Cruise port Stavoren
Info for port Stavoren on 30 Jul 2027
Port information & tips for Stavoren
Stavoren is the oldest of the eleven Frisian cities and a picturesque jewel right on the shores of the IJsselmeer. This charming Hanseatic city delights visitors with its historical seafaring tradition, colorful house facades, and a wonderful maritime atmosphere. Cultural highlights include the famous statue Het Vrouwtje van Stavoren, the nostalgic cast-iron lighthouse, and the impressive J.L. Hooglandgemaal. Cruise ships usually dock at the central Havenkade in the Buitenhaven, which provides direct access to the historical city center. Thanks to this prime location, sights, cozy restaurants, and the train station are within walking distance, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the Frisian flair without time-consuming transfers.
Stavoren, the oldest of the Frisian cities on the eastern shore of the IJsselmeer, is a charming destination ideal for sailing trips and smaller water voyages. The harbor is compact and easily accessible thanks to good road and rail connections as well as its proximity to an international airport. The moorings for ships are centrally located in the old harbor and at the Spoorhaven.
Car
Arriving by car in Stavoren is convenient thanks to good road connections. From the south or east, you can reach Stavoren via the A6 motorway (exit 17 Lemmer), followed by the N359. Coming from the north, the A7 (exit 17 Bolsward) also leads to the N359. In the town itself, the streets are narrow, so the use of designated parking spaces is recommended. A free long-term parking lot, the "Zuiderzee Route" on Stationsweg (8715 ES), is only a five-minute walk from the harbor and offers sufficient parking spaces. For short-term loading and unloading at the ship, a parking lot is available for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Train
Stavoren station is located directly at the harbor and is a convenient arrival destination. As the terminus of the Leeuwarden – Stavoren railway line, Arriva stop trains (RS3) run hourly and connect Stavoren with larger towns such as Sneek and the Frisian capital Leeuwarden. From there, further national and international train connections exist, making a comfortable journey from the DACH region possible with transfers (e.g., via Hengelo). The walking distances from the station to the ship moorings are very short.
Airplane
The nearest major international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), approximately 76 kilometers from Stavoren. From there, there is a good connection to the Dutch rail network. A train journey from Schiphol Airport to Stavoren takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes with at least one transfer. The travel time by rental car or private transfer is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. For a relaxed arrival after longer flights, it is recommended to plan an overnight stay in the region.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the harbor accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Stavoren, the oldest of the Frisian cities on the eastern shore of the IJsselmeer, is a charming destination ideal for sailing trips and smaller water voyages. The harbor is compact and easily accessible thanks to good road and rail connections as well as its proximity to an international airport. The moorings for ships are centrally located in the old harbor and at the Spoorhaven.
Car
Arriving by car in Stavoren is convenient thanks to good road connections. From the south or east, you can reach Stavoren via the A6 motorway (exit 17 Lemmer), followed by the N359. Coming from the north, the A7 (exit 17 Bolsward) also leads to the N359. In the town itself, the streets are narrow, so the use of designated parking spaces is recommended. A free long-term parking lot, the "Zuiderzee Route" on Stationsweg (8715 ES), is only a five-minute walk from the harbor and offers sufficient parking spaces. For short-term loading and unloading at the ship, a parking lot is available for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Train
Stavoren station is located directly at the harbor and is a convenient arrival destination. As the terminus of the Leeuwarden – Stavoren railway line, Arriva stop trains (RS3) run hourly and connect Stavoren with larger towns such as Sneek and the Frisian capital Leeuwarden. From there, further national and international train connections exist, making a comfortable journey from the DACH region possible with transfers (e.g., via Hengelo). The walking distances from the station to the ship moorings are very short.
Airplane
The nearest major international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), approximately 76 kilometers from Stavoren. From there, there is a good connection to the Dutch rail network. A train journey from Schiphol Airport to Stavoren takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes with at least one transfer. The travel time by rental car or private transfer is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. For a relaxed arrival after longer flights, it is recommended to plan an overnight stay in the region.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the harbor accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
From the port in Stavoren, you can reach the historic city center and the most important sights directly thanks to the central location. The distances are short and allow you to explore Friesland's oldest city in a relaxed way.
On Foot
The charming old town and the city's famous landmark can be reached easily in less than five minutes. A walk along the water leads you directly to the picturesque gabled houses and cozy cafes at the marina.
Ferry Veerdienst Enkhuizen-Stavoren
The traditional ferry docks directly in the harbor basin and connects Stavoren in a pleasant way with Enkhuizen on the opposite side. A crossing over the IJsselmeer also offers magnificent views of the coastal landscape and is a special experience for visitors.
Train (Arriva)
Stavoren train station is located just a few steps from the pier and offers a direct connection to the Frisian hinterland. Trains run regularly and allow for convenient excursions to the nearby cities of Sneek and Leeuwarden.
To make the most of your visit to Stavoren, we recommend a leisurely stroll through the historic harbor district and along the picturesque waterfront promenades of Friesland's oldest city.
Old Harbor & The Lady of Stavoren
The charming harbor basin with its traditional sailing ships and the famous statue of the legendary merchant lady forms the maritime heart of the city and is perfect for first impressions directly after docking, as well as for a stroll past the colorful captain's houses.
Eleven Cities Fountain "De Vis"
The imposing fountain in the shape of a giant fish is an impressive testimony to contemporary art in the historic core and, thanks to its original design, symbolizes the Hanseatic city's deep connection with the water and fishing.
IJsselmeer Beach Stavoren
The inviting sandy beach is located directly at the dike and, thanks to its central location, is ideal for a relaxed walk with a wide view over the glittering water, as well as for a short break in the refreshing breeze of the IJsselmeer.
The Old Harbor and the Vrouwtje van Stavoren
The historic Old Harbor is located directly at the ships' mooring point and impresses with its picturesque backdrop of colorful gabled houses and the famous bronze statue of the "Lady of Stavoren." A walk along the quay wall offers fascinating views of the IJsselmeer and also leads you to charming cafes and first-class fish restaurants that invite you to linger. Thanks to the compact size of the town, you can enjoy a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere here and reach all cultural highlights comfortably within a few minutes' walk. Ideally, visit the harbor in the early afternoon to take advantage of the golden light on the colorful facades for perfect souvenir photos, and then return relaxed to the nearby ship.
The return journey to the harbour of Stavoren is extremely relaxed thanks to the compact size of the town and allows you to return punctually directly from the historic town centre.
On foot
Since the moorings are centrally located in the outer harbour or along the canals, you can reach your ship from sights such as the statue of the Vrouwe van Stavoren in just a few minutes' walk. The paths lead along flat waterfront promenades and are easy to find thanks to the good visibility of the masts and the clear signage in the harbour area.
Ferry and public transport
The ferry from Enkhuizen as well as the regional trains end directly at Stavoren station, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the ship berths. From this central hub, you can easily walk across the quay walls back to your terminal and also enjoy the maritime atmosphere of the IJsselmeer.
Taxi
For returning from more remote beaches or excursion destinations in the surrounding area, taxis are available at Stavoren station. In addition, you can easily have a car called at the reception of hotels such as the Hotel De Vrouwe van Stavoren, which will bring you safely and on time directly to the gangway.
In port on 30 Jul 2027
