Stavoren, Workum, Bolsward

Stavoren was particularly favourably situated on the Zuiderzee. An excellent breeding ground for the growth of shipping and trade, which is why Stavoren was able to join the Hanseatic League as early as 1385. How it ended with the town is known to anyone who has read the story of the Lady of Stavoren...

A handful of traces from the Hanseatic era can be found in Stavoren, as the city was flooded by the raging sea quite often. This caused great damage, resulting in the loss of many buildings from this era.

The impressive Blokhuis, for instance, disappeared, but that was not because of the sea. This fortification from 1522, commissioned by Emperor Charles V, was recaptured by the Frisians in 1580 after which it was demolished. Excavations found parts of the walls and towers and cannonballs. Visit Museum ‘t Ponthús if you want to know more about this important structure and admire the artwork “Imagination of the Blockhouse”, where a detailed model is shown.

Despite the fact that Bolsward was not located directly on the Zuiderzee, the city still owes its prosperity to shipping. Thanks to the good connections, trade flourished and that is why Bolsward was able to join the Hanseatic League in 1412. Anyone walking through the town today can still see the prosperity of those days.

Hindeloopen is also a beautiful Frisian town located on the former Zuiderzee. In the Middle Ages, this city already had many trade relations with German Lubeck and other Hanseatic cities. Yet it did not become a Hanseatic city itself. Perhaps that is precisely why Hindeloopen has such a distinctive character, including its own art stream. Discover the story of this Eleven Cities town at one of the Pitstops.

Between the villages and towns with their historical sights, enjoy the Frisian countryside as well. And don't forget to stop at a terrace along the way and let yourself be pampered by Frisian hospitality.

Note!
You will encounter several ferries on this route. Check in advance the sailing times on the website of the ferry (to be found at the pages of the Pitstop).