Cruising guide



 
 
 
 
 
 

Route number Destination
Approximate Cruising Time (round trip)
1 Vlietland ("beach", sailing boat hire)    Two hours
2 Delft    Four hours
3 Leiden (haven)    Four and a half hours
4 Katwijk (beach)    Five and a half hours
5 The Kager Plassen and Warmond    Seven hours
6,7 Lakes (Kager Plassen, Braassemermeer),  Alphen, Oude Rijn    Nine and a half hours
8,9 Delft, Gouda, Alphen, Leiden    Twenty two hours
10,11 Ringvaart, including Lisse (bulbs), Haarlem and Amsterdam    Twenty three hours
12 Gouda, Hollandse Ijssel, Woerden, Breukelen, Vecht, Weesp, Amstel, Braassemermeer    Fifty five hours
 
Footnotes:
1 Times are in minutes at an engine speed of 1500rpm and do not include waiting times at bridges and locks.
   Add 50% if running the engine at 1100rpm.  These times are based on actual route times but are meant as a guide only.  No responsibility is taken for any inaccuracies.
   Running the engine extensively at more than 1800 rpm can cause permanent damage.
2 Low bridge(s).  A number in brackets shows the number of low bridges (if more than one) to reach this point.
3 Lock ("sluis").  A number in brackets indicates the number of locks (if more than one) to reach this point.
4 Lock and bridge opening times on public holidays will be the same as those for Sundays


 
 
Route 1 (Vlietland)
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Base    0 North from the Leidschendam sluis.
Overnight moorings on the east side of the canal.  Water and diesel are available from the Van Zelst barge, 200 metres north of the lock on the east side of the canal. 
De Knip  30
bridge and restaurant with mooring (tel: 071 561 2573).
Blue Bridge, Voorschoten  60
Moor on the east bank between the Knip and the blue bridge for Vlietland: 
sailing dinghy rental, snacks, "beach" and naturist area.  Water at Jachtwerf Mulder, 600 metres south of the blue bridge on the west side of the canal.
 


Knip restaurant


 
 

Route 2 (Delft)

Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Base    0 South from the Leidschendam sluis.
Overnight moorings on the east side of the canal.  Water and desel are available from the Van Zelst barge, 200 metres north of the lock on the east side of the canal.
Voorburg  203 Mooring normally available north/west of the Kerkbrug (24 hours maximum - mooring alongside another boat is not allowed) for restaurants, shops and old town (Restaurant "Klikspaan", Kerstraat 14, tel 070 386 8696).
Drievliet, Rijswijk  403
Amusement park, restaurant (Chineese Muur, tel 070 399 2776) The canal
branches west into Den Haag (moorings near the Geestbrug - the first bridge
towards Den Haag). Continue south towards Delft.
Delft pottery 703 On the left as you approach Delft.  There is a small mooring place, and usually two or three tourist coaches outside the pottery.
Delft  903 Mooring is usually possible on both sides of the canal after the Koepoortbrug.  Short walk to Delft centre with its historic square, restaurants and shops. 


Leidschendam Sluis


Leidschendam Sluis:  Opening times are 0600 to 1630 and 1745 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1800 Saturday ( 0900 to 1400 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4), 1000 to 1800 Sunday (closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).
Telephone 070 327 4290.

 
 
Route 3 (Leiden - haven)
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Base    0 North from the Leidschendam sluis.
Overnight moorings on the east side of the canal.  Water and diesel are available from the Van Zelst barge, 200 metres north of the lock on the east side of the canal.
De Knip  30
bridge and restaurant with mooring (tel: 071 561 2573).
Blue Bridge, Voorschoten  60
Moor on the east bank between the Knip and the blue bridge for Vlietland: 
sailing dinghy rental, snacks, "beach" and naturist area.  Water at Jachtwerf Mulder, 600 metres south of the blue bridge on the west side of the canal.
Allemansgeest  70 Restaurant with moorings (tel. 071 576 4175).
The canal branches north-west towards Katwijk (route 4).  Continue north towards the Kager Plassen.  There are overnight moorings about 700 metres after the Allemansgeest on the west bank of the canal. 
Rail bridge   90 passable only on EAST SIDE)
Wilhelminabrug 100 There are overnight moorings south of the bridge, on the east bank of the canal, fifteen minutes walk from the centre of Leiden.
Oude Rijn 110 The canal crosses the Oude Rijn and continues north to the Kager Plassen.  To the east (right), the Oude Rijn leads to Alphen.  Turn left (west) for the Leiden Haven.
Leiden (Haven) 1202(2) You reach the haven after about 800 metres and two low bridges.  Access to shops and restaurants.  Mooring costs NLG 1.36 per metre per night (pay at the Schrijversbrug).  Drinking water is available.
 
