About Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland
Enter a world of beauty by the sea in Friesland-Amsterdam
Water is a way of life in Holland, a country shaped by the sea and defined by the rivers and canals that flow through its scenic lowlands. A canal cruise in Amsterdam offers an unforgettable introduction to the charm of Dutch river cruises, where you’ll glide past iconic windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and storybook villages. Whether you’re on a relaxing houseboat in the Netherlands or enjoying one of the many river cruises in Holland, this is a journey made for unhurried discovery.
Interactive map of Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland
Le Boat base
Point of interest
No license or experience required
Never handled a boat? You don’t need a license or prior experience to be the captain of your own houseboat. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know before you set off safely on your houseboat cruise.
Our customer reviews on Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland
See all reviews >This was our first Le Boat experience. Awesome choice and so glad we did it. Apart from the adrenalin to ensure you do things correctly, to the calm and relaxed hours on the canal. Our family was excited about all the planning, boating and exploring small towns like Edam, Zaanse Schaans and Maarssen on foot, bike and sometimes just on the deck! As a first time Le Boater, the staff made it easy and explained all the detail and operations (p.s. be sure to take notes), that helped us on our way. By day 2 you definitely feel more comfortable with all the bridges, signals, sluices and mooring. This was a unforgettable family vacation and we will surely tdo this again when opportunity presents itself.
We had a wonderful holiday, and the Clipper was well equipped. The canals of Northern Holland were a fantastic vacation venue! I highly recommend this for everyone wanting a relaxed, fun, beautiful vacation!
Great base team in Vinkeveen. Wonderful experience onboarding with lots of information about beautiful spots to visit. Briefings on the boat, local boating customs and navigational topics were spot on. Great experience all around. Boats were in great technical shape and clean.
The service was excellent
Le boat is an amazing experience for the whole family! We rented four foldable bikes with Le Boat, and we were exploring each town with my kids and wife, jumping on and off trains, busses and having the adventure of our life without big plans. We wake every morning with a new destination, and travel the rivers while the kids were at sleep while my wife and I floated along with our coffee and tied our boat on the next small town marina, and used our phone to scan and pay the marina fee with the ease of a parking lot. I extremely recomend this vacation to anyone who enjoys RV, camping or adventure travel. Thank you Le Boat
The staff at Vinkeveen were very efficient. The boat was ready when we arrived and check it was swift. With fowl weather and whitecaps, our checkout drive was fun tending towards exciting. This was trip #4 in an Elegance for us, and trip #3 in Elegance for this crew. Trip planning was excellent at pre-departure. Our microwave failed. Our oven was brand new, we cook A LOT, so they sent us with a spare gaz bottle! We had to moor in bow-first at several marinas and the shore-power cord was too short. We bought an extension, for which we were reimbursed. Very minor inconvenience. The bikes were great. With six, they sent us with a brand new tire pump and locks. (We carry basic bike tools and tire kits). Turning in the boat was also perfect. Our check-in technician documented the minor issues and indicated they would be fixed before she went out again. This particular boat came from the Irish fleet. So had multiple plug options, which was great. We have had to rate all other bases as GOOD, because we have been through Nieuwpoort, Belgium, where they thoroughly exceed ALL expectations. Vinkeveen could match them with a little more attention to detail, but they did a fine job.
We choose this location because of the absence of locks. We sailed Hindeloopen, Heeg, Lemmer, Sneek (2 nights), Bolsward, Workum and back to Hindeloopen enjoying shore power every night and a short walk ashore.
LeBoat provided us with a beautiful boat to travel through the waterways in Holland. The boat ran well and was easy to operate. The instructions given were thorough, with a lot of helpful tips. The boat is well stocked. Easy check-in and check-out.
Boot ok
Übergabe von Boot perfekt Personal sehr freundlich
There are so many options of where to go from this base that we can come back many times. The staff were very helpful.
Quick completion of formalities when taking over the yacht and even faster when handing over.
We love cruising canals with Le Boat. This was our first time in the Netherlands, as our previous two cruises were in France. The Netherlands was interesting and often pretty, but couldn’t compare to the beauty of France. Cruising in the Netherlands was also much more complicated and stressful because of the many routes, large barge traffic, and lifting bridges which weren’t always operating, which caused us to have to cancel part of our planned route.
