11.08.2019 - Eleven cities skating tour (NL)
11.08.2019 - Eleven cities skating tour (NL)
11.08.2019 - Eleven cities skating tour (NL)
Nederland
11th August 2019. A very windy day. With a little sun and a tailwind, we leave for the Netherlands. More specifically Friesland. The intention is to make the eleven cities tour. Not on skates, but with the camper.

Friesland is a very flat region with water everywhere, lots of water. And as the Frisians say: “wolkom yn Fryslân” (welcome to Friesland). Almost all villages and towns are connected by canals, canals and ditches. And since it can be quite cold during the winter and the ditches and canals freeze over, the idea arose at the end of the 19th century to visit the eleven cities on skates in one day. The first official eleven cities tour took place in 1909. A tour of 200 km. The latter, however, dates back to 1997. This was no longer possible, as a minimum ice thickness of 16cm is required for the Eleven Cities Tour and this over the entire route!

We will follow the full route. This leaves in Leeuwarden. Then it goes to Sneek, Ijlst and Sloten. The following towns Stavoren and Hindeloopen are located on the Ijsselmeer. On to Workum, Bolsward and Harlingen on the North Sea. Town ten is Franeker and we end up in Dokkum. The turning point for skaters is located in Dokkum. They end their journey where they started, in Leeuwarden.

To avoid the Antwerp ring road, as we come from Ghent, we always enter the Netherlands via the Liefkenshoek tunnel. You do have to pay a toll of € 6.
As mentioned, our first stop is in Leeuwarden. A camper stopover at the marina within walking distance of the city.

Day 2
We walk into Leeuwarden. A nice cosy city where you can easily spend a whole day. Just like in all other towns, most can be experienced along the canals. Small cafes with their terraces and restaurants. We have lunch in one of the restaurants on the canals. In the afternoon we stroll through the narrow inner streets with its old houses and many shops, and arrive at the main attraction of the city: the Oldehove, the Dutch tower of Pisa. In any case, he is skewed! The avid shoppers will certainly visit the Kleine Kerkstraat; this is rightly called one of the most charming shopping streets in the Netherlands. You can also buy typical Frisian delicacies, such as the orange cake and the Frisian peat-smoked dry sausage. But I don't like this one very much. Nothing smoked actually. But yes, tastes can differ; Fortunately.
Keep this in mind if you want to shop. We visited Leeuwarden on Monday. This is the closing day of most stores. They do open the doors at 3 p.m.
11th August 2019. A very windy day. With a little sun and a tailwind, we leave for the Netherlands. More specifically Friesland. The intention is to make the eleven cities tour. Not on skates, but with the camper.

Friesland is a very flat region with water everywhere, lots of water. And as the Frisians say: “wolkom yn Fryslân” (welcome to Friesland). Almost all villages and towns are connected by canals, canals and ditches. And since it can be quite cold during the winter and the ditches and canals freeze over, the idea arose at the end of the 19th century to visit the eleven cities on skates in one day. The first official eleven cities tour took place in 1909. A tour of 200 km. The latter, however, dates back to 1997. This was no longer possible, as a minimum ice thickness of 16cm is required for the Eleven Cities Tour and this over the entire route!

We will follow the full route. This leaves in Leeuwarden. Then it goes to Sneek, Ijlst and Sloten. The following towns Stavoren and Hindeloopen are located on the Ijsselmeer. On to Workum, Bolsward and Harlingen on the North Sea. Town ten is Franeker and we end up in Dokkum. The turning point for skaters is located in Dokkum. They end their journey where they started, in Leeuwarden.

To avoid the Antwerp ring road, as we come from Ghent, we always enter the Netherlands via the Liefkenshoek tunnel. You do have to pay a toll of € 6.
As mentioned, our first stop is in Leeuwarden. A camper stopover at the marina within walking distance of the city.

Day 2
We walk into Leeuwarden. A nice cosy city where you can easily spend a whole day. Just like in all other towns, most can be experienced along the canals. Small cafes with their terraces and restaurants. We have lunch in one of the restaurants on the canals. In the afternoon we stroll through the narrow inner streets with its old houses and many shops, and arrive at the main attraction of the city: the Oldehove, the Dutch tower of Pisa. In any case, he is skewed! The avid shoppers will certainly visit the Kleine Kerkstraat; this is rightly called one of the most charming shopping streets in the Netherlands. You can also buy typical Frisian delicacies, such as the orange cake and the Frisian peat-smoked dry sausage. But I don't like this one very much. Nothing smoked actually. But yes, tastes can differ; Fortunately.
Keep this in mind if you want to shop. We visited Leeuwarden on Monday. This is the closing day of most stores. They do open the doors at 3 p.m.
11th August 2019. A very windy day. With a little sun and a tailwind, we leave for the Netherlands. More specifically Friesland. The intention is to make the eleven cities tour. Not on skates, but with the camper.

Friesland is a very flat region with water everywhere, lots of water. And as the Frisians say: “wolkom yn Fryslân” (welcome to Friesland). Almost all villages and towns are connected by canals, canals and ditches. And since it can be quite cold during the winter and the ditches and canals freeze over, the idea arose at the end of the 19th century to visit the eleven cities on skates in one day. The first official eleven cities tour took place in 1909. A tour of 200 km. The latter, however, dates back to 1997. This was no longer possible, as a minimum ice thickness of 16cm is required for the Eleven Cities Tour and this over the entire route!

We will follow the full route. This leaves in Leeuwarden. Then it goes to Sneek, Ijlst and Sloten. The following towns Stavoren and Hindeloopen are located on the Ijsselmeer. On to Workum, Bolsward and Harlingen on the North Sea. Town ten is Franeker and we end up in Dokkum. The turning point for skaters is located in Dokkum. They end their journey where they started, in Leeuwarden.

To avoid the Antwerp ring road, as we come from Ghent, we always enter the Netherlands via the Liefkenshoek tunnel. You do have to pay a toll of € 6.
As mentioned, our first stop is in Leeuwarden. A camper stopover at the marina within walking distance of the city.

