3nt Vinkeveen RETURN along the Vecht
Set off on a relaxing three-night cruise from Vinkeveen, exploring the elegant Vecht River and its historic towns. This round-trip journey takes you through charming spots like Maarssen, Weesp, and Muiden, where you’ll enjoy peaceful moorings, waterside dining, and cultural gems like Muiderslot Castle. With scenic cruising, vibrant villages, and plenty of Dutch charm, it’s the perfect short escape.
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive at base
3pm
After you have arrived and checked-in, we’ll show you to your boat as quickly as possible. Spend time settling in, freshen up and await your pre-departure briefing which will be given by one of our base technicians. They will familiarise you with the boat’s domestic systems and give you a hands-on demonstration of the boat controls and how to operate it. They will make sure you are comfortable and confident controlling the boat, as well as navigating the waterway, before you set off.
Navigation made easy: To help you cruise with confidence, helpful details on navigating locks, lifting bridges and the busy Amsterdam Rijnkanaal are included at the end of this itinerary. Have a quick read before your journey begins.
Vinkeveen > Maarssen
5:00pm-7:30pm
Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins | 2 locks | 3 lifting bridges
From the Le Boat base, your journey starts by passing under the Demmerikse Brug (bridge 777b). The lock operator will assist you as you make your way through. Please note: Vision, Horizon, and Consul boat types cannot pass under this bridge. If you’re on one of these boats make sure to call +31 (0) 62 787 9860 for bridge opening times: 09:00 – 12:30 | 13:30 – 16:30 | 17:30 – 20:00. All other boat types can pass under the bridge, but ensure all crew are below deck with hatches and doors closed. When steering from the top deck, you’ll need to kneel and bend down, as there’s only about 10cm of clearance from the steering wheel.
Once through, take a left into Demmerikse lock (777a). After the lock, follow the Geuzensloot and turn right onto the Angstel. As you near the end of the river, pass under the Spoorbrug and be cautious when turning onto the busy Amsterdam Rijnkanaal. With around 100,000 ships annually, including fast-moving barges, wait for a clear and safe passage before turning right and heading south toward Maarssen.
Shortly after passing under the Maarsserbrug, you’ll continue beneath the Zuilensebrug – keep an eye out on your left for the Vechtsluis, which you’ll need to navigate through to enter the next stretch. Once through the lock, take another left to join the beautiful Vecht River, where your journey truly begins. Your first overnight stop is a small but charming marina in the Municipality of Stichtse Vecht, located about 20 minutes upstream. It’s a peaceful spot with all the essential facilities, including electricity, making it an ideal place to settle in for the evening.
- Lock: Demmerikse Sluis (777a) – +31 (0) 29 726 2540 | +31 (0) 62 787 9860
- Lifting bridge: Demmerikse Brug (777a) +31 (0) 29 726 2540 | +31 (0) 62 787 9860
- Lock: Vechtsluis (The lock gates open and close as needed to allow vessels to pass through).
- Lifting bridge: Termeerbrug (756) – +31 (0) 34 628 3981
- Lifting bridge: Evert Stokbrug (757) – +31 (0) 34 628 3981
Dinner at Brasserie Louis, Maarssen
8pm-10pm
This unforgettable restaurant is the perfect choice for your first night, serving refined dishes in a warm and elegant setting. Just a 15-minute walk away, following the scenic Zandpad along the water back in the direction you arrived from. Be sure to reserve a table in advance to ensure you don’t miss out: +31 (0) 34 656 2201 | brasserie-louis.nl
Take bus line 913 if you’d like to avoid walking back to your boat in the dark. A bus is available every 10 minutes. Please call 00 31 900 5252241 to arrange. For more information: U-OV
Overnight in Maarssen
Breakfast on board
8am-9am
Maarssen > Weesp
9am-2pm
Approx. 5 hrs | 1 lock | 9 lifting bridges
Follow the Vecht River towards Weesp as it gently winds through picturesque villages like Breukelen and Nigtevecht, each offering glimpses of waterside life. Along the way, you’ll pass a number of classic Dutch lifting bridges – some operated remotely, others by friendly local bridgekeepers. Should a bridge not open automatically, contact the operator using the numbers listed below. As you near Nigtevecht, follow the right-branch of the waterway in the direction of Fort Uitermeer, where the scenery transitions from open countryside to the redbrick buildings of historic Weesp.
As you approach Weesp, you’ll pass beneath the Klapbrug – lookout for the Sluisbrug up-ahead on your left that will guide you towards your overnight moorings. Look for the visitor moorings at Watersport Vereniging (WSV) Weesp, a welcoming marina with excellent facilities and easy walking access to the town center.
