Sailing area the Frisian Lakes

Sailing on the Frisian lakes

If you say water sports paradise, then you say Friesland with its Frisian Lakes. Numerous lakes and sailing routes make it possible to visit and discover the most beautiful places in Friesland by boat. Thanks to the unique connections between sailing areas, you can set out the most beautiful sailing routes for your boating holiday in Friesland. Check out the boats for rent near the Frisian Lakes.

Friesland has 24 lakes, large and small

The largest lake of Friesland is the Tjeukemeer (Tsjûkemar) and the smallest lake of Friesland is the Idskenhuistermeer (Jiskenhûster Mar). In Friesland you will find most of the lakes in the Netherlands, 24 of them. These lakes are located in the middle and south of Friesland. The most famous of these are;

• Tjeukemeer or Tsjûkemar
• Sneekermeer or Snitser Mar
• Groote Brekken or Grutte Brekken
• Heegermeer or Hegemer Mar
• The Fluessen or Fluezen
• Slotermeer or Sleattemer Mar

These Frisian lakes lie between the triangle of Heerenveen, Sneek and Lemmer. The familiarity of these lakes is partly due to the widely known events such as the Elfstedentocht, Skûtsjesilen and the Sneekweek. The northernmost lake is the Lauwersmeer on the border with Groningen and situated directly next to the Wadden Sea.

More about the Frisian Lakes

Tjeukemeer (Tsjûkemar)

Is the largest lake in Friesland and also known from Skûtsjesilen. Characteristic is the versatility of waterway connections of the Tjeukemeer so that all Frisian lakes, the IJsselmeer and the lakes in North Overijssel are easily and quickly accessible. Sailors, windsurfers and recreational sailors are most likely to find here. The lake has a surface area of 22 km2 and is not deep. In some places there is even a depth of only one meter. The old villages around the Tjeukemeer are a reflection of old Dutch glory. In addition to these villages you will find numerous facilities for water sports enthusiasts such as various marinas, campsites and hotels. Do you prefer the more hustle and bustle places? Visit the village of Lemmer with its unique history.

The Sneekermeer (Snitser Mar)

Is perhaps the most famous Frisian lake among water sports enthusiasts. Although the lake is named after Sneek, this place is not directly at the lake. The Sneekermeer is popular among sailors and motor boaters. The lake also has a speedboat track, despite the fact that it has the classification of Natura 2000 area. The Sneekermeer has an surface area of almost 23 km2 and lies between Sneek, Terherne and Goingarijp. The Sneekermeer is of course known for the event Sneekweek and the largest sailing regatta in Europe, Skûtsjesilen.

The Groote Brekken (Grutte Brekken)

Is an elongated lake that is connected to the IJsselmeer. Because the Princess Margriet Canal runs through the lake, the IJsselmeer can be reached via the Princess Margriet Lock. The lake also has connections to the Tjeukemeer and the Koevordermeer. The Groote Brekken is located between the Tjeukemeer and Slotermeer with direct sailing connections.

The Heegermeer (Hegemer Mar)

Has a surface area of almost 7 km2 and flows into the Fluessen in the south. The IJsselmeer can be reached quickly via the Heegermeer. Smaller waters such as the Slotermeer and Sneekermeer can also be reached in this way. The Heegermeer is especially loved by sailors, for example for a large sailing trip via the Heegermeer to the Gallama dams. The village of Heeg is definitely worth a visit! Consisting of many restaurants, shops and boat rental companies, this is a vibrant village for water sports enthusiasts.

De Fluessen (Fluezen)

Is located south of the Heegermeer and has an surface area of 21 km2.
This makes the Fluessen the second largest lake in Friesland. The Johan Frisokanaal runs straight through the lake, demarcated by a marked waterway. The lake was carved out thousands of years ago by shifting land ice. This is where the Fluessen and the Heegermeer came into being. The Fluessen are very popular among sailors. Water sports enthusiasts can also go here for fast sailing, as this is allowed on the entire lake.

The Slotermeer (Sleattemer Mar)

Lies between the Fluessen and the Groote Brekken. It is mainly known as the starting point of the event Skûtsjesilen and is also part of the Elfstedentocht. Famous surrounding places are Sloten, Balk and Woudsend. The Slotermeer is not deep, outside the marked waterways the water is only 1 meter deep. The surface area of the lake is over 11 km2. The Slotermeer has the largest waterski track of the Frisian lakes where fast sailing is allowed.