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With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
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Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
Boot
World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
Reddingsboei
No boat license required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • rozet badge
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Kompas
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boot
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Reddingsboei
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • rozet badge
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Kompas
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boot
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Reddingsboei
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
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Blog
/Top 7 Highlights Hindeloopen

Top 7 highlights of Hindeloopen

Amanda Lankford
May 23, 2018

We’re smitten - Hindeloopen, a picturesque and lively fishing village in the Friesland region of the Netherlands, is the home of Le Boat’s newest Dutch base and makes for the perfect start (or end) to your boating vacation among the glistening lakes of the Northern Netherlands in 2017.

It is with great excitement that we introduce you to the top seven highlights of Hindeloopen:

1. Sandy beaches and beautiful lakeside walks

1. Sandy beaches and beautiful lakeside walks

Lake Ijsselmeer and the old harbor of Hindeloopen are lovely and provide a great place for a swim, a walk, or just to sit back and relax.

2. Hindeloopen Village

2. Hindeloopen Village

Voted the “Most Beautiful Villages in Europe” by the Japan Association of Travel Agents, Hindeloopen villages’ quirky cobbled streets and wooden bridges are great to explore by foot or bike. Be sure to visit the traditional Chocolaterie Koldewijn for chocolatey treats and flavorful teas.

3. Surfing, Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and Sailing

3. Surfing, Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and Sailing

With perfect north/north-westerly winds, Lake Ijsselmeer is perfect for watersports including surfing, kite-surfing and sailing. For equipment rental or lessons check out OK Kite and Surf School.

4. Fishing

4. Fishing

Hindeloopen offers great fishing in both the harbor and Ijsselmeer – just be sure to get a one week tourist fishing permit for €10 from Sportvisserij Friesland before you drop a line.

5. The food!

5. The food!

Waterside dining meets traditional Dutch cuisine. For great fresh seafood and historic surroundings, restaurant Sudersee cannot be missed. If you’re looking for traditional food, fine-dining and waterside views, opt for the Hind or the Three Harinkjes. Pancake lovers must try Frisian Doorloper with a menu of over 50 pancake varieties! For something a bit more relaxed, stop by the lakeside Grab and Joy van for a crepe, fries or ‘the best ice cream in the Netherlands’ while you watch the watersports on Ijsselmeer.

6. Maritime history and traditions

6. Maritime history and traditions

Because of Hindeloopen’s history during the 17th and 18th century as a port for the international shipping trade, many of the traditions and culture from this time remain. Residents still often don traditional Frisian clothing and you’ll find vibrant hand-painted murals and furniture around the city. Even the language in Hindeloopen is unique with characteristics of Western Frisian, English, Danish and Norwegian. The Hindeloopen museum is a great place to learn more about this colorful city.

7. For the love of ice skating

7. For the love of ice skating

Believe it or not, Friesland is an ice-skating hub and the winter activity has a centuries-old history here. Hindeloopen is home to the region’s famous Ice-Skating Museum described as a ‘hidden gem’ and receiving great reviews on TripAdvisor. If you’re interested in skating, it’s definitely worth a visit.