Day 2
We walk into Leeuwarden. A nice cosy city where you can easily spend a whole day. Just like in all other towns, most can be experienced along the canals. Small cafes with their terraces and restaurants. We have lunch in one of the restaurants on the canals. In the afternoon we stroll through the narrow inner streets with its old houses and many shops, and arrive at the main attraction of the city: the Oldehove, the Dutch tower of Pisa. In any case, he is skewed! The avid shoppers will certainly visit the Kleine Kerkstraat; this is rightly called one of the most charming shopping streets in the Netherlands. You can also buy typical Frisian delicacies, such as the orange cake and the Frisian peat-smoked dry sausage. But I don't like this one very much. Nothing smoked actually. But yes, tastes can differ; Fortunately.
Keep this in mind if you want to shop. We visited Leeuwarden on Monday. This is the closing day of most stores. They do open the doors at 3 p.m.
10.09.2018 - Rondreis Zeeland
Dag 1
10/09/2018. Daar gaan we weer! Net de grens met Nederland over. Ons doel: Zeeland rond te rijden en veel aan het water te vertoeven. “Een rondje Zeeland!” Door de Westerscheldetunnel rijden we Zeeland binnen. Dit is een toltunnel! Wij betaalden 7,45€.
In Kruiningen overnachten we 3 dagen op camping Den Inkel, mooi, rustig. Er waren op dat ogenblik zeer weinig kampeerders. De zeer ruime plaatsen voor motorhomes zijn in de boomgaard gelegen. De appels waren plukrijp. De campingwinkel is dicht vanaf eind augustus.  Je kan er wel brood bestellen aan de receptie.  De ligging aan de Westerschelde nodigde uit tot een stevige wandeling. Na de motorhome waterpas geplaatst te hebben vertrokken we via de dijk langs het water.
Goed uitgewaaid keken we ’s avonds nog wat televisie.
Dag 2
Vandaag bezoeken we Yerseke.  Net buiten het centrum is er plaats genoeg om motorhome te parkeren. Yerseke, DE plaats waar alle, in België geconsumeerde, mosselen vandaan komen. Toeristisch heeft het dorp niet veel te bieden. Enkele mooie oude en statige gebouwen. In het centrum bezoeken we het Oosterscheldemuseum. Een aanwezige gids bedankte ons zowaar omdat wij “Belgen” Yerseke zo welvarend hebben gemaakt. Het museum toont ons alles over de oester- en mosselkwekerij, vroeger en nu.
Na het bezoek wandelen we richting haven. Het is er leuk vertoeven op de dijk aan de Oosterschelde. De oesterputten zijn wel speciaal, maar lagen er een beetje leeg bij. Het was nog een week wachten tot de nieuwe oesteroogst in de putten wordt bewaard. Uiteraard mocht de degustatie van oesters en het eten van een grote portie mosselen niet op het programma ontbreken. De mosselen werden buiten op het terras gekookt in een zéér grote ketel. De kok kon niet snel genoeg de ketel opnieuw, en opnieuw vullen.
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Dag 3
Onze bestemming is Goes. Parkeren doen we aan de rand van de stad op een grote parking. Een zeer vriendelijke dame gaf ons bij het wegrijden, haar parkeerticket. We hadden nog de ganse namiddag de tijd en hoefden niet meer bij te betalen! Jammer maar helaas, het regent. En toch is Goes een bezoek waard, met zijn smalle straatjes en kleine haven middenin de stad.  Daar vind je enkele stevige plezierbootjes naast piepkleine roeibootjes. Goes is tevens een leuk winkelstadje, maar door de regen waren we genoodzaakt om al snel een overdekt terrasje op te zoeken. Ook leuk natuurlijk! Dit was overigens de enige dag regen.

We overnachten de laatste nacht op camping Den Inkel.
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Dag 4
In de voormiddag houden we halt in Ouwerkerk op het eiland Schouwen-Duiveland, waar we het Watersnoodmuseum bezoeken. Een museum opgericht ter nagedachtenis van de watersnoodramp in 1953. Het jaar dat vele dijken in Zeeland braken. Ouwerkerk zelf werd ook zwaar getroffen. Door de overstromingen kwam één op zes bewoners om het leven. Met heel veel respect voor de slachtoffers en de nabestaanden (die ruim aan zeg komen) brengen ze in het museum een beeld van de verwoestende kracht van het water en de overlevingskracht van de slachtoffers. 

Het dijkgat in Ouwerkerk werd gedicht met vier “caissons” (betonnen constructies die men laat zakken door grond onder de constructie weg te graven)
Het museum zelf is ondergebracht in deze vier caissons. Heel speciaal!
We rijden door naar Zierikzee, op camperplaats De Zandweg, waar we ons installeren voor de nacht. Uiteraard bezoeken we eerst het leuke stadje. Zierikzee (op wandelafstand van de camperplaats) is een mooi oud stadje, lang uitgestrekt over twee hoofdstraten, met historische gebouwen, stadspoorten met zelfs een stukje stadswal, een mooi stadhuis en gezellige steegjes. Op het havenplein zijn vele terrasjes gelegen. Ook wij nestelen ons daar in de namiddagzon.

In vele wijken rond de stad vind je nog, uiteraard gerestaureerde, noodwoningen (opgericht en geschonken aan de slachtoffers van de grote overstroming).
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Dag 5
Verder naar de Noordzee. In Renesse blijven we 3 nachten op camping Julianahoeve, een reusachtige camping van 1500 plaatsen waarvan 300 voor trekkers. Aan het strand gelegen. Alles is er voorzien, zelfs een zwembad en jacuzzi, supermarkt, restaurants en activiteiten voor jong en oud (en voor de prijs moet je het niet laten). Alle camperplaatsen waren bezet. Maar niet getreurd. Er werd ons een zeer ruime comfortplaats toegewezen. Met onze CKE kaart kregen we dezelfde korting als voor een camperplaats! Het eerste wat we doen na installatie is het Noordzeestrand verkennen. Na een vijf minuutjes lopen we op het strand en zien zowaar een zeehond opduiken, de kop opsteken en nieuwsgierig rondkijken.
Dag 6
Na een half uurtje stappen staan we in Renesse zelf, een klein stadje vol winkeltjes, bars, restaurants. Hier en daar is nog een oud gebouw te zien,  de rest was weggespoeld bij de grote overstroming van 1953.
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Dag 7
Vlak aan de camping, in het strandpaviljoen Zuid-Zuid-West genieten we ’s middags van een overheerlijke Noordzeeschotel (specialiteit van de chef met dagverse vis).  Met een beetje geluk hebt zie je vanop het terras de zeehonden rusten op de zandbanken.  We doen nog maar eens een strandwandeling en keren langs de duinen terug (opletten op de baantjes voor fietsers!).

We hebben drie dagen van de rust genoten. Ja, ondanks zijn grootte is de Julianahoeve een rustige camping. Het was onze bedoeling om drie dagen te genieten van het Noordzeestrand en de zon. Dié kregen we volop (gelukkig, het blijkt dat Renesse de meeste zonuren van Nederland heeft).
Dag 8
Over de Zeelandbrug, via de Deltawerken op het werkeiland “Neeltje Jans” rijden we naar Noord-Beveland voor een verblijf van 3 nachten op het Roompot Beach Resort in Kamperland. Een zéér groot resort! De camping is ouder, netjes, maar nog niet echt voorzien voor motorhomes.  Die zijn er wel, maar zonder acsi korting (waren zogezegd comfortplaatsen). De toegang tot de kampeerplaatsen is soms zeer smal. De eerste plaats die ons toegewezen was konden we enkel met veel manoeuvreren bereiken. Niet te doen als je verscheidene keren je plaats wilt verlaten. We kregen vlot een andere plaats. En ondanks we enkel beschikten over een CKE kaart, kregen we toch de acsi korting. Ook hier op de camping heb je een superette, restaurant en activiteiten. In feite is het resort, de camping en de vakantiewoningen, van Roompot groter dan het dorp Kamperland zelf. Onze wandeling rond het resort en langs de strandhuisjes duurde de ganse namiddag!
Dag 9
Verder over de Zeelandbrug Walcheren binnen. Aan de Veerse Meer ontdekken we Veere. Een mooi, historisch stadje met een gezellig marktplein, de Grote Kerk en een haventje. Aan deze haven vind je Schotse huizen als getuigen van de rijke handelsgeschiedenis van Veere. Tijdens onze wandeling botsen we op “oma’s snoepwinkel”. Een ouderwets, leuk gezellig winkeltje, met 101 soorten Oud-Hollandse snoep! We konden er niet aan weerstaan en moesten van deze snoepen proeven en uiteraard een voorraadje kopen.

