Eleven Cities Cycling Tour
Every spring, on Whit Monday to be precise, Friesland hosts the spectacular Eleven Cities cycling tour! This major cycling event has been organised by the Stichting de Friese Elfsteden Rijwieltocht foundation for more than 100 years.
On the day of the event, a total of 15,000 cyclists set off from Bolsward in groups of 650 from 5 o’clock in the morning. First, they cycle the northern half of the route, which takes them to Dokkum.
Around midday they return to Bolsward to collect a stamp and enjoy a cup of soup. Then they cycle the southern part of the route, returning to Bolsward late afternoon or sometime during the evening. Those who arrive back in Bolsward before midnight get a medal.
Supporters line the rout…
Every spring, on Whit Monday to be precise, Friesland hosts the spectacular Eleven Cities cycling tour! This major cycling event has been organised by the Stichting de Friese Elfsteden Rijwieltocht foundation for more than 100 years.
On the day of the event, a total of 15,000 cyclists set off from Bolsward in groups of 650 from 5 o’clock in the morning. First, they cycle the northern half of the route, which takes them to Dokkum.
Around midday they return to Bolsward to collect a stamp and enjoy a cup of soup. Then they cycle the southern part of the route, returning to Bolsward late afternoon or sometime during the evening. Those who arrive back in Bolsward before midnight get a medal.
Supporters line the route and cheer on the cyclists from first thing in the morning until late in the evening. Many of the cyclists ride racing bikes. Others take part on a tandem or an old-fashioned upright bike. After all, these days the event is a tour, not a race. As long as you cycle with your own muscle power, you are welcome to enter.
Click here for more information about the Eleven Cities Cycling Tour.
Sights on this route
Starting point
Marktplein 1a
8701 KG Bolsward
Navigate to starting point
Bolsward (Boalsert)
Bolsward, or Boalsert as we say in Friesland, is the city where history and architecture play a leading role. Let yourself be carried away by the rich history of this eleven cities city.
Harlingen (Harns)
Harlingen is de Elfstedenstad aan het Wad. Een prachtige stad met een nautisch heden en verleden, gebouwd op de bodem van de oude zee...
Franeker (Frjentsjer)
The Elfsteden city Franeker is a captivating town with its rich university history. For many years, this city was home to numerous students, including well-known names such as Descartes.
Dokkum (Dokkum)
Dokkum is de meest noordelijk gelegen Elfstedenstad, ze ontstond nadat deze plek een bedevaartsoord werd na de moord op Bonifatius in 754.
Leeuwarden (Ljouwert)
Leeuwarden, or Ljouwert as we say in Friesland, is buzzing. From tourists and students to locals. From unforgettable adventures to wandering through cozy little streets.
Bolsward (Boalsert)
Bolsward, or Boalsert as we say in Friesland, is the city where history and architecture play a leading role. Let yourself be carried away by the rich history of this eleven cities city.
Sneek (Snits)
Sneek, or Snits as we say in Friesland, is the water sports city of the Netherlands. But Sneek is more than water sports and the Sneekweek. The city is bustling with events, culture, unique hotspots, and nice shops.
IJlst (Drylts)
IJlst (or Drylts in Frisian) is not only one of the famous 11 cities, but also a 'wood city'. For many years, tree trunks were processed here by the legendary wood trading companies Oppedijk and S.O. de Vries.
Sloten (Sleat)
Sloten (or Sleat as we say in Friesland) is the smallest Elfsteden town in Friesland. This walled mini-city is also called sipelstêd (Frisian for onion city) thanks to the unique shape of an onion.
Stavoren (Starum)
Stavoren (or Starum as we say in Friesland) is very much the main city of the IJsselmeer, being enclosed by the lake on three sides. It is also the oldest city of Friesland, founded around 300 BC at a waterway, and gaining city rights in the 11th century.
Hindeloopen (Hylpen)
Hindeloopen, or Hylpen as we say in Friesland, is known for its painting and stylish costumes from the past.
Workum (Warkum)
Workum (or Warkum as we say in Friesland), is one of the famous Frisian cities that has enjoyed city rights since 1399. Located on the shores of the former Zuiderzee and bordering the Frisian lakes.
Bolsward (Boalsert)
Bolsward, or Boalsert as we say in Friesland, is the city where history and architecture play a leading role. Let yourself be carried away by the rich history of this eleven cities city.
Directions
Achtereenvolgens worden op de route onderstaande plaatsen aangedaan:
Bolsward, Schettens, Witmarsum, Arum, Kimswerd, Harlingen, Herbayum, Franeker, Dongjum, Tzummarum, Minnertsga, St. Jacobiparochie, St. Annaparochie, Nij Altoenae, Hallum, Marrum,Ferwert, Blije, Holwerd, Hantum, Hiaure, Dokkum, Sybrandahuis, Birdaard, Bartlehiem, Wijns, Miedum, Lekkum, Leeuwarden, Marssum, Hatsum, Bayum, Winsum, Spannum, Kubaard, Hichtum, Bolsward, Nijland, IJsbrechtum, Sneek, IJlst, Jutrijp, Hommerts, Spannenburg, Tjerkgaast, Sloten, Wyckel, Balk, Kippenburg, Oudemirdum, Mirns, Laaxum, Stavoren, Molkwar, Hindeloopen, Workum, Parrega, Bolsward.