Bike & Sail Holland’s UNESCO Wadden Sea & IJsselmeer
Netherlands Bike + Boat Tours
Discover Texel, Terschelling, & the Frisian Sea on a cycle tour through Holland’s North Sea Islands
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1064 Rates
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Overview
You have heard of bike and barge tours - now we offer you a bike and sail adventure in the Netherlands!
Experience the purity of nature - the water, sun, and sea breezes - as you explore the open water of the northern part of Lake IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere.
The Frisian region is a world in itself - a fragile balance between land and sea. High and low tide alternate every six hours, transforming the landscape as if by magic. One moment, everything is totally submerged, and the next, you can walk on the seabed across to the islands that lie just off the coast. The first islands are the five Dutch Wadden Islands, and they are all “pearls in the sea”, each with a unique atmosphere and character.
The Frisian islands and the coasts of North Holland and Friesland are a true “El Dorado” for cyclists.
What are you waiting for? Cast off!
Highlights
- North Sea Islands of Texel and Terschelling
- Beautiful natural areas
- Small, picturesque villages
- Picture perfect beaches
- Bird watching
We have many bike & boat tours in the Netherlands. Take a look!
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Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival and embarkation in Enkhuizen
Day 2: Enkhuizen - Medemblik | Medemblik - Den Oever -Texel, 14 or 22 mi. (24 or 37 km)
Day 3: Texel - round tour from Oudeschild, 26 or 30 mi. (43 or 49 km)
Day 4: Island of Texel | Island of Terschelling, sailing day (5 to 6 hrs)
Day 5: The Island of Terschelling | Terschelling - Harlingen, 1 to 24 mi. (1 to 40 km)
Day 6: Harlingen - Franeker - Makkum, 29 or 36 mi. (48 or 58 km)
Day 7: Makkum - Stavoren | Sailing to Enkhuizen, 19 to 30 mi. (32 to 49 km)
Day 8: Enkhuizen*All distances are approximate. The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety even with no advance notice. During the days when two tour length options are possible, you can make a choice for the longer or the shorter option, but not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short biking option.
Day: 1 Arrival in Enkhuizen
It is possible to bring your luggage on board from 11 am but the cabins will not be ready for check-in at this time. Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is from 2 pm near the beautiful center of Enkhuizen and close to the railway station. After unpacking your luggage, the skipper will join you for an aperitif before giving you a rundown of what to expect on the journey, details about the ship, and safety on board. In the evening, take a stroll through the historical center of Enkhuizen, a quaint town that was the home of the Dutch merchant fleet during the Golden Age of the Netherlands. Enjoy your first night on board in Enkhuizen on the western bank of Lake IJsselmeer.Day 2: Medemblik - Den Oever - Texel (17 - 25 mi / 28 - 40 km)
Today the ship sails from Enkhuizen to Den Oever. You can stay on board and sail over the IJsselmeer or you can hop on your bike and start your first cycling tour. This will take you along the IJsselmeer coast through the beautiful polder landscape via Medemblik to the fishing harbor of Den Oever. Depending on the weather, in the evening, the ship will sail across the Wadden Sea to the island of Texel.Day 3: Texel's Oudeschild Loop (26 - 30 mi / 43 - 49 km)
The island of Texel has varied scenery and picturesque villages. On the agenda today is a round trip cycling tour on the largest of the Dutch North Sea islands. It is highly recommended that you use the well-signposted Thijsse route (about 24 miles/40 km) and visit some villages as well as the seal sanctuary station, Ecomare. Also along the way is the traditional beer brewery in the harbor of Oudeschild.Day 4: Texel - Terschelling (Sailing 5 - 6 hrs)
If the tide and weather cooperate, the ship will sail to the island of Terschelling. You will maneuver through the sandbanks of the Wadden Sea and may even be able to see seals resting on the sandbar. In the afternoon, the ship will arrive on the island of Terschelling which features a number of picturesque villages situated between the polder and sand dunes along its 30 km expanse. While sailing, you will enjoy an extensive lunch on board. In 2019, no dinner will be served tonight, to enable you to explore the island, but you can make yourself a picnic meal or try one of the nice restaurants at Terschelling (not incl.).Day 5: Terschelling - Harlingen (26 mi / 42 km)
Terschelling has a lot to offer including nature, culture, cycling paths that stretch 70 km, and four beautiful villages. You decide how much or how little you would like to cycle. West Terschelling is the largest village on the island with quaint little shops and pubs. The landmark of the island - the 400-year-old lighthouse, "Brandaris" - can already be seen well from a distance. Also worth seeing is the European nature reserve, “Boschplaat”. It captivates with its mud, beaches, and dunes. You might even spot a number of ducks, black-winged stilts, and large colonies of spoonbills and great black-backed gulls. After a day of cycling, you can relax in comfort once you have arrived on board. In the late afternoon, the ship will cross the Wadden Sea to Harlingen, the most important harbor city of the province of Friesland.Day 6: Harlingen - Franeker - Makkum (29 - 36 mi / 48 - 58 km)
Via Franeker, with its famous planetarium of Eise Eisinga, you'll cycle through the beautiful wide Frisian countryside and several rural villages to the small harbor of Makkum on the eastern bank of Lake IJsselmeer. If you take the long cycling trip, you will also visit Bolsward, one of the Eleven Frisian Cities.