- Lifting bridge: Roskambrug+31 (0) 62 968 3151 | +31 (0) 29 449 1232
- Lifting bridge: Vechtbrug Breukelen (758) – +31 (0) 34 625 4000
- Lock: Damsluis Nieuwersluis (always open)
- Lifting bridge: Croneburgherbrug (760) – +31 (0) 29 423 2626
- Lifting bridge: Dorpsbrug (761) – +31 (0) 34 625 44000
- Lifting bridge: Vreelandbrug (762) – +31 (0) 29 423 2850
- Lifting bridge: Van Leerbrug (763) – +31 (0) 29 423 6230
- Lifting bridge: Lange Vechtbrug (765) – +31 (0) 62 968 3151
- Lifting bridge: Sluisbrug – +31 (0) 62 968 3151 | +31 (0) 65 494 3122
- Lifting bridge: Zwaantejesbrug (766a) – +31 (0) 62 968 3151
Lunch on board
1pm-2pm
Explore Weesp
2pm-6pm
Spend your afternoon soaking up the charm of Weesp on foot or by bicycle. Step inside the Gothic Grote of Laurenskerk or explore the elegant Stadhuis. For a riverside pause, settle in at De Eendracht with a drink and a slice of Dutch apple pie. If you’re curious about local flavours, head to Anker Weesp Distillery to sample traditional jenever and beer, handcrafted with pride. It’s a perfect blend of history, flavour, and small-town Dutch charm.
Dinner at Restaurant Aaltje, Weesp
7pm-9pm
Dine at Restaurant Aaltje, a favourite among locals, set in a historic canal house. Their menu features modern Dutch cuisine with seasonal ingredients – think slow-roasted meats, fish with fresh herbs, and excellent wine pairings. Make a reservation: caferestaurantaaltje.nl
Prefer something lighter or more casual? Toeters en Bellen (with canal-side seating) is a great option too. cafetoetersenbellen.nl
Top tip: Take an evening stroll back to your boat: Exit Restaurant Aaltje and walk towards the Vecht River. Walk back along the promenade, enjoying views of the river and the historic buildings lining the water.
Overnight in Weesp
Weesp > Muiden
8am-9:45am
Approx. 1 hr 45 min | 1 lock | 3 lifting bridges
Set off from Weesp heading northwest along the Vecht River, letting the gentle current guide you through a classic Dutch landscape of canalside cottages, green meadows, and arched bridges. You’ll cruise underneath Spoorbrug as the river begins to widen, eventually leading you toward the historic harbor of Muiden. Find Jachthaven Stichting Muiden just on the other side of the Groote Zeesluis, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Muiderslot Castle.
To secure your mooring for the night we recommend calling about 15 minutes before your arrival to ensure a smooth and welcoming check-in: +31 6 13398388 | jachthavenmuiden.nl
- Lock: Groote Zeesluis (769) – +31 (0) 20 608 7391
- Lifting bridge: Roskambrug+31 (0) 62 968 3151 | +31 (0) 29 449 1232
- Lifting bridge: Zwaantejesbrug (766a) – +31 (0) 62 968 3151
- Lifting bridge: Sluisbrug – +31 (0) 62 968 3151 | +31 (0) 65 494 3122
- Railway bridge: Spoorbrug – cruise underneath
Breakfast at Bob Bakt, Muiden
10am-11am
Enjoy a slow start with a coffee and croissant or sourdough toast at Bob Bakt, a cozy neighborhood bakery known for its artisanal baking and friendly atmosphere. Grab a seat outside if the weather’s good – ideal for people watching. Prefer to keep moving? Pick up your breakfast to go and head out for a morning of exploring the town.
Explore Muiden
11am-1pm
No visit to Muiden is complete without exploring the magnificent Muiderslot Castle, one of the Netherlands’ best-preserved medieval fortresses. Step inside to tour the knight’s hall, armory, and towers, then take a peaceful stroll through its beautifully kept herb and flower gardens. Afterwards, wander through Muiden’s historic streets and charming harbor, where 17th-century homes, houseboats, and canals paint a picture of timeless Dutch beauty. Along the way, you might find a boutique or art gallery that invites you in for a closer look.
Top tip: The best photo spot is from the path just across the moat!
Lunch at Café Ome Ko, Muiden
1pm-2:30pm
Settle in for lunch at Café Ome Ko, a cozy, historic spot perfect for a relaxed lunch by the water. With a sunny terrace overlooking the harbor and a menu full of Dutch favourites – like hearty sandwiches, soups, and bitterballen! It’s a great place to unwind after a visit to Muiderslot Castle.
