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Home , Bolsward, Emmeloord, Flevoland, Franeker, Friesland, Gouwe (river)

AND Region guide Friesland Approx time No. of , North & Approx time No. of No. of locks lifting bridges No. of locks lifting bridges Harlingen Spakenburg 1 hr 15 min 1 0 1 hr 30 min 0 0 4 hr 1 0 4 hr 2 2 2 hr 45 min 0 0 2 hr 30 min 2 2 Leeuwarden Harlingen 1 hr 30 min 0 0 45 min 0 2 Franeker Grau 2 hr 30 min 1 0 1 hr 15 min 1 1 Grau (via the ) 45 min 0 0 1 hr 30 min 7 hr 0 1 2 16 IJIst 9 hr 45 min 1 12 Sneek 1 hr 45 min 0 7 2 hr 0 6 IJist 1 hr 30 min 0 4 1 hr 30 min 0 5 FRIESLAND Utrecht 1 hr 45 min 0 1 5 hr 30 min 3 14 Workum 7 hr 45 min 5 18 Heeg 30 min 0 0 2 hr 15 min 2 4 Gouda 45 min 2 hr 15 min 0 0 1 1 3 hr 1 10 Woudsend Spannenburg Sloten Alphen a/d Rijn 5 hr 15 min 1 13 1 hr 0 0 2 hr 15 min 0 3 Sloten 2 hr 0 4 IJSSELMEER Lemmer LUTTELGEESTER Ossenzijl No. of 45 min 0 2 VAART Approx time No. of locks 9 hr 2 24 Steenwijk lifting bridges 1 hr 0 3 Luttel- HindeooenSoen Cruquius geest 2 hr 30 min 0 0 5 hr 15 min 2 15 Heeg 3 hr 30 min 0 1 Giethoorn 1 hr 0 1 2 hr 30 min 2 8 Vollen- IJIst 4 hr 30 min 3 15 hove 2 hr 1 7 Vineeen NORTH Vogeleiland Approx time No. of No. of locks lifting bridges HOLLAND Zwartsluis No. of Sneek Approx time No. of locks 1 hr 45 min 0 0 lifting bridges Spannenburg 3 hr 0 1 Nigtevecht West-Graftdijk 1 hr 15 min 0 1 2 hr 30 min 2 1 Lemmer Vineeen 5 hr 4 1 2 hr 30 min 2 0 Maarssen Edam Flevoland Approx time No. of locks No. of lifting bridges No. of Lemmer Approx time No. of locks 2 hr 45 min 2 1 lifting bridges Emmeloord Vineeen i e Rinn 30 min 0 1 4 hr 0 0 Amsterdam Start of Luttelgeestervaart Amsterdam 7 hr 30 min 2 7 1 hr 30 min 10 hr 30 min 1 6 0 2 3 hr 30 min 2 7 Vollenhove Edam Muiden 1 hr 1 0 3 hr 15 min 0 6 Vogeleiland West-GraftdijkSnnenug Cruquius 4 hr 45 min 2 0 4 hr 15 min 8 hr 30 min 2 2 10 17 Hillegom Weesp Elburg Haarlem 2 hr 30 min 0 2 1 hr 0 1 Ouderkerk Huizen Harderwijk 5 hr 30 min 1 2 Cruquius Lisse Nigtevecht 3 hr 1 0 Spakenburg Spakenburg VINKEVEENSE Approx time No. of locks No. of PLASSEN Loenen lifting bridges Leiden LOOSDRECHTSE UTRECHT Approx time No. of locks No. of Muiden PLASSEN lifting bridges 2 hr 15 min 2 hr 15 min 0 0 1 1 Maarssen Spannenburg Amsterdam 3 hr 45 min 1 6 Alphen a/d Rijn Ossenzijl 1 hr 30 min 6 hr 0 1 0 8 Oudewater Utrecht Approx time No. of Steenwijk No. of locks lifting bridges SOUTH 45 min 0 2 Times and the number of locks and bridges shown here are based on the most direct route between Giethoorn Alphen a/d Rinj HOLLAND 2 hr 30 min 2 4 stops, using principle waterways. Other routes4 hr 45 may min be possible4 hr 45 - pleasemin consult1 your1 onboard10 10 Gouda Vollenhove Ouderkerk 1 hr 30 min 4 hr 30 min 1 3 0 4 waterways map. Times are an approximation only and are calculated on the basis of an average Start of Luttelgeestervaart 30 min 0 0 speed of 7.5km/h and an average time of 12 minutes to pass through a lock and 4 minutes to pass a lifting bridge. Your speed, the flow of the water and the time it takes to go through locks and bridges will all affect your progress. Approx time No. of No. of locks lifting bridges Giethoorn Maximum speed allowed Maximum speed allowed in Pass oncoming boats on 2 hr 1 1 8 3 the right-hand side Zwartsluis 3 hr 2 1 on waterways in km/h ports/marinas in km/h 1 hr 1 0 Vogeleiland The has a complex network of waterways which are not all shown here. We have only shown principle waterways which allow you to visit the cities, and villages that feature within this guide. VINKEVEENSE PLASSEN LISSE