Veere is niet echt campervriendelijk. Nergens zijn de parkeerplaatsen groot genoeg tenzij je een half uur buiten het stadje parkeert (voor fietsers wellicht geen probleem). De vele parkings zijn enkel toegankelijk voor personenauto’s. Gelukkig vonden we dichtbij een plaatsje.
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Dag 10
Onze volgende bestemming: Domburg.  Nog altijd veel zon maar meer wind in Domburg, een kuuroord aan de Noordzee.  Dr. Johan Mezger, een Nederlandse arts en masseur, was er in de negentiende eeuw de grondlegger van de fysiotherapie.  Je wandelt er langs grote villa’s en statige buitenverblijven van de rijke patiënten van de beroemde dokter. Nog steeds zie je veel dure auto’s en huizen van de huidige welgestelde bezoekers die de heilzame werking van het zeewater willen ontdekken.
We konden heerlijk uitwaaien op de dijk langs het strand. Gezien deze veel hoger lag, had je een prachtig zicht over strand en omgeving. Daarna verpoosden we nog in het gezellige centrum van Domburg.

’s Avonds rijden we terug naar Kamperland voor onze laatste nacht op het resort.
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Dag 11
Verder richting België. In Middelburg installeerden we ons op de nieuwe stadscamping. Deze was nog maar 1 jaar open en nog in volle ontwikkeling. Er zijn 60 plaatsen voor campers en alle faciliteiten zijn er voorzien en uiteraard splinternieuw. De locatie is ideaal voor een bezoek aan Middelburg zelf.

De zon is er nog maar een zuidwestenwind trekt serieus aan als we van de Stadscamping, te voet via een pad, naar het historische centrum van Middelburg trekken.  De trekpleister is de markt. Vandaag, donderdag, is er de wekelijkse marktdag. We kuieren tussen de vele kraampjes. Op de markt is ook het prachtig  stadhuis gelegen. Verder wandelden we langs de Abdij van Middelburg, de “kloveniersdoelen” en “Lange Jan”. Lange Jan is de toren van de voormalige Abdij van Middelburg. De toren is 90,5 meter hoog en daarmee de hoogste abdijtoren van Nederland. Zelf hebben we hem niet beklommen. Onze knieën zijn daarvoor te slecht. We bezochten ook het Zeeuws museum. Waar met prachtige stukken en indrukwekkende wandtapijten de geschiedenis van Zeeland en Middelburg wordt weergegeven. Zeker een bezoekje waard! Verder waren er nog talrijke winkels, terrasjes en restaurants. De dag was vlug voorbij. 

’s Avonds zaten we in de motorhome en wakkerde de wind nog wat meer aan, dat belooft!
Dag 12
Bedoeling was om naar Vlissingen te gaan. Dit zal evenwel voor een volgende keer zijn.  We hadden een nacht met stortbuien en een felle zuidwesterstorm achter de rug. Ik, Dirk, werd wakker om 03.30u. Dit door de hevige regen en rukwinden. Op een bepaald ogenblik dacht ik dat de dakramen het zouden begeven door de wind. ’s Morgens hoorden we op de radio dat er rukwinden geweest waren tot 110 km/u. Gezien er nog stevige rukwinden waren besloten we om door te rijden naar huis.

Toch konden we terugblikken op een aangenaam, leerrijk en zonnig “rondje Zeeland”.
Overzicht overnachtingen
We hadden voor geen enkele camping een reservatie aangevraagd. Voor de grotere resorts, zoals in Renesse en Kamperland, is het wel aangewezen te reserveren als je zeker wil zijn van een plaats.

Camping Den Inkel – Kruiningen: 15€/nacht (toeristenbelasting en elektriciteit inbegrepen). Rustige camping gelegen aan de Westerschelde. Alle voorzieningen voor campers. Geen aparte camperplaatsen. Doch zeer ruime plaatsen gelegen in een boomgaard.

Officiële camperplaats De Zandweg – Zierikzee: 12 plaatsen – 12€/24u aan betaalautomaat – alle servicevoorzieningen inbegrepen in de prijs – aan de rand van de stad gelegen (800m). Wel aan een drukke baan.

Camping Julianahoeve – Renesse: topcamping met in totaal 1500 plaatsen waarvan 300 voor trekkers – wel duur – 28,80€/nacht met korting, voor comfortplaats (toeristenbelasting en elektriciteit inbegrepen) – alle voorzieningen op camping aanwezig. Ondanks zijn grootte toch rustige camping. Aan het strand gelegen. Zeer goede verblijfscamping.

Camping Roompot Beach Resort – Kamperland: groot resort, totaal 1354 plaatsen waarvan 584 toerplaatsen – 17,36€/nacht met korting (toeristenbelasting en elektriciteit inbegrepen) – de camperplaatsen waren allen comfortplaatsen zonder korting – alle voorzieningen op de camping. Plaatsen soms moeilijk bereikbaar met camper, dit door smalle wegen en afbakeningen door hoge hagen. Dichtbij het strand.

Stadscamping – camperpark Zeeland – Middelburg: 60 camperplaatsen – 24€/24u (toeristenbelasting en elektriciteit inbegrepen) – alle servicevoorzieningen – ruime verharde plaatsen van 100m² - rustig gelegen aan parkje – 15 minuten wandelen naar centrum Middelburg
E-mail: info@dmcamperreizen.be

Copyright © DMCamperreizen 2018.
All right reserved.
Day 3
Today we reverse the route and drive first to Ijlst and then to Sneek because we will spend the night there on - how could it be otherwise - a camper stop in the marina.

Ijlst is one of the smallest cities in Friesland, with many historic buildings. It is truly an idyllic picture. From the bridge over the canal you have a view of the beautiful “overtuinen”. The hallmark of Ijlst. Overtuinen are gardens that are separated from the associated houses by water or a road. A really beautiful sight. You really have the feeling that you are in the middle of a three-dimensional painting.
The residents make a real effort to maintain their gardens well. Although during the summer months, they are not so happy. A resident of a canal house told me that in July the town is literally overrun by many tourists, pedestrians and cyclists. Although it was August, there weren't many people at the time of our visit.
When we walk further behind the houses, along the water, we come across a few ramps. The national sport of Friesland is practiced here. Ijlst is the cradle of “fierljeppen”. It is actually the Frisian name for pole vaulting. The participants have to jump as far as possible over a ditch with a pole. Which does not always work. Many end up in the ditch! Before the jump they make a short sprint of about thirty meters.
While going back to our motorhome, we took the opportunity to also visit the 17th century sawmill 'De Rat'. It is a three-storey tower mill on the river Geeuw. The mill has been in use for more than three centuries and large tree trunks are still cut into planks.
On to the next: Sneek. The city of water sports and the "Water Gate". It is pleasant to walk past the old houses. In one of the streets Monique found "the liquorice shop"! A real delicacy for the enthusiast. We closed the afternoon on a nice terrace along one of the canals.
Day 4
The program includes the smallest town in Friesland, namely Sloten. It is located on the Slotermeer (a lake that freezes over completely in winter and where the skaters skate en masse during an eleven cities tour. Apparently, a very impressive image). There are as many canals as there are streets in Sloten. It is very beautiful, cosy and quiet. From the mill you wander through the idyllic streets situated on the water. Be sure to visit the reformed church. Worth seeing. You then walk further to the water gate that provides access to the Slotermeer. Time afterwards to have a nice terrace and drink a delicious iced coffee.
Then we make our way to our spot on the motorhome stopover, which is located just behind the mill. And how could it be otherwise, it is located at the marina!
Day 5
After a whole night of rain we drive, still under heavy rain, to Stavoren.
Stavoren is the oldest city in Friesland and enclosed on three sides by the Ijsselmeer. Here we come to visit the two main sights: the "lady of Stavoren" and the "fish of Stavoren".
The statue "The Lady of Stavoren" overlooks the IJsselmeer and symbolizes the protagonist of a Frisian folk tale. There are many different versions of this story, but they all have one overarching moral: pride comes before a fall. In other words: pride causes you misery.
"The fish of Stavoren" is a fish fountain. A huge open mouth of a mighty fish lures you in, as it were, through its water-spraying lips.
Actually, Stavoren is not that interesting for the rest. But it is on the route, so you must have been there!
In the afternoon we then drive to Hindeloopen. At the local campsite, located just behind the dyke on the Ijsselmeer, we obtain a "Come & Go" camper stop; places that you can book for max. 4 nights.
We follow the dike from the campsite. We literally walk among the sheep, who roam freely and are used to the many walkers. Thanks to the strong wind we are quickly in the picturesque town. With its beautifully decorated facades, wooden bridges over the ditches and its narrow streets, it is like an open-air museum.
The Frisian skating museum, which is located there, should not be missing from the program. You will be guided along the entire Eleven cities skating tour history and we have a look at the largest collection of ice skates in the world. The skates of the then prince - now king - Willem Alexander, with which he took part in the Eleven cities skating tour, have a place among the many and authentic examples.
Day 6
Today's stop is Workum. We only visit the city because it is on the route. The beautiful market square with its many terraces is the only thing worth mentioning in the city. Here is also the town hall with its beautiful façade, and the “Waag” located. The weigh house is a 17th-century building housing the museum about the history of Workum. It is adjacent to St. Gertrudischurch.
After having a drink on the terrace, we spent the rest of the day at our pitch, at again… the marina. Fortunately we had one of the three places on the paved strip with a view of the many sailing boats and yachts. The rest of the motorhomes were on a lawn. Due to the frequent rain of the past days, they were all stuck in the mud and could only leave their place after hard work. For one motorhome, the manager even had to lay a deck, because the place was flooded. The water rose above the boots.
Day 7
The eighth city on our route; Bolsward. Not the largest city, but interesting. After a rainy morning we go out in the afternoon in the centre, accompanied by a private guide! A spirited elderly lady, who used to be a city guide, suggested we show us around the city. This completely free. She showed us some hidden gems of Bolsward. Secret Catholic churches dating back to the time of the religious disputes. The splendour of the rich and their generosity towards the poorer inhabitants. They were the forerunners of what we call the CPAS, with food distribution, an orphanage, etc. We were even allowed to enter a few private homes with her that reflected the difference between rich and poor. Places not accessible to tourists. Very interesting!

