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Castle Cycle Route in North Friesland

(70.0 km)

Don’t expect to see castles with tall towers in Friesland... But as you cycle through the north of the province you will pass grand historic houses and country estates with beautifully landscaped gardens. In Friesland, these country estates are known as ‘staten’ and ‘stinzen’.

In the Middle Ages, thick-walled stone towers that could be inhabited and defended were built on mounds in Friesland. Today, the Schierstins tower in the village of Feanwâlden is the only one left. Many others were demolished or converted into luxury residences. In Friesland, these country estates are known as ‘staten’. Most of the 60 or so surviving examples are in northern Friesland. 

This cycling route takes you past no less than 7 beautiful country estates: Vijversburg, Uniastate, Popta Slot, Dekemastate, Martenastate, Staniastate and De Klinze. The route starts and ends in the car park at the 

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Don’t expect to see castles with tall towers in Friesland... But as you cycle through the north of the province you will pass grand historic houses and country estates with beautifully landscaped gardens. In Friesland, these country estates are known as ‘staten’ and ‘stinzen’.

In the Middle Ages, thick-walled stone towers that could be inhabited and defended were built on mounds in Friesland. Today, the Schierstins tower in the village of Feanwâlden is the only one left. Many others were demolished or converted into luxury residences. In Friesland, these country estates are known as ‘staten’. Most of the 60 or so surviving examples are in northern Friesland. 

This cycling route takes you past no less than 7 beautiful country estates: Vijversburg, Uniastate, Popta Slot, Dekemastate, Martenastate, Staniastate and De Klinze. The route starts and ends in the car park at the 

magnificent Vijversburg Park estate. 

It is best to allow at least a day for this route. Seventy kilometres is a long way to cycle and you also need time to admire 7 country estates. Enjoy a part of Friesland that was home to the nobility!

If you also want to see the castles in the centre of Leeuwarden, be sure to allow at least another day for the Castles in the heart of Leeuwarden walking tour through the capital of Friesland.

Sights on this route

Nature- and culture Park Vijversburg

Vijversburg is a park of international standing, where nature and culture come together.

Nature- and culture Park Vijversburg
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Poptaslot of Heringastate

Poptaslot, the jewel among the Frisian Stinzen, called, to the last States and occupant, the wealthy lawyer Dr. Henricus Popta. From his death in 1712 the estate with gardens, canals and ports increasingly managed by 4 guardians. The decor is still m...

Poptaslot of Heringastate Poptaslot voortuin
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Dekema State

Dekema State was originally a noble residence, where several families lived until 1996. The noble residence and the gardens are now open to the public.

Dekema State
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Stania State Country House and Estate

Stania State is a country house and estate nestled in the woodland between Oentsjerk and Aldtsjerk in Friesland. This unique property is within cycling distance of Leeuwarden and Dokkum (about 10 km).

Stania State Country House and Estate
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De Klinze Country House and Estate

De Klinze is a country house and estate where you can choose a new bed, enjoy a night away and stroll through a magnificent park. You can also discover the history of the estate through its art and decor!

De Klinze Country House and Estate
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Nature- and culture Park Vijversburg

Vijversburg is a park of international standing, where nature and culture come together.

Nature- and culture Park Vijversburg

Directions

Nature- and culture Park Vijversburg

Vijversburg is a park of international standing, where nature and culture come together.

Nature- and culture Park Vijversburg

Parkeer je auto gratis op de parkeerplaats van Park Vijversburg in Tytsjerk. 

Van hieruit volg je de fietsknooppunten door natuurgebied De Grote Wielen richting Leeuwarden.

Via de dorpjes Hempens, Swichem en Weidum kom je terecht in Bears, waar een luchtspiegeling en de oude toegangspoort van de Uniastate wacht.

Dan door naar Jellum, Boksum en Deinum om in Marsum uit te komen, waar je het Popta Slot kunt bezichtigen.

Vervolgens terug naar Leeuwarden om in noordelijke richting door te stomen naar de Dekema State in Jelsum en de Martenastate in Koarnjum (hiervoor moet je een stukje van de route afwijken).

Dan met het veerpontje oversteken naar Wyns (check tevoren de vaartijden van de pont!), en van daaruit door naar Oentsjerk (Stania State), Aldstjerk (De Klinze), Munein en Ryptsjerk om uiteindelijk weer in Tytsjerk uit te komen.    

Nature- and culture Park Vijversburg

Vijversburg is a park of international standing, where nature and culture come together.

Nature- and culture Park Vijversburg
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