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Sailing from Lelystad: ideas and things to do

Sailing from Lelystad: ideas and things to do

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Lelystad's marinas are the ideal starting point for a day on the water. From Lelystad Haven or Deko Lelystad Haven, you can easily navigate the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, and sail to beautiful harbour towns such as Urk, Hoorn or Volendam. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the activities you can enjoy during the day, before heading back to port for an evening at the marina of your choice.
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Publication date: 01/03/23 | Update date: 10/10/23

Sailing from Lelystad, to discover the surrounding area by boat

The location of Port Adhoc 's Dutch marinas is perfect for exploring the IJssel and Marken lakes. Just a stone's throw from the Houtrib dam, or Houtribdijk, which separates the Markermeer from the IJsselmeer, our marinas give boaters rapid access to the locks. As a result, they can move quickly from one lake to the next, benefiting from a navigation area of over 1,800 square kilometers between the Markermeer and the IJsselmeer. They can also easily reach the surrounding waters: the IJmeer, the Gooimer, the Ketelmeer, the Wadden Sea...

On the Markermeer and IJmeer, the wind is usually light and the water often calmer than at sea. On a day trip, you'll be able to adapt your sailing plan to your every whim: discovering nature, relaxing, practicing water sports, visiting Dutch port towns... From the Lelystad marina of your choice, you'll have access to all kinds of activities!

Hiking trail on Lake IJssel, the Netherlands
Hiking trail on Lake IJssel, the Netherlands

Several destinations to discover by sailing from Lelystad

Whether you choose to sail from Lelystad by motorboat or sailboat, you'll find plenty of opportunities to stop off around the Markermeer and IJsselmeer. The most popular destinations for boaters are the port towns of Urk, Hoorn and Volendam:

Urk, an old fishing village, is a picturesque stopover 10 nautical miles from Lelystad. Easily reached by sail, after a short sail on Lake IJssel, Urk is a village steeped in history and full of charm. You're sure to enjoy a stroll through Urk, discovering the narrow streets and small houses of the town center.

Aerial view of the historic centre of the village of Urk, Flevoland
Aerial view of the historic village center of Urk, Flevoland

Volendam is another popular destination. It takes just under 15 nautical miles to sail from Lelystad to Volendam, a typical Dutch harbour village on Lake Marken. The old harbour, the fishmongers, the little fishermen's huts, the traditional costumes worn in the village... Volendam is a town steeped in authenticity that's sure to take your breath away.

View of the waterfront in the historic village of Volendam, municipality of Edam-Volendam, North Holland
View of the waterfront in the historic village of Volendam, municipality of Edam-Volendam, North Holland

Also on the Markermeer, Hoorn is a stopover close to Lelystad that should leave a lasting impression. You'll be there in 15 nautical miles! Here, you'll find historic buildings reminiscent of Hoorn's days as a thriving 17th-century trading town, and plenty of restaurants and stores.

The village of Hoorn on the Markermeer, North Holland, Netherlands
The village of Hoorn on the Markermeer, North Holland, Netherlands

The Port Adhoc Nederland marinas in Lelystad, ideal for ending your day

It's already the end of the afternoon, and it's time to slowly head back to one of Lelystad's marinas... But don't worry: the return to dock doesn't mean the end of your day! The Port Adhoc marina you choose to moor at, whether Lelystad Haven or Deko Marina Lelystad, offers plenty of other activities. For instance, you can go into the town of Lelystad for a stroll, browse the stores, visit the Batavialand museum or the Lelystad Natuurpark.

On the other hand, if you'd rather stay in the marina and relax, that's also possible: you can use our harbour facilities  to enjoy a drink, take some time out for yourself or catch up with loved ones, and round off your day's sailing in style. For dinner, you can count on the Club Port Side floating restaurant at the marina of Lelystad Haven, or the Gusto del Porto Italian restaurant at Deko Marina Lelystad.

Moor your boat in a marina in Lelystad

Would you like a berth in Lelystad to store your motorboat or sailboat and enjoy sailing on the Marken and IJssel lakes? Contact the Port Adhoc group for berth availability in our Lelystad Haven harbour or at Deko Marina Lelystad. We look forward to welcoming your vessel into our facilities!

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