Le Boat’s Vinkeveen base is located on the shores of this vast lake that is Home of the spectacular alive with visitors and watersports lovers in the summer. Take a refreshing Gardens. Lisse is at the swim, cruise among the many and eat in one of the excellent heart of the Dutch bulb-growing lake-side restaurants. region. Open in mid-March until late-May (check website for exact dates - keukenhof.nl) the EXITING VINKEVEENS PLASSEN gardens are home to a dazzling You can exit the lake to the north, for a more direct route collection of more than 7 million to Amsterdam, although some boats are too big to take flowers which are planted every this route – please enquire with the base team before year. Nearby, the 17th century you set off. All boats are able to exit to the south, through Keukenhof is open year- Demmerikse Lock (see back cover for times and charges) and then Keukenhof, Lisse round and tours can be arrange along the Angstel River. From here you can head along the wide and by appointment of the impressive flower fields, take to the pedestrian and cycle paths busy Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal. You’ll make quick progress, but you’ll ([email protected] that wind round their way round the countryside. share it with large, commercial barges and many find it quite daunting. +31 252 75 06 90 ). Head into For a more pleasant boating experience, we suggest turning off onto to find out more about the Recommended restaurant: Vier Seizoenen on Heereweg - the adjacent and prettier River Vecht that wends its way at a more history of the region at Museum two minutes from the Flower Museum. Vinkeveense Plassen leisurely and scenic pace. de Zwarte Tulp. For the best view Amenities: There’s a vast range of shops and restaurants here. AMSTERDAM

