Leeuwarden is the capital of the province of Friesland and the largest of the Eleven Cities. There’s always something to do in the city year-round. We’ll take you to Leeuwarden and provide you with tips for activities, tell you where to moor your boat, and which bridges to consider. Are you coming along to Leeuwarden?
Sailing to Leeuwarden
Leeuwarden is located in the middle of Friesland. From Lunegat Marina, follow the Dokkumer Diep, sail through Dokkum, and follow the Dokkumer Ee into the heart of Leeuwarden. From the Princess Margriet Canal or from Harlingen, follow the Van Harinxmakanaal to the city.
The Harbor of Leeuwarden
The most beautiful harbor in Leeuwarden is the city harbor around the Prinsentuin. Here, you moor your boat in a park right in the city center. This harbor is considered one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands, making it a must-visit on your boating vacation!
Harbor Fees and Water Tourist Tax
Once you’ve moored your boat, you can check in at the harbor office from 2:00 PM, or wait for the harbor master to visit you. The harbor master makes several rounds and will be happy to meet you at your boat.
The costs for electricity, water, and sanitary facilities are included in the harbor fee. If you want to use the shower and toilet, you will receive an access code for the sanitary building.
The mooring fee in the harbor of Leeuwarden is €1.82 per meter. You can only pay with a debit or credit card. After payment, you will receive a receipt with all important information, which you should display visibly on board.
Opening Hours of the Harbor Office
- April 1 to June 1: 08:00 – 10:00 and 14:00 – 19:00
- June 1 to September 1: 08:00 – 11:00 and 14:00 – 20:00
- September 1 to November 1: 08:00 – 10:00 and 14:00 – 19:00
Would you like to come along to Leeuwarden?
What to Do in Leeuwarden?
Visit the Fries Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and art of Friesland.
Take a Walk Through the Historic Center: Leeuwarden has a rich past, evident in the beautiful historic buildings and monuments throughout the city.
Visit the Friday Market: Every Friday, there is a large market with stalls offering delicious food, fresh vegetables and fruits, and various other products.
Take a Boat Tour Through the Canals of Leeuwarden: This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Try the Local Cuisine: Friesland has a rich culinary heritage, and Leeuwarden is the perfect place to discover it. Try Frisian clove cheese, Frisian stamppot, or a Frisian beer.
Want more tips? Check out the Visit Leeuwarden website. They have a special page for discovering Leeuwarden in 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Bridges in Leeuwarden
To secure a coveted spot in one of Leeuwarden’s beautiful harbors, you’ll need to navigate several bridges. Here are the key bridges in the (inner) city and their opening times:
Key Bridges on the Route Between Dokkum and Leeuwarden:
- Slauerhoffbrug
- Hermesbrug
- Verlaatsbrug
- Vrouwenpoortbrug
- Noorderbrug
- Eebrug
Opening Times:
Period: June 1st to August 31st
- Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 16:00 and 18:00 – 20:00
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays: 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:15, and 17:15 – 20:00
Period: April 1st to May 31st and September 1st to October 31st
- Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 16:00 and 18:00 – 19:00
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays: 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:15, and 17:15 – 19:15
Period: November 1st to March 31st
- Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 16:00
- Saturdays: 09:00 – 17:00 (on-call)
- Sundays and Public Holidays: No service
Boat Rental in Leeuwarden
Are you planning to sail to Leeuwarden this summer and explore Friesland from the water? Embark on a boating holiday and rent a boat from Varen met Sil. Choose a classic motorboat, perfect for exploring all of Friesland. These boats have at least two fixed berths, a kitchenette, and a toilet. Interested? Check out our motorboats.
No sailing experience yet? No problem! We provide instructions and sailing lessons to ensure you set off on the water relaxed. When will we see you at Jachthaven Lunegat?
