Are you curious about what you can experience on a cycling and sailing trip around the IJsselmeer?
Endless expanses and the ever-changing spectacle of the clouds, picturesque fishing villages and historic port cities: it’s not for nothing that a sailing trip around the IJsselmeer is a real holiday classic! In this multifaceted region, culture and nature have been closely intertwined for centuries, guaranteeing a fascinating travel experience.
This is especially true when you travel with our captain, Alwin, because he always gives heart and soul to his ship, the Elizabeth, and his guests: “For me, there’s nothing better than showing people from all over the world how beautiful my home is!”
In this article, Alwin tells about what he considers five highlights of this tour:
1. Help sail the ship
Whether you’re an experienced sailor or it’s your first time, sailing on the IJsselmeer is a wonderfully relaxed experience. The Ijsselmeer is the largest lake in the Netherlands. There are no strong currents or wild waves here. Let the crew initiate you into the secrets of sailing, then get involved yourself, because a few helping hands are always welcome when the sails are hoisted. Your effort will be rewarded immediately: it’s an indescribable moment when the engines fall silent and the ship glides quietly over the water using only wind power. It’s the ultimate feeling of freedom!
2. Make friends for life
Captain Alwin is not only an experienced sailor, but also an excellent host. He ensures that all guests on board feel at home and that the group gets to know each other over the course of the week. “I always love to see how quickly the group grows together. At the beginning we’re all strangers and by the end of the trip everyone knows each other. Real friendships often develop that last long after the tour has ended,” says Alwin. “It has even happened several times that the same group has booked the ship the following year to do exactly the same tour together.”
Spending evenings together on deck, exchanging stories, and enjoying the company of the other guests – that is what makes this trip special. “And also that I can really take them home with me. I know the area inside out, of course. We take the same route every time. But it never gets boring. I really enjoy showing guests things that they wouldn’t otherwise experience.”
3. Discover the “Venice of the North”
Giethoorn, also known as the “Venice of the North”, is an idyllic village with thatched houses and canals. And the bike ride there is a great experience in itself. You cycle right through the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. This natural paradise extends over more than 10,000 hectares (39 square miles), making it the largest continuous fen in northwestern Europe. This area forms a labyrinth of ponds, lakes, ditches, mysterious swamp forests, extensive reed areas and flowering meadows. It’s uniquely beautiful for exploring by bike!
Once you arrive in Giethoorn, you can stroll along the canals at your leisure. Discover the pretty gardens, charming cafés, ice cream parlors, galleries and small shops. The narrow waterways spanned by bridges give the place a unique atmosphere. Towards the evening you’ll reach your ship, the Elizabeth, again. And usually a surprise awaits you on board: “My family lives in this area. When we’re there, they like to visit us. These are always particularly enjoyable evenings, and the guests can learn even more about the region.”
4. In the footsteps of the old sailors
On board a sailing ship like the Elizabeth, you travel (almost) like the historical sailors and explorers. And what could be more exciting than experiencing their history up close. After all, the Netherlands was an important seafaring nation in the so-called “Golden Age.” You can still see and feel that legacy in the charming historic port towns of Enkhuizen and Hoorn. Stroll by the richly-decorated gabled houses that tell of the seafaring tradition that once flourished here.
In the Hoorn Museum, you can learn more about the history of the East India Company, which brought great wealth to the Netherlands through the trade in exotic goods from overseas. In Enkhuizen, it’s worth visiting the Zuiderzee Museum to experience the life of the fishermen and craftsmen of the past.
5. Visit two former islands
The towns of Urk and Schokland have a fascinating history that is closely linked to the formation of the IJsselmeer. Until the 20th century, the former islands were washed by the waves of the North Sea. But with the construction of a 32-kilometer-long (20 miles) dike between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland, the former Zuiderzee (Southern Sea) was separated from the North Sea. It turned into a freshwater lake, today’s IJsselmeer. Extensive land reclamation projects changed the landscape dramatically. Suddenly Urk and Schokland belonged to the mainland and lost their connection to the North Sea.
While Urk still has a harbor on the IJsselmeer, the changes in Schokland were even more radical. The former island, whose shape is still clearly visible from the air, is now surrounded by green fields and meadows. Discover the former harbor and the tiny, historic town on a walk.
Want to know more?
Experience the IJsselmeer with Captain Alwin and discover the beauty and diversity of this fascinating region! In our latest video, Alwin shows you what makes this route so special. Watch the video here and be inspired!
Click on the button, to find out more about the Sail & Bike Tour IJsselmeer and National Parks and see the entire itinerary!
Our Sail & Bike toursDo you have any questions about our trips or can we help you with booking? Our travel experts are happy to help! Drop us an email at [email protected] or call us at (203) 814-1249 or +31 20 72 35 400 .