Although a lively cosmopolitan city, packed LEIDEN GOUDA with museums, markets and entertainment for all, Amsterdam has managed to Renowned as ’s The city is famed worldwide for its famous cheese, and a weekly market retain much of its traditional character. birthplace and the home of the is held in The Markt where you can take part in the centuries-old tradition Grachtengordel is arguably the most Netherlands’ oldest and most of handjeklap (clapping hands), a game of bidding and haggling for charming part of the city with its lattice of prestigious university, Leiden is a the best deal. Stop by De Waag afterwards to enjoy a cheese-making waterways and sweet bridges overlooked by beautiful city. Less crowded than demonstration. A visit to St Janskerk is well worthwhile to see the houses, while the Herengracht canal is Amsterdam, it has some of the Goudse Glazen, an impressive collection of 70 stained glass windows the most prestigious canal in the city, and a most beautiful sights in Holland, dating back to the 16th century, and which are explained on an audio great place to stroll at night when the grand Amsterdam and a stroll around its waterways tour. If you’re feeling active, the Reeuwijkse Plassen north of Gouda is facades are illuminated. Bike is the best way and churches is the best way to the perfect place to explore on two wheels with miles of car-free cycle to get around, or hop on a glass-roofed see them all. The Leiden Loop tracks. To visit Amsterdam, moor at Weesp and take a canal boat for a different perspective. is a self-guided walk around the 20 minute train ride to the city centre. Or if you’d prefer The Anne Frank Museum, the Van Gogh historic centre, with key points Recommended restaurant: Kamphuisen, Hoge . to take your boat into Amsterdam, you can moor at Six Haven Museum and the Rijksmuseum, with its indicated by signposts. You can Amenities: You’ll find shops, Marina across from the Amsterdam Central Station and take wonderful collection of Rembrandt paintings also purchase a guidebook at the supermarkets, bakeries, cafés a free 24-hour ferry to the city centre. are three sights not to be missed. If beer is tourist office. Its 13 museums, and restaurants. more your thing, the Heineken Experience including the Natural History Cheese market: Thursdays is the perfect pit stop. Amsterdam is famed EDAM Museum and Ethnology Museum, (10am - 1pm from 7th April - for its vibrant nightlife, and the two key areas are all within walking distance of 31st August (except the 27th of and are the Famed worldwide for its delicious cheese, this charming town each other. The bi-weekly street April and 5th May) - The Markt Goudse Glazen, place to be, whether it’s to party or just sit celebrates its heritage loud and proud. At the heart of Edam is markets are a great place to St Janskerk, Gouda and soak up the atmosphere. the Damplein, a small town square where you’ll find the Edam pick up fish, flowers or cheese, Gouda Museum, renowned for its floating cellar. From here, it’s just a or provide the perfect place to Recommended restaurant: Café Bern’s short walk to the Grote Kerk, the largest three-ridged church people-watch. delicious fondue is not to be missed, but in , where you can enjoy impressive views over the make sure you reserve a table in advance. surrounding area. Finish off your day with a stop at the elegant Recommended restaurant: Oudt Situated just off . Speeltoren Tower, all that remains of the 15th medieval church Leyden, Steenstrat, for sweet and Amenities: There’s a vast range of shops which once stood on this site. savoury pancakes. Head for the and restaurants here. Beestenmarkt. Flower market: Every day – Recommended restaurant: Het Geheim van Edam, 5. Amenities: There’s a vast range of Farmers’ market: Sat (am) - Amenities: There’s a vast range of shops and restaurants here. shops and restaurants here. Flea market: Mon to Sat - . Cheese market: Weds (10.30 am-12.30 pm) July & Aug – Market: Wed & Sat (8am-5pm) - Nieuwenhuizenplein. all over the city, lining the . OUDEWATER WEESP

Oudewater is one of the oldest towns of the Netherlands with around Weesp has a wealth of historic streets and attractions (stop by the tourist 250 protected buildings in the town. While there are a few small office for a walking map) and is famous for the having the first Dutch boutiques and restaurants, the main attraction here is The Heksenwaag, porcelain produced in the town, back in 1759. Nowadays, the town is where witches were tried in the 16th century. They were weighed on the renowned for Van chocolate, whose factory was based in the scales and if above a certain weight; they were deemed too heavy to town until 1970. The Town Hall museum “Stadhuis” now houses exhibits ride a broomstick and therefore must not be a witch. If they passed the about both exports. Accessible from the river, Molen De Vriendschap is a weighing they would receive an official certificate. There is now a small fully functional corn mill dating from 1900 which still produces wheat flour. museum in the Heksenwaag in honour of this colourful past. Just a short bike ride away is the nature reserve, The Naardermeer Area, a marshland covering 1080 hectares and home to various rare birds.

Recommended restaurant: De Schalkse, Ossenmarkt. 5 minutes walk from Molen De Vriendschap, the town moorings. The Heksenwaag, Weesp Amenities: There’s a vast range of shops and restaurants here. Oudewater Farmers market: Tue (am) – Grote Plein/Nieuwstraat.

