The Half Cities Tour (89 km)
Not skating, but cycling along six historic Frisian cities and villages. You cycle along lakes, cliffs, meadows, over shell paths and historic dikes. The lakes, canals, waterways and ditches mark the Frisian landscape. This cycling tour offers you a variety of views. The Helftstedentocht takes you along beautiful (tourist) cycle paths of Southwest Friesland, including the most beautiful cycle path in our country: the Brekkenpaad near Oudega (swf). You will also encounter a bicycle ferry on your route near Gaastmeer. That is even more enjoyable. On www.helftstedentocht.nl and on the site of www.fryslansudwest.nl/helftstedentocht.html you will find much more information about this beautiful tour. For example: what is there to experience along the route? Where can you park a car? What are the opening hours of the ferry? etc..
The team of VVV Waterland van Friesland wishes you a pleasant bike ride!
Route tips and tricks:
The route is 89 kilometers in contrast to the route.nl calculation of 98km. This is because you have two options at Workum: the official route to junction 96 takes you past a cheese farm. And then the picturesque route to Hindeloopen (see also below at junction 20).
The tour is designed counterclockwise. You can start the bike tour basically anywhere!
On the Snekerstraat in Bolsward, opposite the Tinq petrol station, you enter Secretaris Haitsmalaan.
At Workum after junction 20 you go diagonally towards the mill, through the gate, follow the asphalt road along the dike. Close the gates because of possible sheep. At the end go through the gate towards Hindeloopen.
At junction 39 (near IJlst) turn right. Follow the road for 1.5 km (along the railway) until the roundabout (Station). Follow the Stadslaan. Cross the bridge, follow 'through traffic' to the left. After the next fixed bridge at the supermarket, turn left towards the mill. Follow the Sneekerpad.
Tip: a nice Bed & Breakfast to undertake the Helfststedentocht can be found in Easterein: De Elfstedenstate
More information about the Southwest Friesland region can be found on the website of VVV Waterland van Friesland: www.waterlandvanfriesland.nl