Sailing areas
The Netherlands offers a wealth of beautiful sailing areas for sailing enthusiasts, each with its own unique charm and opportunities for adventure. Let's take a look at some of the most remarkable sailing destinations the Netherlands has to offer.
Wadden Sea
A special piece of Holland - sailing on the Wadden Sea with its islands of Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog. So close and yet so far away.
The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Here you can experience what dry land really means, while surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of nature. The islands of Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog each offer their own unique character and are perfect destinations for a sailing trip full of discoveries.
Sailing on the Wadden Sea
The salty air, beautiful nature and friendly inhabitants are what the islands have in common. And yet each has its own unique atmosphere. Sailing to an island and then entering the harbor is really something you have to experience. In the evening, take a walk on the beach and the next day, if you wish, you can explore the island by bike.
The skippers of the Frisian Fleet are all lovers of the Wadden Sea, who will gladly sail you through the many channels and gullies to for example Terschelling. Along the way you are sure to spot seals sunbathing on the banks. Who knows, you might even find a quiet spot to drop dry, because that is a special experience!
IJsselmeer and Markermeer
Discover Holland from the water. Active sailing during the day and arriving at a port on the IJsselmeer or Markermeer in the afternoon.
Sailing on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer
Cozy harbor towns on the IJsselmeer include Lemmer, Enkhuizen, Hoorn and Volendam. But a visit to Amsterdam is also among the possibilities.
Go out on a terrace together or just wander around the historic center with just the two of you. Take a guided city walk and see the most beautiful spots, or visit a museum, for example.
During the sailing trip, there is plenty of time to drop anchor and take a refreshing dip. There is also plenty to experience in terms of nature.
Would you like an additional program. Feel free to ask us and use our experience.
The FrieseVloot will gladly sail you anywhere!
Frisian lakes
The IJsselmeer offers many sailing opportunities, the Wadden Sea has beautiful islands, but what about the cozy Frisian lakes?
The Frisian lakes are known for their intimate atmosphere and extensive network of waterways, making them a popular destination for sailors of all levels. Explore picturesque towns like Sneek and immerse yourself in relaxed Frisian culture while enjoying the tranquil waters.
Frisian inland waters
With our ships it is also very well possible to make an exploration of the lakes and many canals that Friesland has to offer. Sailing from one of the ports on the Frisian coast, Stavoren, Lemmer, Makkum or Harlingen we go to Sneek, for example. A round trip on the Sneekermeer, known from the “Sneekweek”. Going a little further, we sail right into the intimate Prinsenhof at Grou and Earnewâld. Many narrow canals, quiet lakes and friendly villages.
Or we sail to one of the islands on the Fluessen near Heeg. At night all together around the campfire, it's all possible!
tranquility and space are everywhere in Friesland.
Lauwersmeer
For a serene and restful sailing experience, Lauwersmeer is the ideal destination. Here you will find peace, space and unspoiled nature in abundance, with places like Zoutkamp offering an oasis of calm amid the busyness of daily life.
Enjoy the tranquility, space and nature in this unique nature reserve.
From the water you can experience the special nature of the National Park Lauwersmeer which consists for a large part (2000 Ha) of water. The Lauwersmeer is spacious and varied. The old channels, from the time before the Lauwerszee was closed off, provide excellent protection, so that even in rough weather you can sail here with smaller boats. The Lauwersmeer is an attractive sailing area for canoe, surfboard, open boat and cabin boat (motor and sail). It is divided into freely accessible areas and, to preserve the peace for the birds, areas where you are not allowed to sail. There are jetties and recreational islands in the area, in the middle of the vast nature. Whether onshore or at anchor, it is a lovely place to be.
The Wadden Islands
The Wadden Islands form a unique and protected natural area along the Dutch coast. They are known for their wide beaches, extensive dune landscapes, peaceful nature reserves and a relaxed island lifestyle. The rhythm of the tides, the open horizon and the fresh sea air make every visit a special experience.
The islands are located in the heart of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature, landscape and culture come together here, offering visitors a sense of space, tranquillity and variety, with charming villages, small harbours and diverse natural scenery.
Texel – the largest Wadden Island in the Netherlands
Texel is the largest Wadden Island in the Netherlands and a popular destination for a diverse and relaxing holiday. The island is known for its varied nature, wide sandy beaches, charming villages and a wide range of activities. During your stay on Texel, you can enjoy peace, space and a lively atmosphere all at once.
