Lock keepers operate all locks and some lifting bridges. Lock/bridge fee between €1 and €7. Depends on area and different per bridge/lock.
Opening hours: Locks are closed for lunch around 12:00-13:00 and for tea around 16:30-17:30.
Public holidays: Locks are closed on some public holidays.
In Hindeloopen-Stavoren area locks/bridges are open: 1st April to 31st October: Daily. Before 1st April: Closed on Sunday.
In Vinkeveen area locks/bridges are open: 15th April to 15th October: Daily. 1st - 15th April & 15th - 31st October: open with an appointment, lock closed on Sunday.
In one week round trip from Hindeloopen, it will not be possible to go to Amsterdam. To visit Amsterdam, we advise you to moor at Weesp (then take the train) or to Six Haven, behind Amsterdam Central Station.
In order to help you prepare your itinerary as efficiently as possible, please find below the main practical information regarding navigation, marinas, mooring, bridges and locks in the Netherlands.
👉 You will also find attached the river guide from our partner Le Boat, who operates the departure base in Vinkeveen. This document will serve as a reference throughout your boating holiday.
⚓ Marinas and Mooring
The Netherlands has a very strong connection with water: many houses are located along canals or lakes. For this reason, mooring is most often done in marinas.
Marinas are clearly indicated on waterway maps (blue boat symbol).
They offer visitor berths, and it is necessary to register with the harbour master upon arrival.
Each marina applies its own rates, generally between €1.50 and €2.50 per metre of boat per night.
Marinas usually provide basic facilities: drinking water and electricity on the pontoons.
It is strongly recommended to arrive at the marina in the early afternoon, as spaces may be limited.
Due to new regulations, licence-free boats can no longer enter Utrecht directly. Boats must stop at nearby mooring points listed below. From these locations, you can use public transport to reach the city centre. Estimated travel times to Utrecht by public transport:
Breukelen: 23 minutes by train (SPRINTER)
Loosdrecht: 1h15 by bus and train via Hilversum
Nieuwegein: 25 minutes by bus
IJsselstein: 23 minutes by bus
To make itinerary planning easier, we recommend using Google Maps.
🔴 Public and free mooring areas
These are indicated by a red buoy symbol on waterway maps.
To use these moorings, a dedicated mobile application is now required, which also allows you to pay directly for water and electricity consumption if needed.
Exact information and usage details are provided in the attached guide.
🌊 Mooring on lakes
Mooring on lakes is allowed during the day only (for example for swimming or fishing).
Overnight stays on lakes are not permitted.
“Wild mooring” (stakes, logs, etc.) is highly regulated and only possible in rare designated areas.
👉 Do not hesitate to ask the departure base team for advice during the boat handover.
🌉 Bridges and Locks
Each bridge has its own opening schedule.
Bridges located on major road axes may remain closed during rush hours, especially in the afternoon.
Waiting time for passage may vary, but generally does not exceed 30 minutes.
Lock keepers operate all locks and drawbridges. Please bring some cash, as this service may be subject to a fee (on average €8.50 depending on the region, bridge or lock). Most bridges, however, are free of charge.
Please note that you may need to call in advance to arrange access to certain locks and bridges in the Netherlands. It is therefore important to have a mobile phone that works in Europe throughout your cruise. We recommend purchasing a European SIM card before your arrival at the base for registration purposes.
Some passages may be chargeable:
Tips may be requested at small, less frequented bridges.
Urban locks may apply a fee depending on the size of the boat (approximately €3 to €6).
⚠️ Bridge clearance: please pay close attention to the available height, water level and any equipment on the boat (bimini, bicycles, etc.).
In many cases, bridges are low and require opening.
To signal your approach, it is generally necessary to:
– call by phone,
– sound the horn three times,
– or press the waiting button (bollard) located near the bridge.
🚢 Commercial vessels always have priority, including at bridges.
Opening hours (Vinkeveen area):
16 April – 31 May: 09:00 to 19:00
1 June – 31 August: 09:00 to 20:00
1 September – 15 October: 09:00 to 19:00
1 – 15 April and 15 – 31 October: on request
Locks are closed for lunch from 12:30 to 13:30 and from 16:30 to 17:30.
💡 Practical tip: the waterway network is very well organised and navigation is accessible, but anticipating bridge schedules and mooring availability will allow you to fully enjoy your boating holiday.
Here are several online resources to help you plan your itinerary on the Dutch canal network, including maps and useful tools to visualise waterways and locks:
📍 1. Application “Netherland Topo Maps” (Android only)
👉 Free mobile application that provides a detailed map of the Dutch canals.
➡️ It also allows you to plan your routes on Dutch inland waterways directly from your smartphone
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atlogis.netherland&hl=ln
📍 2. Application “Water Map Live” (iOS: iPad or iPhone only)
👉 “Water Map Live” offers a very comprehensive map of the waterways in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany on mobile or Apple tablet.
➡️ Bridges and locks displayed with their information
➡️ Marinas and mooring areas
➡️ Depth indications, buoys and navigation signage
➡️ Route planning and live navigation data
URL: https://apps.apple.com/gr/app/water-map-live/id1401918195
📍 3. Waterkaarten.app — interactive nautical chart (web/app, works on Android or iOS)
👉 Waterkaarten.app provides a detailed map of Western European waterways, with information on marinas, bridges, locks and obstacles.
➡️ Covers the Netherlands and other European countries (including France, Great Britain, Belgium and Germany) with options such as AIS, route planning, etc.
➡️ Available in English / German / Dutch, it is an excellent application to directly visualise key navigation elements (bridges, locks, marinas) on a modern and interactive map.
➡️ Allows you to plan an itinerary and visualise your route simply by entering your departure point / destination / intermediate stops.
➡️ 7-day free trial, then a subscription is required.
URL: https://waterkaarten.app/en/
🗺️ 4. Order a paper nautical chart
👉 Inland waterway charts – NV Charts
There are detailed nautical charts (paper or digital) available for inland waterways, including the Netherlands.
You can view and order these charts (by navigation area) — sometimes useful for leisure boating.
https://eu.nvcharts.com/nautical-charts/netherlands/
We remain at your disposal at any time and wish you a pleasant preparation for your boating holiday 🚤🌷.