Our boat was a bit worn but clean and comfortable inside. We liked the layout and enjoyed riding the bikes in the Dutch towns.
Great boat. Great base facilities. Great briefing with lots of tips
Vinkeveen is a nice start to explore Southern Holland but not much to do in this small town. Staff at the base was very helpful and even help with arranging transport from the base.
We got a free upgrade that why the boat was acceptable in the condition
The checkin at the Hindeloopen base and technical briefing went fast and after unloading the cars we were able to start our cruise. Knowing we’d rented a basic boat we were surprised to see the boat had a bow thruster even though the LeBoat website said it would not have this. The website could provide more accurate locational information, as this could be an important point for less experienced.
Unfortunately one morning, moored on an Island on a lake, we had a problem with the starter battery. But after a call to the base the friendly and savvy technician helped us jump start our boat and later that day came to service the battery. Problem sorted most efficiently!
Boating in Holland is fun and there is so much to do. The scenery from the water is beautiful.
Just one tip: As there are a million marinas, and not every one of them has a simple approach to your mooring spot, either call the harbour master in advance to ask if they have difficult mooring (Sloten with West winds can be hell!) or ask Le Boat for advice which marinas to avoid.
I lied, here’s a second tip: The Islands run by the Marrekriete in Friesland on the lakes are fantastic places to spend the night. What a surprise to see a baker boat with fresh bread in the morning. Fantastic!
Anita and her team made us feel really welcome and were very responsive to our requests. The boat was perfect for our cruise.
The canal Vecht was fantastic, cruising the lakes with the houseboat with the speed of 10 km/h was sometimes a bit boring
The perfect boating region for…
History & Heritage
The Friesland–Amsterdam region is steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, making it a highlight of many Netherlands river cruises. Explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals aboard a canal cruise in Amsterdam, and visit landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, and Dam Square. In nearby historic Utrecht, be sure to tour the Stadskasteel Oudaen, a medieval castle turned brewery.
Water Sports
Friesland is one of the top destinations in Europe for watersports and boat rentals. In this Lakeland district, boating is more than just a vacation – it’s a lifestyle! From jet skiing and kayaking to sailing and canoeing, the region offers endless water activities. Towns like Sneek and Grouw are perfect launch points for your aquatic adventures.
Cycling
With its flat landscapes and scenic waterways, Holland is perfect for cycling alongside your Dutch river cruise. Ride through colorful tulip fields, past gently turning windmills, and along peaceful canals in Holland. Stop in charming waterside villages for local delicacies, think steamed mussels or oysters on the half-shell, and toast your travels with a cold pint.
Why choose Le Boat for your Holland boat vacation?
Set sail on the ultimate Dutch adventure with Le Boat, Europe’s leading boating vacation provider and the expert in unforgettable self-drive cruises. When you choose Le Boat for your Holland holiday, you’re not just renting a boat; you’re unlocking a unique way to experience the Netherlands.
Explore charming towns, historic windmills, colorful tulip fields, and world-famous cities like Amsterdam, all from the comfort of your own stylish, fully-equipped cruiser. With over 50 years of expertise and top-rated customer service, Le Boat offers a hassle-free, one-of-a-kind vacation where every day is yours to design. If you’re looking for a truly unique way to see Europe with no boating license or prior experience needed, rent a boat with Le Boat!
Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland: Read our Articles
Friesland uncovered: a travel and boating vacation guide
Boating in Holland: a travel and boating vacation guide to North Holland, Utrecht & South Holland
Our 4-day cruise in Holland
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Hindeloopen is located in Friesland, a rural, traditional and culturally rich region of the Netherlands. Famous for its lakes and water sports, life is slower-paced in these parts and well suited for those wishing to escape the hustle-bustle and breathe a little! Hindeloopen itself is on the shores of the IJsselmeer with a long maritime history, quirky cobbled streets and ranked as one of Europe’s most beautiful villages.
Travel connections
- 122km from Amsterdam Schipol (AMS)
- 106km from Groningen (GRQ)
- 2km from Hindeloopen station
- 44km from Leeuwarden station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
You can see and do lots from Vinkeveen. The base itself is located in the popular summer vacation spot, Vinkeveen Plassen, great for water sports, swimming and lake-side dining. Amsterdam, is just 4.5hrs cruising to the north. To the southeast, the trendy university city of Utrecht is reachable in just 4hrs, while the famous cheese making towns of Gouda and Edam, the famous Keukenhof Flowerpark at Lisse and the iconic windmills at Zaanse Schans are all within 2 – 4 days of cruising from Vinkeveen.
