For our 12-month, 12-province, 12-park series, in collaboration with Landal GreenParks, we are heading to a different province in the Netherlands every month. You’ve already seen beautiful stories about Overijssel (Sallandse Heuvelrug), North Brabant (Klein Oisterwijk) and South Limburg (Castle Domein de CaubergThis time it’s ‘Fryslân Boppe’. Waterpark Sneekermeer in Kameleondorp Terherne is your perfect basecamp to explore this northern province by bike. Explorer Ella I went that way with five friends and what a beautiful story!
Text and photos: Ella van der Veer
Friesland = Elfstedentocht, right?
When you say Friesland, most cyclists think of only one thing: the Elfstedentocht. Anyone who has ever cycled this route knows that Friesland is an excellent cycling region. In April, we spent a long weekend visiting Landal Waterpark Sneekermeer to explore this area.
Camel village Terherne
This park is located in Terherne, an island in the Sneekermeer between Sneek and Akkrum. To some, it may be familiar as the Chameleon Village where Hielke and Sietse experienced all their adventures. On Friday, we gather with our six friends to go for our first ride. We cycle around Sneek, of course, not forgetting the centuries-old water gate. Next, we meander along canals and through the meadows, giving us a taste of the Frisian landscape. After 65 km, we return to Terherne satisfied and it’s time to check in!
Friendly welcome
We were welcomed warmly at the reception, where we were given the key to cottage no. 238. As soon as we entered, we were immediately struck by the spaciousness of the place; more than enough to accommodate 6 people and their carbonnen ros. Upon entering, we find the kitchen and living room on the first floor. There is even a package on the table with local delicacies, which we could really use some energy for! On the ground floor there are 3 spacious bedrooms and a bathroom with shower and bathtub. There is also a washing machine, which is handy for washing your bike clothes right away. Outside is also spacious, with a large balcony with table and chairs, and downstairs a large lounge set where you can enjoy a drink and/or the sunset. Due to its location by the lake, there are many water sports available here, and our cottage even has a swimming ladder and a dock so you can take a boat out to the Friesian lakes.
Beautiful weather with Dutch Mountains
The weather forecast for the weekend is good for us. On Saturday it is even warm enough for short breaks, which has not happened often this year. However, there will be wind force 4-5 all weekend, so a warning for a gale! We set off at around 9 a.m. for a northern loop towards the Wadden Sea. Along the way we are surprised by the colorful flowers in the trees, the May bloom in the fields, and the picturesque North Frisian villages.
It's a sea!
After about 60 km, we arrive at the sea dike, and we enjoy the view over the dunes and on Terschelling for a while. How beautiful it is here! The ride continues along the dike, where we sometimes have to make way for cute little lambs grazing on the dike and we even encounter a blooming bulb field. After a good lunch on the terrace of Dokkum, we prepare for the return journey against the wind. While crossing with the ferry, we can rest and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, it is not a trouble-free weekend. The gravel path from the ferry to the paved road unfortunately results in two of the five flat tires on this trip, but that shouldn’t detract from the fun.
More lakes
The third bike day includes a route along the Frisian lakes and the IJsselmeer. Again, there are vast views over the vast meadows, but it’s still very different from Saturday. We choose a narrow bike path along the lake near Aldega; fortunately, it’s quiet, but in summer it will be very busy here. Just before Workum, we encounter another group of passionate cyclists, whom we gratefully use and cycle on the trailer towards Stavoren. Here, we find salvation, because by now we have already conquered a mountain of the so-called Dutch Mountains.
Finally, some wind
Once we are on the dike, we have the wind with us and are blown towards Mirns. Here is our lunch spot at Paviljoen ’t Mar. A real recommendation on the beach, where on windy days like this you can also enjoy another sport: this is indeed one of the Friesian kite surfing spots! After that, we leisurely cycle towards the second attraction on the UNESCO World Heritage List this weekend, namely the Woudagemaal. Unfortunately, it is not in operation this weekend, but it remains particularly interesting that this mill from the 1920s still plays an important role in protecting against flooding in Friesland during high water.
Once back in Terherne, the Frisian adventure is over again; time to go home! Of course, we haven't even gotten to all the things yet. Friesland We were able to discover some interesting things, but we really enjoyed relaxing in this beautiful park and in this beautiful environment!
Cycling routes Landal Sneekermeer
Would you like to view all the routes again and plan a beautiful route yourself in Friesland? Then take a look via the link below on our KOMOOT page with the collection from Landal GreenParks.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.