Lemmer

Set sail in Lemmer

Wedged into the northern shores of the IJsselmeer, and acting as a gateway and base from which to explore Friesland, Lemmer is a delightful old fishing village whose identity is carved from the waters. The centre of the town, filled with little restaurants and traditional *bruin cafés*, grips the bay of the IJsselmeer, while the Zijlroede canal forms a pretty, yacht-adorned central vein through Lemmer before eventually connecting to the stunning Groote Brekken nature reserve. Hire a cabin cruiser or a yacht and explore the waterways of Friesland and the UNESCO-listed mudflats stitched into the Wadden Sea.

Hiring A Boat In Lemmer

On arrival at Lemmer, it's impossible to miss the yachts that line the busy quays. Boat rentals here are mostly cabin cruisers and sailing yachts, although tenders and motorboats are scattered around the lakes too, and are good, easily operable options for day trips and swimming trips.

Moorings range from berths at the busy Lemmer Marina to more sedate canal-side moorings with views of the old town of Lemmer.

Explore Lemmer By Renting A Boat

Taking a stroll around the old centre of Lemmer on a summer's day will quickly introduce you to the various ways that the sea and the water are woven into Lemmer's identity. Aside from the obvious: boats moored on the canal, signs pointing to the Lemsterstrand (Lemmer Beach) and boat hire shops tucked into historic buildings, there are benches covered with ships hulls, hobby shops filled with miniature boats and associated paraphernalia, and, to the west of the town, the UNESCO-listed, steam-driven Wouda pumping station is open to explain how it, the largest of its kind in the world, jumps into action whenever Lemmer's water levels are too high.

Back on the water, the stunning Ketelmeer introduces sailors to the nature reserve at IJsselmonding. And from here the Markerwadden and the breathtaking Wadden Sea, the world's largest unbroken tidal flats which stretch across Friesland, Denmark and Germany, can be reached. IJsseloog or *the Eye of IJssel* is a striking circular island in the shape of a ring in the middle of Ketelmeer, made primarily to deposit contaminated slit and other pollutants from the lakes (so far 14 million cubic metres of the stuff). And while it may seem grim, the area has become one of immense beauty with beavers, woodpeckers and sea eagles now native to the island, and it makes for a unique spot for a late-night mooring with nothing but the sounds of nature for company.

Lemmer is one of the Netherlands' most-loved watersports destinations with everything from swimming on the IJsselmeer beaches and wakeboarding available from the marinas around the region. But it's also a bit of a party destination... for a week. The Lemster Wike celebration takes place in August each year, with, as well as markets and boat races such as the SKS-Skûtsjesilen, nightly celebrations throughout the town. The celebrations inevitably end up on the canals, with yachts and large canal boats convivially squished up together in the water, each filled with people and that all-important Dutch lager.

Best Areas To Hire A Boat In Lemmer

Lemmer makes a perfect base to explore the IJsselmeer and the Frisian lakes, but Ketelmeer and Meerkoet are good options for watersports enthusiasts and anyone wanting to immerse themselves into the lush, wet landscapes of Frisia.

Lemmer

Hire a boat in Lemmer, and the gate to the lakes of Friesland swings open, but in case that's not enough, the stunning expanse of the IJsselmeer is just a moment away. For those staying aboard their own boat, a mooring option in the town centre allows for an idyllic view across the village and great breakfast options in the morning. For everyone else, Lemmer has a large range of hotels and Bnb's on boats and in historic houses.

Langelille

On the border between Friesland and Overijssel, Langelille is filled with quaint holiday villas and AirBnbs that are perched on the Braandemeer lake, most with their own moorings. Nearby there's a freshwater swamp home to otters, and all kinds of watersports are well-catered to on the Braandemeer, the Tjeukemeer and at the much-loved Jachthaven de Meerkoet.

Ketelmeer Lake

The vast Ketelmeer Lake is perhaps best known for its striking artificial ring island, but boats are available along its shore in Dronten on the south bank and Nagele to the north. And the IJsselmonding nature reserve, where the river IJssel flows into the Ketelmeer, is a pleasure to explore by boat.

Types Of Boats To Hire

Yachts and cabin cruisers are popular with boaters spending more than a night or two in Friedland or those intending to sail to the Wadden Islands. And small motorboats and tenders provide good options for swimming and fishing in the lakes.

Electric Yachts

Fully equipped electric sailing yachts with multiple berths and large cabins are perfect, whether for families or solo adventures. You don't need to know how to sail to rent a yacht in the Netherlands as skippers are available should you wish, which is particularly useful for anyone hoping to learn more about sailing.

Cabin Cruiser

Cabin cruisers provide a perfectly serene option for sailing Lemmer, the IJsselmeer and the glorious Frisian lakes. Most come with at least a double birth, while others have space for the whole family, as well as kitchens, bathrooms and lounge spaces.

Tenders

If a day swimming in the IJsselmeer or the Ketelmeer is in order, then a Tender, retrofitted with electric motors and built-in seating, is an ideal boat for day trips and group trips.

Sailing Yachts

As well as bareboat yacht charters for experienced sailors, a small collection of historic sailing ships is available to hire in Lemmer. While some can't sail into the town due to size constraints, the IJsselmeer, and its numerous marinas and moorings, is a perfect spot to hire one. Many are finished in luxurious materials, can host full service sit down dinners in lavish dining rooms, and host events for groups, making them perfect for celebrations and other large gatherings.

Do you need a licence to hire a boat in Lemmer

Most small boats and cabin cruisers don't require a license in Lemmer. But if you're sailing on a larger vessel or your boat has an engine that can reach speeds of 20 kilometres an hour, you'll need one of several watercraft licences. Of course, if you are on a skippered yacht then you won't need a license either.

For most uses, a Klein Vaarbewijs or an equivalent such as an ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) is enough for sailing around Lemmer.

Best Times To Hire<

Exploring Lemmer with a hired yacht or a small motorboat is delightful year-round, but with warmer weather and longer days, the summer months tend to be best for anyone hoping to take to the water for swimming and other watersports. But bear in mind that Lemmer is a popular summer holiday spot, so it can get busy, particularly in August.

How much does it cost to hire a boat

Motorboats and tenders generally cost from €50 - €75 per day, while cabin cruisers range from €50 to several hundred euros, depending on size and the types of amenities the boat has on board. Some yachts have a minimum rental agreement of two days (€180+), while others are available for a morning or afternoon sailing for circa €100.

With a large breadth of options in and around Lemmer, there's generally an ideal boat for every budget.