Muiden >Vinkeveen
3pm-7pm
Approx. 4 hrs | 1 locks | 2 lifting bridges
You’ll conclude your 3-night itinerary with a leisurely boat ride back to our Vinkeveen base for a final night onboard. Cruise down the Vecht River, retracing your route past Nigtevecht, and pass under the Nigtevecht Bridge before heading onto the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal towards Vinkeveen. Be sure to arrive back before the Demmerikse Brug (bridge 777b) closes at 8pm.
- Lock: Demmerikse Sluis (777a) – +31 (0) 29 726 2540
- Lifting bridge: Nigtevechtbrug (7713) – +31 (0) 65 120 5038
- Lifting bridge: Demmerikse Brug (777a) – +31 (0) 29 726 2540
Dinner at Boathouse, Vinkeveense Plassen
7:30pm-9:30pm
Enjoy dinner at this excellent restaurant overlooking the beautiful Vinkeveense Plassen, where a relaxed atmosphere meets a versatile, flavour-packed menu. Try their delicious sushi, stone oven pizzas or discover street food-inspired dishes ideal for sharing.
Moor at the free mooring opposite the restaurant, located on our side of the lake. There are spots available for two boats, with a maximum duration of 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the restaurant, just 5 minutes away, or cycle the 4 km distance.
For bookings: boathousevinkeveen.nl
Overnight in Vinkeveen
Breakfast on board
7:30am-8:30am
Depart Vinkeveen
9am
Navigation made easy
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:
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).
4. The bridges are camera operated, please wait close to the bridge.
Locks and bridges are almost always free of charge. Keep €1 – €3 in change handy to throw into the basket as you pass if you’d like to tip a lock/bridge keeper along the way.
Navigation rules while on the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal:
- The big barges will always overtake you and you MUST always let them pass.
- Make sure that everything is secured inside and outside of your boat (bikes, chairs, dishes, phones, bottles etc). There can be some big waves when you are overtaken by a barge and things on the boat can move around, so it is important that everything is securely fastened down.
- Always keep to the right – leave one boat length between you and the shore.
- Regularly look behind to know where other boats and barges are.
- The big barges always have priority (right of way).
4 or 5 night alternative
If you’d like to extend your stay by a few nights, we recommend spending some time in Amsterdam. Simply hop on a direct train from Weesp to Amsterdam Centraal – it takes just 15 minutes! Spend your day exploring the iconic Canal District or dive into Dutch art and history at the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, or the Anne Frank House. Don’t miss a visit to the bustling Waterlooplein Flea Market (Monday to Saturday) or the colourful floating Bloemenmarkt, open daily along Singel.
Looking to enjoy an even longer stay on the water? Take a look at our 7-night Vinkeveen RETURN itinerary, which takes you deeper into the heart of the Netherlands – starting in Vinkeveen and winding through iconic cities and charming villages for the ultimate Dutch boating experience.
This itinerary is a suggestion only
This suggested itinerary is an indication of what could be accomplished, and your ability to accomplish it, is not a contractual obligation of Le Boat. Le Boat is unable to guarantee when your pre-departure briefing will take place and in some cases it will not be given until the morning after your arrival. In these instances, you will need to adapt the itinerary outlined to accommodate a later departure. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you cruise, planned or otherwise, which may also require you to deviate from the itinerary shown. Please check advertised opening times of sights, attractions and restaurants to avoid disappointment – some may need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense. Attractions, restaurants and even locks and/or stretches of the waterway may be closed or can close without notice.
We’d love to hear from you
We’ve tried our very best to ensure the accuracy of the information we’ve provided. If you have followed all or some of this itinerary and have found something isn’t quite right, or perhaps you have some helpful tips and pointers that we could add which might be useful to your fellow boaters, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at: itineraries@leboat.com
Image credits
Vinkeveen Village Aerial – Premium stock photo (licensed via [provider, e.g. Shutterstock/Adobe/iStock if known]) | Brasserie Louis – Image courtesy of Brasserie Louis / Louis & de Familie | Johan Bakker – “Muiden Harbour”, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons | Café Restaurant Aaltje (Weesp) – Image from Café Restaurant Aaltje | Bob bakT | Bakkerij (Muiden) – Photo from Bakkerij Herengracht 63, Muiden | Café Ome Ko – Image courtesy of Café Ome Ko (Muiden) | Restaurant Boathouse Vinkeveen – Image from Boathouse (Vinkeveen)