Frisian lakes marinas

The Frisian lakes are the classic inland waters of the Netherlands: a landscape of lakes, waterways and canals where you can cruise for weeks without taking the same route twice.

At its heart are the big lakes: Sneekermeer, Heegermeer, Fluessen, Slotermeer, Tjeukemeer and the Pikmeer at Grou, linked by waterways that run through the villages. The Prinses Margriet Canal is the through route from Lemmer to Groningen and part of the standing-mast route; most bridges are operated. The water is sheltered and mostly one and a half to two metres deep, with shallow edges: ideal for flat-bottomed boats, motorboats, sloops and smaller sailing yachts, and on the big lakes wide enough for a full day's sailing. Everywhere there are the Marrekrite moorings in the reeds, where you can stay the night for free, away from any harbour.

Sneek is the capital of the area, with the Sneekweek regatta in August as the busiest week of the year. Grou, Heeg, Woudsend, Terherne, Langweer and Earnewâld live on water sports and have harbours in the middle of the village. The locks at Lemmer and Stavoren lead to the IJsselmeer, Harlingen to the Wadden Sea, and to the north the area joins the Lauwersmeer and Groningen. It is the area for a relaxed boating holiday with children, for a first rental boat, and for anyone who wants to see a different village every day.

All 103 marinas in the Frisian lakes sailing area, grouped by water, with facilities, number of berths and maximum boat sizes. Blue Flag: 11 · visitor berths: 53.