Sail & Bike along the coast of the IJsselmeer. Once a salty sea, now the largest sweetwater lake in all of Holland! Discover this unique part of the Netherlands aboard a magnificent and comfortably furnished sailing ship, and while riding excellent cycle paths and tracks. Sailing experience is not necessary. Just a desire to give it a go. Cycling can be done on your own or by joining a tour leader. Whatever you like best.

Up until 1932, the IJsselmeer was an inland sea called the Zuiderzee. Since the Middle Ages, the area played a major role in the economic development of the Netherlands, but was also often severely flooded. A 32 kilometer long dike, finished in 1932, put an end to the flooding and turned the salty sea into a sweetwater lake. Along its banks many picturesque, historical harbour and trading towns, centuries-old polders (fields of reclaimed land below sea level) and beautiful inland villages are still witness to a rich seafaring past. The Ijsselmeer’s now sweet water is home to a huge diversity of birds, plants and fish.

You will visit many of those historical towns and polders on both the western and eastern banks of the IJsselmeer. The tour also leads you through various Dutch national parks and gets you as far as the province of Overijssel. On the final day the ship sails back to Amsterdam, while you can relax on board. We do stop for a last short bike ride though: through the Oostvaardersplassen—a nature reserve known for its rewilding, meaning that the area is left alone to create its own natural balance of animal and plant life.

If you feel up to the challenge, you may – instructed by the experienced crew – lend a hand during navigating and raising of the sails on board your ship. Of course, you are just as welcome to relax and enjoy the fresh air, sailing and scenery. Since the ships are very large (up to 55 meters/60 yards) and very stable, there is almost no risk of seasickness.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

Sailing ship

Jacuzzi

Third bed available

Openable windows in cabins

Sailing surface 760m2

max. 25 passengers

13 cabins

3 tours available with this ship

Leafde fan Fryslân

The imposing three-masted barquentine, Leafde fan Fryslân, made its maiden voyage in the spring of 2018. The interior of this recently restyled ship can best be described as refined. There are 12 well-equipped twin cabins with two separate beds and 1 single cabin. In some of the twins a third (bunk) bed can be added, which makes it perfect for a family. Sumptuous meals are served in the restaurant and the ship’s bar is fully stocked; so the salon is the place to be after a day on the pedals. Or on deck, where you can burn some extra calories by helping to hoist the sails.

BICYCLES/E-BIKES:
The bicycles are Gazelle Esprit C7 bicycles with 7-speed hub gear and hand brakes. All bicycles have a comfortable Selle Royal saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and pannier bag.
The E-Bikes are Gazelle Orange C330 HMB E-bikes with step less hub gears, front suspension and hand brakes. The crank engine offers 4 levels of support. The E-bikes have a comfortable Selle Royal saddle with saddle suspension, a lock on the frame and a pannier bag. Because of the limited number of E-bikes, early booking of an E-bike is strongly recommended.

Other bikes (e.g. E-Bikes, children’s bikes) and child seats (front or rear) are only available on these tours after prior request (by booking) and confirmation as a very limited number are available. Bike rental is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles (at no extra cost). Please note that the space on board the sailing ship is limited. The crew or tour operator is in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.

Sailing ship

Jacuzzi

Cozy bar and lounge

Third bed available

Openable windows in cabins

max. 36 passengers

12 cabins

3 tours available with this ship

Wapen fan Fryslân

The Wapen fan Fryslân is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. Take a seat in the spacious wheelhouse and order your drink at the stylish bar to enjoy the view through the panorama windows. But of course the view is better when outside: come relax on the aft deck at the outdoor bar, in the Jacuzzi at the middle deck, or at the sundeck in one of the deckchairs. The large salon also serves as restaurant and this will be the spot to feast from fantastic food. And sleeping won’t be a problem in the wonderful spacious cabins. There are 12 twin cabins with in each cabin the possibility for a 3rd bunk bed, all with a private bathroom.

Bicycles/E-Bikes:
The bicycles on board are unisex bicycles from the Dutch brand Gazelle, type Paris and have hand- and/or pedal brake, easy-to handle Shimano Nexus 7-speed gears (7 gears will do in a flat country like Holland), gel-saddle (height adjustable), front suspension, a lock on the frame and a pannier bag.
The E-bike is a Gazelle Orange Comfort with 7 gears, 3 support levels, hand breaks only, gel-saddle (height adjustable), front suspension, a lock on the frame and a pannier bag (or a comparable brand/model).

Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles (at no additional fee). Please note that the space on board the sailing ship is limited. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles.
Prices of other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”/tag-a-long, tandem bicycles etc. and child’s saddles (rear) are on request.