Balk

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Balk is a small town in the northern Netherlands. It is a village of the municipality De Fryske Marren, province Friesland, and is located about 17 km southwest of Sneek. In 2017 Balk had 4,090 inhabitants.

Balk lies between Harich and Wijckel. The Luts river flows through the village. It is said that it arose where a beam was over the river, that is why the village is called Balk because it means beam in Frisian and Dutch.

Balk (photo by google maps)

The little river of Luts, famous for the Elfstedentocht, flows through the centre of Balk. This makes Balk a lively water sports location, with its fun waterside cafés, shops and passing boats. In the 18th century, this village was known for its butter trade throughout the Zuidwesthoek, an area in the south-western part of Friesland. The historic village centre, with monumental buildings close to Slotermeer lake, has been designated a protected heritage village.

At first Balk was a part of Harich. In 1585 Spanish soldiers from Groningen plundered Balk. In the 18th century Balk became wealthy due to the butter trade and in the 19th century it had become a village of its own.

Balk is a centre of water sports. To the Luts there is sailing school de Ulepanne, multiple winner of the dutch sailing schools championships. On the edge of the Sleatermar there is a big yacht harbor. For cyclists and sailors there is a traditional skûtsje as a sailing ferry between Heeg and Balk. In the wintermonths the berenburgcup (sailing) is held on the Slotermeer from Balk.

Get in touch

info[at]yachtcharterleeuwarden.nl
+31-58-3010506
8939 CA Leeuwarden
De Zwemmer 1
Friesland/The Netherlands

Crew Yachtcharter Leeuwarden Balk Sloter Meer Yachtcharter boating holiday. Balk is a small town in the northern Netherlands. It is a village of the municipality De Fryske Marren, province Friesland, and is located about 17 km southwest of Sneek.