Of course she also showed the other sights. The large Catholic church with its small glazed stones. Very special. The town hall, one of the most beautiful gems in Friesland. Unfortunately we couldn't see it because it was completely under construction. And covered with cloths for renovation.
The “Broerekerk”, the oldest monument in Bolsward. The church completely burned out and now open as a ruin. Very special because a glass canopy has been placed. The church now has a social function.
We ended the afternoon on a terrace with a local beer and… “bitterballen” (spicy meat balls).
Day 8
Accompanied by a storm wind we arrive at the camper place at the harbor. The only seaport in Friesland: Harlingen. Pounding into the wind we reach 500m further the center. It is actually atmospheric. Most activity is of course in the harbor. Ferries to the Wadden Islands depart from here. Via the raised dike we arrive at a small beach. We walk further up the dike that separates the Wadden Sea from the harbor. This certainly runs more than 200m into the sea. We were almost blown away. The wind was that strong.
Back in the center, we looked for the statue of the legendary boy who stuck his finger in the dike and thus prevented the city from being swallowed up by the sea. We found it near the departure point of the ferries.
After a breath of fresh air we sat down on a terrace with a view of the marina. Not the classy "t Havenmantsje" (where they serve the well-known Wadden tea; a high tea with sandwiches and scones), but on the terrace of a unique pancake and "poffertjes" restaurant! Despite the extensive menu, we still chose the traditional "poffertjes" (very little pancakes).
Day 9
The end of the tour is near. In the morning we stop in Franeker. A very beautiful and old university town. Although the University of Franeker no longer exists, you can still soak up its atmosphere. We walk past the stately professors' houses and even bump into the oldest student café in the Netherlands, the "Bogt van Guné". Just a little further we then see the Kaatsmuseum. This is the oldest sports museum in the Netherlands. Handball is still very popular in Friesland, just like the Fierljeppen that I mentioned earlier.

Tip! We visited Franeker on a Monday morning. When you want to enter a shop, have a drink or visit a museum, better choose another day. Everything is closed on Monday morning! It was quiet when we walked around.
In the afternoon we are in the last city of our route. Namely Dokkum.
As I wrote at the beginning of the report, Dokkum is the turning point of the Eleven Cities Tour. Here the skaters drive back to Leeuwarden? The arrival of their journey.
It's a nice city, not overwhelming. It is pleasant to stay in the historic centre. Cosy cafes, restaurants and boutiques in old buildings with stepped gables. Stroll along the canals. When you arrive at the town hall you will find the turning point on the bridge.
Finally: coffee! Do you like coffee? Then you have to end your (early) afternoon with a Dokkumer coffee. Coffee with a dash of Beerenburg (Frisian herb bitter) and whipped cream.

At that moment we realized that our Eleven Cities Tour was over! Time to go. We spent the night on the way on a beautiful camper stop at another… marina.
Day 10
We drive home under a bright sun.
Leeuwarden was the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Since then, the eleven cities of Friesland have been equipped with unique fountains.
Those fountains were created by international artists from eleven different countries. The makers were not chosen at random: a match was sought between the work of the artist and the character and history of the Eleven Cities city in question.

We also discovered those fountains during our eleven cities tour. However, we were not consciously looking for it. One more beautiful than the other. A summary:

Leeuwarden - "Love" by Jaume Plensa (Spain). A mist fountain consisting of two 7 meter high white sculptures of a boy and a girl. We did not visit this fountain. Still, I show a picture of it. I got it from the internet.

Sneek - "The Fountain of Fortuna" - Stephan Balkenhol (Germany). On a golden sphere in the middle of the water is a man with a Horn of Plenty.

Ijlst - "The Immortal Flowers" by Shinji Ohmaki (Japan)

Sloten - "Lapwing" by Lucy Orta & Jorge Orta (United Kingdom, Argentina). Shows a girl standing on a man's shoulders. She is holding a bird in her hand. Under the feet of the man, an untidy pile of buckets, jerry cans and tubs forms the base of the fountain.

Stavoren - "the fish fountain" by Mark Dion (United States)

Hindeloopen - "Flora & Fauna" by Shen Yuan (China). The source of inspiration for the fountain is the tree of life on the city's coat of arms, with the deer and the doe surrounding it. We passed this fountain, but I didn't take a picture of it (for me it didn't fit in the idyllic townscape, that's why). This photo was also found on the internet.

Workum - "The Wild Lions" by Cornelia Parker (Great Britain). For centuries the coat of arms on "De Waag" of Workum has been supported by two lions.

Bolsward - "The Bat" by Johan Creten (Belgium). The staircase on the back invites the visitor to symbolically conquer the bat. And… to transcend itself.

Harlingen - "The Whale" by Jennifer Allora & Guillermo Calzadilla (United States, Cuba). Harlingen was once dominated by whaling. Today we no longer strive to kill these great and great animals, but rather to save them from death. Especially now that, for unclear reasons, they are increasingly stranded in shallow waters. The Harlingen fountain is a lifelike sperm whale. He lies as if lost at the Zuiderpier, but now and then his powerful jet of water betrays that he is indeed alive. Thus, "The Whale" testifies to the enormous influence man has on everything that lives in the sea.