Day 7: Makkum - Stavoren - Enkhuizen (19 - 30 mi / 32 - 49 km)
From Makkum you will cycle to Stavoren. The short tour leads you via the old trading town of Hindeloopen. The local art of painting – a type of traditional decorative painting – is quite famous. Apart from this, you’ll find the First Frisian Museum of Ice Skating in Hindeloopen. The long tour runs along several Frisian lakes and shows you a different type of landscape. From Stavoren the ship will cross the IJsselmeer to Enkhuizen in the late afternoon.Day 8: Disembark in Enkhuizen
Disembarkation by 10:00 am. A beautiful journey full of new experiences has come to an end.2025 departures: May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, August 31, September 7 and September 14.
The guided option is only available on certain dates (listed above) aboard the Leafde fan Fryslan.
Day 1: Enkhuizen - Medemblik
Day 2: Medemblik - Den Oever - Texel (17 - 24.8 mi / 28 - 40 km)
Day 3: Texel's Oudeschild Loop (26 - 30 mi / 43 - 49 km)
Day 4: Texel - Terschelling (Sailing 5 - 6 hrs)
Day 5: Terschelling - Harlingen (26 mi / 42 km)
Day 6: Harlingen - Franeker - Makkum (29 - 36 mi / 48 - 58 km)
Day 7: Makkum - Stavoren - Enkhuizen (19 - 30 mi / 32 - 49 km)
Day 8: Disembark in EnkhuizenThe guided option is only available on certain dates (listed above) aboard the Leafde fan Fryslan.
Day 1: Enkhuizen - Medemblik
Check-in begins at 2 pm near Enkhuizen’s city center and train station. Once settled in, the captain will welcome you aboard this one-of-a-kind Dutch vessel, the Leafde fan Fryslan, a beautifully remodeled four-masted schooner. After a brief safety meeting and overview of the itinerary, you’ll sail toward Medemblik, where, after dinner, the tour leaders will guide you through this historic town, known for its maritime traditions.
Day 2: Medemblik - Den Oever - Texel (17 - 25 mi / 28 - 40 km)
Start your day with a bike fitting, then set off on your first cycling adventure! You’ll be divided into two groups: one guided on a longer route, the other on a shorter route, both leading to the historic village of Twisk, famous for its well-preserved charm. After the ride, the ship will head to Texel, the largest Dutch North Sea island. If the weather doesn’t permit, you may stay overnight in Den Oever instead.
Day 3: Texel's Oudeschild Loop (26 - 30 mi / 43 - 49 km)
Today, explore the stunning landscapes of Texel, a cyclist’s haven with scenic routes, picturesque villages, and dedicated bike paths. With your tour leaders guiding you, highlights include a visit to Ecomare, a sanctuary for rescued seals and birds, where you’ll also learn about Texel’s unique ecosystem.
Day 4: Texel - Terschelling (Sailing 5 - 6 hrs)
Today is a full day of sailing! As you navigate the Wadden Sea’s sandbanks, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the captain and crew will share insights into sailing. Keep an eye out for seals resting on the sandbars. Enjoy lunch on board as you approach Terschelling, a scenic island with villages set between polders and dunes. Dinner is on your own, allowing you to experience one of the island’s local restaurants.