Visit the unique natural area of De Slufter, where sea and land flow into one another, or climb the famous Texel lighthouse in De Cocksdorp, which you may have already spotted from far out at sea. During our trips, we often moor in the atmospheric harbour of Oudeschild, an authentic fishing village on the eastern side of the island.
Texel is ideal for walking and cycling, with routes through dunes, along beaches and across open polder landscapes. There are also welcoming villages to explore, such as De Koog, known for its beach and lively nightlife, and De Cocksdorp, with its characteristic small harbour.
Would you like to learn something during your visit to Texel? Then visit Ecomare, where you can discover everything about the Wadden Sea and see seals up close. Or explore the Kaap Skil Museum, where the maritime history of Texel and the Wadden Sea comes to life.
Vlieland – peace and nature at their best
Vlieland is one of the most tranquil Wadden Islands in the Netherlands, known for its wide sandy beaches, dunes and unspoilt nature. The island offers a sense of space and silence and has just one village: Oost-Vlieland. During our trips, we moor in the charming harbour of Vlieland, right in the heart of this unique setting.
Vlieland, a popular destination for sailors
Vlieland is easily accessible for our vessels and is a popular destination for those who want to enjoy peace, nature and island life during a multi-day trip.
Once ashore, you can explore Vlieland at a relaxed pace. Enjoy long walks through the dunes and forests, cycle across the island or unwind on the wide beach while breathing in the fresh sea air of the Wadden Sea. In Oost-Vlieland, you will find welcoming terraces, shops and restaurants with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Visit the Vlieland Bunker Museum or explore the vast sand flats of the Vliehors. Vlieland is also an excellent location for birdwatching and truly unwinding in nature.
Terschelling – atmosphere, nature and island life
Terschelling is a lively Wadden Island in the Netherlands where atmosphere, nature and a relaxed holiday vibe come together. The island is known for its wide beaches, dunes, forests and heathland, as well as its vibrant villages and welcoming character.
The harbour of West – what a lovely place!
The harbour of Terschelling, located in West-Terschelling, is one of the most lively and welcoming harbours in the Wadden Sea. Here, you immediately feel the holiday atmosphere. The village offers plenty of terraces, shops and restaurants, with the impressive Brandaris Lighthouse as its central landmark. This historic lighthouse towers above the characteristic houses and is a true icon of the island.
Terschelling is ideal to explore by bike. Cycle along the coast, through the dunes and across green nature reserves, and visit the other villages along the way. Be sure to stop at the Cranberry Barn, where you can taste the typical Terschelling cranberry products.
Ameland – space, nature and authentic island villages
Ameland is known for its wide beaches, vast dunes, polders and charming villages with an authentic island atmosphere.
The harbour of Ameland, located in Nes, serves as the gateway to the island. From here, you can easily reach the villages and natural areas. Nes is a lively village with shops, terraces and restaurants, while places like Hollum, Ballum and Buren are known for their tranquility and characteristic charm. In Hollum, you can also visit the famous Ameland Lighthouse, a true highlight of the island.
Ameland is perfect to explore by bike. An extensive network of cycling paths takes you along beaches, through dunes and across green nature areas. Along the way, you can discover the different villages and enjoy the open landscape and fresh sea air of the Wadden Sea.
Ameland is also a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Take long walks along the beach, through the dunes, or in Ameland National Park, and experience the peace and space that make this Wadden Island so special.
Schiermonnikoog – peace, charm and nature
Schiermonnikoog combines peace, charm and hospitality in one. It is the last inhabited Dutch island in the Wadden Sea, a small, almost car-free island surrounded by beautiful nature.
The island is strongly influenced by the tides, typical for the Eastern Wadden Sea. Even in the harbour where we moor, you notice at low tide how close nature really is: parts of the harbour dry out, giving a real sense of connection to the unique Wadden Sea environment.
Schiermonnikoog is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Birdwatching, enjoying the night sky at one of the darkest places in the Netherlands, or visiting the lighthouse are just a few highlights.
You can also explore the island by bike and enjoy the vast beaches, dunes and forests. In the village, you’ll find cozy cafés, terraces and small shops – perfect for a break after a day surrounded by nature.
Schiermonnikoog offers a unique combination of peace, nature and hospitality.