UTRECHT Muiderslot Castle, Muiden Utrecht is a beautiful old city and MUIDEN well worth a daytrip. Top of your list to see should be the Dom Take a break at one of the bustling lock-side Tower. There are regular tours cafes or, for a more scenic view, the IJmeer and after climbing the 465 steps beaches are just a 10 minute walk away. to the top, you’ll have a beautiful Or visit UNESCO-listed and incredibly scenic Goudestein, Maarssen aerial view of the city. The city is Muiderslot Castle, which dates back to the home to countless museums, 13th century and has a colourful history such as the excellent University as both a castle and prison – the museum Science Museum, while the Miffy provides a fascinating insight into its MAARSSEN Museum, dedicated to the cute medieval past. cartoon rabbit, is perfect for young On the outskirts of Utrecht, Maarssen was a key place for the peat-bog children. St Martin’s Cathedral Recommended restaurant: Cafe Ome Ko. in the Middle Ages. Later, affluent families of Amsterdam built and the botanic gardens are also Follow the Herengracht heading out of town. houses in the town, many of which have since been restored to their worth a visit. After dark – follow Amenities: You’ll find shops, supermarkets, former glory. One such example is the 18th century Goudestein, now the Trajectum Lumen, a self- a pharmacy, bakery, cafés and restaurants. used as the town hall and a wedding venue. Visit the romantic old town guided trail that leads you around with its quaint little church. artistically lit locations throughout the historical city centre. Pick up a guide from the tourist Utrecht information centre. HUIZEN Recommended restaurant: Huizen’s indoor karting and laser quest are Frietwinkel, 10 minutes walk from sure to entertain kids of all ages for a few the moorings at Nieuwekade. hours or, for a more cultural activity, the Amenities: You’ll find shops Huizermuseum houses a collection of the (head to Hoog Catharijne), town’s traditional costume, and the interior supermarkets and plenty of cafés of a fisherman’s cottage. and restaurants in Utrecht. Market: Wed, Fri & Sat – Recommended restaurant: Le Beau Geste, Vredenburg Square Middenweg - open for dinner only. Head into the Old Town. We recommend you use Amenities: You’ll find shops, supermarkets, the moorings alongside a pharmacy, bakery, butchers, cafés and Nieuwekade - look for restaurants. ‘Monicabrug’ on your Market: Sat - Oude Raadhuisplein onboard waterways map. Elburg HINDELOOPEN Ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in Europe, it’s easy to see why when you wander the quirky cobbled streets and wooden bridges of Hindeloopen, the home of Le Boat’s second Dutch base. Start your day at the town’s pancake restaurants, then pick up a free map from the tourist office and start exploring - you can also take a guided tour to ensure you take in the best sights. Hindeloopen’s maritime history is clear to see with vibrant hand-painted murals and furniture dotted around Wouda Steam Pumping the town. Head over to Lake IJsselmeer, a popular spot for all Station, Lemmer kinds of water sports, especially kitesurfing, or you can just relax and watch the action on dry land. Be sure to visit the traditional Chocolaterie Koldewijn (open Wed – Sun) for chocolate treats LEMMER and tasty teas.

Lemmer is a beautiful town, decorated by Recommended restaurant: Friese Doorlope pancake house, colourful houses along the canal banks. Kleine Weide Visit the UNESCO acclaimed Wouda Steam Amenities: You’ll find a small supermarket, and a few cafés Pumping Station (Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal), built and restaurants. in 1920 and the biggest in the Netherlands and still occasionally used today in extreme weather. Its giant pumps and pistons, the building’s architecture and the enthusiasm of the guides make it a great stop. There are ELBURG also endless possibilities for bikers in and around Lemmer. You can get bicycle maps Medieval Elburg was built as a fortress in a rectangular design and information from the STIP-office / and many buildings remain to this day. Gruithuis, reputedly Tourist Information Centre, Nieuwburen. the original town hall, is where herbs typically used in beer- brewing were once traded, as well as the Vischpoort, a 15th Recommended restaurant: Pizzeria century defensive tower. Elburg is also a great place for nature La Gondola, Langestreek. lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Why not take a trip on a Elburg Amenities: There are plenty of shops, ‘Botter’, a traditional sailing ship used for fishing? Or head for supermarkets and restaurants here. Lake where you can hire canoes and kayaks? Or learn to kitesurf? While wandering the cobbled streets, be sure to stop by one of the many restaurants to try the local delicacy, JUST SOUTH OF LEMMER smoked eel. GIETHOORN The Orchid Farm (Orchideeënhoeve) in Hindeloopen Luttelgeest is a must see if passing this Recommended restaurant: Restaurant Le Papillon, A cruise in Friesland wouldn’t be complete way. Beautiful orchids and butterflies Vischpoortstraat. Head into the town from the Vischpoort. without a visit to Giethoorn, the most provide a feast for the eyes – travel Workum Amenities: There’s a vast range of shops and restaurants here. charming town you’ll ever see. Nicknamed through the tropics in the Malaysian Market: Tue (am). the “Venice of the North” due to its garden, the butterfly valley and the new WORKUM numerous canals and bridges, this traffic- Lory garden, full of colourful rainbow free is a delightful place to spend lorikeets. The kids can enjoy themselves Jopie Huisman is a a day. While you can’t take your Le Boat in the mangrove playground. fantastic artist who cruiser here, you can rent a dingy or enjoy views the common a guided tour aboard a motorboat. Boating everyday things in a has long been a way of life here, and at the magical way, reproducing Schreur Shipyard you can find out more this magic in his art. His about the traditional punts, which have been life story is explained produced here since the 18th century. alongside his paintings in Recommended restaurant: a great little Museum in De Gulden Leeuw, in a courtyard Recommended restaurant: Ristorante Workum’s bustling main opposite the cathedral. Fratelli, Binnenpad. Rainbow Lorikeets, street, which also has a Amenities: Lots of restaurants, Amenities: A supermarket and gift shop, Orchideeënhoeve fine church and excellent a supermarket, a bakery and a plus cafés and restaurants. places to eat and drink. pharmacy. Giethoorn Bolsward Town Hall HARLINGEN FRANEKER

