dokkum
Dokkum is the northernmost town on the Eleven Cities Route. Not only is the turning point here for skaters, but also for RVers. But before you turn around here and ride (via Bartlehiem) to the finish in Leeuwarden, there is still a lot to discover!
Dokkum is not only a beautiful town, its past also calls for exploration. One of the most famous events in the history of Dokkum is the murder of Bonifatius in 754. He had come to Dokkum to convert the inhabitants. However, the locals didn’t want to hear about it, so Boniface was killed.
Dokkum received city rights in 1298. Jurisdiction, toll law and market law ensured that Dokkum became a prosperous city. What also played into the prosperity was that in 1597 the Admiralty of Friesland and Groningen settled in Dokkum. The Admiralty can be compared to today’s Navy. They were engaged in commercial shipping, maritime security, coastal protection, and warfare at sea. When the
Dokkum silted up, prosperity plummeted and the Admiralty moved to Harlingen. In the center of Dokkum, the Admiralty House now serves as the Museum Dokkum. The Admiralty Days also take place annually. During these days there are many activities on the water and various musical and cultural events in the city.
In addition to those Admiralty Days, there is much more to experience in Dokkum. The best activities and attractions can be found here! Also nice to know: every Wednesday the weekly market takes place in the Grote Breedstraat. It is said that this is one of the oldest weekly markets in the Netherlands.
Get a stamp?
The stamping station in Dokkum is KB Food & Drinks restaurant. The address is Keppelstraat 4. The restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays you can get the stamp at the ABDIJ hotel. The address is Markt 30a. W’IIS is also a stamp post when KB is closed.
Parking in Dokkum is possible at the Helling car park.
What to do in Dokkum?
There is always something to do in Dokkum, which is why you can have a great time here for a few days. We’ve listed the best things to do. In Dokkum you can easily park the camper in parking lot de Helling.
Tip: You can drive a beautiful route to Dokkum via the wadden coast, but you can also drive via Leeuwarden. Especially because at the Jumbo in Zuiderburen, when you buy groceries over €25, you will receive a free artisanal Frisian sugar loaf from Tije de Boer when you show the stamp card.
1. Fountain
In Dokkum, too, the fountain is not to be missed. This last fountain is even a real ice fountain that no day is the same. This is because how much ice can be seen on the fountain depends on the sun, humidity, temperature, wind and precipitation. The ice fountain was created by Birthe Leemeijer. In autumn, the trees around the fountain turn red in memory of Boniface and his followers.
The city walk through Dokkum also starts from the fountain. For example, you will walk for a while on the stronghold of Dokkum and pass by the two windmills that are still active. You will also pass the turning point of the skating eleventh anniversary. This point is marked by benches in the shape of Frisian eyesores. Take a break here to view the facades of the buildings and the boats passing by.
2. Breweries
In its heyday, there were as many as 19 breweries in Dokkum. Now there are two more. The Stadsbrouwerij is one of the two breweries you can still find in Dokkum. The other brewery is Brouwerij Dockum, while you’re there, drink a Kâld Kletske or a Dutch IPA.
You can sign up for a tour so you can learn all about the beers and how they are brewed in a sustainable way. In addition, there is a tasting room where you can not only taste the beers, but also get explanations on which beer tastes good with which dish. They regularly have great deals and you can pick up a gift pack for those at home. Thus, they also get a touch of Friesland.
By the way, they don’t just brew beer at Kâld Kletske. They also take you to explore the area. So you can go out onto the mudflats or into the Fryske Wâlden.
3. Museum Dokkum
Museum Dokkum is located in the former building of the Admiralty. In the museum you will find 2000 years of information about the culture and history of Northeast Friesland. Among other things, you can admire old utensils, an extensive Frisian silver collection and Frisian pottery. There is also a permanent exhibition on Boniface. You can also book a guided city tour at the museum. The address of the museum is Diepswal 27, 9101 LA Dokkum.
4. Boniface Chapel
The Boniface Chapel is an important place for pilgrims. Previously, you could only find the Boniface spring with holy water here. Partly on the initiative of Father Carmelite Titus Brandsma (whom we still know from Bolsward), a chapel was added here. In the chapel you can take a seat on one of the benches for a moment of reflection. The processional corridor in the chapel depicts the history of Boniface. Near the chapel you will also find a 2.5m statue of Boniface.
6. Dokkum from the water
A canal surrounds the center of Dokkum and through the center run the Klein Diep and Groot Diep. That’s why it’s so much fun to explore the city from the water as well. You can join a canal tour, but you can also rent a canoe or sloop at Schreiershoek or a SUP at SUP Skool Dokkum.
7. Explore the surroundings
Not only is the town itself beautiful, the surroundings of Dokkum are also very worthwhile. A 15-minute drive away, is Wadden Sea Unesco World Heritage Site. For example, you can go mudflat hiking with a guide, take the boat to Ameland or Schiermonnikoog and take a look at the artwork “Waiting for High Water”. This artwork consists of two women looking out or the mudflats.
In addition to the Wadden area, National Park Lauwersmeer, National Landscape Noardlike Fryske Wâlden and National Park De Alde Feanen are not far from Dokkum. Each of these are beautiful areas, each with its own cultural and historical characteristics. You can walk and bike beautifully. More information can be found at www.eropuitinfriesland.nl, among other places. Nice to know: National Park Lauwersmeer is one of two Dark Sky Parks in the Netherlands. Here you can see the starry sky very well because there is hardly any light pollution!
Between Dokkum and Leeuwarden you will find Bartlehiem with the famous Eleven Cities Bridge. Here it is during the eleventh-century skating tour a bustle of activity. In fact, the skaters pass by it twice! A little further on you’ll find the tile bridge, the last bridge before the finish line. The tiles on the bridge are a photo mosaic with pictures of people who skated out the tour of the world. The tiles are placed so that from the distance they form an image of skaters riding one behind the other. W.A. van Buuren also has his own tile. Do you know how to find him?
8. Ice cream and pastry store W'iis
W ‘iis is the place to go for ice cream, ice cream cake, chocolates and more! The products are all prepared by Wiebe de Jong in a traditional way, thus fulfilling his dream. He prepares the ice cream with love and has been able to open his just new store in a beautiful building in Dokkum. Definitely worth walking in and getting something tasty!
9. Stores
De Bonte Hont
De Bonte Hont designs and makes furniture. You can admire and buy them in their store in Dokkum. In addition to their homemade furniture, you can also find fun home accessories, lighting and clothing for both men and women. Great for a souvenir or a quick stroll. You can find the store at Grote Breedstraat 10, 9101 KJ in Dokkum.
1622lifestyle
In the characteristic building from 1622, a beautiful Lifestyle store is located: 1622lifestyle. In addition to home accessories and gifts, you will find the most beautiful fashion items and shoes. For a complete outfit or to get some fun inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Please feel free to drop by or take a look at the webshop.
Van Der Gang
Are you looking for the right outfit for business, party or any other occasion? At Van der Gang, they are happy to help you put together your clothes. They complete the outfit for men with accessories and matching shoes.
10. Restaurant
Relax and enjoy lunch, coffee and pastries or dinner? Enjoy at KB Food & Drinks in the beautiful city garden while enjoying a snack and drink. Discover your favorite!