Leiden bridges:  Opening times are 0600 to 2100 Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1800 Saturday ( 0900 to 1400 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4), 1000 to 2000 Sunday (closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).  Telephone 071 521 9675.

Restaurant in Leiden Haven


 
 
Route 4 (Katwijk and the beach)
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Base    0 North from the Leidschendam sluis.
Overnight moorings on the east side of the canal.  Water and diesel are available from the Van Zelst barge, 200 metres north of the lock on the east side of the canal.
De Knip  30
bridge and restaurant with mooring (tel: 071 561 2573).
Blue Bridge, Voorschoten  60
Moor on the east bank between the Knip and the blue bridge for Vlietland: 
sailing dinghy rental, snacks, "beach" and naturist area.  Water at Jachtwerf Mulder, 600 metres south of the blue bridge on the west side of the canal.
Allemansgeest  70 Restaurant with moorings (tel. 071 576 4175).
The canal continues north-east towards the Kager Plassen.  Turn left (north-west) for  Katwijk.
Katwijk 160 Beach (the end of the navigable canal is about 800 metres from the sea).  Water is available from Kuyt Yachtbauw or Gebr. Jonker in the Haven (channel to the left just before the end of the canal).
 

 
Route 5 (Kager Plassen)
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Base    0 North from the Leidschendam sluis.
Overnight moorings on the east side of the canal.  Water and diesel are available from the Van Zelst barge, 200 metres north of the lock on the east side of the canal.
De Knip  30
bridge and restaurant with mooring (tel: 071 561 2573).
Blue Bridge, Voorschoten  60
Moor on the east bank between the Knip and the blue bridge for Vlietland: 
sailing dinghy rental, snacks, "beach" and naturist area.  Water at Jachtwerf Mulder, 600 metres south of the blue bridge on the west side of the canal.
Allemansgeest  70 Restaurant with moorings (tel. 071 576 4175).
The canal branches north-west towards Katwijk (route 4).  Continue north towards the Kager Plassen.  There are overnight moorings about 700 metres after the Allemansgeest on the west bank of the canal. 
Rail bridge   90 passable only on EAST SIDE)
Wilhelminabrug 100 There are overnight moorings south of the bridge, on the east bank of the canal, fifteen minutes walk from the centre of Leiden.
Oude Rijn 110 The canal crosses the Oude Rijn.  To the east is Alphen, to the west Leiden haven. Continue north to the Kager Plassen.
Kager Plassen 145 Turn left towards Warmond or carry on towards Kaag island.  There are moorings on the south side of the island which is to your north and west as you enter the lake.
Warmond 160 A footbridge connects Warmond to an island.  Mooring is available on the island north of this footbridge and on the other side of the island.  Both places have water available and charge one guilder per metre per day after the first two hours.  For two hours only, you can moor a hundred or so metres north of the footbridge, at a small park with a round "summerhouse".  Shops and restaurants.
't Kompass, Kaag(dorp) 190 Restaurant with mooring.  Tel. 0252-544215.  There are also moorings on the opposite side of Kaag Island at Keverland and water is available at an automat near the Kaag island ferry.  Route 10 continues north to Lisse, route 11 east to Nieuwe Wetering.

 
Route 6 (Lakes - anticlockwise)
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Oude Rijn 110 From route 3, instead of turning west (left) into Leiden, turn east (right) on the Oude Rijn towards Alphen.
Leiderdorp 125
With a vergunning (permit) you can turn left at Leiderdorp about 600m after the motorway bridge.  A low bridge takes you into a haven.  Go through the haven towards Hoogmade (about 40 minutes), where there is another low bridge, then through the Wijde Aa to rejoin this route just south of the Braassemermeer.  This route is fifty minutes cruising time shorter, is an attractive route and avoids the bridge at Koudekerk, but adds two other low bridges.
Koudekerk 1802
Low bridge.  Supermarket:  A few hundred metres after the bridge on the left are two mooring places with signs pointing to "Albert Heijn".  Follw the road opposite the second of these moorings for 100 metres or so to the small shopping centre on the right.
Alphen 2202 The Oude Rijn continues through the centre of Alphen.
Turn left (north) to Braassemermeer & Weteringsbrug.  The "Avifauna" bird park is on the right just before the canal junction.
Woubrugge 2452 Restaurant north of bridge on east side.  Mooring on west side - see posted signs.
Braassemermeer 2702 Moorings on a recreation island in the south west corner of the lake (to your right as you enter from Alphen).  Other islands are nature reserves.  Water is available at W.S.C. Braasemermeer, to your left (west) just before the channel leaving the lake to the north.  Continue north through Oude Wetering.
Oude Wetering 3002 Mooring is possible on the left (west) side of the canal all the way along the canal passing through Oude Wetering from the Braasemermeer.  The canal branches east towards Amsterdam or west (left) towards Kaag.  Turn left.
Meerbrug, Nieuwe Wetering 3152 The canal crosses the A4 motorway about 400 metres before this low bridge.
Kaag(dorp)  3602(2) Reverse route 5 to return to base
Base (via Alphen) 5502(2)  
Base (via Hoogmade) 5002(3)  
 
