Friesland has more than twenty lakes, all connected by canals, waterways, and ditches. Together, they form the largest continuous inland water network in the Netherlands. Each lake has its own character—from wide and open to calm and sheltered. Some lakes are ideal for beginners, while others require a bit more experience.
This overview helps you choose which lakes to include in your route. For each lake, you’ll learn what makes it special, what to expect, and what to watch out for.
Sneekermeer
Sneekermeer is the most well-known lake in Friesland and for many boaters the first experience with open water. From Terherne, you can reach the lake within minutes. It is large, easy to navigate, and well marked with buoys, offering plenty of space to maneuver. For beginners, it is ideal to get used to boating on open water.
On the southern side lies the island Starteiland. This is a popular place to moor. You can dock here and continue by bike or ferry to Sneek. Sneek is the watersports capital of Friesland and is known for the Sneekweek in early August. During that week, the lake is very lively. Outside that period, it is much calmer.
Outside the marked channels, the lake is relatively shallow. Stay within the buoys if you are not sure about your boat’s draft.
Tjeukemeer
Tjeukemeer is the largest inland lake in Friesland. You will notice that immediately when you enter it. There is a lot of space and wide views in every direction. In good weather it is beautiful, but in strong winds it can quickly become rough. Beginners are advised to cross this lake only in calm conditions.
In the middle of the lake lies the uninhabited island Marchjepôlle. A special place where you can moor for lunch or even stay overnight. Here, you are truly surrounded by nature.
Tjeukemeer connects the western lake area with Lemmer and the Turf Route. Lemmer is a lively town with a beach, a beach club, and the famous Woudagemaal.
Heegermeer
Heegermeer is smaller than Sneekermeer or Tjeukemeer, but it offers a lot of variety. Several islands are located in the lake where you can moor. Rakkenpôlle has a small beach where you can easily dock and swim. Langehoekspôlle is a free mooring spot where overnight stays are allowed.
On the southern side of the lake, there is a designated high-speed zone marked by yellow buoys. This area is not relevant for most rental boats.
The village of Heeg lies directly on the lake. You can dock at the Heegerwal guest harbor. Heeg is historically known for eel fishing and trade with London. In summer, the reconstructed eel barge Korneliske Ykes II is moored here.
Fluessen
Fluessen borders directly on Heegermeer and is one of the larger lakes in Friesland. It feels slightly wilder and more open than the lakes around Sneek. You will see wide landscapes and reed beds. With a west wind, it can become quite windy here.
Sailors love this lake because of the wind, but it is also suitable for motorboats. Just be sure to check the weather forecast.
Slotermeer
Slotermeer is located near Sloten, the smallest city in Friesland with around 760 inhabitants. Sloten is one of the eleven cities of the Eleven Cities route and has a beautiful historic center with city walls, cannons, and small streets.
The lake itself is calmer than many others. This makes it an ideal place for a relaxed stop. You can dock here and explore the town. Despite its size, there are museums, shops, and restaurants.
From here, you can easily continue toward Heegermeer or in the direction of Lemmer and Tjeukemeer.
Pikmeer and Wijde Ee
Pikmeer is located near Grou, an important watersports village in Friesland. The lake is smaller and more sheltered than the larger lakes. This makes it especially suitable for those who do not want to go out on open water immediately.
Via the Wijde Ee, you can reach De Alde Feanen National Park. Grou itself is a lively village with restaurants, shops, and several marinas.
From Terherne, you can reach Grou in about 50 minutes. This makes it an ideal destination for the first or last day of your trip.
De Alde Feanen National Park
De Alde Feanen is not a typical lake but a large nature reserve with many narrow waterways, marshes, and reed fields. Here, you do not sail across open lakes but through a maze of small canals.
The peace and quiet here are remarkable. You mainly hear birds and the wind. Especially in spring and early summer, this area is a paradise for bird watchers.
You can reach De Alde Feanen via Earnewald or Grou. Sail slowly here and take your time to enjoy nature.
Lauwersmeer
Lauwersmeer is located in the northeast of Friesland and has a special history. It used to be part of the sea, but today it is a large freshwater area and an important bird reserve.
The lake is vast and can become rough in strong winds. In calm weather, however, it is impressively beautiful.
You can reach Lauwersmeer via different routes. Which route you can take depends on the clearance height of your boat.
Which lake suits you?
Each lake in Friesland has its own character. Sneekermeer and Pikmeer are ideal for beginners. Heegermeer and Slotermeer offer a combination of nature and charming towns. Fluessen and Tjeukemeer are wide and open, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. De Alde Feanen stands for peace and nature. Lauwersmeer is best suited for more experienced boaters.
The beauty of Friesland is that all these lakes are connected. You can combine several lakes in one week and experience a different landscape every day.
Would you like help planning your route? Take a look at the route pages on the website or contact us for personal advice.