Travel connections
- 24km from Amsterdam Schipol (AMS)
- 8km from Abcoude station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Hindeloopen is located in Friesland, a rural, traditional and culturally rich region of the Netherlands. Famous for its lakes and water sports, life is slower-paced in these parts and well suited for those wishing to escape the hustle-bustle and breathe a little! Hindeloopen itself is on the shores of the IJsselmeer with a long maritime history, quirky cobbled streets and ranked as one of Europe’s most beautiful villages.
Travel connections
- 122km from Amsterdam Schipol (AMS)
- 106km from Groningen (GRQ)
- 2km from Hindeloopen station
- 44km from Leeuwarden station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
You can see and do lots from Vinkeveen. The base itself is located in the popular summer vacation spot, Vinkeveen Plassen, great for water sports, swimming and lake-side dining. Amsterdam, is just 4.5hrs cruising to the north. To the southeast, the trendy university city of Utrecht is reachable in just 4hrs, while the famous cheese making towns of Gouda and Edam, the famous Keukenhof Flowerpark at Lisse and the iconic windmills at Zaanse Schans are all within 2 – 4 days of cruising from Vinkeveen.
Travel connections
- 24km from Amsterdam Schipol (AMS)
- 8km from Abcoude station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
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Marcus has been an integral part of Le Boat’s sales team for several years, so knows our destinations and fleet very well. After many cruises with us he particularly loves our stunning Irish and Italian destinations!
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Itinerary suggestions
Our boating vacations allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Vinkeveen RETURN along the Vecht 3-Night Itinerary
Vinkeveen RETURN 7-Night Itinerary
Route suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here’s a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You dont have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you’ve booked – you’re free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we’d recommend an average of 2 – 4 hours cruising each day.
Please note: Any route suggestions and itineraries on the Le Boat website are examples only and any of the suggested potential routes, attractions, restaurants, towns, villages or sections of the waterway included in them may not always be open or accessible at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Little Amsterdam Short Break
The Little Amsterdam Short Break
Vinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam & Muiden
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Overview
Set off from Vinkeveen Marina and its luxury amenities on your canal cruise through the peaceful suburbs of Amsterdam. You’ll head northward to picturesque Amstelven and its modern art museum before diving into the dynamic city of Amsterdam.
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.
Top highlights:
- Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen
- Muiden’s fort and castle
- The vibrancy of Amsterdam – be sure to rent a bike and cycle along the city’s beautiful canals!
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Muiden: Muiden is a walled city with an impressive heritage. The Muiderslot Castle is a wonder of the Middle Ages that has survived throughout the centuries. Discover the numerous monuments and vestiges of Muiden, and enjoy its quietness.
- Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
The Amsterdam Cruise
The Amsterdam Cruise
Vinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam & Utrecht
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Overview
Start your Holland river cruise with a bit of pampering at the resort amenities of Vinkeveen, and then it’s off on the River Vecht to cosmopolitan Amsterdam and historic Utrecht! You glide past the palatial riverfront homes and find yourself in more rural locales with traditional windmills and fields of colorful flowers.
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.
Top highlights:
- The diverse culture and arts of medieval Utrecht
- Muiden’s fort and castle
- The vibrancy of Amsterdam – Be sure to rent a bike and cycle along the city’s beautiful canals!
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River Maarssen was a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Age. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam have built some country houses nearby that you could still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit the historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
- Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland’s fourth city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin’s Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it’s a nice place for a walk.
- Muiden: Muiden is a walled city with an impressive heritage. The Muiderslot Castle is a wonder of the Middle Ages that has survived throughout the centuries. Discover the numerous monuments and vestiges of Muiden, and enjoy its quietness.
- Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
The Cheeses of Holland Cruise
The Cheeses of Holland Cruise
Vinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam, Edam & Alkmaar
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Overview
This cruise will drive you to the culture of Holland. Starting with a tour of Amsterdam to admire its canals and enjoy its dynamic & cultural life before tasting the famous dutch cheeses. Edam and Alkmaar have a long history with cheese that you will discover with the handful of remaining cheese warehouses and their local cheese markets.
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.
