Rent a sloop in Utrecht city centre
7 h€ 25-45 Calm
A full day of self-skippered boating through Utrecht's canals, past wharf cellars and singels, with a stop for lunch and a relaxed stretch toward the Vecht.
Renting a sloop in Utrecht city centre feels different from a guided boat tour. You steer yourself, choose your own route, and drift at eye level with the wharf cellars along the Oudegracht. For sloops up to 15 kW you don't need a boating licence, a short briefing at the jetty is all it takes. Book a few weeks ahead, especially between May and September, and expect to pay around 120 to 180 euros for a full day, split between four to six people.
A full day gives you room to mix things up. You head along the Oudegracht toward the Weerdsingel, have lunch at a wharf terrace, then make your way to the Vecht or the Kromme Rijn toward Rhijnauwen. Locks take time to plan around, so check the opening hours in advance. Sloops are usually electric, so it's quiet and there's no smell of petrol.
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Sloep gereserveerd
Legitimatie meenemen
Lunch en snacks ingepakt
Zonnebrand en pet
Powerbank voor telefoon
Regenjas in tas
Borg klaar leggen
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Reserve a sloop online with a Utrecht rental company, at least two weeks ahead for weekends.
Pick up the boat at the Weerdsluis or a jetty along the Oudegracht, and bring identification.
Listen to the short briefing on steering, locks, and mooring, and ask any questions before you cast off.
Head down the Oudegracht toward the Catharijnesingel, keep to the right and maintain a low speed.
Moor at a wharf terrace for lunch and enjoy the silence of an electric sloop.
In the afternoon, head toward the Vecht or singel in the direction of Rhijnauwen, and return the sloop in good time.
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Renting a sloop in Utrecht city centre
Half a day cruising the Oudegracht and Nieuwegracht in an electric sloop, past wharf cellars and bridges. No boating licence required, from 60 euros per hour.
For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Book at least two weeks ahead for Saturdays.
- Go for an electric sloop, it's whisper-quiet.
- Pack a light rain jacket, even on sunny days.
- Factor in lock opening times.
- Combine the trip with lunch at a wharf terrace.
Variations
- - Maak er een familietocht van met kinderen vanaf zes.
- - Plan een rustig tochtje met twee in de avond.
- - Combineer met fietsen vanaf de stalling bij de Weerdsluis.
- - Vaar alleen de singel als de Oudegracht te druk is.
Atmosphere
by PlayTryBe team