Netherlands: Houseboat Adventure
Adventures on the waterways
Last summer we went on an unforgettable houseboat adventure through the Netherlands, which took us through idyllic canals and landscapes. During this unique journey, we visited many picturesque towns and villages where we enjoyed the local culture and gastronomy. From delicious meals to relaxing hours with beer and snacks on the boat, each stage offered new discoveries and unexpected pleasures. In this post, we’d like to share our enchanting experiences with you and inspire you to take your own houseboat trip through the Netherlands. A country that has so much more to offer than its capital.
Key data
Population: 18'000'000
Area: 41'500 km2
Highest point: 887 m (Mount Scenery - Caribbean)
Lowest point: -6.6 m (Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel)
Capital: Amsterdam
Inhalt
Setting sail in Zwartsluis: Start of our houseboat trip
The start of our houseboat trip was characterised by great anticipation when we took over the Wolvenjacht 7 in Zwartsluis. Our expectations had already risen on the journey from Amsterdam to Zwartsluis, the small town in the north of the Netherlands. Our journey took us by train to Zwolle and from there by bus to our houseboat in Zwartsluis. Casting off from the jetty gave us an unrivalled feeling of freedom and adventure. It increased with every kilometre on the beautiful canals.
Provisions in Vollenhove:
Preparations for our Houseboat Adventure
Our first stop was in the small town of Vollenhove, where we stocked up on food for the week. A visit to the local supermarket, which is run by locals, gave us an authentic insight into everyday life in the town. We stocked up on fresh food from vegetables to bread, cheese and sausage and of course snacks, beer and whiskey were not to be missed. Well equipped, we continued our journey and were excited to see what the next stop on our route had in store for us.
Discover Lemmer: Charm and Enjoyment on the Canal
We continued on to Lemmer. A town that enchanted us with its old town centre on the canal, its picturesque houses and winding alleyways. We really enjoyed strolling through the streets and exploring the local sights. At lunchtime, we sat down in a charming little café and savoured the local cuisine. It was a wonderful example of the heart of the city – simple in preparation but rich in flavour.
Journey of discovery:
The idyllic towns and villages of the Netherlands
Travelling through the Netherlands, we discovered a variety of charming towns and villages, each with its own atmosphere and sights. We strolled through the bustling streets of Sneek and the quiet canals of Grou Earnewâld, soaking up the diverse impressions of Dutch culture. Our afternoons were spent exploring the winding alleyways and browsing the local shops, always on the lookout for the stories each town has to tell to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of the Netherlands.
Giethoorn: Experience the Venice of the Netherlands
A highlight of our trip was a visit to Giethoorn, also known as the ‘Venice of the Netherlands’. This enchanting town with its small canals, idyllic bridges and charming boats was an unforgettable part of our trip. We spent a day exploring Giethoorn and its surroundings, enjoying a boat trip through the waterways and sampling the local cuisine in the cosy cafés and restaurants. Giethoorn combines old charm with modern comfort and enchanted us with its peaceful atmosphere.
Culinary discoveries on the houseboat
On our houseboat tour through the Netherlands, we not only cooked on board, but also visited local restaurants and cafés to familiarise ourselves with the country’s culinary and cultural diversity. In addition to homemade potatoes and pasta, we also enjoyed the fresh ingredients we bought along the way. Culinary discoveries, from the famous Dutch beers to a variety of sweet and savoury snacks, enriched our trip enormously. We spent the evenings on board playing board games, drinking beer and having a good time.
Return to Zwartsluis
After a week of exploring the charming towns and villages of the Netherlands, we returned to Zwartsluis, bringing our houseboat adventure to an end. Mooring the boat and saying goodbye to our temporary home was filled with melancholy, but also with a sense of satisfaction. We had discovered a new world and created unforgettable memories. It was an enriching experience that we can recommend to anyone who wants to get to know the Netherlands in a unique and relaxing way.