By boat to Dokkum, what is there to do?

Sail by boat to Dokkum, a beautiful fortified town in the north of Friesland. Dokkum is known for Boniface, the Eleven Cities Tour, and the Admiral Days. When are you sailing to Dokkum?

Dokkum from the water

When you sail to Dokkum via the Eleven Cities Water, the Dokkumer Ee or the Dokkumer Grootdiep, the bastions are the first thing you see. The fortress was built at the end of the 16th century to protect the city. The outlines of this are still completely intact today and are called the bastions. On the bastions, you will find two windmills, the grain mill ‘De Hoop’ and the grain and hulling mill Zeldenrust. If you stay a little longer in Dokkum, a walk along the bastions is highly recommended.

With a motorboat or sloop, you can sail under the low bridges into the city center. In the middle of Dokkum, you will find the turning point of the Eleven Cities Tour. After getting their stamp, the skaters turn around here to head back to Leeuwarden. On both sides of the quay, there are “the skaters’ benches.” These are benches in the shape of Frisian skaters, wooden skates. The tip of these skaters indicates the direction of the skaters.

Docking in Dokkum

In Dokkum, you can dock your boat in many different places. On the outside of the bastion, there are many spots to moor. You can also connect your boat to the shore power here. In the city center, you can also dock your boat at the quay. From here, you can easily walk into the city.

Facilities

Near the Woudpoort Bridge, Altena Bridge, and Lutjebleek, there are modern toilet buildings. Trash is collected in the evening and in the morning. You can place it next to the boat or in the gangway.

Bridge times Dokkum

• April to October 7:00 to 9:00 AM for commercial shipping by request at Provinsje Fryslân before 4:00 PM.
• April, May, June, September, and October from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• May and September from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM for all shipping by request at Provinsje Fryslân before 4:00 PM.
• June, July, and August from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• June, July, and August from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM for all shipping by request at Provinsje Fryslân before 4:00 PM.

What is there to do in Dokkum Center?

In Dokkum, there is plenty to see, do, eat, and experience. We are happy to give you some tips to make your visit to Dokkum even more enjoyable.

What is there to see in Dokkum?

Take a city walk through Dokkum; during this walk, the following hotspots should not be missed.

• Check out the ice fountain in the Market. All eleven cities received a fountain as a gift from the 11fountains project. The fountain in Dokkum was designed by Birthe Leemijer.
• Walk along the bastions. In 1581, William of Orange commissioned the construction of a hexagonal fortification. Six protruding defensive works, a moat 24 meters wide, and ramparts over five meters high were to protect Dokkum from the enemy. Fortunately, there was no attack, and the bastions are still in perfect condition.
• Visit the Boniface Chapel. Boniface was murdered near Dokkum in 754. In tribute to Boniface, the Boniface Chapel was built in 1934. In front of this chapel lies a water spring that is said to have healing properties.

Shopping in Dokkum

In the historic city center of Dokkum, you will find many charming shops. Definitely worth discovering.

Eating and drinking in Dokkum

In Dokkum, you will find many nice cafés and restaurants. On this website, you will find an overview of all dining options in Dokkum. Which one will you choose?

The Admiral Days

The Admiral Days is a family festival for everyone from Dokkum and the surrounding areas, enjoying maritime shows and activities on and around the water. The festival lasts four days. In the evenings, there are live performances by well-known artists, and during the day, there is also plenty to do. The next Admiral Days will take place on September 7, 8, 9, and 10, 2023.

Boat rental in Dokkum

Are you excited to visit Dokkum after reading this article? With us, you can rent a motorboat, flat-bottom boat, or sloop to go sailing. With our motorboats, you can sail all over Friesland. Book a weekend in Dokkum or sail the Eleven Cities Tour in 11 days.

Which boat will you take to Dokkum?