By boat to the Frisian capital Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden is the capital of the province of Friesland and the largest city in the Eleven Cities. There is always something to do in the city throughout the year. We will take you to Leeuwarden and give you tips for activities, tell you where to dock your boat, and which bridges to consider. Are you joining us to Leeuwarden?

Sailing to Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden is located in the middle of Friesland. From marina Lunegat, follow the Dokkumer Diep, sail through Dokkum, and follow the Dokkumer Ee to the city center of Leeuwarden. From the Princess Margriet Canal or from Harlingen, follow the Van Harinxma Canal to the city.

The Port of Leeuwarden

The most beautiful harbor in Leeuwarden is the city harbor around the Prinsentuin. You dock here in a park right in the city center. The harbor is considered one of the most beautiful harbors in the Netherlands, so it must not be missed during your sailing holiday!

Harbor fees and water tourist tax

Once you have docked your boat, you can check in at the harbor office from 2:00 PM, or you can wait for the harbor master to come by. The harbor master makes various rounds and is happy to meet you at your boat.

The costs for electricity, water, and sanitary facilities are included in the harbor fees. When you want to use the shower and toilet, you will receive an access code for the sanitary building.

The docking fee in the harbor of Leeuwarden is €1.82 per meter. In this harbor, you can only pay with your debit card or credit card. After payment, you will receive a receipt with all important information. This receipt should be displayed visibly on board.

Opening hours of the harbor office

• From April 1 to June 1 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• From June 1 to September 1 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• From September 1 to November 1 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

What can you do in Leeuwarden?

1. Visit the Fries Museum: this museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and art of Friesland.
2. Take a walk through the historic center: Leeuwarden has a rich past, which is evident in the beautiful historical buildings and monuments found throughout the city.
3. Visit the Friday Market: every Friday there is a large market with various stalls offering delicious food, fresh vegetables and fruits, and many other products.
4. Take a boat trip through the canals of Leeuwarden: this way you can view the city from a different perspective.
5. Try the local cuisine: Friesland has a rich culinary heritage, and Leeuwarden is the perfect place to discover it. For example, try Frisian nagelkaas, Frisian stamppot, or a Frisian beer.

Want more tips? Then check out the website of Visit Leeuwarden. They have a special page to explore Leeuwarden in 24, 48, or 72 hours.

Bridges in Leeuwarden

To secure a coveted spot in one of the beautiful harbors of Leeuwarden, you cannot avoid bridges. There are several in the (inner) city.

The Slauerhoff Bridge – Hermes Bridge – Verlaats Bridge – Vrouwenpoort Bridge – Noorder Bridge and the Eebrug are on the route between Dokkum and Leeuwarden. These bridges have the following opening hours.

Period June 1 to August 31

Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM operation

Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, from 1:00 PM to 4:15 PM, and from 5:15 PM to 8:00 PM operation.

Period April 1 to May 31 and September 1 to October 31

Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM operation

Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, from 1:00 PM to 4:15 PM, and from 5:15 PM to 7:15 PM operation.

Period November 1 to March 31

Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on request

Sunday and holidays no operation

Boat rental Leeuwarden

Are you sailing to Leeuwarden this summer and discovering Friesland from the water? Go on a sailing holiday and rent a boat from Varen met Sil. Choose a classic motorboat, with which you can sail throughout Friesland. These boats have at least two fixed sleeping places, a kitchenette, and a toilet. Are you curious? Then take a look at our motorboats.

Do you have no sailing experience yet? No problem, we provide you with instructions and sailing lessons and ensure that you head out onto the water relaxed. When will we see you at Marina Lunegat?

Our motorboats