This quaint fishing town is known for In the living room of a lovely Friesian canal- the hundreds of sculptures dotted side house is the world’s oldest functioning about the city. Make sure to visit the planetarium. This accurately moving model “Stone Man”, a two-headed statue of the solar system was built between 1774 created in 1774, then head to the and 1781 by Eise Eisinga. Visit this wonderful beach across the road where you museum, see Eisinga’s amazing creations can swim, kitesurf or hire a canoe. and learn about the planets as well as The town remains a major port for the determination and brilliance of this shrimp and prawn fishing, and you’ll amazing man. Franeker itself is a typical find plenty of restaurants where you Friesland city with a handful of interesting can sample the daily catch. If you’re museums, a city hall and an inviting array of a nature lover, why not catch the cafés and restaurants. ferry to the West or cycle to the beautiful nature reserve, Recommended restaurant: De Doelen – the Hegewiersterfjild, where you’ll Grand Café – right in the centre. discover various birds and fish? Franeker Planetarium Amenities: There are plenty of shops, BOLSWARD For a spot of culture, the supermarkets and restaurants here. Hannema House and Harlingen The rich history of Bolsward city can be admired through its dozens Pottery Museum are definitely worth of national monuments such as the 17th century Bolsward Town Hall, a visit. Oldehover Tower, a magnificent red-brick building, or the 15th century Martinikerk, the Leeuwarden church, which is home to intricate wooden carvings and pulpit carved LEEUWARDEN Recommended restaurant: from a single oak tree. A ten-minute walk from the town centre is one De Tjotter, a short walk from As the capital of Friesland, there of the country’s smallest breweries, producing ‘US Heit’ beers and several Noorderhaven moorings. are plenty of things to see and whiskies. Be sure to catch a tour (Thu to Sat - reserve online Amenities: You’ll find shops, do in Leeuwarden. The Nature www.usheit.com). supermarkets and plenty of cafés Museum is located in a 17th and restaurants. century building and is dedicated Recommended restaurant: Brasserie E&D, opposite the Town Hall. Market: Wed (am) & Sat (9am-6pm) to exhibitions around the local Amenities: There are supermarkets, shops, and a couple of bakeries – Voorstaat nature and wildlife. Friesland’s – all you would want. breed of cattle is renowned across the world, and the Friday cattle market and annual show are still SNEEK held regularly. The Oldehover Tower (which leans even more The boating capital of Friesland, Sneek’s reputation comes from its precariously than the Tower of week-long regatta, held each August. The town’s centrepiece is the Pisa) offers uninterrupted views beautiful Waterpoort Gate, the only of its kind in the Netherlands and of the local countryside, once you all that remains of the 17th century town walls. The National Maritime climb its 183 steps. At one time Museum offers an insight into the town’s nautical past, while the Model there were over 130 windmills Train Museum boasts thousands of engines and carriages. The town standing in the city. Today, there is also known for its regional speciality, Beerenburg, a herb-flavoured is just one remaining – the gin produced across the Netherlands, which you can buy at the Weduwe Froskepôlemolen windmill. Joustra shop. De Recommended restaurant: Recommended Walrus, Gouverneursplein. 10 Waterpoort Gate, restaurant: De Walrus, minutes walk from the town’s Sneek Leeuwenburg. 5 moorings. mins walk from the Amenities: There’s a vast range Koopmansgracht of shops and restaurants in moorings. Leeuwarden. Kleine Kerkstraat Amenities: There’s a has been twice voted the best vast range of shops and shopping street in the whole of restaurants here. the Netherlands. Market: Tue (am) & Sat Harlingen Harbour Market: (9am-5pm) - (9am-5pm) - Grootzand. Wilhelminaplein LOCKS AND LIFTING BRIDGES

