Sloten and surroundings

Sloten might be the most picturesque town in Friesland. The old canal, the ramparts and strongholds look just like they did in the old days. Corn mill De Kaai, the bastions, the water gates and monumental merchant houses remind us of the former wealth. You will find cozy terraces around the canal, which is lined with old linden trees. Sloten’s skyline is protected and the town itself is car-free. There are ample parking spaces within walking distance.

At Stedhûs Sleat museum, you can find out about the city’s history. The most beautiful collection of magic lanterns in the Netherlands is also on display here. You can also take the city tour, which includes a boat trip with the authentic Stêdsomropper (Town Crier). You can also explore the town on foot with a listening tour. This audio tour can be rented in the museum from 1 April to 1 November. Also, you can find the tourist information office in the town hall.

In July and/or August the IFKS-skûtsjesilen traditionally takes place on the Slotermeer, among others. Listen for the starting signal and watch the exciting sailing competitions. But there is more to do. In the summer, every Friday night, the cannon is fired at the ancient ramparts. And every so often, there are fun activities in Sloten, such as ‘tobbedansen’ (launching homemade boats/vehicles into the water) and ‘spijkerbroekhangen’ (a competition to see who can hang from a pair of jeans the longest). The last Saturday of June, the annual event called ‘Sipelsneon’ takes place. This is an annual market with various stalls, food and drinks and live music.

Sloten is the smallest town of the Frisian 11 cities. When the ice is sufficiently thick, you can skate over the canals of Sloten and the Slotermeer in winter. The ‘Elfstedentocht’ is a journey of more than 200 kilometers from Leeuwarden to successively Sneek, IJlst. Early in the morning, people skate across the Slotermeer from Woudsend to Sloten and then continue their journey via the Luts to Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum and back to Leeuwarden again. In the absence of ice, people still undertake the Elfstedentocht every year in many alternative ways, such as cycling, walking, by motorbike and even standing on a surfboard!

Logement Stedswal has various sups and kayaks for rent which you can reserve upon arrival. Through a collaboration with a number of companies in the region, we offer the possibility to rent bicycles / solexes, sailboat and or motorboats based on availability. For a day at the beach or a nice swim, go to the picturesque swimming and surfing beach De Baaier on the Slotermeer.