02 Havenstedenroute
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Hans van de Ven (Mr.MRA)
Last edit: 14-03-2025
Route Summary This route takes you along the historic port cities of Friesland, where the maritime past is still very much alive. From the starting point in Wons, the road winds through vast polders, along dikes and over old trade routes to the coast. You ride through well-known Frisian ports such as Harlingen, Workum and Stavoren, where the smell of the sea and ship's carpentry still hangs in the air. Along the way, you pass charming fishing villages, impressive locks and beautiful views over the IJsselmeer. The route ends in Witmarsum, where you put the bike on the stand with a satisfied feeling after a day full of bends, views and history. This is Friesland at its purest.
This is the 2nd in a series of 43 Endangered ANWB routes. These were published in the Promotors between April 2015 and September 2016.
This beautiful route deserves 3 stars because of its historical character.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
4h 2m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
125.04 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review From the peaceful Wons you head north, with the wind at your back and the horizon as your guide. The first few kilometres take you past Pingjum and Kimswerd, well-known Frisian villages with a rich history. Harlingen soon appears, a proud harbour town with lively quays, classic ships and a maritime atmosphere that immediately transports you to times gone by. A short stop here is definitely worth it, whether you want to take a photo at the harbour or just enjoy the hustle and bustle. After Harlingen you turn inland towards Achlum and Arum, where the Frisian tranquillity embraces you again. The roads become more winding and take you through the typical Frisian landscape: green meadows, ditches and characteristic farms. Via Witmarsum and Bolsward, where you can make a short stop at one of the historic buildings, you set course to the southwest.
Workum is the next port city on the route, famous for its shipbuilding tradition and picturesque canals. A little further on lies Stavoren, the oldest city in Friesland, with its iconic statue of 'The Lady of Stavoren'. This is a perfect place to stop and take a picture. Along the IJsselmeer coast, the route continues towards Mirns and Oudemirdum, where the dikes and wooded surroundings provide a varied backdrop. A stop at the viewpoint along the Murnserdyk is recommended; the vastness of the IJsselmeer and the silence of the Frisian landscape make for an impressive moment here.
The last stage takes you back inland via Koudum and Hemelum. The roads here are pure driving pleasure: flowing bends, quiet roads and now and then a surprising view of the water. Via Exmorra and Makkum, where you can make a final stop to soak up the atmosphere of the fishing life, the route ends in Witmarsum. A beautiful conclusion to a route that shows Friesland at its best.
The Havenstedenroute is a perfect mix of history, nature and wonderful winding roads. With approximately 125 kilometres of beautiful roads and countless sights, this is a ride that you can experience at your own pace. Whether you enjoy the long dike roads, the characterful harbour towns or the silence of the IJsselmeer, this route offers everything.
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Nearby routes 
Friesland
About this region
Friesland ( FREEZ-lənd, US also -land, Dutch: [ˈfrislɑnt] (listen); official West Frisian: Fryslân [ˈfrislɔ̃ːn] (listen)), historically known as Frisia, is a province of the Netherlands located in the northern part of the country. It is situated west of Groningen, northwest of Drenthe and Overijssel, north of Flevoland, northeast of North Holland, and south of the Wadden Sea. As of January 2020, the province had a population of 649,944 and a total area of 5,749 km2 (2,220 sq mi).
The capital and seat of the provincial government is the city of Leeuwarden (West Frisian: Ljouwert, Liwwaddes: Liwwadde), a city with 123,107 inhabitants. Other large municipalities in Friesland are Sneek (pop. 33,512), Heerenveen (pop. 50,257) and Drachten (pop. 55,938). Since 2017, Arno Brok is the King's Commissioner in the province. A coalition of the Christian Democratic Appeal, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, the Labour Party and the Frisian National Party forms the executive branch. The province is divided into 18 municipalities. The area of the province was once part of the ancient, larger region of Frisia. The official languages of Friesland are West Frisian and Dutch.
Read more on Wikipedia
The capital and seat of the provincial government is the city of Leeuwarden (West Frisian: Ljouwert, Liwwaddes: Liwwadde), a city with 123,107 inhabitants. Other large municipalities in Friesland are Sneek (pop. 33,512), Heerenveen (pop. 50,257) and Drachten (pop. 55,938). Since 2017, Arno Brok is the King's Commissioner in the province. A coalition of the Christian Democratic Appeal, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, the Labour Party and the Frisian National Party forms the executive branch. The province is divided into 18 municipalities. The area of the province was once part of the ancient, larger region of Frisia. The official languages of Friesland are West Frisian and Dutch.
