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Sailing on the IJssel lake from a Lelystad marina

Sailing on the IJssel lake from a Lelystad marina

Stavoren waterfront on the IJsselmeer, province of Friesland, Netherlands
The city of Lelystad and its port facilities are ideal for exploring the IJsselmeer: a Dutch lake between Holland and Flevoland, formerly part of the Zuiderzee. And the IJssel lake promises some great cruising opportunities! Sailing here is usually easy and pleasant, in the heart of nature, on a calm body of water. You'll discover a rich ecosystem and be able to call in at many picturesque port towns, all of which will undoubtedly make your IJssel lake cruising an unforgettable experience.
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Date Published: 01/03/23 | Last Updated: 16/10/23

Many activities and destinations on Lake IJssel

In the Netherlands, the IJsselmeer represents a huge sailing area. With a surface of 1,100 km², most of it natural, there are many possible shipping routes, whether you choose to navigate by motorboat or sailboat. The sailing schedule can easily be adapted to the crew's wishes: leisurely or sporty sailing, stopovers ashore or lazing and bathing at anchor, natural discoveries or water sports... A very wide range of activities is available to all boaters on the IJssel lake, in an exceptional setting.

If you're a fan of city sightseeing and cultural visits, you should know that sailing on the IJssel like also offers the chance to discover several historic harbour cities located around the lake, such as Enkhuizen, Medemblik, Makkum, Hindeloopen, Stavoren, Lemmer or Urk. Authentic destinations that will add to your discovery of the region and give you a change of scenery!

From the IJsselmeer, you can also explore the surrounding lakes and waterways: to the north, the Wadden Sea and the North Sea; to the west, Lake Marken, the IJmeer and Lake Gooi; to the east, the Ketelmeer... You've got plenty more to explore.

Sailing on Lake IJssel at sunset from Lelystad, the Netherlands
Sailing on Lake IJssel at sunset from Lelystad, the Netherlands

Explore the IJssel lake from Lelystad

To choose a marina near the IJsselmeer is the most convenient way to explore the lake. Among the marinas of the Port Adhoc group in the Netherlands, two are particularly suitable: Deko Marina Lelystad and Lelystad Haven.

The main destinations on the IJsselmeer are easily accessible from these two ports:

  • Urk: 13 nautical miles
  • Enkhuizen: 22 nautical miles
  • Medemblik: 32 nautical miles
  • Stavoren: 30 nautical miles
  • Lemmer: 35 nautical miles
  • Hindeloopen: 36 nautical miles
  • Makkum: 42 nautical miles
Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda steam pumping station)
Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal is the largest and oldest (1920) steam pumping station ever built. It is still in operation and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Deko Marina Lelystad, a marina on the IJssel lake

Overlooking the IJssel lake, Deko Marina Lelystad is an excellent starting point to explore the sailing area. Boaters will find a wide range of services, including sanitary facilities, laundry facilities, a restaurant, a children's play area, WiFi... Numerous nautical professionals are also available on site to work on all types of boats.

When you stop over at Deko Marina Lelystad, for an overnight stay or more, you'll also be in the immediate vicinity of Lelystad town center: stroll through the city, visit the stores, discover the Batavialand Museum or the Natuurpark... Rent a bike at the port, and enjoy all these activities!

Lelystad Haven, a marina near the IJsselmeer

Another of Lelystad's marinas, Lelystad Haven is also a convenient base for exploring the IJssel lake. Situated on the Markermeer, but in the immediate vicinity of the Houtrib's lock, the harbour enables boaters to quickly reach the IJsselmeer for some great sailing.

Here again, you'll benefit from top-quality services, whether for a short stay or a long-term mooring: in addition to the usual services offered to yachtsmen, such as access to sanitary facilities and waste collection points, you'll find solutions for washing, maintaining or repairing your unit. In addition to water, electricity and fuel, you can refuel with gas at the marina office, and have lunch or dinner in a floating restaurant. Finally, if you'd like to spend the night near the Lelystad marina without staying on board your boat, you can stay at the Hotel De Lange Jammer, very close to the marina.

Aerial view of the Houtrib lock separating the Ijsselmeer (Deko Marina Lelystad) of the Markermeer (Lelystad Haven)
Aerial view of the Houtrib lock separating the Ijsselmeer (Deko Marina Lelystad) of the Markermeer (Lelystad Haven)

Sailing on the IJssel lake with a berth at Port Adhoc

What if mooring your boat in a marina near the IJsselmeer was the way to enjoy the water all year round? Deko Marina Lelystad, on the IJssel lake, and nearby the marina of Lelystad Haven, are two ideal departure ports to explore the surrounding area with excellent facilities. Reach the Port Adhoc team to book your future berth easily!

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