Frisian Elfstedentocht by bicycle

It only has to freeze and the whole of the Netherlands will suffer from Eleven Cities Fever. Unfortunately, the last edition of the Tour of Tours dates back to 1997. So it's time to ride it yourself - on your bike. It's pouring!

Frisian forests From the saddle you can enjoy views over the polder, waterways, lakes, the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer. Where the skaters don't go is the Gaasterland: a rolling landscape full of deciduous forests, meadows and wooded banks.

Frisian history The tour takes you through all eleven places in Friesland that have ever been granted city rights. So plan enough time, because there is plenty to experience on this 257 kilometer long trip. Towards the end of the route you can enjoy a delicious meal and stay at Hotel Restaurant De Posthoorn in Dokkum.

Epema State Near Sneek you pass the Epema State: a castle from the 17th century. There was already a wooden house with stables and gardens on this site in the 13th century, but this building disappeared around 1450. The beautiful gatehouse dates from 1880. The park garden, although not exactly in the same condition, has been preserved and decorated according to the English landscape style .