Gelderland

Boating in Gelderland

One of the largest provinces in The Netherlands, Gelderland spreads east from Utrecht to the German border in long winsome gradients of green: with heathlands, forests, flowery fields, tidal wetlands, and villages hugging the shores of long rivers. Explorable cities such as Nijmegen (the oldest city in The Netherlands and once settled by the Romans) dazzle with historic architecture, bustling plazas and world-class restaurants while the Veluwe offers scenic walks and wildlife. Hire a boat along the banks of the river Linge, boat through the atmospheric waterways of De Biesbosch nature reserve, or take to the Wolderwijd from Harderwijk to explore neighbouring Flevoland.

Hiring A Boat In Gelderland

Hiring a boat in Gelderland means sailing along historic rivers and through charming nature reserves punctuated by herds of deer and the occasional castle. Travel from Harderwijk via land or water to open up access to the popular lakes of Flevoland that are just a short trip away.

If you're travelling through Gelderland's many towns and municipalities, then you will need to call ahead for most moorings, particularly in hotspots such as Arnhem and Nijmegen.

Explore Gelderland By Renting A Boat

Bombed bridges and infamous wartime battles make up much of the modern history of Arnhem, the Gelderland's capital. And while WWII landmarks like the impressive John Frost Bridge are worth seeing, it's the city's vibrant cultural sights, with restaurants, museums and a lively fashion quarter that make Arnhem truly interesting. From Arnhem (or vice-versa), sailers should consider a trip along the Pannerdenskanaal and the Waal River to visit the delightful old Hanseatic town of Nijmegen. Once there, take a walk through the city to see the Renaissance Grote Kerk and the Valkhof park for the ruins of Charlemagne’s castle. Take a cruise along the Waal River to witness riverside sites across two borders as the Waal becomes the Rhine and enters Germany.

The vast Veluwe, a green belt between Putten and charming Apeldoorn hosts a collection of nature reserves: De Hoge Veluwe National Park and Veluwezoom National Park, and the Kröller-Müller Museum and its impressive Van Gogh collection. The national parks are surprisingly lacking in waterways, and are best explored by bike and via the long flat walkways that lead through protected forests and dunes, but Lake Veluwe is a brilliant option for overnight stays and ambient moorings alongside lush lake islands like Knarland and De Kluut. Alternatively, Kerkdriel makes a fabulous base for boating through the heart of the Netherlands and is a good starting point for exploring De Biesbosch nature reserve.

Gelderland's culinary expertise is well documented by its collection of Michelin-starred restaurants, from Harderwijk and Duiven to Heelsum and Bennekom. And devoted foodies should peruse Gelderland's cultural calendar, speckled with numerous food events: from castle fares at Doornenburg to food truck festivals along the banks of the Stroombroek.

Best Areas To Hire A Boat In Gelderland

Historic cities, a collection of big winding rivers and idyllic national parks set the scene in Gelderland. Choose Arnhem to see an old city with a contemporary edge or Kerkdriel to more easily explore the countryside.

Arnhem

Arnhem's long river, arched by striking modern bridges, with convenient mooring options just outside the city, makes it a good starting base for a boating trip to Gelderland.

Doetinchem

A centuries-old settlement, Doetinchem, with its ornate castles (the moated Castle Slangenburg is a highlight), makes a delightful stop on a visit to Gelderland. The old town straddles the banks of the river Oude IJssel and the Stroombroek lake has a small site for wakeboarding and skiing, making it a good choice for watersports.

Kerkdriel

On the border to North Brabant, Kerkdriel is ideal for exploring both Gelderland and North Brabant and has excellent access to attractive 's-Hertogenbosch via the Meuse and the Maximakanaal.

Putten

Putten's landscapes are long and flat, punctuated by an occasional windmill or a team of horses, and it is ideally located for trips onto the Wolderwijd lake (travel east to see the Gooimeer for more lakes) and the exquisite Veluwe national park.

Types Of Boats To Hire

Cabin cruisers and sailing yachts are common sights along the rivers of Gelderland, but travel to the lakes and converted Tenders, kayaks and motorboats become omnipresent.

Sailing Yachts

Hire a yacht to explore Gelderland's rivers and connect to neighbouring Flevoland to sail the vast expanses of its lakes. For those with less experience, a guided and skippered tour of the Netherlands opens up new opportunities across the country: from Flevoland's Waal River to the Wadden Sea and beyond.

Tenders

Whether an ex-army boat or a glorified raft decked out with cosy seating and a bar, tenders are ideal for group travel in Gelderland. The best place to hire a tender Tender is in Harderwijk and along the banks of the Veluwemeer for day trips spiked with food and drinks.

Cabin Cruiser

If you are without a license or the experience for a yacht, then cabin cruisers make a great alternative. They are easy to handle and finished with bedrooms, living areas and kitchens, and small boats are ideal for navigating the inland waterways of Gelderland.

Do you need a licence to hire a boat in Gelderland

Boats longer than 15m and with engine speeds capable of more than 20 kilometres an hour require a license to hire in Gelderland. If your boat is a small electric motorboat, a cabin cruiser built for canals and leisurely exploration, then you are unlikely to need a license.

A bigger or faster boat will require a small, medium or large *Vaarbewijs* or an equivalent like an ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft), which are available to EU and UK residents.

Best Times To Hire

Gelderland's pretty rivers and walking routes cutting paths through forests are at their best in the spring and summer, when the weather is perky and warm, and the rain is held back a little, compared to the rest of the year. Spring is attractive for wildlife lovers, with the tulip blooms and spring festivals, while the autumn months are generally best for city travel.

Winter boat rentals are less common, but doable should you wish, but those dreamy green landscapes can look a little glum and droopy when the ice begins to settle.

How much does it cost to hire a boat

Large tenders suitable for exploring the inner-city waterways and lakes are available for €50 per hour while sailing *Polyvalks* for learners begin at approximately €25 an hour and are available across the lakes of Gelderland. Cabin cruisers and sailing yachts are available to hire in Gelderland, often with a minimum rental period of two hours for €75 an hour, but become more economical the longer the rental. Smaller boats are better suited to travel across the region, while larger yachts may face more restrictions when mooring or route planning.

Larger sailing ships are available, with prices spread across the spectrum from modest efforts at less than €100 a day to multiple thousands for large historic vessels fully equipped and fully crewed and capable of long treks across the lakes and seas of the Netherlands.