Sneek-IJlst Tour with Captain Rob (private boat tour with lunch)

Take a private boat tour with Captain Rob on the Sneek-IJlst Circuit, including lunch. Each tour accommodates one group booking of 2 to 8 people, so it’s truly a private tour.  Along the way, you’ll enjoy the canals of Sneek, the Geeuw River heading toward IJlst, and the picturesque canals of the Eleven Cities town of IJlst. The Sneek-IJlst Tour package is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the canals of Sneek, the Geeuw River on the way to IJlst, and the picturesque canals of the Eleven Cities town of IJlst. Like Sneek, IJlst was granted city rights early on (1268). This makes it the fourth city (after Stavoren, Hindeloopen, and Harlingen) in Friesland to receive city rights. The city was also known for its shipbuilding and its position as a trading center.

The town of IJlst originated on the Oude Ee or Ye, a small river between the Zuiderzee—or one of its predecessors—and the Middelzee. The town owes its name to this small river. Although only fragments of the Ee remain, the surviving section is a picturesque canal. On one side, right in front of the houses, runs the street, and the gardens lie across the street on the side facing the Ee. In the past, these small gardens bordering the water, called “bleken” or “overtuinen,” were used for bleaching laundry. The gardens are still privately owned and, like the former town hall, were used as a film set for*De Schippers van de Kameleon*.IJlst’slittlecanal with its beautiful “overtuinen” is one of the most beautiful canals in Friesland—and perhaps even in the Netherlands.

Visiting the miller *)

The “De Rat” sawmill is located along this route, and it’s well worth a visit. Today, the mill is still fully operational. That’s why logs are soaking in the Geeuw, to be pulled into the mill later using wind power. The sound of the turning sails, the clatter of the saw frames moving up and down, and the scent of freshly cut wood make for a memorable experience. All in all, you’ll experience the traditional craft of wood sawing as it has been practiced daily at “De Rat” for over three centuries. You can also enjoy the miller’s stories.
In short, this Sneek-IJlst Tour is simply a delightful afternoon of boating with lunch and a drink on board.
So enjoy!

*) The mill is not open on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.