1. The IJsselmeer and Markermeer, a natural area steeped in history
The IJsselmeer and the Markermeer are two waterways with a rich history. In the past, the two bodies of water were joined together to form the Zuiderzee. Since 1976, the two have been separated by the Houtribdijk: a 30-kilometer-long dike linking the town of Enkhuizen to the north and Lelystad to the south. To the west of the Houtrib dike lies Lake Marken, or Markermeer, and to the east lies Lake IJssel, or IJsselmeer.
Together, the lakes form a sailing area of almost 1,800 km², offering boaters an incredible diversity of landscapes and activities. You can sail along the coasts and explore the many fishing villages in the area, such as Urk, Hoorn, Volendam or Enkhuizen. On the Markermeer, off the coast of Lelystad, the island of Marken and the Marker Wadden archipelago are a privileged natural area not to be missed. We recommend a stopover here, which attracts many visitors every year, to discover the many birds that inhabit the area.
From one of our marinas in Lelystad, from Marina Muiderzand in Almere near Muiden, or from our marina in Naarden, you can sail directly onto the Markermeer. If you'd also like to visit the IJsselmeer, you can sail from one to the other via a lock. You can also easily reach the surrounding waterways: the Gooimeer, the Eemmeer, the Wolderwijd, the Veluwemeer and the Ketelmeer.
2. The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In the Netherlands, the Wadden Sea region is also a popular cruising area, easily accessible from the North Sea and the IJsselmeer. The area covers some 10,000 km² of German, Dutch and Danish territory. It is an exceptionally well-preserved sailing area, thanks in particular to the three countries working together to protect it. The Wadden Sea has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, notably for its numerous mudflats and famous sandbanks. Here, information on the tides is more than necessary, and experienced sailors are recommended for safe navigation!
The Wadden Sea is a unique nature reserve, where the flora is important and particularly well preserved. You'll sail between the islands and their long beaches, in an exceptional natural environment and lagoon landscapes. On a stopover in the Wadden Islands, for instance, you'll find restaurants, numerous stores and several museums to visit. Wildlife enthusiasts will not be left out either: gulls, ducks, geese, seals and other animals will undoubtedly be on hand.
3. The Frisian lakes, linked bodies of water for an atypical boating itinerary
The Frisian Lakes are a group of 24 interconnected lakes in the region of the same name. Each lake has its own special features and unique atmosphere, and all are well worth a visit!
By motorboat or sailboat, you can discover the most famous lakes - Sneekermeer, Tjeukemeer, Heegermeer, Slotermeer and Fluessen - or follow the route of the famous "Elfstedentocht" ice skating race. It's a 200-kilometer loop through the eleven charming towns of Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum. As well as offering villages to explore and magnificent landscapes to admire, the lakes of Friesland are also popular for water sports.
4. The Zeeland Delta, a highly diversified sailing area
The Zeeland delta is another beautiful sailing area in the Netherlands. It offers boaters a wide range of cruising possibilities: from quiet areas such as the Veerse Meer, to more agitated ones such as the Oosterschelde - renowned for its flows and tides - you'll be able to choose the sailing program you'd like to enjoy, always in the heart of nature.
If you're a sailor in search of cultural discoveries, you can, for instance, visit the historic towns of Zierikzee or Veere. If you're more of a sportsman, you'll want to head for the Veerse Meer, where you can enjoy water sports and get close to numerous small islands. Five of them have been specially created so that birds can nest there in peace, undisturbed by men!
The last destination we'd like to recommend, again in the Zeeland delta, is Lake Grevelingen. It's a quiet body of water, where sailing is pleasant and the waters are especially suitable for swimming. At the Bruinisse marina, directly on the lake, you'll be ideally placed to explore the area.
Moor your boat and cruise the most beautiful waterways in the Netherlands
Would you like to explore the most beautiful sailing waters in the Netherlands with your boat? The most practical way to explore the various waterways is to have a permanent berth for your boat. This is where we can help, as the Port Adhoc group has several marinas ideally located in the Netherlands!
By choosing to stay at one of our two marinas in Lelystad, Jachthaven Lelystad Haven, you'll have direct access to the Markermeer and be close to the IJsselmeer. Our Bruinisse marina is ideal for discovering the Zeeland delta. With a one-off or permanent mooring in one of our marinas, you'll have all the comfort you need to explore the most beautiful sailing areas in the Netherlands.