Koudekerk bridge:  Opening times are 0600 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1800 Saturday ( 0800 to 1400 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4), 1000 to 1800 Sunday (closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).

Doesbrug (Leiderdorp and Hoogmade):  Opening times Monday to Saturday are 0900 to 1200, 1300 to 1800 and 1830 to 2000.  On Sunday hours are 1000 to 1200, 1300 to 1800 and 1830 to 2000.  In winter (16/10 to 16/4) the hours are 1000 to 1200 on request (office hours at least one day ahead on 0612562286) Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday.
 

Meerbrug:  Opening times are 0600 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0700 to 2100 Saturday in the summer (0700 to 1700 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4,
0700 to 2000 from 16/4 to 1/7 and from 1/9 to 16/10), 0800 to 1300 and 1400 to 2100 on Sunday in the summer (0900 to 1300 and 1400 to 2000 from 16/4 to 1/7 and from 1/9 to 16/10.  Closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).










 
 
Route 7 (Lakes - clockwise)
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Kaag(dorp) 190 From route 5, continue east on the Ringvaart towards Aalsmeer.
Meerbrug, 
Nieuwe Wetering 
 2352  The canal crosses the A4 motorway about 400 metres after the low bridge at Nieuwe Wetering.
Oude Wetering  2502
The canal continues east towards Aalsmeer. Turn right (South) towards Braassemermeer  & Alphen.  Mooring is possible on the right (west) side of the canal all the way along the canal passing through Oude Wetering to the Braassemermeer.
Braassemermeer 2652 Moorings on a recreation island in the south west corner of the lake (to your right just before you leave the lake towards Alphen).  Other islands are nature reserves.  Water is available at W.S.C. Braassemermeer, to your right (west) just after you enter the lake from the north.  Continue south towards Alphen.  With a permit, you can take the Wijde Aa (turn right just after leaving the Braassemermeer).  This route is fifty minutes shorter, is scenic and avoids the low bridge at Koudekerk, but does include two additional low bridges at Hoogmade and Leiderdorp.
Woubrugge 3152 Restaurant north of bridge on east side.  Mooring on west side - see posted signs.
Alphen 3302 The canal joins the Oude Rijn.  To the left (east) is the centre of Alphen.  Turn right (west) down the Oude Rijn towards Leiden.  The "Avifauna" bird park is on the left just after the canal junction. 
Koudekerk 3702(2) Low bridge.  Supermarket:  A few hundred metres beforethe bridge on the right are two mooring places with signs pointing to "Albert Heijn".  Follw the road opposite the second of these moorings for 100 metres or so to the small shopping centre on the right.
Leiderdorp 4252(2)  The route via the Wijde Aa rejoins this route here.
Oude Rijn 4402(2) Turn left (south) towards Leidschendam and reverse route 3 back to base.
Base (via Alphen) 5502(2)  
Base (via Hoogmade) 5002(3)  
 
Meerbrug:  Opening times are 0600 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0700 to 2100 Saturday in the summer (0700 to 1700 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4.
0700 to 2000 from 16/4 to 1/7 and from 1/9 to 16/10), 0800 to 1300 and 1400 to 2100 on Sunday in the summer (0900 to 1300 and 1400 to 2000 from 16/4 to 1/7 and from 1/9 to 16/10.  Closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).

Doesbrug (Leiderdorp and Hoogmade):  Opening times Monday to Saturday are 0900 to 1200, 1300 to 1800 and 1830 to 2000.  On Sunday hours are 1000 to 1200, 1300 to 1800 and 1830 to 2000.  In winter (16/10 to 16/4) the hours are 1000 to 1200 on request (office hours at least one day ahead on 0612562286) Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday.
 

Koudekerk bridge: Opening times are 0600 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1800 Saturday ( 0800 to 1400 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4), 1000 to 1800 Sunday (closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).
 


