“Thinking of Holland I see broad rivers flowing slowly through endless lowlands…”, begins a famous poem by Hendrik Marsman. The Netherlands is a water country par excellence. Not only is it a river delta, the ‘lowlands’ are also richly endowed with lakes, ponds, ditches and canals. Ideal for going out by boat. What are the 6 most beautiful sailing routes through the Netherlands?>
1. Sailing route through the Biesbosch
National Park De Biesbosch is the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe. This protected nature reserve is located between the rivers Nieuwe Merwede and Beneden-Merwede on the border of the provinces of South Holland and Brabant. You can enter the Biesbosch with your own boat via the Nieuwe Merwede and Beneden-Merwede, the Hollands Diep and the Amer. Sailing in the Biesbosch means enjoying willow forests, green banks and winding creeks. It also requires some of your qualities as a skipper. Take into account the tides, depth fluctuations and a strong current here and there.
2. Sailing route along the eleven Frisian cities
The Elfstedentocht may be known primarily as a skating tour, but the chances are much greater that you will complete this route by boat than by skating over frozen water. During this varied sailing route, you will manoeuvre your boat through beautiful canals, over lakes and along channels, waterways and ditches. You can sail the tour in one go, but it is certainly also advisable to moor occasionally. This way, you can enjoy all the beauty that the various cities along the route have to offer on land. For example, think of a walk through the picturesque old centre of Stavoren or a visit to the Sneeker Waterpoort.
3. Sailing route on the Maas to South Limburg
The river Maas enters our country near Maastricht and runs all the way to Rotterdam. The Limburg part of this still relatively unknown sailing route offers many beautiful things. Sailing on the Maas from north to south, you will see the Dutch 'mountains' looming on the horizon. You can start the sailing route in Gennep. This way, you will steer your boat past the picturesque Arcen before arriving in Roermond. In this lively city where the rivers Roer and Maas meet, you can visit the old city centre. You continue the route along the beautiful banks of the Maas and through the hilly landscape via the cities of Geleen and Sittard to the Burgundian capital of Limburg, Maastricht.
4. Sailing route in De Weerribben National Park
Giethoorn and its surroundings enjoy worldwide fame. Many tourists have already stepped into a whisper boat or canoe. The water-rich environment is also attractive to boat owners. You can sail to your heart's content here and enjoy a special nature reserve. In the Weerribben National Park, various sailing routes have been set out that take you through an extensive area that is considered the largest contiguous lowland peat bog in North-West Europe. There is a good chance that you will encounter an otter during the route. If you are lucky, you can also suddenly see the fairly rare black tern flying past.
5. Sailing route through the Green Heart
Nestled between the cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam lies the Groene Hart. You will find several nice sailing routes that will quickly make you forget the hustle and bustle of the Randstad. On the sailing route you will pass beautiful villages such as Linschoten, Nieuwerbrug and Oudewater. Ever wanted to pay toll during your sailing route? Then you should definitely sail to the picturesque village of Nieuwerbrug. This is where you will find the only toll bridge in the Netherlands. The town of Oudewater is also worth a visit. If only to weigh yourself on the Witches' Weighhouse. You will receive a 'Certificate of Wegginghe' if you are not found to be too light and are therefore not a witch.
6. Sailing route across the Wadden Sea from Vlieland to Texel
This beautiful sailing area is ideal terrain for the seafarer. As captain at the helm of your ship, you cross the Wadden Sea from Vlieland towards Texel. While you enjoy the salty sea air, with a bit of luck you will also encounter a few seals. It is advisable to leave about half an hour after high tide. That way you will benefit most from the tide. Do take the sandbanks into account. With a good sailing guide at hand you can make sure you do not get stranded on them.
