The gate is the only survivor of five original city gates that once controlled access to Sneek.
The central passage was originally designed to be closed by a portcullis to regulate water traffic.
The structure's ornate gables are classic examples of Dutch Mannerist architecture from the early 17th century.
The building once housed the local weigh-house, where merchants paid taxes based on the cargo weight of their ships.
The gate has been officially recognized as a Rijksmonument (National Heritage Site) since the 1960s.
The Waterpoort is the last remaining gate of the original 17th-century defensive wall system that once surrounded Sneek. Completed in 1613, the structure replaced a wooden medieval predecessor and served as a toll collection point for ships entering the city. It is constructed in the Dutch Mannerist style, featuring two octagonal towers flanking a central bridge. The interior contains a bridge-keeper’s room and an administrative chamber. Today, it functions as a municipal monument and a symbol of the city’s maritime history. It spans the Hoogend canal, which serves as a vital connection for recreational boating traffic in Friesland. The gateway underwent significant restoration in the 19th century to preserve its masonry and architectural integrity.
From the bridge located on the Leeuwenburg street, looking directly toward the gate with its reflection in the canal.
Approach from the water by renting a small electric boat to pass directly under the gate.
Visit during the Sneekweek in August to see the canal filled with hundreds of historical sailing vessels.
Do not attempt to climb or walk on the exterior masonry, as it is a protected historical structure; avoid visiting during peak weekend afternoons if you prefer a quiet experience.
Interior access is often restricted to guided tours or specific municipal events; the exterior is visible at all times.
