauwersmeer National Park and small villages with a full day in the city of Groningen.
- Do you really spend a night at anchor?
- Yes. On day seven Ship Josefien sails onto the Burgumermeer and anchors there for the night instead of mooring at a quay. The crew puts out the swimming ladder.
- Do I have to cycle every day?
- No. Each day you choose between cycling and staying on board while the ship sails to the next stop.
- When does the Northern Provinces tour run?
- In 2026 it ran from 25 August to 1 September. Dates for 2027 have not been published yet; ask Ship Josefien for the next departure.