Franeker - "The Oort Cloud" by Jean-Michel Othoniel (France). The fountain is an ode to the world famous astronomer Jan Hendrik Oort, born in Franeker. His assumption that a "cloud" of billions of comet-like objects is moving around our solar system was a breakthrough in astronomy.

Dokkum - "The Ice Fountain" by Birthe Leemeijer (The Netherlands). The Ice Fountain is a plaything of the elements and no two days are the same. Ice draws patterns on the copper skin of the sculpture. The degree to which the fountain forms ice sheets or not depends on the sun, humidity, temperature, wind and precipitation. Energy for the Ice Fountain is generated by solar panels.
Summary overnight stays
Leeuwarder Jachthaven - Jachthavenlaan 3 8937 AM Leeuwarden GPS: n53.19886 o5.83019 - 15pl / € 11.5 + € 2 electricity - all amenities - 2.5 km from city. Beautiful camper place with a view of the water and the boats.

Motorhome stopover AQUANAUT - marina - Selfhelpweg 7 8607 AB Sneek - GPS: n53.02725 e5.66302 - 12pl / 15 € - all amenities - 500m centre

Official motorhome stopover - Jachthaven 7 8556 AM Locks GPS: n52.89265 e5.64486 - 30pl / 11 € + 2.5 € electricity - all amenities - 100m centre. There are only a limited number of places on the waterfront of the marina. We were lucky and had a place with a very nice view. The other places are on a meadow at the back of the marina and behind the camping pitches. There is no possibility to discharge gray water.

Camping Hindeloopen - Westerdijk 9, 8713 JA Hindeloopen - 19.5 € / night - come and go motorhome pitch 50m² - all amenities on the campsite. The pitches have an area. From approx. 45 - 50 m2 - can be booked with or without 6 ampere electricity - places are for campers up to 7.50 meters - Maximum 4 nights - (Front) tents, trailers or trailers are not allowed here

Official motorhome stopover - Bouwsma marina - Moleburren 11 8711 JA Workum - GPS: n52.98230 e5.45518 - 10pl / 15 € - all amenities - 750m centre

Camping Half-Hichtum - on the farm - Hichtumerweg 14 8701 PG Bolsward - GPS: n53.07365 e5.52253 –16.5 € / night - all amenities (including showers) - 1 km centre. Small-scale campsite with very friendly owners. The farmer is always willing to give you a tour of the farm. Most places are in the main square. We had a place in the front, separated from the square. In the summer there are a lot of mosquitoes!

Tsjerk Hiddesluizen - Official camper place - Nieuwe Vissershaven 17 Harlingen -
GPS: n53.17938 e5.41731 - 14pl / 10 € + 1 € water + 1 € / 2kwh electricity - 500m centre

Camperpark Kuikhorne, De Westereen - marina - Kûkhernsterwei 31 9271 HD De Westereen GPS: n53.24124 o6.01875 - 50pl / 13 € - all amenities. Cosy camper place. Everyone must point their nose in the same direction.

In the towns where we did not stay overnight, we found a decent parking space near the centre. That was for the following places:

Ijlst - free parking Sneekerpad
Stavoren - free parking Stationsweg
Franeker - free parking at Leeuwarderweg
Dokkum - parked for free along the road "Over de Ee" on the water. At 50m from this road is a camper stop with 5pl. You have to be really lucky to get a place there.
E-mail: info@dmcamperreizen.be

Copyright © DMCamperreizen 2018.
All right reserved.
Day 3
Today we reverse the route and drive first to Ijlst and then to Sneek because we will spend the night there on - how could it be otherwise - a camper stop in the marina.

Ijlst is one of the smallest cities in Friesland, with many historic buildings. It is truly an idyllic picture. From the bridge over the canal you have a view of the beautiful “overtuinen”. The hallmark of Ijlst. Overtuinen are gardens that are separated from the associated houses by water or a road. A really beautiful sight. You really have the feeling that you are in the middle of a three-dimensional painting.
The residents make a real effort to maintain their gardens well. Although during the summer months, they are not so happy. A resident of a canal house told me that in July the town is literally overrun by many tourists, pedestrians and cyclists. Although it was August, there weren't many people at the time of our visit.
When we walk further behind the houses, along the water, we come across a few ramps. The national sport of Friesland is practiced here. Ijlst is the cradle of “fierljeppen”. It is actually the Frisian name for pole vaulting. The participants have to jump as far as possible over a ditch with a pole. Which does not always work. Many end up in the ditch! Before the jump they make a short sprint of about thirty meters.
While going back to our motorhome, we took the opportunity to also visit the 17th century sawmill 'De Rat'. It is a three-storey tower mill on the river Geeuw. The mill has been in use for more than three centuries and large tree trunks are still cut into planks.
On to the next: Sneek. The city of water sports and the "Water Gate". It is pleasant to walk past the old houses. In one of the streets Monique found "the liquorice shop"! A real delicacy for the enthusiast. We closed the afternoon on a nice terrace along one of the canals.
Day 4
The program includes the smallest town in Friesland, namely Sloten. It is located on the Slotermeer (a lake that freezes over completely in winter and where the skaters skate en masse during an eleven cities tour. Apparently, a very impressive image). There are as many canals as there are streets in Sloten. It is very beautiful, cosy and quiet. From the mill you wander through the idyllic streets situated on the water. Be sure to visit the reformed church. Worth seeing. You then walk further to the water gate that provides access to the Slotermeer. Time afterwards to have a nice terrace and drink a delicious iced coffee.
Then we make our way to our spot on the motorhome stopover, which is located just behind the mill. And how could it be otherwise, it is located at the marina!
Day 5
After a whole night of rain we drive, still under heavy rain, to Stavoren.
Stavoren is the oldest city in Friesland and enclosed on three sides by the Ijsselmeer. Here we come to visit the two main sights: the "lady of Stavoren" and the "fish of Stavoren".
The statue "The Lady of Stavoren" overlooks the IJsselmeer and symbolizes the protagonist of a Frisian folk tale. There are many different versions of this story, but they all have one overarching moral: pride comes before a fall. In other words: pride causes you misery.
"The fish of Stavoren" is a fish fountain. A huge open mouth of a mighty fish lures you in, as it were, through its water-spraying lips.
Actually, Stavoren is not that interesting for the rest. But it is on the route, so you must have been there!
In the afternoon we then drive to Hindeloopen. At the local campsite, located just behind the dyke on the Ijsselmeer, we obtain a "Come & Go" camper stop; places that you can book for max. 4 nights.
We follow the dike from the campsite. We literally walk among the sheep, who roam freely and are used to the many walkers. Thanks to the strong wind we are quickly in the picturesque town. With its beautifully decorated facades, wooden bridges over the ditches and its narrow streets, it is like an open-air museum.
The Frisian skating museum, which is located there, should not be missing from the program. You will be guided along the entire Eleven cities skating tour history and we have a look at the largest collection of ice skates in the world. The skates of the then prince - now king - Willem Alexander, with which he took part in the Eleven cities skating tour, have a place among the many and authentic examples.
Day 6
Today's stop is Workum. We only visit the city because it is on the route. The beautiful market square with its many terraces is the only thing worth mentioning in the city. Here is also the town hall with its beautiful façade, and the “Waag” located. The weigh house is a 17th-century building housing the museum about the history of Workum. It is adjacent to St. Gertrudischurch.
After having a drink on the terrace, we spent the rest of the day at our pitch, at again… the marina. Fortunately we had one of the three places on the paved strip with a view of the many sailing boats and yachts. The rest of the motorhomes were on a lawn. Due to the frequent rain of the past days, they were all stuck in the mud and could only leave their place after hard work. For one motorhome, the manager even had to lay a deck, because the place was flooded. The water rose above the boots.
Day 7
The eighth city on our route; Bolsward. Not the largest city, but interesting. After a rainy morning we go out in the afternoon in the centre, accompanied by a private guide! A spirited elderly lady, who used to be a city guide, suggested we show us around the city. This completely free. She showed us some hidden gems of Bolsward. Secret Catholic churches dating back to the time of the religious disputes. The splendour of the rich and their generosity towards the poorer inhabitants. They were the forerunners of what we call the CPAS, with food distribution, an orphanage, etc. We were even allowed to enter a few private homes with her that reflected the difference between rich and poor. Places not accessible to tourists. Very interesting!

