About

The IJsselmeer is a unique sailing area. Perfect for a day’s sailing, a weekend away or a longer sailing holiday. Whether you’d like to be an active crew member or would rather relax and enjoy the view, the IJsselmeer is suitable for everyone and no matter what direction the wind is blowing, you’ll reach some cosy port town in this wonderful sailing area. Your sailing trip over the IJsselmeer will combine perfectly with a visit to one of the many picturesque port towns dotted around it, such as Enkhuizen, Medemblik, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Lemmer or Urk. But the Frisian Lakes aren’t that far. From there you can sail on to such places as Hoorn, Volendam, Muiden and/or Marken. Or you could put down anchor at the island of Pampus, which is definitely worth a visit! Prefer a city trip? Setting off from the IJsselmeer, the possibilities are endless and there’s plenty to discover, meaning it’ll end up being an unforgettable trip!

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Arrangements and ideas for programs

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Popular harbours of departure around the IJsselmeer

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Traditional sailing ships

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Sights around the IJsselmeer

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Traditional sailing ships for a day trip

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IJsselmeer

Sailing on the IJsselmeer

The IJsselmeer used to be sea. The ‘Zuiderzee’ to be precise. With salt water, tides and currents. Due to the many floods that occurred, the Afsluitdijk was built between Harlingen and Den Oever in 1932, thereby creating the IJsselmeer: the Netherlands’ largest lake. The salt water has since become fresh water and you won’t be troubled by the tides on this vast lake either. You can sail anywhere you like on our clippers, tjalks and schooners. The IJsselmeer is the home base of many of our vessels and the skippers know the sailing area like the back of their hand. And you can easily switch to another sailing area from here. You can sail from the IJsselmeer to the Wadden Islands, the Markermeer, Amsterdam or the Frisian lakes in a short space of time. 

Discover a different city around the IJsselmeer each and every day

A sailing trip combines perfectly with a visit to an historic port town, such as Enkhuizen, Lemmer, Hindeloopen, Workum or Urk. There you can hire a bike or e-bike, take a stroll through the historic town centre, eat a portion of kibbeling (battered fish chunks), or round the day off on a nice little terrace and dine in one of the many restaurants. And the kids won’t get bored after the sailing is done either. There’s plenty of fun to be had ashore. Beaches, playgrounds or a visit to a museum such as the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen, Batavialand in Lelystad, the Wouda Pumping Station in Lemmer, De Oude Bakkerij (‘The Old Bakery’) in Medemblik or the alleyways in Urk. There’s something fun for everyone in each and every town. 

Prefer to put down anchor in the IJsselmeer?

Not keen on visiting a port town? Prefer to swim or find out what it’s like to stop in the middle of nowhere? Then ask the skipper to put down anchor in a beautiful nature reserve. Far away from the hustle and bustle. Time seems to stand still when there are no distractions. What’s more, you’ll have all the time in the world for each other, which is great! Spending the night where you’re moored? Then take a look up at the inky blackness of the night sky, the twinkling stars and the bright moon. 

NAUPAR: a suitable ship for everyone

NAUPAR has the largest fleet of ships affiliated with HISWA. Whether you’re looking for a sporty sailing trip or would prefer to relax or go for something a little more luxurious, we’ll find the right vessel to suit your needs. With in excess of 16 different harbours from which we set sail, there will always be a harbour near you. Whatever your choice, with NAUPAR you can rest assured that you’ll have an unforgettable trip.