Things To Do
in Lemmer

Locally smoked eel is a Friesland specialty — available at fish stands and many harbour-side restaurants; best enjoyed simply with bread or on its own.

Must-Try!

Raw or pickled herring and fried whitefish bites (kibbeling) are common street-food style options from stalls near the marina.

A sweet, buttery spiced bread with large sugar crystals — popular in Friesland and served in bakeries and cafés around Lemmer.

Hearty mashed-potato dishes with vegetables or smoked meats are typical comfort food in colder months and available in traditional restaurants.

Lemmer hosts a weekly market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, fish stalls and baked goods — a good place to sample regional items and buy picnic supplies.

In season you’ll find mobile fish stands by the marina selling fresh and smoked fish, herring and fried snacks like kibbeling.

The Dutch are generally direct and practical in conversation; straightforward questions are normal and not considered rude.

Be vigilant around bikes — use sidewalks carefully, and avoid walking in marked cycle lanes. Look both ways before crossing cycle paths.

Arrive on time for appointments, tours and restaurant reservations; punctuality is appreciated.

Respect local quiet hours in residential areas (often late evening and overnight); loud behaviour in canalside neighbourhoods can draw complaints.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is common. For taxis and cafés, small change or rounding up is fine.

Cards (debit/credit) and contactless payments are widely accepted; many Dutch prefer chip-and-PIN (Maestro/VPAY) and contactless Mastercard/Visa. Carry some cash (euros) for small stalls and market purchases.

Mild temperatures, longer daylight and blossoming fields — a good time for cycling and birdwatching. Weather can be changeable, so pack a light waterproof jacket.

Warmest and busiest season with plenty of boating, beach activity and outdoor events; expect crowded terraces and higher prices in July–August. Sunscreen and a wind layer are useful as sea breezes can be cool.

Cooler, windier and wetter — colourful skies make for dramatic photography and storm-watching on the dike. Some tourist services wind down after summer, but the scenery is peaceful.

Cold and quieter; snowfall and sufficiently long freezes can enable classic Frisian ice-skating culture, though winters are often mild with rain and wind. Bring warm layers and waterproof footwear.

A pleasant walk along the dike and shoreline with wide views over the IJsselmeer, good for sunrise/sunset and birdlife sightings.

Flat walking loop through reclaimed land and small farm roads offering classic Dutch rural scenery and windmill views.

Short trail connecting the marina with nearby villages and quiet country lanes — ideal for combined walking and cycling days.

Trails and hides in nearby wetland areas and nature reserves for seasonal birdwatching; best visited with binoculars in spring and autumn migration.

Given Lemmer’s location on the IJsselmeer, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are extremely popular with locals and tourists.

Cycling is a common recreational and transport activity, with many dedicated paths and scenic routes.

When winters are cold enough, natural ice skating is a cherished regional pastime — Friesland is famous for its skating tradition.

As across the Netherlands, local amateur football clubs are popular community focal points.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants (salads, omelettes, pasta), but menus may still be meat- and fish-focused; ask staff (in English) and look for vegetarian symbols or daily specials.

Fully vegan restaurants are rare in small towns; larger cafés will often adapt dishes on request, and supermarkets carry vegan staples — bring snacks if you have strict needs.

Gluten-free bread and options are increasingly available; always mention gluten intolerance and confirm preparation methods as cross-contamination can occur in kitchens.

Staff in tourist areas usually understand basic allergy requests, but carrying translations of severe allergy instructions in Dutch is advisable for safety.