The Frisian Lakes: Mills, Museums and Routes by the Water

Museums, historic buildings and routes by the water reveal the many sides of the Frisian Lakes. In Joure and Sloten, museums tell stories of technology and local history; churches and mills showcase different chapters of the region’s architectural history. Outdoors, activities range from cycling trips with ferry crossings to swimming or surfing on the IJsselmeer.

Museums, Mills and Architectural History

Museum Joure is an interactive museum. Its themes and attractions include Douwe Egberts’ first factory, a historic metalworks, an authentic print shop and a Frisian clockmaker’s workshop. The museum also offers a coffee tasting. As exhibitions and visitor programs may change, it is worth checking the current offerings before your visit.

Museum Sloten tells the story of the town using magic lantern projectors. It is housed in the former town hall, built between 1759 and 1761. The local churches also differ considerably: the present-day church and tower in Langweer were built in 1777; the Nicolaaskerk in Sint Nicolaasga is a Neo-Gothic cross-shaped basilica dating from 1887. Sloten has a Protestant Late Gothic church, built in 1647 on the site of the former Sint-Janskapel.

Other buildings tell stories of change and craftsmanship. Langweerder Molen has stood since 1782 on the boundary between Langweer and the neighboring village of Boornzwaag. The bell tower in Legemeer dates from 1720. After an autumn storm destroyed it in 1972, it was rebuilt in the same style. The De Kaai grain mill in Sloten has been grinding grain into flour since 1775; it is open to visitors on Saturdays and sells flour. Check before you go whether tours and sales will be available during your visit. In Lemmer, the Woudagemaal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is the world’s largest still-operational steam pumping station.

Water, Beaches and Cycling Routes

A range of activities come together at the Langweerder Wielen: the beach offers swimming and play equipment for children, while the lake is suitable for both sailing yachts and motor yachts. Facilities and seasonal use may change, and conditions on the water vary. You can swim or surf in the IJsselmeer at Mirnser Klif, though weather and water conditions also play a role. Doniaga beach has a grassy sunbathing area and three fishing piers.

There are cycling routes of different lengths to choose from. The cycling loop around the Langweerder Wielen is 12 kilometers long and crosses a ferry twice. The Kliffenroute van Gaasterland is more than 29 kilometers long. The signposted leisure cycling route “Vlecke, dorp en stad” runs around or along the Frisian Lakes and includes a ferry crossing. As ferry services may vary seasonally, it is advisable to check operating times in advance. The Friese-Zuiderzee cycling route follows the IJsselmeer for much of its length and passes through the inland areas of Southwest Friesland.

Other routes also offer different ways to experience the landscape: the “Fyts, kuier en vaarroute” combines cycling, walking and canoeing. In the Vegelinbossen, you can walk, cycle and ride horses. If you are interested in local history, consider the town walk through Sloten: it passes historic buildings, the mill and the fountain, and tells the story of the town. Check before your trip whether the route is available.

Landscape and Getting Around

The six-meter-high Oudemirdumerklif is a remnant of a glacial lobe from the Saalian Ice Age. There is a badger sett on the cliff, but sightings are not guaranteed. Ferries are also worth considering when planning your trip: the Langwarder Feart in Langweer, at Pontdyk, carries cars, cyclists and pedestrians. In the Brekkenpolder, a bicycle and pedestrian ferry crosses the Riensleat. Operating times and fares may change; check the current service before you travel.

Discover More Destinations

Poppenwier, Langweer, Mirns, Leeuwarden, Terschelling, Vlieland, Wûnseradiel, Tytsjerksteradiel

For the main travel overview: Friesland.