Of course she also showed the other sights. The large Catholic church with its small glazed stones. Very special. The town hall, one of the most beautiful gems in Friesland. Unfortunately we couldn't see it because it was completely under construction. And covered with cloths for renovation.
The “Broerekerk”, the oldest monument in Bolsward. The church completely burned out and now open as a ruin. Very special because a glass canopy has been placed. The church now has a social function.
We ended the afternoon on a terrace with a local beer and… “bitterballen” (spicy meat balls).
Day 8
Accompanied by a storm wind we arrive at the camper place at the harbor. The only seaport in Friesland: Harlingen. Pounding into the wind we reach 500m further the center. It is actually atmospheric. Most activity is of course in the harbor. Ferries to the Wadden Islands depart from here. Via the raised dike we arrive at a small beach. We walk further up the dike that separates the Wadden Sea from the harbor. This certainly runs more than 200m into the sea. We were almost blown away. The wind was that strong.
Back in the center, we looked for the statue of the legendary boy who stuck his finger in the dike and thus prevented the city from being swallowed up by the sea. We found it near the departure point of the ferries.
After a breath of fresh air we sat down on a terrace with a view of the marina. Not the classy "t Havenmantsje" (where they serve the well-known Wadden tea; a high tea with sandwiches and scones), but on the terrace of a unique pancake and "poffertjes" restaurant! Despite the extensive menu, we still chose the traditional "poffertjes" (very little pancakes).
Day 9
The end of the tour is near. In the morning we stop in Franeker. A very beautiful and old university town. Although the University of Franeker no longer exists, you can still soak up its atmosphere. We walk past the stately professors' houses and even bump into the oldest student café in the Netherlands, the "Bogt van Guné". Just a little further we then see the Kaatsmuseum. This is the oldest sports museum in the Netherlands. Handball is still very popular in Friesland, just like the Fierljeppen that I mentioned earlier.

Tip! We visited Franeker on a Monday morning. When you want to enter a shop, have a drink or visit a museum, better choose another day. Everything is closed on Monday morning! It was quiet when we walked around.
In the afternoon we are in the last city of our route. Namely Dokkum.
As I wrote at the beginning of the report, Dokkum is the turning point of the Eleven Cities Tour. Here the skaters drive back to Leeuwarden? The arrival of their journey.
It's a nice city, not overwhelming. It is pleasant to stay in the historic centre. Cosy cafes, restaurants and boutiques in old buildings with stepped gables. Stroll along the canals. When you arrive at the town hall you will find the turning point on the bridge.
Finally: coffee! Do you like coffee? Then you have to end your (early) afternoon with a Dokkumer coffee. Coffee with a dash of Beerenburg (Frisian herb bitter) and whipped cream.

At that moment we realized that our Eleven Cities Tour was over! Time to go. We spent the night on the way on a beautiful camper stop at another… marina.
Day 10
We drive home under a bright sun.
Leeuwarden was the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Since then, the eleven cities of Friesland have been equipped with unique fountains.
Those fountains were created by international artists from eleven different countries. The makers were not chosen at random: a match was sought between the work of the artist and the character and history of the Eleven Cities city in question.

We also discovered those fountains during our eleven cities tour. However, we were not consciously looking for it. One more beautiful than the other. A summary:

Leeuwarden - "Love" by Jaume Plensa (Spain). A mist fountain consisting of two 7 meter high white sculptures of a boy and a girl. We did not visit this fountain. Still, I show a picture of it. I got it from the internet.

Sneek - "The Fountain of Fortuna" - Stephan Balkenhol (Germany). On a golden sphere in the middle of the water is a man with a Horn of Plenty.

Ijlst - "The Immortal Flowers" by Shinji Ohmaki (Japan)

Sloten - "Lapwing" by Lucy Orta & Jorge Orta (United Kingdom, Argentina). Shows a girl standing on a man's shoulders. She is holding a bird in her hand. Under the feet of the man, an untidy pile of buckets, jerry cans and tubs forms the base of the fountain.

Stavoren - "the fish fountain" by Mark Dion (United States)

Hindeloopen - "Flora & Fauna" by Shen Yuan (China). The source of inspiration for the fountain is the tree of life on the city's coat of arms, with the deer and the doe surrounding it. We passed this fountain, but I didn't take a picture of it (for me it didn't fit in the idyllic townscape, that's why). This photo was also found on the internet.

Workum - "The Wild Lions" by Cornelia Parker (Great Britain). For centuries the coat of arms on "De Waag" of Workum has been supported by two lions.

Bolsward - "The Bat" by Johan Creten (Belgium). The staircase on the back invites the visitor to symbolically conquer the bat. And… to transcend itself.

Harlingen - "The Whale" by Jennifer Allora & Guillermo Calzadilla (United States, Cuba). Harlingen was once dominated by whaling. Today we no longer strive to kill these great and great animals, but rather to save them from death. Especially now that, for unclear reasons, they are increasingly stranded in shallow waters. The Harlingen fountain is a lifelike sperm whale. He lies as if lost at the Zuiderpier, but now and then his powerful jet of water betrays that he is indeed alive. Thus, "The Whale" testifies to the enormous influence man has on everything that lives in the sea.

Franeker - "The Oort Cloud" by Jean-Michel Othoniel (France). The fountain is an ode to the world famous astronomer Jan Hendrik Oort, born in Franeker. His assumption that a "cloud" of billions of comet-like objects is moving around our solar system was a breakthrough in astronomy.

Dokkum - "The Ice Fountain" by Birthe Leemeijer (The Netherlands). The Ice Fountain is a plaything of the elements and no two days are the same. Ice draws patterns on the copper skin of the sculpture. The degree to which the fountain forms ice sheets or not depends on the sun, humidity, temperature, wind and precipitation. Energy for the Ice Fountain is generated by solar panels.
Summary overnight stays
Leeuwarder Jachthaven - Jachthavenlaan 3 8937 AM Leeuwarden GPS: n53.19886 o5.83019 - 15pl / € 11.5 + € 2 electricity - all amenities - 2.5 km from city. Beautiful camper place with a view of the water and the boats.

Motorhome stopover AQUANAUT - marina - Selfhelpweg 7 8607 AB Sneek - GPS: n53.02725 e5.66302 - 12pl / 15 € - all amenities - 500m centre

Official motorhome stopover - Jachthaven 7 8556 AM Locks GPS: n52.89265 e5.64486 - 30pl / 11 € + 2.5 € electricity - all amenities - 100m centre. There are only a limited number of places on the waterfront of the marina. We were lucky and had a place with a very nice view. The other places are on a meadow at the back of the marina and behind the camping pitches. There is no possibility to discharge gray water.