Top highlights:
- The fresh cheeses and markets of Edam
- The cheeses and stained-glass window church of Gouda
- The vibrancy of Amsterdam – Be sure to rent a bike and cycle along the city’s beautiful canals
- Windmills and green wooden houses of Zaanse Schans
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
- Edam: Edam is known worldwide thanks to the cheese with the same name. Don’t miss the cheese market in peak summer on Wednesday morning!
- Alkmaar: Take a stroll through Alkmaar’s beautiful city centre to discover the many museums, shops and cafes that line the historic canal banks. Don’t miss the famous cheese market, held every Friday morning from April to September – this market has been taking place for centuries, and is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Alkmaar.
- Zaanse Schans: For anyone interested in Dutch history the Zaanse Schans is a must see. Beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century buildings from all over the Zaanstreek region have been moved to this spot, so you can experience first hand what life was like in old Holland. There are fully functioning windmills, bakeries and even a clog workshop – all with a story to tell.
The Gouda Short Break
The Gouda Short Break
Vinkeveen RETURN via Utrecht & Gouda
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Overview
Following the River Vecht, this cruise will drive you to the historic and charming city of Utrecht. You’ll then be able to reach the small town of Gouda, famous for its cheese and its traditional cheese market. Once there, admire the historic buildings of the town such the Saint John Church, famous for its stained glass windows.
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.
Top highlights:
- The cheeses and stained-glass window church of Gouda
- Walking through the extraordinary streets of Oudewater
- Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen
- Tasting the chocolate, beer and jenever in Weesp
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River Maarssen was a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Age. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam have built some country houses nearby that you could still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit the historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
- Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland’s fourth city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin’s Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it’s a nice place for a walk.
- Oudewater: Spend some time to visit the historically protected city center and the famous ‘Heksenwaag’ (witches’ scales) where people accused of witchcraft were offered a chance of proving their innocence.
- Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
- Gouda: Famous thanks to the cheese of the same name, Gouda hosts a traditional cheese market every Thursday morning. The town also has a rich history and hosts one of the country’s oldest city halls. Don’t miss the Saint John Church famous for its stained glass windows.
The Dutch Capitals Cruise
The Dutch Capitals Cruise
Vinkeveen RETURN via Utrecht, Lisse & Amsterdam
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Overview
Discover the dutch way of life! Emerge yourself into some of the most historic & dynamic cities of Holland like Amsterdam, Utrecht or Den Haag through typical dutch villages like Delft. On the way you’ll also admire the flowered fields near Lisse & Leiden and taste the famous cheese of Gouda. Don’t miss the traditional cheese market there!
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Top highlights:
- Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen
- The culture and arts of medieval Utrecht
- Lisse’s castle and flower gardens
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River is Maarssen, a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Age. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam have built some country houses nearby that you could still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit the historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
- Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland’s fourth biggest city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin’s Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it’s a nice place for a walk.
- Oudewater: Spend some time to visit the historic protected city center and the famous ‘Heksenwaag’ (witches’ scales) where people accused of witchcraft were offered a chance of proving their innocence.
- Gouda: Famous thanks to the cheese of the same name, Gouda hosts a traditional cheese market every Thursday morning. The town has a rich history and patrimoine and hosts one of the oldest city halls in the country. Don’t miss the Saint John Church famous for its stained glass windows.
- Leiden: The charming town of Leiden is made of small canals and tree-bordered. The historical town center contains imrpessive buildings and churches that you can’t miss. Spend some time to walk in the numerous parks and to visit the Hortus Botanicus and other gardens of the town.
- Lisse: Lisse is known as Holland’s flower-growing area. Enjoy the amazing view of the surrounding flowered fields during spring. From March to May, visit the famous Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world which also hosts an open Castle all year-round.
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
The Friesland Short Break
The Friesland Short Break
Hindeloopen RETURN via Sneek
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Overview
Cruise from our base in Hindeloopen, frequently ranked as one of the prettiest villages in Europe, to the city of Sneek. Sneek’s centrepiece is it’s beautiful Waterpoort Gate, the only of its kind in the Netherlands and all that remains of the 17th Century town walls. En-route you’ll pass through Workum, the hometown of famous artist Jopie Huisman. Here you’ll find a great little museum showcasing some of his work, as well a fine church on Workum’s bustling main street.
