Friesland is known for its tranquil waterways. But did you know that South Holland is also a beautiful boating area? We are happy to provide you with inspiration for a day, weekend, or holiday on the stunning Dutch inland waters. This time: the weekend trip ‘Hollandse IJssel loop’!

This is a varied route, allowing you to discover the Lek, the Noord, the Hollandse IJssel, the Merwede Canal, and optionally the Linge and the Nieuwe Merwede.

Hollandse IJssel

From Streefkerk, you sail down the Lek towards Rotterdam, pass the junction with the Noord, and after the IHC shipyard, you enter the Hollandse IJssel, heading towards Gouda. Upon arrival in Gouda, you turn starboard. You pass along Gouda and through the lock onto the canalized Hollandse IJssel. At IJsselstein, you leave the canalized Hollandse IJssel and enter the Merwede Canal, heading towards the Koninginnensluis in Vreeswijk.

Choices

Once you have passed through the lock onto the Lek, you can make various choices depending on the number of days you have available. For example, you can follow the Lek back in the direction of Streefkerk. This option has an expected sailing time of two and a half hours. Near Arkel, you can also keep to port. After passing through the open high-water lock, you immediately turn port onto the Linge!

Gorinchem and Dordrecht

Another option is to cross the Lek and pass through the lock at Vianen, entering the Merwede Canal. You then sail towards Gorinchem. At Gorinchem, you pass through the lock ‘to the outside’, and sail down the Nieuwe Merwede towards Dordrecht. At Dordrecht, you turn starboard onto the Noord and sail to Kinderdijk. At the Noord-Lek junction, just past the IHC Kinderdijk shipyard, you turn starboard and re-enter the Lek towards Streefkerk.

Sights

This route guarantees many sights! To begin with, the windmills of Kinderdijk. The Hollandse IJssel is a gently meandering river, with beautiful vistas. Gouda boasts a magnificent historic center. Via the charming towns of Stein, Beneden- and Boven-Haastrecht, and Hekendorp, you sail towards Oudewater. That too is a city with a rich history!

Liesveld Marina

Montfoort, IJsselstein, and Vreeswijk are also well worth a visit. And of course, we must also mention Gorinchem, Dordrecht, Vianen, and Schoonhoven! After visiting Schoonhoven, it is just an hour’s sail to the Liesveld marina in Streefkerk, where your journey began.

Curious about more beautiful sailing routes? Then contact us.