Cycle and Ferry Tour around Workum

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From the charming streets of Workum, one of Friesland’s historical eleven cities, you set off on this delightful tour in a northeasterly direction. The 30-kilometre route leads you past reclaimed polders and beautiful Frisian Lakes. Near the end of the route, you board a little ferry that takes you back to Workum. In March and November the ferry sails between 11:00 and 16:00 on Saturday and Sunday. 

Near the locks
The route starts near the spectacular locks in Workum. Around the corner there is a car park where you can park for free. With a bit of luck, a boat will pass through the lock. If not, you can have a look at the old shipyard. If you turn around, the long It Soal canal that stretches out ahead of you leads to Lake IJsselmeer. At the very end, you can see Workum’s little white lighthouse.

Across the lake
From here, you start cycling north. This stretch of the route leads across reclaimed land, past little villages such as Ferwoude and Parrega. The body of water known as Aeltsjemeer was drained in 1877 to create new land. This area is 3 metres below the Amsterdam Ordnance Datum. You can actually see this in the landscape.

Narrow trail
The narrow trail you pick up just after Parrega will test your sense of balance as you make your way across the meadows to the village of Greonterp. There are also bridges and cattle grids to cross, so this route is not really suitable for rollerblades. But it is wonderfully scenic!

Reve village
A bit further on, you come to the small village of Greonterp. From 1964 to 1971, the Huize Het Gras farm workers’ cottage in Greonterp was the home of Dutch post-war writer and poet, Gerard Reve. It is definitely worth getting off here. Stroll past the cottages and take a seat on a bench near the bell tower.

Doris Mooltsje
From here, you continue on through the meadows to Oudegaaster Brekken (Aldegeaster Brekken) lake. To pass under the railway, you have to dismount and guide your bike down a flight of steps (not suitable for tricycles). On the other side you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the lake and the Doris Mooltsje windmill, one of the oldest drainage mills in Friesland. Doris was the last person to own and operate the mill.

Three little villages
When you get to the church in the village of Oudega, turn right and cycle over the bridge towards the village of Gaastmeer. Along the way you will see turnings to Sandfirden and Idzega. These two tiny dead-end villages are associated with Oudega. Together they are known as ‘the three little villages’. If you have enough time, they are definitely worth a visit.

The end of the world
In the hamlet of Kleine Gaastmeer turn right onto Kaepwei road, which leads to an area thought of as the end of the world. In the past this region was also known as ‘East Ynje’, the East Indies. On the left and right of the road, you will see meadows, geese and maybe a few cows. This road is a dead end for motorists but will lead you directly to the passenger and bike ferry.

Back in town 
After passing through the picturesque little village of Nijhuizum, you eventually arrive back in Workum. Stop on the market square (Merk) to admire the beautiful Waaggebouw weigh house and the Great or St Gertrude Church. Behind it is the Workum fountain with two lions spraying water at each other. Here in Workum, you can stop for a cup of coffee and something yummy before heading back to the car park near the lock.