Check out the beautiful boating routes here that take you past the hotspots in and around Leeuwarden, the stunning capital of Friesland. Cruise along the historic canals surrounding the city center or take a loop through downtown. Renting a boat for a longer period? Then you can explore the area around Leeuwarden via the Emmakade and the Bonkevaart.
Boating Routes in Downtown Leeuwarden and Blokhuispoort
(Please note! You are responsible for returning on time. The next renter often leaves immediately after you. So keep a close eye on the time!)
Downtown:
For short reservations (2 hours), we recommend staying in the city. For example, take a route through the canals around the city center or cruise through the historic district. You’ll pass the iconic Apotheek in the historic city center or cruise past one of the other historic buildings. (Leeuwarden has 617 national monuments!) Cruise through the Lange Pijp and past the Mata Hari statue and De Waag restaurant.
Be sure to check out the Blokhuispoort as well. This is a cultural business center located in the lively heart of Leeuwarden. Where prisoners once were held, the creative minds behind the companies based here now work. From the Blokhuispoort, you can easily sail into the city center.
Pot margin:
Right next to the boarding location in the city center is the city beach, where you can rent SUPs and canoes. Paddle downstream from here and you’ll arrive at a unique, water-rich nature reserve along the Potmarge River. An oasis of tranquility and water. This route takes about 1.5 hours.
In 2018, this area will be developed as a tourist attraction. It will feature creative hubs, a water bar, willow art, and graffiti art—all designed to enhance the experience of the area and the water. The Potmarge Oasis is a unique collaborative project involving educational institutions, artists, neighborhood residents, Proeftuin Leeuwarden, the Convenant Groen Verbonden, and other sustainability projects.
Below are some great boating routes in and around Leeuwarden. Click on the menu in the upper-left corner of the map for more information.
Please note: There are several low bridges in Leeuwarden. Approach the bridge slowly so you can lower your boat in time and sufficiently.
Leeuwarden City Center and Blokhuispoort
Tip: There’s plenty to see in Leeuwarden’s historic center. Take a boat ride around the center along the city canals, or cruise through the center past the many historic buildings. The Blokhuispoort is a cultural business center located in the lively heart of Leeuwarden. Where prisoners once were held, creative minds now work behind the companies based here. From the Blokhuispoort, you can easily sail into the city center.
Oase Pot Margin
Tip: Right in the heart of Leeuwarden lies a unique, water-rich nature reserve along the Potmarge River—an oasis of tranquility and water. In 2018, this area will be developed as a tourist attraction. It will feature nesting sites, a water bar, willow art, and graffiti art—all designed to enhance the experience of the area and the water. The Potmarge Oasis is a unique collaborative project involving educational institutions, artists, local residents, Proeftuin Leeuwarden, the Convenant Groen Verbonden, and other sustainability initiatives. more information