Experience Dokkum and the Surrounding Region After Keningswykein 2026
During this year’s Keningsdei, Dokkum was firmly in the spotlight. With 1.9 million television viewers and around 20,000 visitors in town, it was a day filled with atmosphere, celebration, and Frisian pride. As a historic Frisian fortified town and the tenth city of the famous Eleven Cities route, known for the story of Saint Boniface and its rich maritime heritage as an admiralty town, Dokkum provided the perfect setting for a truly memorable Keningsdei.
Perhaps the energy of that day left you wanting more. The good news is that many of the experiences you saw can still be enjoyed in and around Dokkum. Here are a few ways to relive the spirit of Keningswykein at your own pace.
Follow the Royal Walking Route (Keningskeien)
The route walked by the royal family can now be explored for yourself. Along an approximately 800-metre trail through the city centre, you’ll find 15 special “Keningskeien” (Royal Stones). Recognisable by their golden colour and the Keningsdei logo, these stones mark the highlights of Keningsdei 2026.
As you stroll through the city, you’ll pass locations where music filled the streets, performances took place, and thousands of visitors gathered to celebrate. It’s a fun and interactive way to discover Dokkum while revisiting the places where the festivities unfolded.
Walking from stone to stone, you’ll follow exactly the same route taken by the royal family during Keningsdei 2026.
You’ll find the route map alongside this page. Can you spot all 15 Keningskeien along the way?
Discover Dokkum from the Water
Dokkum’s canals played a starring role during the Keningsdei 2026 broadcast. The royal family also took to the water, where they participated in a lively quiz while cruising through the city.
Would you like to experience Dokkum from the water yourself? Rent a SUP board, sloop, or boat and discover the historic canals from a completely different perspective. As you glide through the city, you’ll enjoy unique views of historic buildings, bridges, and the town’s impressive fortifications.
And to get you in the mood, here’s a classic Dokkum quiz question:
How many bridges does Dokkum actually have? You might just discover the answer while exploring the waterways. 😉
Discover Activities in Friesland
Try Fierljeppen in Noardburgum
Fierljeppen, the traditional Frisian sport of pole vaulting across waterways, was one of the highlights showcased during Keningsdei. You may even have seen Prince Constantijn giving it a try, successfully!
Feeling inspired? In Noardburgum, you can experience this uniquely Frisian sport for yourself. Whether you join in or prefer to watch first, it’s an unforgettable activity that you won’t easily find anywhere else.
Experience Frisian Activities
Taste Local Flavours in Dokkum
During Keningsdei, the royal family enjoyed delicious food and drinks from Friesland, prepared by local hospitality specialists. You can discover these authentic regional flavours for yourself in Dokkum.
Be surprised by the quality and creativity of the local cuisine at establishments such as KB Food & Drinks and Restaurant Ode. It’s the perfect way to experience the region through its culinary traditions.
Discover Dining in the Region
Enjoy a High Tea in Hardegarijp
The royal family spent the night before Keningsdei at the Van der Valk Hotel in Hardegarijp, and during the festivities Queen Máxima even had the opportunity to decorate cookies — a sweet activity that perfectly matched the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the day.
If that sounds tempting, why not treat yourself or someone special to a delightful high tea at the Van der Valk Hotel? It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, catch up, and indulge in a selection of sweet and savoury treats. A wonderful idea for Mother’s Day, too!
Book Your High Tea
Explore the City
Curious about the stories and history hidden within Dokkum’s charming city centre? Local guides are happy to take you on a journey through the town, revealing fascinating locations and sharing the stories that bring Dokkum’s past to life.
Prefer to explore independently? There are plenty of routes available to discover Dokkum at your own pace, including the Eleven Cities Route, the Woudroute, and the internationally renowned 11fountains art project.
All Routes in and Around Dokkum
Experience the Elfstedentocht
During Keningsdei, the royal family stepped onto the ice as a tribute to the legendary Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour), an event closely connected to Dokkum as one of the eleven cities and the turning point of the route. For King Willem-Alexander, this connection is especially meaningful, as he completed the famous tour himself in 1986 under the name W.A. van Buren.
Feeling inspired to lace up your skates? In and around Dokkum, there are several places where you can enjoy ice skating whenever winter conditions allow, giving you a chance to experience the authentic Elfstedentocht feeling for yourself.
Even when there is no ice, the magic of the Elfstedentocht lives on. From walking and cycling routes to cultural attractions along the route, there are countless ways to experience the spirit of this iconic Frisian tradition throughout the year.
Experience the Elfstedentocht in Dokkum