Camping Hindeloopen - Westerdijk 9, 8713 JA Hindeloopen - 19.5 € / night - come and go motorhome pitch 50m² - all amenities on the campsite. The pitches have an area. From approx. 45 - 50 m2 - can be booked with or without 6 ampere electricity - places are for campers up to 7.50 meters - Maximum 4 nights - (Front) tents, trailers or trailers are not allowed here

Official motorhome stopover - Bouwsma marina - Moleburren 11 8711 JA Workum - GPS: n52.98230 e5.45518 - 10pl / 15 € - all amenities - 750m centre

Camping Half-Hichtum - on the farm - Hichtumerweg 14 8701 PG Bolsward - GPS: n53.07365 e5.52253 –16.5 € / night - all amenities (including showers) - 1 km centre. Small-scale campsite with very friendly owners. The farmer is always willing to give you a tour of the farm. Most places are in the main square. We had a place in the front, separated from the square. In the summer there are a lot of mosquitoes!

Tsjerk Hiddesluizen - Official camper place - Nieuwe Vissershaven 17 Harlingen -
GPS: n53.17938 e5.41731 - 14pl / 10 € + 1 € water + 1 € / 2kwh electricity - 500m centre

Camperpark Kuikhorne, De Westereen - marina - Kûkhernsterwei 31 9271 HD De Westereen GPS: n53.24124 o6.01875 - 50pl / 13 € - all amenities. Cosy camper place. Everyone must point their nose in the same direction.

In the towns where we did not stay overnight, we found a decent parking space near the centre. That was for the following places:

Ijlst - free parking Sneekerpad
Stavoren - free parking Stationsweg
Franeker - free parking at Leeuwarderweg
Dokkum - parked for free along the road "Over de Ee" on the water. At 50m from this road is a camper stop with 5pl. You have to be really lucky to get a place there.

E-mail: info@dmcamperreizen.be

Copyright © DMCamperreizen 2018.
All right reserved.
Day 3
Today we reverse the route and drive first to Ijlst and then to Sneek because we will spend the night there on - how could it be otherwise - a camper stop in the marina.

Ijlst is one of the smallest cities in Friesland, with many historic buildings. It is truly an idyllic picture. From the bridge over the canal you have a view of the beautiful “overtuinen”. The hallmark of Ijlst. Overtuinen are gardens that are separated from the associated houses by water or a road. A really beautiful sight. You really have the feeling that you are in the middle of a three-dimensional painting.
The residents make a real effort to maintain their gardens well. Although during the summer months, they are not so happy. A resident of a canal house told me that in July the town is literally overrun by many tourists, pedestrians and cyclists. Although it was August, there weren't many people at the time of our visit.
When we walk further behind the houses, along the water, we come across a few ramps. The national sport of Friesland is practiced here. Ijlst is the cradle of “fierljeppen”. It is actually the Frisian name for pole vaulting. The participants have to jump as far as possible over a ditch with a pole. Which does not always work. Many end up in the ditch! Before the jump they make a short sprint of about thirty meters.
While going back to our motorhome, we took the opportunity to also visit the 17th century sawmill 'De Rat'. It is a three-storey tower mill on the river Geeuw. The mill has been in use for more than three centuries and large tree trunks are still cut into planks.
On to the next: Sneek. The city of water sports and the "Water Gate". It is pleasant to walk past the old houses. In one of the streets Monique found "the liquorice shop"! A real delicacy for the enthusiast. We closed the afternoon on a nice terrace along one of the canals.
Day 4
The program includes the smallest town in Friesland, namely Sloten. It is located on the Slotermeer (a lake that freezes over completely in winter and where the skaters skate en masse during an eleven cities tour. Apparently, a very impressive image). There are as many canals as there are streets in Sloten. It is very beautiful, cosy and quiet. From the mill you wander through the idyllic streets situated on the water. Be sure to visit the reformed church. Worth seeing. You then walk further to the water gate that provides access to the Slotermeer. Time afterwards to have a nice terrace and drink a delicious iced coffee.
Then we make our way to our spot on the motorhome stopover, which is located just behind the mill. And how could it be otherwise, it is located at the marina!
Day 5
After a whole night of rain we drive, still under heavy rain, to Stavoren.
Stavoren is the oldest city in Friesland and enclosed on three sides by the Ijsselmeer. Here we come to visit the two main sights: the "lady of Stavoren" and the "fish of Stavoren".
The statue "The Lady of Stavoren" overlooks the IJsselmeer and symbolizes the protagonist of a Frisian folk tale. There are many different versions of this story, but they all have one overarching moral: pride comes before a fall. In other words: pride causes you misery.
"The fish of Stavoren" is a fish fountain. A huge open mouth of a mighty fish lures you in, as it were, through its water-spraying lips.
Actually, Stavoren is not that interesting for the rest. But it is on the route, so you must have been there!
In the afternoon we then drive to Hindeloopen. At the local campsite, located just behind the dyke on the Ijsselmeer, we obtain a "Come & Go" camper stop; places that you can book for max. 4 nights.
We follow the dike from the campsite. We literally walk among the sheep, who roam freely and are used to the many walkers. Thanks to the strong wind we are quickly in the picturesque town. With its beautifully decorated facades, wooden bridges over the ditches and its narrow streets, it is like an open-air museum.
The Frisian skating museum, which is located there, should not be missing from the program. You will be guided along the entire Eleven cities skating tour history and we have a look at the largest collection of ice skates in the world. The skates of the then prince - now king - Willem Alexander, with which he took part in the Eleven cities skating tour, have a place among the many and authentic examples.
Day 6
Today's stop is Workum. We only visit the city because it is on the route. The beautiful market square with its many terraces is the only thing worth mentioning in the city. Here is also the town hall with its beautiful façade, and the “Waag” located. The weigh house is a 17th-century building housing the museum about the history of Workum. It is adjacent to St. Gertrudischurch.
After having a drink on the terrace, we spent the rest of the day at our pitch, at again… the marina. Fortunately we had one of the three places on the paved strip with a view of the many sailing boats and yachts. The rest of the motorhomes were on a lawn. Due to the frequent rain of the past days, they were all stuck in the mud and could only leave their place after hard work. For one motorhome, the manager even had to lay a deck, because the place was flooded. The water rose above the boots.
Day 7
The eighth city on our route; Bolsward. Not the largest city, but interesting. After a rainy morning we go out in the afternoon in the centre, accompanied by a private guide! A spirited elderly lady, who used to be a city guide, suggested we show us around the city. This completely free. She showed us some hidden gems of Bolsward. Secret Catholic churches dating back to the time of the religious disputes. The splendour of the rich and their generosity towards the poorer inhabitants. They were the forerunners of what we call the CPAS, with food distribution, an orphanage, etc. We were even allowed to enter a few private homes with her that reflected the difference between rich and poor. Places not accessible to tourists. Very interesting!

