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14-DAY CRUISING ROUTE

Amsterdam Route

Discover the Netherlands on a boating holiday to **Amsterdam**, combining the freedom of cruising with the excitement of exploring one of Europe’s…

14 days47 km± 6 hrs cruisingGrou → Grou
No licence requiredExperienced1 locks8 bridges

Your cruising route through Friesland

Discover the Netherlands on a boating holiday to **Amsterdam**, combining the freedom of cruising with the excitement of exploring one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals. Cruise across the beautiful Frisian lakes and the wide-open waters of the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, stopping at charming harbour towns and historic villages along the way. In Amsterdam, explore picturesque canals, historic architecture, world-famous museums and lively waterside terraces. This varied route offers the perfect…

  1. Grou
  2. Sneek
  3. Leeuwarden
  4. Dokkum
  5. Workum
  6. Stavoren
  7. Heeg
  8. Amsterdam
  9. Grou

The itinerary at a glance

Use the map as a visual guide. The exact day-to-day route stays flexible and depends on weather, pace and your stops along the way.

Amsterdam Route routekaart

Day by day on the water

Day 2

Van Sneek naar Lemmer

± 3.0 u ± 27 km 8 bridges

From **Sneek**, head south through the beautiful Frisian lake district towards **Lemmer**. Along the way, enjoy the wide-open waters and peaceful Frisian scenery. In Lemmer, a lively watersports town on the IJsselmeer, you’ll find a charming town centre, lovely shops and plenty of waterside terraces. It’s the perfect place to moor up and enjoy a relaxing afternoon ashore.

Overnight stay: Lemmer

Day 3

Van Lemmer naar Urk

From **Lemmer**, head out onto the IJsselmeer towards **Urk**. Enjoy a scenic cruise across open water as you leave the Frisian lake district behind and experience the vastness of the IJsselmeer. In Urk, a former island with a distinctive character and rich history, you’ll find a charming harbour and plenty to explore. Wander through the narrow streets of the old village, visit the lighthouse or relax with a drink by the water.

Day 4

Van Urk naar Lelystad

± 2.5 u ± 20 km 1 locks

From **Urk**, continue across the IJsselmeer towards **Lelystad**. The wide horizon and open waters make this a rewarding cruise for anyone who enjoys space and time on the water. In Lelystad, explore the modern city or visit the **Bataviawerf**, where you can discover more about Dutch maritime history. A fascinating mix of open water, heritage and modern architecture.

Overnight stay: Lelystad

Day 5

Van Lelysad naar Amsterdam

From **Urk**, continue across the IJsselmeer towards **Lelystad**. The wide horizon and open waters make this a rewarding cruise for anyone who enjoys space and time on the water. In Lelystad, explore the modern city or visit the **Bataviawerf**, where you can discover more about Dutch maritime history. A fascinating mix of open water, heritage and modern architecture.

Day 6

Rest day in Amsterdam

Today, your motor yacht stays in **Amsterdam**, giving you plenty of time to explore the capital. Wander through the historic city centre, cycle along the canals or visit one of the many museums. There’s also plenty to discover from the water. With its inviting terraces, unique shops and fascinating sights, Amsterdam is the perfect place to enjoy an extra day of your boating holiday.

Day 7

From Amsterdam to Spakenburg

From **Amsterdam**, head south across the IJmeer and Gooimeer towards **Spakenburg**. Along the way, enjoy the open waters and the changing scenery, with nature and the Gooi coastline providing a beautiful backdrop. In Spakenburg, you’ll find a charming historic harbour filled with traditional fishing boats and a welcoming town centre. Stroll along the old harbour or relax on a waterside terrace.

Day 8

From Spakenburg to Harderwijk

From **Spakenburg**, continue across the Veluwemeer towards **Harderwijk**. Enjoy the calm waters and the changing scenery along the edge of the Veluwe. Harderwijk is a charming historic Hanseatic town, with a lively centre, old city walls and plenty of waterside terraces. Moor up and take your time exploring this beautiful town.

Day 9

From Harderwijk to Elburg

From **Harderwijk**, continue across the Veluwemeer towards the historic town of **Elburg**. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful waters and green landscapes bordering the Veluwe. In Elburg, you’ll discover a charming fortified town with picturesque streets, historic city walls and inviting terraces. Stroll through the old town and experience the unique atmosphere of this former Hanseatic town.

Day 10

From Elburg to Vollenhove

From **Elburg**, head north across the Veluwemeer and Ketelmeer towards **Vollenhove**. Along the way, enjoy the open waters and the varied scenery of Flevoland and Overijssel. Vollenhove is a charming historic town with beautiful old buildings, leafy avenues and inviting terraces. Moor up for a while and discover the rich history of this former Zuiderzee town.

Day 11

From Vollenhove to Ossenzijl

From **Vollenhove**, continue through the waterways of north-west Overijssel towards **Ossenzijl**. Along the way, you’ll get closer to the beautiful **Weerribben-Wieden National Park**, with its narrow waterways, reed beds and vast natural landscapes. In Ossenzijl, moor up and enjoy the peaceful surroundings or take a walk through this unique wetland area.

Day 12

From Ossenzijl to Langweer

Leave **Ossenzijl** behind and cruise back into Friesland through a landscape of peaceful waterways, green meadows and unspoilt nature. Follow the quiet canals to **Langweer**, a picturesque Frisian watersports village on the Langweerder Wielen. Take a stroll through the charming village centre, enjoy a drink on a waterside terrace or unwind with a walk along the harbour.

Day 13

Van Langweer naar Akkrum

From **Langweer**, continue through the Frisian lake district towards **Akkrum**. Enjoy the varied scenery and peaceful waterways along the way. Akkrum is a welcoming watersports village with a charming centre, shops and waterside terraces. Moor up, explore the village on foot and round off the day at a leisurely pace.

Day 14

Van Akkrum terug naar Grou

On your final day, cruise back to **Grou** in the heart of Friesland. Welcome back!

When would you like to explore Friesland?

Choose your travel dates and party size. We will then show suitable available motor yachts for this itinerary.

Plan your boating holiday

Travel period

Frequently asked questions about boat charter in Friesland

Practical answers about sailing without a licence, departure from Grou and choosing the right motor yacht.

Personal advice from Hans Willem
4,8 on Google

Talk to the sailing advisor

Not sure which boat suits you best, or do you have a question about the cruising routes? We're happy to help — personally, no obligations.

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