Day 5: Terschelling - Harlingen (26 mi / 42 km)
Today’s ride explores Terschelling’s rich natural and cultural sites, with 70 km of bike paths and four quaint villages to discover. Highlights include the 400-year-old Brandaris lighthouse in West Terschelling and the Boschplaat nature reserve, home to mudflats, beaches, and diverse bird species. In the afternoon, sail to Harlingen, Friesland’s primary harbor town.
Day 6: Harlingen - Franeker - Makkum (29 - 36 mi / 48 - 58 km)
Cycle from Harlingen to Franeker, stopping at the UNESCO-recognized Eise Eisinga Planetarium. Continue through the Frisian countryside, passing picturesque villages on your way to Makkum, a harbor town on the eastern shore of the IJsselmeer. The longer route includes a visit to Bolsward, one of Friesland’s Eleven Cities.
Day 7: Makkum - Stavoren - Enkhuizen (19 - 30 mi / 32 - 49 km)
Begin your day cycling from Makkum to Stavoren. The shorter route includes a visit to Hindeloopen, known for its traditional decorative art and the First Frisian Museum of Ice Skating. The longer route takes you past several of Friesland’s scenic lakes. In the late afternoon, the ship sails across the IJsselmeer, returning to Enkhuizen.
Day 8: Disembark in Enkhuizen
After breakfast on board, disembark by 9:30 am for the end of your journey.
Be sure to check out all of our featured bike & boat tours, or our full list of tours, trips, & cruises.
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Leafde fan Fryslân
Deluxe Class Sailing Ship
As the only four-masted schooner in Dutch waters, this luxurious vessel blends timeless elegance with modern design for an unparalleled sailing experience. Read More
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Mare fan Fryslân
Standard Class Sailing Ship
The Mare fan Fryslân was built in 1960 as a freight ship and was then completely renovated in 2006 to be used as a beautiful, elegant, three-masted schooner. Get ready for an authentic sailing experience! Read More
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Wapen fan Fryslân
Standard Class Sailing Ship
In 1965, this sailing ship was launched as a freight ship and then in 2003 it was completely transformed into a sailing passenger ship. Today is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
Self-guided
- Accommodations on board selected boat for 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 1 lunch onboard, 6 three-course dinners onboard & 1 packed dinner
- Welcome drink
- Coffee & tea onboard until 4 pm
- 7-speed unisex city touring bicycle (handmade in the Netherlands by Azor) aluminum frame, Selle-Royal adjustable gel saddle, integral frame lock, anti-puncture tires, & pannier bag
- Onboard tour guide (remains on board, does not cycle with group)
- Daily briefings of the tours
- Fresh towels on request
- Light daily cleaning of cabins
- Route descriptions & maps (one set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- WiFi
- Accommodations on board the Leafde fan Fryslan for 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 1 lunch onboard, 6 three-course dinners onboard
- Welcome drink
- Coffee & tea onboard
- Fresh towels on request
- Light daily cleaning of cabins
- 7-speed unisex city touring bicycle, helmet, water bottle, & pannier bag
- Fully guided cycling tours (2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
- Daily briefings of the tours
- Route descriptions & maps (one set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Fees for ferries
- City walk Medemblik
- Nature museum & seal sanctuary Ecomare
- UNESCO World Heritage Planetarium of Eise Eisinga
- Wifi
Guided
What’s Not Included
Self-guided
- Transfers to & from the docking place in Enkhuizen
- Entrance fees & excursions
- Fees for ferries
- Drinks on board other than those mentioned
- Helmet ( available for a surcharge)
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
- Transfers to & from the docking place in Enkhuizen
- Entrance fees & excursions not in ‘what’s included’
- Drinks on board other than those mentioned
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Guided
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Leafde fan Fryslân:
Guided, Season A: May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 31, Sep 7, 14
Guided, Season B: Sep 21, 28
Self-guided, Season B: Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 24Mare fan Fryslân:
Self-guided, Season A: Saturdays May 3–Sep 6
Self-guided, Season C: Sep 13, 20
Self-guided, Season D: Sep 27Wapen fan Fryslân:
Self-guided, Season A: Saturdays May 3–Sep 6
Self-guided, Season C: Sep 13, 20
Self-guided, Season D: Sep 27- Guided, Season A 2025 May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 31, Sep 7, 14 from € 16292025 departures: May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 31, Sep 7, 14
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, small twin cabin € 1629 Lower deck, twin cabin € 1829 Lower deck, junior suite € 2029 Upper deck, suite € 2479 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 2129 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2679 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 161 Helmet Included Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 May departures Discount € -200 - Guided, Season B 2025 Sep 21, 28 from € 15292025 departures: Sep 21, 28
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, small twin cabin € 1529 Lower deck, twin cabin € 1729 Lower deck, junior suite € 1929 Upper deck, suite € 2379 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 2029 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2529 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 161 Helmet Included Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season B 2025 Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 24 from € 14152025 departures: Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 24
2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, small twin cabin € 1415 Lower deck, twin cabin € 1615 Lower deck, junior suite € 1815 Upper deck, suite € 2215 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 1915 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2365 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100
