Rent a sloop on the Spaarne
8 h€ 180-260 Calm
A full day of sailing through Haarlem and the surrounding countryside via the Spaarne. Under bridges, past the Bavo, and out to the Mooie Nel.
The Spaarne is the river that runs straight through Haarlem and flows into the Spaarndamse lake, the Mooie Nel. From the city centre quays, several sloop rental companies offer electric boats for six to eight people. Day rates typically range between €180 and €260 per boat, excluding deposit and an optional skipper course. A sailing licence is not required as long as the boat stays under 20 km/h and is shorter than fifteen metres.
A full day gives you plenty of time to first explore Haarlem's city centre, past the Grote of Sint-Bavokerk and under the Gravestenenbrug, and then head north towards Spaarndam and the Mooie Nel. Along the way you can moor at a terrace on the Scheepmakersdijk or have a picnic on the bank. The return journey with the evening sun on the water is a highlight in itself.
Checklist
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Sloep boeken hele dag
Brugtijden checken
Lunch en drinken mee
Vaaruitleg goed volgen
Stop op de Mooie Nel
Op tijd terug afmeren
Handy & partners
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Reserve an electric sloop for a full day with a rental company on the Spaarne. Ask about operating the movable bridges.
Pack a cool bag with lunch, water and coffee. Bring sunscreen, a windbreaker and cushions for the trip.
Get a sailing briefing on the spot and practise mooring for a bit. Then gently head out onto the Spaarne towards the centre of Haarlem.
Do a loop past the Bavo, the Waag and the Gravestenenbrug. Keep an eye out for tour boats and give them plenty of room.
In the afternoon, head north towards Spaarndam and the Mooie Nel. Moor up for a drink or a short walk along the dike.
Head back before closing time, top up the battery if needed, and return the sloop clean and complete.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Check bridge opening times in Haarlem, some bridges open at fixed hours
- Book well in advance for summer weekends
- Bring some change for bridge or lock fees
- Ask whether a canopy or sun cover is included
- Avoid Friday afternoon, the Spaarne gets busy then
Variations
- - Kies een fluisterboot met schipper voor een ontspannen variant
- - Combineer met lunch op Scheepmakersdijk of Lange Veerstraat
- - Vaar via de Liede richting Penningsveer voor minder drukte
- - Eindig met diner in Haarlem-centrum na het inleveren
Atmosphere
by PlayTryBe team