 
Route 8 (Delft, Gouda, Alphen)
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Delft  903 From route 2, continue through Delft.  There are two low bridges - the Oostpoortbrug and thr Hambrug.  Turn right towards Rotterdam and a third low bridge (Abtswoudsebrug).
Overschie
  1752(3),3 Turn left under the Hogebrug into the Delftshavense Schie.  Watch out for large commercial barges in this area.  Do not continue to the tidal Nieuwe Maas
Noorderkanaal 1902(3),3  Turn left into the NoorderKanaal.  Do not continue to the tidal Nieuwe Maas
Bergsluis 2152(3),3 Lock
River Rotte 2302(3),3(2) Turn left onto the Rotte.  Do not turn right to the tidal Nieuwe Maas
Pr. Irenebrug 2602(3),3(2) Low bridge
 
Rotte Meren
 3202(4),3(2) Lock (Zevenhuizense or Nieuwe Verlaat) into the canal towards Zevenhuizen.  Moorings around the lake.
Zevenhuizen  3452(4),3(3) Two low bridges.  There are two more low bridges between Zevenhuizen and Nieuwekerk, one of which is self-operated.
Nieuwekerk 3852(8),3(3) Four low bridges with moorings between the first and second.
Hollandse Ijssel  4302(13),3(3) Under a low bridge (the automatic Boezenbrug) and through the Snelle Sluis (lock).  Turn left towards Gouda.  There may be a difference in level of up to two meters through this lock, depending on the tide. 
Gouwe Kanaal 4652(13),3(4) Turn left through the Julianasluis (Route 12 continues up the Hollandse Ijssel).
Gouda(Nieuwe Gouwe) 4802(13),3(5)
Turn right into the Nieuwe Gouwe for moorings in the Kromme Gouwe (turn right again - water available) or haven (through a low bridge and the Leeuwensluis  lock). 
Gouwsluis  5852(14),3(5)  Turn left (west) on Oude Rijn towards Alphen after a low railway bridge and a high lift bridge (Hefbrug).
Alphen 6152(15),3(5) Through Alphen under four bridges, one of them low.  After leaving Alphen the canal branches north towards the Braassemermeer.  Continue west up the Oude Rijn. 
Koudekerk 6552(15),3(5) Low bridge.  Supermarket:  A few hundred metres before the bridge on the right are two mooring places with signs pointing to "Albert Heijn".  Follw the road opposite the second of these moorings for 100 metres or so to the small shopping centre on the right.
Leiderdorp 7102(16),3(5)  
Oude Rijn 7252(16),3(5) Turn left (south) towards Leidschendam and reverse route 3 back to base.
Base 8352(16),3(5)  
 
Leidschendam Sluis:  Opening times are 0600 to 1630 and 1745 to 2130 Monday to Friday, 0700 to 1800 Saturday ( 0800 to 1400 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4), 0800 to 1130 and 1600 to 2030 Sunday (closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).  Telephone 070 327 4290.
 
Snelle Sluis:  Press the button to the right of the lock gates (marked "Hier Melden") to contact the remote lock operator between 1000 to 1200 and between 1300 and 1800 Monday to Saturday, 1400 to 1800 Sunday and public holidays.  In winter from  16/10 to 16/4 the lock is closed on Sunday and public holidays, but opens on request (Tel 0182 373 248 or 0623 745 830) from 0800 to 1630 Monday to Friday and between 1300 and 1700 Saturday.
Bergsluis:  Opening times are 0900 to 1700 Monday to Thursday.  In the summer (16/4 to 16/10) the lock is open from 0600 to 2200 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.  In the winter the lock is open from 0900 to 1700 on Friday and Saturday but closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Julianasluis:  Opening times are Monday to Friday twenty-four hours a day, Saturday from midnight to 2200 and Sunday from 0600 to 2400 (0800 to 1600 then 2200 to 2400 from 16/10 to 16/4)

Zevenhuizerverlaat:  Opening times are....
 

Koudekerk bridge:  Opening times are 0600 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1800 Saturday ( 0800 to 1400 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4), 1000 to 1800 Sunday and public holidays (closed on Sunday/public holidays from 16/10 to 16/4).
 
Bridges in Alphen:  Opening times are 0600 Monday to 2200 Friday.  Saturday times are 0600 to 2000 from 1/6 to 1/9, 0600 to 1800  from 16/4 to 1/6 and 1/9 to 16/4.  Sunday times are 1000 to 2000 from 1/6 to 1/9, 1000 to 1800 from 16/4 to 1/6 and 1/9 to 16/10.  Closed on Sunday between 16/10 and 4/4.

Bridges at Delft:  Opening times are 0600 Monday to 2200 Friday, 0700 to 1800 Saturday (0800 to 1300 in winter from 16/10 to 16/4), 1000 to 1800 Sunday (closed on Sunday in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4)

Pr. Irenebrug:  Opening times in summer are 0900 to 1600 Monday to Thursday.  On Friday, times are 0600 to 0730, 0900 to 1600 and 1800 to 2200, Saturday is 0600 to 2200, Sunday is 0600 to 0930, 1000 to 1645 and 1700 to 2200.  In winter (16/10 to 16/4) the bridge opens from 0900 to 1600 Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

Gouwesluis railway bridge:  Opening times are...
 