- Self-guided, Season A 2025 May 3–Sep 6 from € 15152025 departures: Saturdays May 3–Sep 6
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1515 Lower deck, junior suite € 1715 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 1815 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2215 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season C 2025 Sep 13, 20 from € 14152025 departures: Sep 13, 20
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1415 Lower deck, junior suite € 1615 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 1715 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2065 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season D 2025 Sep 27 from € 12652025 departures: Sep 27
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1265 Lower deck, junior suite € 1465 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 1565 Lower deck, twin cabin € 1840 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100
- Self-guided, Season A 2025 May 3–Sep 6 from € 15152025 departures: Saturdays May 3–Sep 6
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1515 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, twin cabin € 2215 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season C 2025 Sep 13, 20 from € 16152025 departures: Sep 13, 20
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1615 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, twin cabin € 2065 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season D 2025 Sep 27 from € 12652025 departures: Sep 27
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1265 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, twin cabin € 1840 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Guided, Season A 2025 May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 31, Sep 7, 14 from € 1629
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
The cycle routes consist mainly of smooth, paved paths and quiet rural roads with flat terrain, making them ideal for all skill levels. Occasional cobblestone streets or natural paths in historic areas add a touch of charm. Routes can be enjoyed as guided tours for added insights or self-guided for more flexibility.
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
Local Travel
From the airport, you can take a train to Enkhuizen. Travel time is 1 1/2 hour with one transfer. Cost is approximately €15. The train station at AMS is located on the lower level of the airport. A good app to download to your mobile device is the NS app (which can be found on the App Store or Google Play). You can use the app to plan your journey using every mode of public transport, not just from train station to train station, but to any address. You can also see the current location of your bus, tram, and metro, as well as the current departure times.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. Below you will find more information regarding the regional weather.
Day of Rest
Any day can be used as a day of rest to remain on board.
Remarks
Children are welcome onboard providing that they are able to manage a cycle trip of ca. 30-55 km. Children’s bikes, tandems, parent-child-tandems, slip streamers, etc. are available on request. Of course, you may stay one or more days onboard instead of cycling (children under the age of 18 years must be under supervision). Child discount on request. Life jackets for children can be arranged on request.
Important to know
Travel documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.
*Important note: Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), as once implemented, it will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit.
Tour documents
Your final travel information will be emailed approx. one month before your tour date. If you are interested in having the route on your personal smart device, Ride With GPS is an app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. Your phone then becomes your own cycling navigation device, a bike route mapping tool for cyclists. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps. Once the app is installed, you can then download tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your smartphone. You will be able to use voice navigation on all the routes and access your tour content anytime, all from your phone. In your final travel information, you will find the code you can use to access your specific tour. An account is not required.
Life on board
A little bit of adventure is a part of every Bike and Sail tour as this is a tour that depends on the wind! The captain decides the best route to be taken each day and discusses all options with the participants. The crew does everything in its power to ensure that the program runs according to plan and to offer you as fascinating, varied, and active a week as possible in which nature and culture play a major part. It is, however, also possible that departure times and the time spent on the water – and even the order of the program itself – may be adjusted. Enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements! Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged and anyone who would like to help the crew to sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. This is of course absolutely up to you and no sailing experience is necessary!
Carbon offset
This tour is carbon neutral. To offset emissions that can't yet be reduced by any other means, carbon credits are purchased through the organization Justdiggit. Their mission is to cool down the planet by regreening Africa through rainwater harvesting, tree restoration, and the development of grass seed banks.
Extra Stay
As you will most likely arrive and depart from Amsterdam, why not book extra nights and visit the world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum (Rembrandts’ Night watch), the Anne Frank House, and enjoy the abundance of terraces and boutique-style cafes? We advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, but more importantly, you can read customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Boat Bike Tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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