There are four ways to pass a lock or a lifting bridge in the Netherlands. The required method will be clearly displayed on site as you approach. There are four different ways to pass a bridge/lock: 1. Lock or bridge will operate automatically using sensors. 2. Operation will commence by pressing a button. 3. Call the lock/bridge keeper (numbers are indicated on the bridge/lock).

There is a fee of €1 – €3 to pay at a small number of locks/bridges, so keep some change handy for you to throw into the basket as you pass. The fee for Demmeriske Sluis, to exit and enter Vinkeveen to the south, is €7 in each direction OPENING TIMES:

TIME OF YEAR DEMMERIKSE LOCK* MOST OTHER LOCKS AND BRIDGES (The main lock to enter and exit Vinkeveen to the South)

16th Apr – 16th Oct Every day: 9am – 7pm Every day: 9am – 7pm (Closed for lunch: 12:30 - 1:30pm, and afternoon break: (Closed for lunch and dinner – exact times vary) 4:30 - 5:30)

1st – 15th Apr & Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm Mon - Sat 9am-6pm 17th – 31st Oct Sat 10am - 12pm (By appointment only•)

*Our base team will make a reservation for you and will advise at what time you should be at Demmerikse Lock. If you plan to return to Vinkeveen earlier or later, please let the base team know at least 24hr in advance, so they can change your appointment. Most locks and bridges are closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but most are open on other public holidays. Opening hours can vary on some waterways.

MOORING

Moorings are plentiful in the Netherlands, although you must moor in dedicated moorings which have bollards or rings to tie your lines to. Public moorings along the banks are usually free, although these will have no facilities. Most towns and facilities have public moorings with water, and sometimes electricity, for approximately €10 – €15 a night. The fee at private marinas is between €20 – €30.

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Disclaimer: We have endeavoured to ensure that all the information in this Guide is correct at time of printing. However, opening times and prices are subject to change. Attractions, restaurants, locks and even stretches of the rivers and canals can close without notice. Le Boat is happy to recommend all of the attractions and eating establishments featured within this Guide. However, they are not owned or managed by Le Boat and, as such, we cannot guarantee the quality of your experience at any particular time. If anything in this guide is not correct, we’d love to hear from you at [email protected] so that we can revise future editions. Image credits: Goudse Glazen inside St Janskerk, Gouda - Door Manuel Meewezen - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0 nl, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index. php?curid=21438376 | Goudestein, Maarssen - By Japiot (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia commons | Molen De Vriendschap, Weesp - Door Spoorwegen op de Nederlandstalige Wikipedia Later versions were uploaded by Rasbak at nl.wikipedia.(Originele tekst: J.A>C. de Kroon) - Verplaatst vanaf nl.wikipedia naar Commons., Publiek domein, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/ index.php?curid=2261026 | The Heksenwaag, Oudewater - Onderwijsgek at Dutch Wikipedia [CC BY-SA 2.5 nl (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/ nl/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons | Wouda Steam Pumping Station, Lemmer - By Reboelje (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons | Franeker Planetarium - By Niels Elgaard Larsen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index. php?curid=4123213, Melanie Jones. RegionGuides_Holland_ENG