Woudsend is a beautiful village in Friesland, located between Heegermeer and Slotermeer. Surrounded by water and filled with charming spots, it is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. Are you adding Woudsend to your boating bucket list? Read more about Woudsend in this blog.
What to do in Woudsend?
There is plenty to do in and around Woudsend. You can wander through beautiful historical streets and alleys. A tip is the Elfstegentocht, a walk of about 2 kilometers through the village where you can learn about its rich history. Additionally, you can visit the oldest Roman Catholic church in Friesland, the Saint Michael Church. In Woudsend, you will also find the 17th-century grain mill ‘t Lam, where various grains are still ground. The flour then goes to local bakers. The mill is open for visits, and in the shop, you can buy special baking mixes to use at home.
Restaurants and Cafés in Woudsend
In the center of Woudsend, you can enjoy yourself in one of the charming restaurants and cafés. For example, visit the atmospheric restaurant ‘t Ponkje, located in a unique location—an old church. “Ponkje” is the Frisian name for the church collection bag, and the interior of the restaurant has been preserved as much as possible with old benches and the pulpit’s sounding board. It’s a lovely spot for a snack or a drink.
Alternatively, enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal at Omke Jan, a cozy meeting place by the water in Woudsend. They prepare their food using local products as much as possible and follow seasonal ingredients, so you’ll always find something new to savor.
Stock up on delicious treats!
During the summer months of July and August, Woudsend hosts a farmers’ market every Thursday. Here, you can purchase fresh local products straight from the countryside, along with other delightful items such as fresh cheese, vegetables, fruits, bread, jam, and honey. If you bring your bike on your boating vacation, there are numerous beautiful cycling routes through the surroundings of Woudsend, along the Frisian lakes or through the diverse landscape.
From Woudsend to Hindeloopen or Sneek
From Woudsend, you can easily sail to the Frisian Venice, Hindeloopen, or reach the iconic Waterpoort of Sneek in no time. Navigate from the beaches of Langweer to the Kameleon village of Terhorne and end your journey in Sneek. This route is perfect for families, filled with children’s activities that make the journey enjoyable for everyone.
Waar leg ik de boot aan in Woudsend?
Vaar je naar Woudsend, dan kan je je boot op verschillende plekken in het dorp aanmeren. Blijf je maar een paar uurtjes, dan kan je aanleggen langs de kade in het centrum. Als deze al vol is, kan je in de naastgelegen jachthaven De Rakken je boot aanmeren. Een grote jachthaven met ruimte voor driehonderd boten. En gelegen naast het centrum van Woudsend. De haven is van alle gemakken, zoals water en elektra voorzien. Blijf je een nachtje? Dan betaal je per nacht liggeld. Iets verder uit het centrum vind je langs de Wellensloot in de oostkant van Woudsend een aantal kleinere jachthavens, hier mag je ook aanleggen. Net voor de Wellebrug kan je brandstof tanken. De Wellebrug zelf is van april tot en met september elke dag tussen 09.00 uur en 20.00 uur geopend.
Where do I moor the boat in Woudsend?
If you sail to Woudsend, you can moor your boat at various places around the village. If you’re staying just a few hours, you can dock along the quay in the center. If it’s already full, you can moor your boat at the adjacent marina “De Rakken.” This is a large marina with space for three hundred boats, located next to the center of Woudsend. The marina is fully equipped with amenities such as water and electricity. Staying overnight? Then you pay overnight mooring fees. Further out from the center, along the Wellensloot on the east side of Woudsend, you’ll find several smaller marinas where you can also dock. Just before the Wellebrug (Welle Bridge), you can refuel. The Wellebrug itself is open every day from April to September, between 09:00 and 20:00.