 
 
 
Route 9 (Alphen, Gouda, Delft)
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Oude Rijn  110 From route 3, instead of turning west (left) into Leiden, turn east (right) on the Oude Rijn towards Alphen.
Leiderdorp  125
Koudekerk 1802 Low bridge.  Supermarket:  A few hundred metres after the bridge on the right are two mooring places with signs pointing to "Albert Heijn".  Follw the road opposite the second of these moorings for 100 metres or so to the small shopping centre on the right.
Alphen 
 2202  The Avifauna bird park is on the right, just before the branch in the canal leading north to the Braasemermeer. Continue east up the Oude Rijn.  Between the first bridge in Alphen (the Schweitzerbrug) and the second (Julianabrug) there is a mooring place on the left (east) bank, but this is often full of large commercial boats.  A little further on the left is an empty building site where it is possible to moor for a few hours. 
Gouwsluis  2502(2)
Turn right (South) on Gouwe towards Gouda.  There is a high bridge (4.4 metres clearance) folllowed by a low railway bridge. 
Gouda (Nieuwe Gouwe) 3552(3)
Continue south to the Julianasluis and the Hollandse Ijssel or turn left after the big lift bridge for moorings in Gouda:
Hollandse Ijssel 3702(3),3 Lock (Julianasluis) leading into the tidal Hollandse Ijssel (range up to two metres, depending on the tide).
Snelle Sluis 4052(3),3 Press the button near the lock gate to talk to the lock-keeper.
Nieuwekerk 4252(4),3(2)
 		 Press the button (marked "Hier Melden") near the bridge for the operator
to take you through the bridges in this village.  Moorings after the railway bridge and after the last low bridge in the village.  There are two more low bridges between Nieuwekerk and Zevenhuizen, one of which is self-operated.
Zevenhuizen 4802(8),3(2) The telephone number of the bridge operator is marked on the first bridge.
The canal turns sharply left in the village.  Do not take the un-navigable waterway going straight ahead.
Rotte Meer 5152(12),3(3) Turn left to the river Rotte.  Moorings around the lake.
Prinses Irenebrug 5752(12),3(3) Low bridge.
Noorderkanaal 6052(13),3(3) Turn right onto the Noorderkanaal.  Do not continue to the Nieuwe Maas
Bergsluis 6202(13),3(3) Lock.
Delftshavense Schie 6452(13),3(4) Turn right towards Delft.  Do not turn left to the tidal Nieuwe Maas.
Give way to large commercial barges between here and Delft. 
Overschie 6602(13),3(4) Turn right towards Delft.  Do not turn left to the tidal Nieuwe Maas.
Delft  7302(13),3(4) Low bridges. After passing through the third low bridge, reverse route 2 back to base.
Base 8352(16),3(5) Through the Leidschendam Sluis.
 
 
Leidschendam Sluis:  Opening times are 0600 to 1630 and 1745 to 2130 Monday to Friday, 0700 to 1800 Saturday ( 0800 to 1400 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4), 0800 to 1130 and 1600 to 2030 Sunday (closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).  Telephone 070 327 4290.
 
Snelle Sluis:  Press the button to the right of the lock gates (marked "Hier Melden") to contact the remote lock operator between 1000 to 1200 and between 1300 and 1800 Monday to Saturday, 1400 to 1800 Sunday and public holidays.  In winter from  16/10 to 16/4 the lock is closed on Sunday and public holidays, but opens on request (Tel 0182 373 248 or 0623 745 830) from 0800 to 1630 Monday to Friday and between 1300 and 1700 Saturday.
Bergsluis:  Opening times are 0900 to 1700 Monday to Thursday.  In the summer (16/4 to 16/10) the lock is open from 0600 to 2200 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.  In the winter the lock is open from 0900 to 1700 on Friday and Saturday but closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Julianasluis:  Opening times are Monday to Friday twenty-four hours a day, Saturday from midnight to 2200 and Sunday from 0600 to 2400 (0800 to 1600 then 2200 to 2400 from 16/10 to 16/4)

Zevenhuizerverlaat:  Opening times are....
 

Koudekerk bridge:  Opening times are 0600 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1800 Saturday ( 0800 to 1400 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4), 1000 to 1800 Sunday and public holidays (closed on Sunday/public holidays from 16/10 to 16/4).
 