Top highlights:
- Strolling through the streets and sandy beaches of Hindeloopen
- Sneek’s monumental Roman Catholic Church
- One of Holland’s smallest breweries in Bolsward
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Hindeloopen: Hindeloopen is a picturesque village full of Dutch character. Its quirky cobbled streets, wooden bridges and well-preserved houses give it a unique identity and a rich heritage that you can discover by walking to its old centre, around the traditional harbor and along the nearby sandy beaches.
- Workum: Workum is a beautiful little seaside city with numerous medieval monuments like the Gertrudis church. You should also visit Werenfridus Church.
- Bolsward: The rich history of Bolsward city can be admired through its dozens of national monuments such as the 17th century Bolsward Town Hall, a magnificent red-brick building, or the 15th century Martinikerk, the church, which is home to intricate wooden carvings and pulpit carved from a single oak tree. A ten-minute walk from the town centre is one of the country’s smallest breweries, producing ‘US Heit’ beers and several whiskies. Be sure to catch a tour (Thu to Sat – reserve online www.usheit.com).
- Sneek: Sneek is a dynamic city in the area. It has interesting architecture, especially the great gate of the waterport and the city hall, which is built in a rococo style. Also, visit the Roman Catholic Church, which is a national monument.
The Lakeland Cruise
The Lakeland Cruise
Hindeloopen RETURN via Harlingen
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Overview
You’re in the heart of the Lakelands region, a highlight of fabulous Holland river cruises! For lunch it’s a stop at a traditional fishing village to enjoy a pint of Grolsch and oysters on the half-shell, and later you take time for some sightseeing in beautiful Lemmer. The warm sun relaxes you as you kayak in scenic Grou.
Top highlights:
- Strolling through the streets and sandy beaches of Hindeloopen
- Sneek’s monumental Roman Catholic Church
- Leeuwarden’s very own Pisa tower
- Canoeing in the charming town of Grouw
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Hindeloopen: Hindeloopen is a picturesque village full of Dutch character. Its quirky cobbled streets, wooden bridges & well-preserved houses give it a unique identity and a rich heritage that you can discover by walking to its old centre, around the traditional harbor and along the nearby sandy beaches.
- Workum: Workum is a beautiful little seaside city with numerous medieval monuments like the Gertrudis church. You should also visit Werenfridus Church.
- Bolsward: The rich history of Bolsward city can be admired through its dozens of national monuments such as the 17th century Bolsward Town Hall, a magnificent red-brick building, or the 15th century Martinikerk, the church, which is home to intricate wooden carvings and pulpit carved from a single oak tree. A ten-minute walk from the town center is one of the country’s smallest breweries, producing ‘US Heit’ beers and several whiskies. Be sure to catch a tour (Thu to Sat – reserve online www.usheit.com).
- Sneek: Sneek is a dynamic city in the area. It has interesting architecture, especially the great gate of the waterport and the city hall, which is built in a rococo style. Also, visit the Roman Catholic Church, which is a national monument.
- Leeuwarden: As the capital of Friesland, there are plenty of things to see and do in Leeuwarden. The Nature Museum is located in a 17th century building and is dedicated to exhibitions around the local nature and wildlife. Friesland’s breed of cattle is renowned across the world, and the Friday cattle market and annual show are still held regularly. The Oldehover Tower (which leans even more precariously than the Tower of Pisa) offers uninterrupted views of the local countryside, once you climb its 183 steps. At one time there were over 130 windmills standing in the city.
- Franeker: In the living room of a lovely Friesian canalside house is the world’s oldest functioning planetarium. This accurately moving model of the solar system was built between 1774 and 1781 by Eise Eisinga. Visit this wonderful museum, see Eisinga’s amazing creations and learn about the planets as well as the determination and brilliance of this amazing man. Franeker itself is a typical Friesland city with a handful of interesting museums, a city hall and an inviting array of cafés and restaurants
- Harlingen: This quaint fishing town is known for the hundreds of sculptures dotted about the city. Make sure to visit the “Stone Man”, a two-headed statue created in 1774, then head to the beach across the road where you can swim, kitesurf or rent a canoe. The town remains a major port for shrimp and prawn fishing, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants where you can sample the daily catch. If you’re a nature lover, why not catch the ferry to the West Friesian Islands or cycle to the beautiful nature reserve, the Hegewiersterfjild, where you’ll discover various birds and fish.