Section 4: Dokkum - Sneek | Eleven Cities Bicycle Route
From the north to the centre. From Dokkum you cycle down to the capital city of Leeuwarden and from there to Sneek, the midpoint of the route.
There are usually headwinds along this section of the route. But don’t let that spoil it for you! Today you get to discover all kinds of lovely little places. You cycle down to Leeuwarden along the Dokkumer Ee canal. On your way through Bartlehiem you pass the famous little bridge. In Burdaard you pass the statue of Maarten van der Weijden, who swam the entire length of the Elfstedentocht for charity, and at Gytsjerk you get to see the ‘It Sil Heve’ tile bridge.
The last time skaters started …
From the north to the centre. From Dokkum you cycle down to the capital city of Leeuwarden and from there to Sneek, the midpoint of the route.
There are usually headwinds along this section of the route. But don’t let that spoil it for you! Today you get to discover all kinds of lovely little places. You cycle down to Leeuwarden along the Dokkumer Ee canal. On your way through Bartlehiem you pass the famous little bridge. In Burdaard you pass the statue of Maarten van der Weijden, who swam the entire length of the Elfstedentocht for charity, and at Gytsjerk you get to see the ‘It Sil Heve’ tile bridge.
The last time skaters started and finished the Elfstedentocht in Leeuwarden was in 1997. We all hope that one day there will be another Elfstedentocht! But even if it is not cold enough to skate, there is always plenty to see in the historic centre of Leeuwarden.
Then time to head back to Sneek along the Zwette canal. This stretch leads you through some charming little villages. Be sure to take in the panoramic views.
Along the way you will see the new signs for the Elfstedentocht bicycle route. If you are cycling the route in the clockwise direction, follow the green signs. If you are cycling the route in the anticlockwise direction, follow the blue signs.
If all goes according to plan, at the end of this section of the route congratulations are in order. You have completed the circuit of Friesland’s eleven cities!
Sights on this route
Dokkum (Dokkum)
Dokkum is de meest noordelijk gelegen Elfstedenstad, ze ontstond nadat deze plek een bedevaartsoord werd na de moord op Bonifatius in 754.
Elfstedentocht Turning Point
Sit on a bench shaped like a traditional Frisian ice skate next to the famous turning point on the Elfstedentocht route. This is one of Dokkum’s most popular Instagram hotspots!
11Fountains Dokkum
The Ice Fountain is a toy for the elements and no two days are the same. The ice draws patterns on the copper surface layer of the sculpture.
Kunstwerk Maarten van der Weijden
Kunstwerk van Maarten van der Weijden die in 2018 zijn Elfstedenzwemtocht moest opgeven in Burdaard.
Bartlehiem Bridge - Elfstedentocht
The famous little wooden bridge on the Elfstedentocht route!
Elfstedenmonument Tegeltjesbrug Gytsjerk
Over het riviertje De Murk bij Gytsjerk vind je de bekende Tegeltjesbrug, hét Elfstedenmonument van Friesland.
Bonkevaart - Elfstedentocht Finish Line
Whether you experience it standing on the ice, on the bank, or from the water, this historic stretch of water is a must-visit!
Leeuwarden (Ljouwert)
Leeuwarden, or Ljouwert as we say in Friesland, is buzzing. From tourists and students to locals. From unforgettable adventures to wandering through cozy little streets.
11Fountains Leeuwarden
Love’ consists of two 7 meter high, white sculptures of a boy and a girl. They seem to be looking at each other, but their eyes are closed.
Sneek (Snits)
Sneek, or Snits as we say in Friesland, is the water sports city of the Netherlands. But Sneek is more than water sports and the Sneekweek. The city is bustling with events, culture, unique hotspots, and nice shops.
11Fountains Sneek
A man with a Horn of Plenty stands on a golden ball in the middle of the water.
Directions
Bebording:
Onderweg volg je de Elfstedenroute bordjes. De groene bordjes zijn voor de route met de klok mee (zoals de route op deze website is aangegeven). De blauwe bordjes zijn voor de route tegen de klok in.
Openbaar vervoer:
Kom je met het OV naar Friesland? In Dokkum stopt de Arriva bus. En in Sneek de Arriva trein. Je fiets mag mee in de trein (koop wel een speciaal ticket hiervoor).
Horeca onderweg:
Klik op de rode knoppen bij de plaatsnamen in de lijst onder 'dit ga je zien' om een logeeradres of restaurant voor onderweg te vinden.
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