Bridges in Alphen:  Opening times are 0600 Monday to 2200 Friday.  Saturday times are 0600 to 2000 from 1/6 to 1/9, 0600 to 1800  from 16/4 to 1/6 and 1/9 to 16/4.  Sunday times are 1000 to 2000 from 1/6 to 1/9, 1000 to 1800 from 16/4 to 1/6 and 1/9 to 16/10.  Closed on Sunday between 16/10 and 4/4.

Bridges at Delft:  Opening times are 0600 Monday to 2200 Friday, 0700 to 1800 Saturday (0800 to 1300 in winter from 16/10 to 16/4), 1000 to 1800 Sunday (closed on Sunday in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4)

Pr. Irenebrug:  Opening times in summer are 0900 to 1600 Monday to Thursday.  On Friday, times are 0600 to 0730, 0900 to 1600 and 1800 to 2200, Saturday is 0600 to 2200, Sunday is 0600 to 0930, 1000 to 1645 and 1700 to 2200.  In winter (16/10 to 16/4) the bridge opens from 0900 to 1600 Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

Gouwesluis railway bridge:  Opening times are...

 

Route 10 (Ringvaart - clockwise)

 
Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Kaag(dorp)  190 From route 5, continue north towards Lisse and Haarlem.
Lisse  240 Low bridge.  Mooring is possible a few hundred metres north of the bridge on the west bank or 500 metres south of the bridge at the Jachthaven de Poel (0252-212410) which charges NLG 1.50 per metre per night.  Water is available.  Walk west from the bridge on Kanaalstraat for shops and restaurants, or one block north of Kanaalstraat and continue west for the Keukenhof - about 30 minutes walk.
Beinsdorp  2802(2) Low bridge (Hillegommerbrug).
Bennebroek
 3102(3) Low bridge (Bennebroekerbrug)
Cruquius.  3402(3) 
The canal branches north towards Haarlem(about 45 minutes to moorings in the centre with water and good restaurants nearby). Continue East round the ringvaart towards Amsterdam.
Vijfhuizen 3702(4) Low bridge.
Halfweg  4402(4) Half way round the Ringvaart. There are moorings at Jachthaven v.d. Swaemeburght east of the bridge.
 Badhoevedorp  4902(5) Low bridge.
Nieuwe Meer 5102(5)  Turn left here to go into Amsterdam (see route 11) or continue South towards Aalsmeer.
Bosrandbrug  5302(6)  Low bridge.
Westeinder Plassen (Aalsmeer)  6202(6)  
Oude wetering  6652(6)  The canal branches south to the Braassemermeer.    Continue west.
Meerbrug, Nieuwe Wetering  6802(7)  The canal crosses the A4 motorway about 400 metres before the low bridge.
Kaag(dorp) 7252(7) Reverse route 5 to base.
Base 9152(7)  
 

Cruising through Amsterdam

Lisserbrug:  Opening times are 0700 to 1700 and 1730 to 2100 Mon. to Fri., 0900 to 1700 Saturday (0900 to 1400 between 1/11 and 1/4), 0900 to 1200 and1630 to 1830 Sunday (closed between 1/11 and 1/4).
 

Hillergommerbrug: Opening times are 0700 to 0745 and 0830 to 2100 Mon. to Fri., 0900 to 1700 Sat. (0900 to 1400 between 1/11 and 1/4), 0900 to 1130 and 1700 to 1900 Sun. (closed between 1/11 and 1/4).
 

Bennebroekerbrug: Opening times are 0700 to 2100 Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 Saturday (0900 to 1400 between 1/11 and 1/4), 0900 to 1200 and 1730 to 1930 Sunday (closed between 1/11 and 1/4).
 

Vijfhuizen:  Opening times are 0900 to 1700 from Monday to Friday (On request only from 16/10 to 16/4, tel 023 562 2390 or 0658 384444) 1000 to 1800 Saturday (0900 to 1200 on request from 16/10 to 16/4),  1000 to 1200 and 1600 to 1800 on Sunday (closed 16/10 to 16/4).
 

Badhoevedorp: Opening times are 0600 to 0700, 0900 to 1630 and 1800 to 1900 Monday to Friday, 1000 to 1800 on Saturday (0900 to 1200 on request from 16/10 to 16/4, tel 023 562 2390 or 0658 384444), 1000 to 1200 and 1600 to 1900 on Sunday (closed 16/10 to 16/4).

