Publication date: 10/29/2025
Whether it is a day trip, a weekend cruise or a week of island hopping – the IJsselmeer offers countless routes that will delight both beginners and experienced crews alike. With its central location, Lelystad is the perfect starting point to explore the sailing ground as you please: towards Friesland, to Enkhuizen, across the Markermeer to the Frisian lake district or even towards the Wadden Sea – the possibilities are (almost) limitless.
In this article we show you:
- Which day and multi-day cruises are particularly popular.
- Which insider tips and favourite harbours are waiting for you.
- And how you can also enjoy relaxed and safe sailing adventures with your family.
So: cast off – it is time to rediscover the IJsselmeer.
Why Lelystad is the perfect starting point for your sailing trip
Lelystad may not feature in the travel guide’s top five most charming harbour towns – but among skippers the word has long been out: as a starting point for sailing, Lelystad is hard to beat.
Central location on the IJsselmeer
With its location on the south-eastern edge of the IJsselmeer, Lelystad is more ideally placed than many people think. From here both the Markermeer and popular destinations such as Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Urk or Friesland are quickly accessible.
Short hops for beginners? No problem. Long cruises towards the Wadden Sea? Also doable – with a good weather window.
Arrival & infrastructure in Lelystad
Only around 4 hours from North Rhine-Westphalia, Lelystad is easily accessible both by car and by train. Trailer owners also appreciate the good parking facilities, the proximity to the motorway and the option to have the boat craned or launched directly.
Day and weekend cruises from Lelystad – short, relaxed, full of experiences
Sometimes you do not need a long journey to experience the feeling of freedom. Even a single day on the water from Lelystad can feel like a small sailing holiday. Those with a weekend to spare can discover several charming harbours – all without night sailing or stress.
1. Day destination: Hoorn (approx. 13 nm)
The classic par excellence. In a good 2.5–3 hours you sail relaxed across the Markermeer to Hoorn – a former VOC trading city with historic charm, cosy cafés on the quayside and a lively town centre. Ideal for a city stroll or an evening cruise with an overnight stay.
Tip: Moor directly in the old harbour basin, enjoy a glass of wine on the foredeck at sunset – nothing more is needed for happiness.
2. Day cruise to Enkhuizen (approx. 18 nm)
A touch of seafaring history hangs over Enkhuizen. In addition to a modern marina, you will find the Zuiderzee Museum, a beautiful town centre and good restaurants here – perfect for a culinary stopover or a weekend excursion with an overnight stay.
Tip: Start early to avoid having to sail against the wind in the afternoon.
3. Small weekend cruise: Marken – Volendam – Lelystad (round trip)
Marken with its wooden houses is a popular stopover – continuing to Volendam, a lively town with a promenade, freshly caught fish and a maritime backdrop. This route is also well suited for beginners and promises plenty of variety over a short distance.
Cruise idea:
Day 1: Lelystad – Marken (15 nm)
Day 2: Marken – Volendam – back to Lelystad (approx. 8–12 nm each)
Multi-day cruises: discover the cruising ground from Lelystad
If you have a little more time – say 3 to 7 days – wonderful opportunities for varied cruises open up from Lelystad. Whether sporty or relaxed, with crew or family: the IJsselmeer and its adjoining regions offer routes for every taste.
1. The classic: IJsselmeer round cruise (5–7 days)
Route: Lelystad → Enkhuizen → Stavoren → Workum → Urk → Lelystad
This route takes you through the entire IJsselmeer, including a small detour into the Frisian waters. You overnight in charming towns, discover authentic harbours and experience the IJsselmeer in all its breadth.
Tip: Those who wish can plan a day for “strolling” in Workum or a harbour day for resting.
2. Markermeer & North Holland: The relaxed culture cruise (4–5 days)
Route: Lelystad → Marken → Monnickendam → Edam → Hoorn → Lelystad
This cruise combines charming harbour towns with history, delicious food and short legs. Ideal for connoisseurs and crews who want to decelerate rather than “make miles”.
Highlights: Cheese market in Edam, historic Marken, old town stroll in Hoorn.
3. For experienced crews: Towards the Wadden Sea (7+ days)
Route: Lelystad → Enkhuizen → Den Oever → Texel (Wattenmeer) → back via Makkum or Medemblik
Here even the sportily ambitious will get their money’s worth. The detour into the Wadden Sea brings tides, current-rich sailing and genuine North Sea feeling – including natural harbours and sea-dog romance.
Important: Good cruise planning, up-to-date tide tables and a radio operator’s certificate (SRC) are mandatory here.
With the family – child-friendly routes & tips
Sailing with children can either be the most wonderful time of the year – or the most nerve-racking. Fortunately, the IJsselmeer from Lelystad offers perfect conditions for short hops, safe harbours and real family adventures.
Short legs, big experiences – family sailing from Lelystad
Children love variety – and that is guaranteed on these routes:
- Lelystad – Urk (approx. 12 nm): former fishing village with beach, ice cream parlour and playground directly at the harbour.
- Lelystad – Hoorn (approx. 13 nm): short cruise with historical flair, ship model museum and lively promenade.
- Lelystad – Marken (approx. 15 nm): small island with car-free village centre, ideal for exploring.
Harbours with child-friendly facilities – our tips
Many marinas around the IJsselmeer have adapted to families. Look out for:
- Playgrounds near the harbour
- Shallow shore areas for shore leave
- Restaurants with children’s menus
- Sanitary facilities with family bathrooms
Tip: In Lelystad Haven there is a playground directly by the water – ideal for relaxing after mooring up.