Of course she also showed the other sights. The large Catholic church with its small glazed stones. Very special. The town hall, one of the most beautiful gems in Friesland. Unfortunately we couldn't see it because it was completely under construction. And covered with cloths for renovation.
The “Broerekerk”, the oldest monument in Bolsward. The church completely burned out and now open as a ruin. Very special because a glass canopy has been placed. The church now has a social function.
We ended the afternoon on a terrace with a local beer and… “bitterballen” (spicy meat balls).
Day 8
Accompanied by a storm wind we arrive at the camper place at the harbor. The only seaport in Friesland: Harlingen. Pounding into the wind we reach 500m further the center. It is actually atmospheric. Most activity is of course in the harbor. Ferries to the Wadden Islands depart from here. Via the raised dike we arrive at a small beach. We walk further up the dike that separates the Wadden Sea from the harbor. This certainly runs more than 200m into the sea. We were almost blown away. The wind was that strong.
Back in the center, we looked for the statue of the legendary boy who stuck his finger in the dike and thus prevented the city from being swallowed up by the sea. We found it near the departure point of the ferries.
After a breath of fresh air we sat down on a terrace with a view of the marina. Not the classy "t Havenmantsje" (where they serve the well-known Wadden tea; a high tea with sandwiches and scones), but on the terrace of a unique pancake and "poffertjes" restaurant! Despite the extensive menu, we still chose the traditional "poffertjes" (very little pancakes).
Day 9
The end of the tour is near. In the morning we stop in Franeker. A very beautiful and old university town. Although the University of Franeker no longer exists, you can still soak up its atmosphere. We walk past the stately professors' houses and even bump into the oldest student café in the Netherlands, the "Bogt van Guné". Just a little further we then see the Kaatsmuseum. This is the oldest sports museum in the Netherlands. Handball is still very popular in Friesland, just like the Fierljeppen that I mentioned earlier.

Tip! We visited Franeker on a Monday morning. When you want to enter a shop, have a drink or visit a museum, better choose another day. Everything is closed on Monday morning! It was quiet when we walked around.
In the afternoon we are in the last city of our route. Namely Dokkum.
As I wrote at the beginning of the report, Dokkum is the turning point of the Eleven Cities Tour. Here the skaters drive back to Leeuwarden? The arrival of their journey.
It's a nice city, not overwhelming. It is pleasant to stay in the historic centre. Cosy cafes, restaurants and boutiques in old buildings with stepped gables. Stroll along the canals. When you arrive at the town hall you will find the turning point on the bridge.
Finally: coffee! Do you like coffee? Then you have to end your (early) afternoon with a Dokkumer coffee. Coffee with a dash of Beerenburg (Frisian herb bitter) and whipped cream.

At that moment we realized that our Eleven Cities Tour was over! Time to go. We spent the night on the way on a beautiful camper stop at another… marina.
Day 10
We drive home under a bright sun.
Leeuwarden was the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Since then, the eleven cities of Friesland have been equipped with unique fountains.
Those fountains were created by international artists from eleven different countries. The makers were not chosen at random: a match was sought between the work of the artist and the character and history of the Eleven Cities city in question.

We also discovered those fountains during our eleven cities tour. However, we were not consciously looking for it. One more beautiful than the other. A summary:

Leeuwarden - "Love" by Jaume Plensa (Spain). A mist fountain consisting of two 7 meter high white sculptures of a boy and a girl. We did not visit this fountain. Still, I show a picture of it. I got it from the internet.

Sneek - "The Fountain of Fortuna" - Stephan Balkenhol (Germany). On a golden sphere in the middle of the water is a man with a Horn of Plenty.

Ijlst - "The Immortal Flowers" by Shinji Ohmaki (Japan)

Sloten - "Lapwing" by Lucy Orta & Jorge Orta (United Kingdom, Argentina). Shows a girl standing on a man's shoulders. She is holding a bird in her hand. Under the feet of the man, an untidy pile of buckets, jerry cans and tubs forms the base of the fountain.

Stavoren - "the fish fountain" by Mark Dion (United States)

Hindeloopen - "Flora & Fauna" by Shen Yuan (China). The source of inspiration for the fountain is the tree of life on the city's coat of arms, with the deer and the doe surrounding it. We passed this fountain, but I didn't take a picture of it (for me it didn't fit in the idyllic townscape, that's why). This photo was also found on the internet.

Workum - "The Wild Lions" by Cornelia Parker (Great Britain). For centuries the coat of arms on "De Waag" of Workum has been supported by two lions.

Bolsward - "The Bat" by Johan Creten (Belgium). The staircase on the back invites the visitor to symbolically conquer the bat. And… to transcend itself.

Harlingen - "The Whale" by Jennifer Allora & Guillermo Calzadilla (United States, Cuba). Harlingen was once dominated by whaling. Today we no longer strive to kill these great and great animals, but rather to save them from death. Especially now that, for unclear reasons, they are increasingly stranded in shallow waters. The Harlingen fountain is a lifelike sperm whale. He lies as if lost at the Zuiderpier, but now and then his powerful jet of water betrays that he is indeed alive. Thus, "The Whale" testifies to the enormous influence man has on everything that lives in the sea.

Franeker - "The Oort Cloud" by Jean-Michel Othoniel (France). The fountain is an ode to the world famous astronomer Jan Hendrik Oort, born in Franeker. His assumption that a "cloud" of billions of comet-like objects is moving around our solar system was a breakthrough in astronomy.

Dokkum - "The Ice Fountain" by Birthe Leemeijer (The Netherlands). The Ice Fountain is a plaything of the elements and no two days are the same. Ice draws patterns on the copper skin of the sculpture. The degree to which the fountain forms ice sheets or not depends on the sun, humidity, temperature, wind and precipitation. Energy for the Ice Fountain is generated by solar panels.
Summary overnight stays
Leeuwarder Jachthaven - Jachthavenlaan 3 8937 AM Leeuwarden GPS: n53.19886 o5.83019 - 15pl / € 11.5 + € 2 electricity - all amenities - 2.5 km from city. Beautiful camper place with a view of the water and the boats.

Motorhome stopover AQUANAUT - marina - Selfhelpweg 7 8607 AB Sneek - GPS: n53.02725 e5.66302 - 12pl / 15 € - all amenities - 500m centre

Official motorhome stopover - Jachthaven 7 8556 AM Locks GPS: n52.89265 e5.64486 - 30pl / 11 € + 2.5 € electricity - all amenities - 100m centre. There are only a limited number of places on the waterfront of the marina. We were lucky and had a place with a very nice view. The other places are on a meadow at the back of the marina and behind the camping pitches. There is no possibility to discharge gray water.

Camping Hindeloopen - Westerdijk 9, 8713 JA Hindeloopen - 19.5 € / night - come and go motorhome pitch 50m² - all amenities on the campsite. The pitches have an area. From approx. 45 - 50 m2 - can be booked with or without 6 ampere electricity - places are for campers up to 7.50 meters - Maximum 4 nights - (Front) tents, trailers or trailers are not allowed here

Official motorhome stopover - Bouwsma marina - Moleburren 11 8711 JA Workum - GPS: n52.98230 e5.45518 - 10pl / 15 € - all amenities - 750m centre

Camping Half-Hichtum - on the farm - Hichtumerweg 14 8701 PG Bolsward - GPS: n53.07365 e5.52253 –16.5 € / night - all amenities (including showers) - 1 km centre. Small-scale campsite with very friendly owners. The farmer is always willing to give you a tour of the farm. Most places are in the main square. We had a place in the front, separated from the square. In the summer there are a lot of mosquitoes!

Tsjerk Hiddesluizen - Official camper place - Nieuwe Vissershaven 17 Harlingen -
GPS: n53.17938 e5.41731 - 14pl / 10 € + 1 € water + 1 € / 2kwh electricity - 500m centre

Camperpark Kuikhorne, De Westereen - marina - Kûkhernsterwei 31 9271 HD De Westereen GPS: n53.24124 o6.01875 - 50pl / 13 € - all amenities. Cosy camper place. Everyone must point their nose in the same direction.

In the towns where we did not stay overnight, we found a decent parking space near the centre. That was for the following places:

Ijlst - free parking Sneekerpad
Stavoren - free parking Stationsweg
Franeker - free parking at Leeuwarderweg
Dokkum - parked for free along the road "Over de Ee" on the water. At 50m from this road is a camper stop with 5pl. You have to be really lucky to get a place there.

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