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Statistics 
48Amount of RX reviews (Friesland)
51514Amount of visitors (Friesland)
7684Amount of downloads (Friesland)
Route Collections in this region The 10 most beautiful car and motorcycle routes in the Netherlands
These 10 routes in the Netherlands have been carefully selected, checked and made equal for TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation by a MyRoute-app RouteXpert. The 10 most beautiful motorcycle and car routes in the Netherlands are always a snapshot, and a personal opinion of the reviewer. This does not alter the fact that every lover of beautiful roads and interesting sights will enjoy these routes.
The ten routes are spread over 10 provinces, we only skipped Flevoland and South Holland. Interesting routes can also be found in the MyRoute app RouteXpert library, but we still want to stick to the 10 most beautiful and not the 12 most beautiful.
Enjoy the many fortresses and castles that are included in the routes, such as Fort Veldhuis in North Holland. But also take a look at the route southeast of Nijmegen and visit the impressive Canadian War Cemetery and Memorial. The route 'Overijssel in bird's eye view' includes the oldest house in the Netherlands and the route along the IJssel is probably the most beautiful piece of asphalt in the Netherlands.
This way there is something for everyone in this route collection. If you do not agree with these 10 routes, please send us an e-mail, indicate which route(s) should be removed and which route you would like to see instead. Maybe your route will be included in this collection of the 10 most beautiful routes in the Netherlands!
Email: info@myrouteapp.com
The ten routes are spread over 10 provinces, we only skipped Flevoland and South Holland. Interesting routes can also be found in the MyRoute app RouteXpert library, but we still want to stick to the 10 most beautiful and not the 12 most beautiful.
Enjoy the many fortresses and castles that are included in the routes, such as Fort Veldhuis in North Holland. But also take a look at the route southeast of Nijmegen and visit the impressive Canadian War Cemetery and Memorial. The route 'Overijssel in bird's eye view' includes the oldest house in the Netherlands and the route along the IJssel is probably the most beautiful piece of asphalt in the Netherlands.
This way there is something for everyone in this route collection. If you do not agree with these 10 routes, please send us an e-mail, indicate which route(s) should be removed and which route you would like to see instead. Maybe your route will be included in this collection of the 10 most beautiful routes in the Netherlands!
Email: info@myrouteapp.com
View Route Collection
The 10 most beautiful car and motorcycle routes in Friesland
Friesland officially, Frisian: Fryslân is a province in the north of the Netherlands. Friesland had 660,560 inhabitants in 2018. The capital is Leeuwarden. In addition to Dutch, Frisian has the status of administrative language in the province. But who does not know Friesland from the Elfstedentocht? An unparalleled skating festival, unfortunately it has been a long time since the last Elfsteden tour was held in Friesland, January 4, 1997 to be precise.
Not only your own language and a skating tour along the 11 Frisian cities, but also a very beautiful province to tour by car or motorcycle and enjoy all the beauty that the province of Friesland has to offer. For this purpose, a MyRoute app RouteXpert has compiled a Top 10 of Car and Motorcycle routes for you.
All routes in this collection have been checked and made equal for TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation by a MyRoute-app RouteXpert.
If you think, I have a very nice route that should certainly not be missing from this collection, send it to:
email: routeexpert@myrouteapp.com
Subject: New Route for the Top 10 collection Province of Friesland compiled by Hans van de Ven.
The route will then be reviewed and then added to the Top 10.
To make the Top 10 also the Top 10, 1 route will have to disappear from the Top 10, you can indicate this when submitting the new route.
Have fun with this collection and while driving one of these routes. Enjoy all the beauty that the Netherlands and in particular the province of Friesland has to offer. Click on “View route” to read the review of the chosen route.
I would like to hear your findings about the route(s).
Not only your own language and a skating tour along the 11 Frisian cities, but also a very beautiful province to tour by car or motorcycle and enjoy all the beauty that the province of Friesland has to offer. For this purpose, a MyRoute app RouteXpert has compiled a Top 10 of Car and Motorcycle routes for you.
All routes in this collection have been checked and made equal for TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation by a MyRoute-app RouteXpert.
If you think, I have a very nice route that should certainly not be missing from this collection, send it to:
email: routeexpert@myrouteapp.com
Subject: New Route for the Top 10 collection Province of Friesland compiled by Hans van de Ven.
The route will then be reviewed and then added to the Top 10.
To make the Top 10 also the Top 10, 1 route will have to disappear from the Top 10, you can indicate this when submitting the new route.
Have fun with this collection and while driving one of these routes. Enjoy all the beauty that the Netherlands and in particular the province of Friesland has to offer. Click on “View route” to read the review of the chosen route.
I would like to hear your findings about the route(s).
View Route Collection