Bosrandbrug: Opening times are 0500 Monday to 2200 Friday, 0600 to 2200 Saturday (0600 to 1900 from 16/10 to 16/4), 0800 to 1300 and 1400 to 1700 Sunday (0800 to 1200 and 1400 to 1700 from 16/10 to 1/11, closed from 1/11 to 4/4)

Meerbrug: Opening times are 0600 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0700 to 2100 Saturday in the summer (0700 to 1700 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4. 0700 to 2000 from 16/4 to 1/7 and from 1/9 to 16/10), 0800 to 1300 and 1400 to 2100 on Sunday in the summer (0900 to 1300 and 1400 to 2000 from 16/4 to 1/7 and from 1/9 to 16/10. Closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).

 


Sailing dinghy on the Nieuwe Meer
 


 
 

Route 11 (Ringvaart - anticlockwise)

Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Kaag(dorp)  190 From route 5, continue east on Ringvaart towards Aalsmeer.
Meerbrug, 
Nieuwe Wetering 
 2352  The canal crosses the A4 motorway about 400 metres after the low bridge at Nieuwe Wetering.
Oude Wetering  2502
The canal branches south to the Braasemermeer. Continue east.
Westeinder Plassen 2952
Bosrandbrug 3852(2) Low bridge.
Nieuwe Meer 4052(2) North to Amsterdam or North-West to Halfweg & Haarlem.  There are some overnight moorings in Amsterdam (not the ones shown on the chart) but these are not recommended (noisy and danger of vandalism).  Moor on the Nieuwe Meer or Amstel and spend a day in Amsterdam, but only if you are an experienced skipper with someone at the bow to look for tourist boats, pedallos, rowing boats and outboard motorboats at bridges and sharp turns.  Cross the Nieuwe Meer to the NieuweMeeresluis (about 20 minutes), where you will have to pay a fee to enter Amsterdam.  From there it is about an hour to the city centre. 
Badhoevedorp 4252(3) Low bridge.
Halfweg 4752(3) Half way round the Ringvaart.  There are moorings at Jachthaven v.d. Swaemeburght east of the bridge.
Vijfhuizen 5452(4)  Low bridge.
Cruquius 5752(4) The canal branches north to Haarlem. Continue south towards Lisse,
Bennebroek 6052(5) Low bridge (Bennebroekerbrug). 
Beinsdorp  6352(6) Low bridge (Hillegommerbrug).
Lisse 6752(7) Low bridge.  Mooring is possible a few hundred metres north of the bridge on the west bank or 500 metres south of the bridge at the Jachthaven de Poel (0252-212410) which charges NLG 1.50 per metre per night.  Water is available.  Walk west from the bridge on Kanaalstraat for shops and restaurants, or one block north of Kanaalstraat and continue west for the Keukenhof - about 30 minutes walk.
Kaag(dorp)  7252(7)  Reverse route 5 to base.
Base 9152(7)  

 
Vijfhuizen: Opening times are 0900 to 1700 from Monday to Friday (On request only from 16/10 to 16/4, tel 023 562 2390 or 0658 384444)
1000 to 1800 Saturday (0900 to 1200 on request from 16/10 to 16/4),  1000 to 1200 and 1600 to 1800 on Sunday (closed 16/10 to 16/4).
 
Badhoevedorp: Opening times are 0600 to 0700, 0900 to 1630 and 1800 to 1900 Monday to Friday, 1000 to 1800 on Saturday (0900 to 1200 on request from 16/10 to 16/4, tel 023 562 2390 or 0658 384444), 1000 to 1200 and 1600 to 1900 on Sunday (closed 16/10 to 16/4).
 
Bosrandbrug: Opening times are 0500 Monday to 2200 Friday, 0600 to 2200 Saturday (0600 to 1900 from 16/10 to 16/4), 0800 to 1300 and 1400 to 1700 Sunday (0800 to 1200 and 1400 to 1700 from 16/10 to 1/11, closed from 1/11 to 4/4).
 
Meerbrug: Opening times are 0600 to 2200 Monday to Friday, 0700 to 2100 Saturday in the summer (0700 to 1700 in winter, from 16/10 to 16/4. 0700 to 2000 from 16/4 to 1/7 and from 1/9 to 16/10), 0800 to 1300 and 1400 to 2100 on Sunday in the summer (0900 to 1300 and 1400 to 2000 from 16/4 to 1/7 and from 1/9 to 16/10. Closed on Sunday from 16/10 to 16/4).
 
Lisserbrug:  Opening times are 0700 to 1700 and 1730 to 2100 Mon. to Fri., 0900 to 1700 Saturday (0900 to 1400 between 1/11 and 1/4), 0900 to 1200 and 1630 to 1830 Sunday (closed between 1/11 and 1/4).

Hillergommerbrug: Opening times are 0700 to 0745 and 0830 to 2100 Mon. to Fri., 0900 to 1700 Sat. (0900 to 1400 between 1/11 and 1/4), 0900 to 1130 and 1700 to 1900 Sun. (closed between 1/11 and 1/4).
 

