Originally, the body of water that we now know as the IJsselmeer was a large and very shallow bay called theZuiderzee. It was only when the last gate was closed in 1932 that the present inland waterway was created by dyking. The Romans called it Lactus Flevo, which is also the origin of the current name of theboth artificial islands of Flevoland back.
The remaining waters between the polder and the mainland are now known as the Veluwemeer, Drontermeer, Gooimeer or Ketelmeer.The former islands Urk - now a coastal town - and Schokland are part of the Noordoostpolder. Water and coastal areas are therefore not in short supply. As a result, water sports are booming.
We had a look around Urk, where you can also charter houseboats for longer inland trips. We also visited the Flevo Marina, which is ideal for visitors.with your own trailer boat suitable. You can stay here in original water chalets. At Jachthaven Flevostrand, owners are just as likely to feel at home as leisure captains who only occasionally want to take a boat out on the water.Sloep for day trips or want to hire a cruising yacht.
The entire range of accommodation is available, from campsites to luxury holiday homes. Water park fans can enjoy themselves at Jachthaven de Eemhof. Here you can pretty muchall kinds of water sports what is on offer. Those looking for a little more peace and quiet can enjoy the marvellous scenery in Bunschoten-Spakenburg opposite.
Gemeente Haven Urk
The harbour of the former island andtoday's coastal town of Urk is an idyllic spot. With 400 berths, even guests should always be allocated a place. If you're lucky, you might have a view of the northern promenade, which is mainly decorated with historic commercial vessels and fishing boats. Those who arrive byTrailer boat and motorhome can also find 20 pitches for motorhomes up to eight metres directly in the harbour. There are numerous restaurants in the immediate vicinity. A good starting point for day trips on the IJsselmeer or the surrounding waters.
Yacht Charter Urk
The family business Yacht Charter Urk currently offersnine displacers and, as of this year, a twin-engined Bayliner 3270 for charter. Five other cruising yachts are available at the Flevostrand departure point. The smallest boat in the fleet is a Marco 860 AK, which is suitable for families of two to four people and is available for weekly hire from 590 euros. The flagship is the luxurious, 17 metre long Van der Valk Exotic 17, which can accommodate up to six people and is available from 2390 euros per week.
Flevo Marina
In an idyllic location north of Lelystad you will find the Flevo Marina. If you appreciate the direct access to the IJsselmeer and the location in the middle of nature, this is the place for you. The marina has almost 1000 berths on floating jetties, a correspondingly large supervised car park as well as good slip facilities and a crane service. Yachts up to 25 metres long and with a draught of up to four metres can enter the marina without any problems. Sanitary facilities and catering are of course also available on site. There is a golf course in the immediate neighbourhood.
Water chalets
The Flevo Marina also has water chalets that can be rented. The floating holiday flats are modernly furnished, with fully equipped bathrooms and kitchens for extra comfort. The chalets are suitable forChalets for families of up to four people, who can moor their own boat directly at the floating jetty next door. All chalets have a terrace right on the water. Pets are also allowed. You can book the floating holiday homes directly on the marina's website ( www.flevomarina.com ).
Nieuw Land Museum
Who wants to know more about theLand reclamation and the origins of Flevoland, you can take a day trip to nearby Lelystad. In the Nieuw Land Museum ( www.nieuwlanderfgoed.nl ), which is also interesting for children, is the history of the region from thenatives of the former marshland until the draining of the Zuiderzee. During land reclamation, numerous shipwrecks and remnants of the region, which had been inhabited for thousands of years, came to light, contributing to the documentation of history.
Batavia shipyard
Immediately next to the Nieuw Land Museum is the Batavia shipyard ( www.bataviawerf.nl ). Here you can marvel at the three-masted square-rigged sailing ship Batavia, which was reconstructed after ten years of work, mainly by volunteers, and completed in 1995. The 17th century merchant ship was operated by the United East India Company (VOC). The original sank in 1629 on its way to Java. A replica of the warship "De 7 Provinciën" from the same era. Construction work is still ongoing. The shell is also part of the impressive exhibition.
Landal Waterparc Veluwemeer
The Landal Waterparc Veluwemeer ( www.landal.de ) is a huge holiday complex with 200 country houses and 150 holiday flats right on the shores of Lake Veluwe. If you want to stay here, you can use the Flevostrand marina, where charter yachts from YachtcharterUrk are stationed here. A restaurant is also available.
Molecaten Park and Jachthaven Flevostrand
The Molecaten Park ( www.molecaten.de ) and Jachthaven Flevostrand is located right next to Landal Waterparc on Lake Veluwe. There are around 850 berths here forYachts up to 20 metres in length and a draught of up to two metres. A slipway and a crane up to 20 tonnes are also available. A water skiing area is located in the immediate vicinity. There is plenty of accommodation to suit all tastes in the park. On aCampsite can be camped in. There are even fully furnished tents on offer. For more upmarket requirements, there are accommodation options ranging from bungalows and mobile homes to rooms in the guest house.
Camp Spirit
Who is ready for theIsland simply head to the small island of De Kluut, right next to Jachthaven Flevostrand. Here you will not only find a sheltered bay where you can moor your boat, but also Camp Spirit ( www.campspirit.nl ). An original tent village with Indian tipis, Mongolian yurts or other traditional tents, where you can stay overnight from 190 euros per week. From the camp asBase camp day trips can then be made by boat.
Jachthaven de Eemhof - Aqua Mundo de Eemhof
At the Eemmeer lies theJachthaven de Eemhof ( www.jachthaven-eemhof.nl ). You can stay here at the Aqua Mundo de Eemhof water park, which belongs to the Center Parcs group (www.centerparcs.de). The huge complex offers pretty much everything that is relevant for a family holiday. There are moorings for your own boat in the harbour. There is also a campsite on site.
Eemhof Watersport & Beachclub
Board sports enthusiasts and differently orientated water rats will feel at home in the coolEemhof Watersport & Beachclub( http://www.watersportcenter.nl ) feel very comfortable here. In addition to wakeboarding, wakesurfing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, you can practise pretty much any water sport that is fun or in vogue. After the splashy fun, like-minded people are guaranteed to get into the party mood in the associated beach club.
Bunschoten-Spakenburg - Jachtaven/Nautisch Centrum Nieuwboer
A visit to the beautiful harbour of Bunschoten-Spakenburg, which is right opposite Jachthaven de Eemhof, is worthwhile if only for the beautiful backdrop of the old town with its historic boats. Alternatively, you can stay right here and stay at the Jachtaven/Nautisch Centrum Nieuwboer ( www.jachthavennieuwboer.nl ) can find a berth for their floating vessel. Sloops and sailing yachts can also be chartered here.
