Sneek
Sneek/Snits is located in the heart of the Frisian Lake District. It is officially the second city of the Eleven Cities Tour. Just like Leeuwarden , Sneek also has a rich history. The city originated in the eleventh century. The city’s first buildings were built on the spot where the large Martinikerk now stands. Early in the sixteenth century, fortifications were built around Sneek. This ensured that Sneek was well protected against intruders. In the centuries that followed, Sneek grew rapidly. Unfortunately, the city walls and strongholds were demolished during that period. The well-known water gate is the only one of the five gates that has remained standing. This gate from 1613 is now the symbol of Sneek.
Today Sneek is a pleasant city that attracts many water sports enthusiasts. This is due to its location directly on the Sneekermeer. The city often has a cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy wandering through the streets, shop in specialty stores and occasionally relax on a terrace. There are regular events in the city, which provide even more fun. Sneek is located at a junction of cycling and walking routes, which means that there is also plenty to do for those who prefer to stay ashore.
Get a stamp?
You can get your stamp at Camping de Domp. So take your stamp card with you immediately when you check in, then you’ll have it in your pocket again.
Camperplace Sneek
There are a number of Campsites and Camperplaces in Sneek, one of which is Camping en Jachthaven de Domp . This campsite is located about 500 m from the center of Sneek. On this motorhome pitch, which is open all year round, you will be kindly received by the harbor master. An overnight stay in high season is €33,50 for 2 people incl. electricity/water/wifi/sanitary/waste and tourist tax. At the campsite there are about 40 paved pitches for campers, each with its own 16A power pole, water and drainage. The sanitary facilities are neat and well maintained. The restaurant at the campsite with a terrace on the water is also ideal. Here you can enjoy a tasty snack. It is an oasis of peace with birds chirping in the background. You also have a beautiful view of the boats lapping past.
What to do in Sneek
There is plenty to do in Sneek, especially in the summer it is a lot of fun. We have listed the best things to do in Sneek.
Tip: before you leave Leeuwarden, stock up on groceries at the Jumbo in Zuiderburen in Leeuwarden. For groceries over €25, you will receive a free artisanal and Frisian sugar roll from Tije de Boer when you show the stamp card.
1. Fountain
You will also find one of the 11 fountains in Sneek. This fountain is called ‘ The Fountain of Fortuna ‘. The image of a man with a Cornucopia is placed on a golden sphere in the middle of the water. Water flows from the horn, which symbolizes the material well-being of the person who comes into contact with it. Yet this wealth can easily be taken from you by an incalculable force. Just like what happened to Sneek. Combine a visit to the fountain with a city walk through Sneek. This is how you get to the highlights of Sneek
2. The Frisian Maritime Museum
The Fries Scheepvaart Museum is all about the history of Frisian shipping. You will learn everything about skûtsjes and tjalken: the trucks and buses of the past. You will also learn more about seafaring, fishing, pleasure craft and sailing. Unfortunately, it was not possible to sail in the winters, so there was plenty of skating on the frozen waterways. Ice skates, sleds and the prizes of the Elfstedentocht can be seen in the ice hall. In addition to all information about shipping, part of the museum is also about the history of Sneek. The Sneker silver collection is also worth checking out. Are you driving the camper Eleven Cities Tour with children? For them there is the children’s museum in the Fries Scheepvaart Museum!
You will find the Fries Scheepvaart Museum at Kleinzand 16, 8601 BH Sneek. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
3. Restaurants
Restaurant de Kajuit
Restaurant de Kajuit is the restaurant of Jachthaven and Camping de Domp. The restaurant offers a cozy and maritime atmosphere. On the terrace and the veranda you have a beautiful view over the marina and the passing boats. The menu is very varied with different fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. You can also visit the Kajuit for a delicious lunch, drink or just a cup of coffee with cake. Also nice: if you would like to rent a boat, you can use the sup or sloop rental of the restaurant. Restaurant de Kajuit is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00.
Restaurant Aan de Gracht
Restaurant Aan de Gracht was voted the best lunchroom in Súdwest-Fryslân in 2020, which alone is a good reason to settle down on the terrace for a nice lunch. In addition, you can also opt for a High Tea, a tasting with Jopen beer or of course just order something from the menu. In addition, they often organize fun promotions with Cinesneek.
4. Various Monuments
The Waterpoort is the symbol of Sneek. Fun fact about this gate is that the clock is always 5 minutes ahead. This used to be useful, because it gave people enough time to leave or enter the city before the place was locked.
The Martinikerk is also called the Grote Kerk. The church is over a thousand years old and has been through a lot. The church is regularly open for visits in the summer and services are also held there. Grutte Pier, Friesland’s most famous freedom fighter, is buried within the church.
In the city you will also find the monument ‘Lapkepoep and Frisian farmer’. This is a gift from C&A because the German textile sellers Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer opened their first store in Sneek. The artwork represents a conversation between a Westphalian textile merchant and a Frisian farmer’s wife. Westphalian textile merchants were called lapkepoep in Friesland.
5. Weduwe S. Joustra & ZN
A visit to Friesland is not complete without tasting the one and only real Frisian drink: Beerenburg! Widow S. Joustra & ZN have been brewing one of the most famous Beerenburgjes in Friesland for generations. Be sure to take a look at the museum where you can taste the drink.
6. Filsen
During your walk through the city, make a stop at the tea and vintage shop FILSEN on the Grootzand in Sneek. You can enjoy delicious fresh loose leaf tea (or coffee) and sweet treats in the tea room. In the meantime, you might just find that one vintage treasure you’ve always been looking for in the store. More information can be found on Facebook and Instagram: @filsen.nl .
7. Cycling and walking
In addition to a city walk through the city, it is also beautiful to walk in the vicinity of Sneek. Take a walk around the lake and walk through the beautiful landscapes. You can take various walking tours, which you can find at the tourist office or online. There are also many beautiful routes to be found via friesland.nl . This also applies to cycling routes!
8. Events in Sneek
Just like in Leeuwarden, there is regularly something to do in Sneek. Fun events are organized in Sneek every year. The best known is the Sneekweek. The Sneekweek is a large sailing event where all kinds of competitions are sailed. Not a sailor yourself? Then take a look from the shore or immerse yourself in the party atmosphere at the end of the afternoon. The last day of competition of Skûtsjesilen also takes place during the Sneekweek. The winner will be announced on this last day of Skûtsjesilen!
You can also indulge yourself in culture in Cultuur Kwartier Sneek. Here you will find a theatre, pop stage and arts center within walking distance of each other.