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Le Boat - Holland Region Information
Base Location: Strand Horst - Woudsend
Click here for Holland 2012 Rates 

Our base at Woudsend is perfectly placed for exploring the Friesland region in northern Holland, which glistens with hundreds of lakes and is perfect for watersports. Locks are left open throughout the summer and lift bridges become a great meeting point for fellow cruisers. For a glimpse of a more traditional way of life, cruise to the numerous villages such as Giethoorn, Elburg, Spakenburg or Muiden – and see some of Holland’s best fishing villages.

Boating is a way of life in Holland, so come on board and discover the best way to see this beautiful country! Make friends with the friendly Dutch nation on the waterways, admire the traditional windmills that border your cruising routes, head off on the waterside cycle routes or moor up in smart new marinas where modern facilities are plentiful and good.

The national passion for cycling makes it easy to explore on two wheels, so make sure you hire boats from your base to join in the fun! A network of pretty cycle routes snakes through the flat countryside enabling you to see this charming country for miles around.

Regional Highlights

  • Dutch masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Ruisdael at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum
  • The Dom Tower in Utrecht. Climb 465 steps to the top for superb views over the town’s beautiful canals and waterside restaurants
  • Woudsend– the watersports centre of the Friesland region. Have fun on the water, visit its colourful shops and try a ‘Boterdrabbel’cake at a local café
  • Muiderslot – home to Holland’s most famous medieval castle and fabulous herb garden
  • The great lock at Muiden
  • Geithoorn – the ‘Little Venice’ of Holland

 Charged (1,50€ - 2,50€) locks and lifting bridges manned by lock-keepers - closed for lunch and dinner .
Plenty well equipped marinas along the rivers. To visit Amsterdam, we suggest to moor at Weesp and take the local train (10min)

WEEK BREAKS - Suggested Cruises in Holland
The Capital Cruise - History and Heritage Gastronomy Cycling Fishing Swimming and Seaside Fun
Strand Horst - Amsterdam - Utrecht - Strand Horst
Cruise along the River Vecht and admire the waterfront country houses that line your route. Get some cultural and cosmopolitan fun in Amsterdam. Admire brilliantly cut gems at the famous diamond polishing factories and discover great works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Ruisdael at the Rijksmuseum. View Cruise Map
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 180 km
Locks: 4
Cruise Time: 33 hrs
Visit the Rietveld-Schroder house in Utrecht, the first open plan home. Take to the track at the indoor carting course at Huizen or join one of the many walking tours at Spakenburg to learn more about the town. Visit also the towns of Utrecht for amazing nature-watching, recreational and watersports activities and Elburg for a taste of true Dutch culture 
The Lakeland Cruise - Gastronomy Cycling Fishing Swimming and Seaside Fun Watersports
Woudsend > Workum > Leuwarden > Woudsend
Depending on the route you take, this delightful journey can be done in 10hrs (80kms) or 20hrs (200kms). Cruise to Grouw and explore the sailing base, before moving to Princehof and taking some photographs at the nature reserve. Workum is home to many of painter Jopie Huisman’s works, with these pieces displayed in the town’s museum. Makkum is celebrated for its pottery, visit the kilns and pick up some unique souvenirs. Bolsward has a picturesque market, great for picking up Dutch specialities perfect for picnics! View Cruise Map
Duration: One week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 260 km
Locks: 10
Cruise Time: 15 hrs
LONGER BREAKS - Suggested Cruises in Holland
The Best of Holland Cruise -History and Heritage Gastronomy Cycling Fishing Swimming and Seaside Fun Watersports
Woudsend - Strand Horst (via Amsterdam)
This superb cruise takes you on a journey from the northern lakelands through to the vibrant cities in the centre of Holland - Amsterdam, Utrecht, with many opportunities to enjoy sailing, sightseeing and shopping en route. Picturesque cottages line the dyke at Workum; soak up the sun beside the great lock at Muiden or explore Muiderslot, an imposing red brick castle, built over 700 years ago.
Duration: 10 Nights
Cruise Type: One way
Distance: 200 km
Locks: 6
Cruise Time: 35 hrs
Take your bikes and join a cycle tour of Amsterdam or head to vibrant Utrecht and see the famous Dom Tower or just enjoy its laidback café culture atmosphere. View Cruise Map
SHORT BREAKS - Suggested Cruises in Holland
The Little Holland Cruise - Wildlife Cycling
Strand Horst > Elburg > Spakenburg > Strand Horst
A perfect 3 - 4 night cruise in the Holland's countryside. Discover the little towns of Elburg, Huizen and Spakenburg and admire the traditional windmills that border your cruising routes. Take your bike also to explore this charming region and its towns on wheels.View Cruise Map
Duration: 3 Nights
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 100 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 12 hrs
The Mini Freisland Cruise - Wildlife Cycling Swimming and Seaside Fun Watersports
Woudsend - Sneek - Woudsend
A beautiful 3 - 4 nights cruise in the Friesland region in the northern Holland. This boating region glistens with hundreds of lakes and is perfect for watersports of all kinds. Take some time to visit the small towns of Sneek, Lemmer, Sloten and Heeg.View Cruise Map
Duration: 3 Nights
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 80 km
Locks: 4
Cruise Time: 9 hrs


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