“Thinking of Holland, I see wide rivers slowly flowing through endless lowlands…”, so begins a famous poem by Hendrik Marsman. The Netherlands is a waterland 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 boating routes through the Netherlands?>
1. Boating 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. Boating in the Biesbosch means enjoying willow forests, green banks and winding creeks. It also demands something from your qualities as a skipper. Take into account the tides, depth fluctuations and here and there a strong current.
2. Boating route along the Frisian eleven cities
The Elfstedentocht may be primarily known as an ice skating tour, but the chances are much higher that you will cover this route by boat than with skates over frozen water. During this varied sailing route, you maneuver your boat through beautiful canals, across lakes, and along canals, waterways, and ditches. You can sail the tour in one go, but it is certainly also recommended to moor occasionally. This way, you can enjoy all the beauty that the various cities along the route have to offer on shore. Think, for example, of a walk through the picturesque old center of Stavoren or a visit to the Sneeker Waterpoort.
3. Sailing route on the Maas to South Limburg
The river Meuse enters our country near Maastricht and flows all the way to Rotterdam. The Limburg part of this still relatively unknown waterway offers a lot of beauty. Sailing on the Meuse from north to south, you can see the Dutch 'mountains' appearing on the horizon. You can start the sailing route in Gennep. This way you steer your boat past picturesque Arcen before arriving in Roermond. In this lively city where the rivers Roer and Meuse meet, you can visit the old city center. You continue the route along the eye-catching banks of the Meuse and through the hilly landscape via the cities of Geleen and Sittard to the Burgundian capital of Limburg, Maastricht.
4. Sailing route in National Park De Weerribben
Giethoorn and its surroundings enjoy worldwide fame. Many tourists have already stepped into a whisper boat or canoe. The watery environment is also attractive for boat owners. Here you can sail to your heart's content and enjoy a special nature reserve.In the Weerribben National Park, various sailing routes have been laid out that take you through an extensive area that is considered the largest contiguous low-moor bog in Northwest Europe. There is a good chance that you will encounter an otter along the route. If you are lucky, you might also suddenly see the rather rare black tern flying by.
5. Sailing route through the Green Heart
Nestled between the cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam lies the Green Heart. You'll find several nice boating routes there that will quickly make you forget the hustle and bustle of the Randstad. On the boating route you'll pass beautiful villages such as Linschoten, Nieuwerbrug and Oudewater.Ever wanted to pay a toll during your boating route? Then you should definitely sail to the picturesque village of Nieuwerbrug. This is where the only toll bridge in the Netherlands is located. The town of Oudewater is also worth a visit. If only to weigh yourself on the Heksenwaag (Witches' Weighhouse). You'll receive a 'Certificaet van Weginghe' if you're not found to be too light and therefore not a witch.
6. Boating 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 enjoying the salty sea air, with a bit of luck you might also encounter a few seals.It is advisable to depart approximately half an hour after high tide. That way you benefit most from the tide. However, take the sandbanks into account. With a good nautical chart at hand, you can ensure that you don't get stranded here.
