Renting a Boat on the Amstel
8 h€ 150-300 Calm
A relaxed day on the Amstel in a rental boat, from Amsterdam-Oost past the Amstelpark and the Riekermolen towards Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.
The Amstel is wider and calmer than the canals, making it a great choice for a full day out on the water. Many rental companies are based in Amsterdam-Oost around the Amsteldijk or just next to the Amstelpark. Book three to four weeks ahead for summer weekends, as boats on the Amstel are popular with groups. A full day usually costs between one hundred and fifty and three hundred euros, plus deposit and fuel. Without a boating licence you stay under twenty kilometres per hour, which is more than enough on this stretch of water.
The classic route goes via the Magere Brug and the Amstelsluizen heading south, past the Amstelpark and the Riekermolen, all the way to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. There are several mooring spots there for a lunch on a waterside terrace. On the way back you take the same route at a leisurely pace. Bring sunscreen, water and a light jacket, and keep in mind that some bridges may need to open along the way.
Checklist
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Sloep voor de hele dag geboekt
Lunchplek Ouderkerk gereserveerd
ID en pinpas mee
Zonnebrand en water mee
Brugopeningen gecheckt
Schipper afgesproken
Borg betaald en bevestigd
Book three to four weeks ahead with a rental company around the Amsteldijk or the Amstelpark.
Follow the briefing at the jetty, ask about the Amstelsluizen and how bridge openings work.
Head south past the Amstelpark and the Riekermolen towards Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.
Moor up in Ouderkerk for a long lunch on a terrace along the water.
Head back at your own pace, choosing the quieter side of the river when motorboats pass by.
Top up the fuel if needed, return the boat clean and check how the deposit is handled.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Set off before ten to keep lock and bridge waiting times to a minimum.
- Book a lunch spot in Ouderkerk ahead of time, popular terraces fill up quickly.
- Watch out for passing rowers and boats, give them plenty of room.
- Bring binoculars for herons, grebes and meadow birds along the banks.
- Check the Magere Brug opening times before you go.
Variations
- - Maak een lus via de Nieuwe Meer voor extra afwisseling.
- - Plan een dag met twee korte stops in plaats van één lange lunch.
- - Boek een sloep met BBQ-set voor lunch aan boord.
- - Kies een avondvertrek voor zonsondergang boven de Amstel.
by PlayTryBe team