What must not be missing on board
- Snacks & games for the crossing
- Binoculars & chart for discovering together
- Life jackets in children’s sizes
- Small legs instead of long stretches
Insider tips & favourite destinations from experienced skippers
Among all the well-known places around the IJsselmeer, there are small, charming destinations hidden away that are not mentioned in every cruising guide – but precisely for that reason are so special. Here are a few tips that experienced skippers keep returning to:
De Kreupel – the island that isn’t one (approx. 10 nm west of Enkhuizen)
A nature reserve right in the middle of the IJsselmeer. No harbour, no town – but quiet mooring buoys, absolute silence, and a fantastic sunset. Perfect for an overnight stay “in the middle of nowhere” – provided the weather plays along.
Urk – maritime history & delicious fish
Once an island, today a charming fishing village full of atmosphere. A stroll through the narrow lanes is well worth it – and kibbeling, a popular Dutch fish dish, at the harbour promenade is an absolute must. Perfect for a weekend with plenty of local colour.
Did you know? Through the reclamation of the Zuiderzee, Urk was connected to the mainland in 1939. The dyke that transformed the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer ended in Urk and thus brought its island status to an end.
Medemblik – the underestimated gem
Often overlooked, yet full of character: with Radboud Castle, a small town beach, and a cosy marina, Medemblik is ideal for crews seeking peace and quiet – without having to forego comfort.
Hindeloopen – art, canals & Frisian cuisine
This little town on the Frisian coast delights visitors with painted house gables, sweet little shops, and traditional dishes. A must-see for those with a cultural interest – and a perfect stopover on longer cruises.
Three marinas, one cruising ground: your possible home ports in Lelystad
Lelystad is not only an ideal starting point for sailing trips – it is also home to three Port Adhoc marinas, each perfectly tailored to different needs:
The technical harbour – for owners who are looking for service, proximity to the shipyard, and facilities of the highest standard. Ideal for large boats and for all those who like to get hands-on with their own maintenance.
The stylish marina – with personal attention, a calm atmosphere, and an upscale infrastructure. Perfect for owners who value comfort and a well-kept ambience.
Whether sporty, comfortable, or family-oriented – in Lelystad you are guaranteed to find the home port that matches your sailing style.
Money-saving tip: discover more, pay less – the Port Adhoc loyalty programme for long-term berth holders
Those who have an annual or seasonal berth in one of the Port Adhoc marinas in Lelystad not only benefit from a permanent home port – but also from access to an attractive loyalty programme. This means, in practice: more freedom, more opportunities, and significantly lower costs.
Your benefits at a glance:
- 28 free overnight stays per year in all other Port Adhoc marinas – of which 7 are in the height of summer (July & August) and 21 from September to June.
- 25% discount on every additional overnight stay within the network.
- 10% discount on winter storage & handling in marinas with dry docks
Especially for sailors who enjoy exploring the cruising ground or testing different harbours, this is a genuine game-changer. Today in Lelystad Haven, next week in Flevo Marina Lelystad – and perhaps in summer on a discovery tour through France or Sweden? With the loyalty programme, over 10 marinas across the entire Port Adhoc network are open to you.
Our tip: Start your first season in Lelystad – and make use of the 28 free overnight stays to get to know all three marinas on site. This way, you can find out which harbour best suits you and your boat.
Conclusion: One home port, many possibilities – sailing from Lelystad
Casting off in Lelystad offers more than just one route ahead – it gives you the choice between freedom, variety, and adventure in one of Europe’s most beautiful sailing grounds. Thanks to the Port Adhoc loyalty programme, you also have the opportunity to explore far beyond your home port at low cost. The IJsselmeer provides short passages for spontaneous day trips, charming weekend destinations with the flair of city harbours, and varied multi-day cruises extending to the Frisian Lakes or even the Wadden Sea.
Lelystad is the ideal starting point: central, easily accessible, with three excellently equipped marinas – and a cruising ground ahead of your bow that is as beginner-friendly as it is exciting.
Whether you are sailing with the family, travelling as a couple, or aiming to cover miles – from here every journey on the water becomes an experience. Perhaps it is time to start planning your next voyage right here.
Mini-FAQ: Sailing from Lelystad on the IJsselmeer
Do I need a sailing licence to sail from Lelystad?
For sailing yachts with engines over 15 hp, you need the Sportbootführerschein See. For inland waters (e.g. Markermeer, IJsselmeer), the SBF Binnen is usually sufficient, provided no radio equipment is on board.
How long does a passage from Lelystad to Enkhuizen take?
With average wind conditions you will need around 3 to 4 hours – depending on course and boat type. Perfect for a day trip or weekend outing.
Are there good mooring facilities for families with children?
Yes! In particular, Lelystad Haven, Hoorn, Urk, and Enkhuizen are family-friendly with playgrounds, sanitary facilities, and short walking distances to town.
Can I crane or launch my boat on site?
Yes – both Flevo Marina Lelystad and Deko Marina Lelystad are equipped with modern crane facilities and offer trailer parking spaces as well as technical support.
Which apps or charts are suitable for passage planning?
Recommended are Waterkaarten (NL), Navionics, ANWB Waterkaart, and Windy for weather forecasts. Many maps also display bridge opening times and lock information.
Discover now 3 Port Adhoc Marinas in Lelystad:
We look forward to your enquiry and to finding the perfect berth for you!
