Koudum

Boat hire Koudum

Koudum sits on the scenic western shore of the Fluessen lake and is just a short journey from charming Hindeloopen and the mighty Ijsselmeer (reachable by boat via the Jan Broerskanaal), making it an ideal base for a sailing trip to Friesland. While the heart of the village is generally away from the water, a series of leafy canals run east to the Ijsselmeer and west to the Swarte Wâlde, with boating options as varied as cabin cruisers for weekends exploring nearby villages, to yachts perfect for days spent sailing the extremes of the north Netherlands coastline.

Hiring A Boat In Koudum

Boats for all skill levels are available in Koudum, with skippered options out on the Ijsselmeer best for those without the experience to take on the lake's changeable conditions. Beginners or those seeking a slightly more winsome boating trip should opt for a cabin cruiser to sail along the peaceful canals and to the nearby towns (5 of the 11 cities of Friesland are within easy boating distance).

Mooring options generally centre on the lake at both Kuilart and Galamadammen, though anyone embarking on a multi-day trip will find good anchorage spots, both natural and in managed marinas, across Friesland.

Explore Koudum By Renting A Boat

While the town has little in the way of sights (aside from the reconstructed Windmill De Vlijt), Koudum is an ideal starting point for a sailing holiday in Friesland and beyond. Beggining from Koudum travel east for a short journey to the delightfully quaint Hidenloopen with its enchanting old town architecture (such as the Loch Keeper's house) and the museums stuffed with vibrant local crafts and arts. Beach lovers should linger to visit the grassy banks of Ijsselmeer, and sailors with a love of the open water should sail the rustic coastline of the lake north to Makkum and Harlingen.

From Koudum it's possible and desirable to sail to the magnificent 11 Cities of Friesland in two weeks, taking in Workum, Bolsward and Sneek to the north and Sloten, Langweer, Lemmer and Grou to the west, but your boat will need to have a vertical clearance of no more than 2.40 metres to sail beneath the bridges that adorn the towns. If you'd prefer to keep to Frisia's natural highlights then plan your route to take in the stunning lakes: via the Fluessen to Sloten via the Slotemeer, and via Joure to the wild banks of the Tjeukermeer: Friesland's largest lake.

A series of small events take place in the summer, generally themed around the water. Locally, small boat races are held across the various waterways, while further afield in Harlingen, the annual Fleet Day (Vlootdag) sees a collection of historic sailing ships drop anchor in the town, offering sailing trips on the Wadden, while markets, live shanty choirs and workshops take over the city's streets. There's little to draw travellers to Koudum in the winter, except for the Elfstedentocht 11 Cities Tour, with ice skaters racing along the frozen canals of Friesland: skating through Koudum, Sloten, Dokkum and others when the temperatures (rarely) drop to a suitable level.

Best Areas To Hire A Boat In Koudum

Sailing out of Koudum centre is best for boaters looking for a relaxed, nature-filled jaunt into the canals that wind around Friesland, while De Kuilart and Stavoren are best for sailors hoping to take to the lakes or the Wadden, for something a little more invigorating.

De Kuilart

Hire a boat just south of Koudum centre to explore the Fluessen Lake that travels east, eventually becoming the Heergermeer. Travel west via Galamadammen and the Johan Frisokanaal and you'll eventually reach Stavoren on the Ijsselmeer.

Stavoren

Opt for a boat rental in Stavoren if you'd prefer to stick to the Ijsselmeer, though from here it's a straight run back into Koudum to sail along the Fluessen canal, if you'd like a bit of both. Nature lovers should anchor along the banks of one of the islands in the Fluessen for a serene overnight anchorage away from the busy Ijsselmeer marinas.

Koudum Centre

Choose the attractive village, with its elegant churches and convivial centre, to more easily join the canals to the Fluessen Lake and the scenic De Wolvetinte nature reserve.

Types Of Boats To Hire

Yachts are omnipresent across Friesland, particularly on the lakes and in Stavoren, while smaller canal boats, cabin cruisers and motorboats are available to hire from Koudum town.

Cabin Cruiser

Modern onboard amenities and enough beds to sleep 2 - 12 make cabin cruisers the perfect choice for weekend trips and weeklong holidays exploring Koudum and Frisia.

Yachts

With its proximity to both Fluessen lake and the Ijsselmeer, Koudum is an ideal choice for yacht rentals. Everything from electric motor yachts to classic sailing yachts are available, while skippered options, with either a full crew or just a captain, are available for harder-to-handle boats, and those who want a peaceful boating holiday away from the helm.

Motorboats

Small modern motorboats with low vertical clearances are ideal for passing beneath the low bridges of Friesland, perfect for exploring further afield to areas such as Boldward, Franeker and Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland.

Do you need a licence to hire a boat in Koudum

Most small pleasure boats can be hired without a licence in Koudum. But as per local law, you'll need a license when you sail a larger vessel such as a 20-metre yacht or a 15-metre canal cruiser that can sail at speeds more than 20km/h.

Most international boaters looking for something more powerful than those that are available without a license will need an ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) with the appropriate courses: for example the RYA - CEVNI (for navigating inland waterways) for those from the UK and an advanced powerboat course for those looking for something with a little more speed.

Best Times To Hire

Boating holidays in Koudum are best undertaken from June to September, during the summer season, when the weather, while comparatively moderate to much of Europe, is warm and comfortable enough for exploration. Although it's worth noting that the Frisian winds bring the average temperature down a couple of degrees lower than Utrecht or South Holland and can make for chilly evenings spent moored in the wild.

Travellers hoping to swim should visit Koudum in August when the average temperates finally break into the twenties, while the cold wet winter months are generally best kept for land travel, as the rain and plummeting temperatures make sailing conditions less than ideal.

How much does it cost to hire a boat

Rates in Koudum are generally charged per day, with the lowest prices for tenders and motorboats from €80 for a day. Some small pleasure crafts are available for less.

Sailing yachts are more economical when hired for three days or more, with prices beginning at approximately €310 for three days on a flat-bottomed sailboat and €165 a day for a four-berth sailing yacht.