Bennebroekerbrug: Opening times are 0700 to 2100 Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 Saturday (0900 to 1400 between 1/11 and 1/4),
0900 to 1200 and 1730 to 1930 Sunday (closed between 1/11 and 1/4).

 
 

Route 12 (Delft, Gouda, Woerden, Weesp)


Place Time
(minutes)
Notes
Gouda 4652(13),3(4) From route 8, continue up the Hollands Ijssel.
Waaierschutsluis 4952(13),3(4) Lock.
Haastrecht 5252(13),3(5) Low bridge.  Moorings on the north bank with a water automat to the east of the bridge. 
Hekendorp 
 5552(14),3(5)  To the left is the Goejanverwellesluis to the Dubbele Wiericke canal. 
Oudewater  5952(14),3(5)
Low bridge.  There are moorings with water on the north bank, by the Hoonkoopse bridge.  Turn left on the Lange Linschoten through the lock towards Woerden. 
Vrouwenbrug 6352(15),3(6) Low bridge.
Linschoten 6652(16),3(6) Turn left towards Woerden.  The Montfoortse Vaart to the right leads back to the Hollandse Ijssel. 
Woerden 7002(16),3(6) Turn left on the Oude Rijn, passing under three low bridges before turning right onto the Grecht, under another low bridge.  There are moorings on the right, just before the second low bridge. 
Woerdense Verlaat 8002(20),3(6) Lock.  Turn right under the low bridge after passing through the lock, then right again under a second low bridge a few minutes later. 
  8202(22),3(6) Turn right towards Geer (the canal ahead leads through a lock towards Mijdrecht and Vinkeveen). 
Oudendambrug 8252(22),3(6) Low bridge.
Geer 8352(23),3(7) Two low bridges.
Portengensebrug 8752(23),3(7) Low bridge. 
Amsterdam- Rijn Kanaal 9002(28),3(7) There are five bridges before this busy commercial canal, two of them low.  Cross carefully into the canal immediately opposite, where the is a lock and three low bridges.
Breukelen 9102(31),3(8) Turn left on the Vecht.  There are moorings on the left bank.  Water level changes on the Vecht mean that bridge clearances can vary.  Approach bridges carefully to check clearances.
Nieuwersluis 9402(31),3(8) Low bridge.  The Nieuwe Wetering leads to the left.   Continue right,  under the bridge, on the Vecht. 
Loenen 9552(32),3(8) Two low bridges after passing a channel to the right leading to the Loosdrechtse Plassen.
Vreeland 9702(34),3(8) Low bridge with moorings on the right after the bridge.
De Nes Continue north on the Oude Vecht.
Nigtevecht The channel ahead leads back to the Amsterdam-Rijn Kanaal.  Follow the Vecht to the right.
Hinderdam The channel to the south leads through a lock to the Spiegel Polder.  Continue east and north on the Vecht. 
Weesp To the right the Vecht continues to Muiden (about 35 minutes).  There are moorings on the left bank to the left of the island, with water at the VVV landing stage.  Turn left onto the Smal Weesp under three low bridges.  There is a f3.00 fee for the second (Zwaantjesbrug) and moorings after the third.  An open lock leads back to the Amsterdam-Rijn Kanaal.  
Amsterdam-Rijn Kanaal Cross the canal to Driemond, under a low bridge, then turn left under a second low bridge (high enough to pass through at the centre).  There are moorings on the left bank either side of this second bridge.
Abkoude Two low bridges, then turn right into the Holendrecht, under a third low bridge (turn left instead of right for water at the cafeteria by the Hulksbrug).
Waver Turn left onto the Waver under a low bridge.
Stokkelaarsbrug Turn right, following the Waver, after a low bridge.
Amstel Turn left onto the Amstel.  There are moorings on the left just before reaching the Amstel.  A cable ferry crosses the Amstel after about 400 metres - wait until the ferry has stopped before passing.
Uithoorn Moorings with water on the north bank between the bridges and on the right after the second bridge. (f10.00 per boat).  About a kilometre after Uithoorn is the junction with the kromme Mijdrecht, with moorings on the kromme Mijdrecht between the two waterways.
Vrouwenakker Low bridge.
Tolhuissluizen 1400 Lock.  With a permit, you can turn right immediately after the lock onto the Drecht, which has one low bridge at Bilderdam.  Turn left to join route 7 at Oude Wetering.  Otherwise continue south on the Aar canal to Gouwsluis and turn right through Alphen, joining route 8.
Base(Alphen/Drecht) 1760  
Base(Hoogmade/Drecht) 1710  
Base(Aar Kanaal/Alphen) 1765