Netherlands
 
Homepage
Belgium
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
   Multi-based hirers
   Giethoorn & Harderwijk
   Friesland
   South
   Zeeland
   West & central
   Links---
Portugal
Spain
UK
UK East Anglia
UK England & Wales
UK Scotland
 
Special needs

 

Contact Us

 

River Cruises

Car Rental

Motorhome Rental

Yacht Hire and Charter
Europe Afloat Site Map


Waterways of The Netherlands
with Houseboat Rentals, Canal Boat Hire, Yachting

Click here for multi-based hirers
 

 

One could say that the country of the Netherlands was born out of the water. A considerable part of it lies beneath the sea level and needs to be continuously drained. The number of canals, rivers and wide lakes is countless.

 

It will not come as surprise that boating is a way of life to the Dutch, who spare no efforts to keep their waterways in an impeccable state. As most of the country is as flat as a pancake, there are almost no locks, except for the ones protecting the cities. Rather than offering spectacular sceneries only now and then, the waterways of Holland charm with their variety of gentle landscapes, welcoming villages & ancient cities which were built on the water.
 

All Dutch inland waterways are open to pleasure boaters. Each adult is allowed to navigate without license any motorboat with a length of up to 15 meters and with a cruising speed of less than 20 km (12.5 miles) per hour. Only exceptions are the vast lakes of the Waddenzee & the IJsselmeer, and the Great Rivers. However, when experience can be proved, exceptions can be made by the boat hirers.