IJsselmeer & Markermeer
Many harbour towns lie around the former Zuiderzee, and they remain so authentic that you could easily call the IJsselmeer the world’s largest open-air museum. This museum could never have been so full of life without the lively contribution of the 300 traditional sailing ships that sail from one harbour to another here day after day.
Many harbours are quite small and packed by evening with historic sailing ships. All in all, it’s anything but a static scene. Day-trippers come to the harbour to watch the boats manoeuvre, squeeze in and jostle for position. They do it with an ease and routine you rarely see at major sailing events. These ships set sail again every day, bound for the next harbour. It really feels like stepping back in time, especially aboard the ships themselves.
The inland waterways are especially appealing in the shoulder seasons. When it’s too autumnal to head out onto the North Sea, you can often still enjoy a good sail on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer and Wadden Sea without being battered by the elements.
The harbours aren’t far apart, so you can decide to put into one before the cold gets into your bones.
The harbours aren’t far apart, so you can decide to put into one before the cold gets into your bones.