From the base the entire Dutch waterways system is open to you and so the cruising area is virtually unlimited. Only the Waddenzee (the tidal sea between the coast and the northern islands), Ijsselmeer and the Great Rivers are restricted. There is so much to see in the area of Friesland that we strongly advise you to cruise north and east of Koudum through the lakes and tiny rivers in the area to visit the extremely picturesque countryside, towns and cities. The 3 main cities here are Harlingen, Leeuwarden and Sneek, although for those wishing to travel further the city of Groningen is also within cruising distance. 

This is an area which owes its importance and history to shipping and trading in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architecture from this period continues to dominate the historic city centers. 

Koudum 

The start and end point of your holiday. The village is situated on the lake area near woods and the great inland sea of the Ijsselmeer. The area is surrounded by nature reserves and wildlife and you can explore these by boat or bicycle. 

A north sea coastal town with many historic gabled buildings lining the harbours. This is home to a large fleet of large traditional charter sailing vessels and the skyline is lined with masts and flags. The harbour is still busy with small coasters and ferry traffic out to the island of Terschelling. 

Leeuwarden 

This is the capital of the province and the city is lined with canals and lifting bridges. There are many shopping streets and hundreds of cafes and restaurants. The center is lined with renaissance buildings in particular the Chancellery (1600), the weigh house (1598) and the famous leaning Oldehove tower(1600's). There are many interesting museums including the Frisian Museum showing the rich history of the province of Friesland, the Princessehof with its very fine ceramics museum, and the Frisian Resistance Museum ( WW2). The Princessehof is also the birthplace of the artist M.C. Escher. 

Sneek 

At the center of many lakes and waterways, Sneek is famous for its Watergate! This Watergate dates from 1613 and is one of the last remains of the old defensive works of the town. Also worth a visit are the 18th century town hall and the Frisian Shipping Museum which houses a superb collection of model ships, paintings and silverware. 

Heeg, Grou, Sloten, Earnewoude 

All of these towns are particularly worth a visit. More details at the base when you leave.

By Train : 

The Dutch train and bus system is clean, cheap and frequent! Connections between trains are generally very good. Public transport in general is well used and can be taken even during your trip if you wish to visit somewhere too far to travel by boat. 
From Schipol or Amsterdam you take a train to Leeuwarden, then a train in the direction of Stavoren. You get out of this train at the Koudum/Molkwerum station from where a short taxi or shuttle ride takes you to the base. 

By Road : 

Heading north from the Amsterdam region take the A6 towards Emmeloord / Lemmer. At Emmeloord take the A50/A6 heading towards Lemmer and then take the Lemmer exit. Joint the N359 to Balk and Koudum leaving at the Koudum exit. Take the 4th road on your left (Hoogstraat, Beukenlaan) and go straight on to the end of the road, turn right at the junction. You will find Friesland Boating on your left almost at the end of the road.