Sneekermeer

Large lake on Sneek's doorstep — the centre of Dutch watersports

The Sneekermeer is the lake immediately east of Sneek, the centrepiece of the Frisian lake district and one of the busiest sailing waters in the Netherlands. Reed-fringed shores, a handful of small islands, and reliable wind off the North Sea make it ideal for sailing dinghies, catamarans and the traditional Frisian skûtsje barges that race here every summer.

You can hire boats, sailboards or stand-up paddleboards by the hour from several marinas around the lake — Starteiland, on a small island at the eastern end, is the traditional starting point for races. Even without your own boat, the lake is worth a visit: walk or cycle around the southern shore to watch the sailing, or take a tour boat from Sneek harbour.

things to do sight lake
A story
Every August, the Sneekweek regatta takes over the lake — over 700 sailing yachts compete and the town fills with around 300,000 visitors, making it the largest sailing event on inland waters in Europe.