Leisure Lakes
Around Amsterdam there are a number of lakes that will guarantee you a great deal of fun on the water. Hire a sailing boat or electric boat, canoe or surfboard and just bob along!
Westeinderplassen
Take the Westeinderplassen (‘West End Lakes’). There it is an adventure sailing through a network of little channels that link the lakes to one another. You will pass dozens of little islands, most of which are privately owned, apart from ‘Starteiland’ where everyone can moor. A favourite place to have a barbecue, but do bring everything you need yourself, because there are no catering establishments! A beautiful sight is the islands where strawberries and lilacs are grown – just as they were in the past. Looking for a bit more activity? There are some 50 marinas along the banks, often with restaurants, cafés and sun-drenched terraces.
Loosdrechtse Plassen
The area of the Loosdrechtse Plassen (‘Loosdrecht Lakes’) is particularly suitable for watersports: sailing, rowing, canoeing, water-skiing and speedboat sailing – it’s all possible. Hire a boat or take lessons at one of the many sailing schools.If taking a boat out yourself is not your thing, than make an excursion with a pleasure boat or sailing boat or just laze around on a terrace with a view of the water and the boats.
Vinkeveense Plassen
A number of routes have been marked out for canoes and electric boats in the Vinkeveense Plassen (‘Vinkeveen Lakes’). Explore the various sandy islands which have been fully equipped for recreation. The clear water makes it a great place to dive as well. A boat-free zone has been arranged specially for divers with diving objects at various depths. Whether you’d like to splash about with the kids on one of the sandy islands, take a lovely boat tour or indulge in some vigorous watersports, there’s something for everyone at the Vinkeveense Plassen.
Ankeveense Plassen
The Ankeveense Plassen are primarily known for their unique and tranquil nature. No recreational sailing is allowed here to protect (for example) rare and brooding species of birds, such as the black tern and the water rail. You can explore the area with a guide or amble along the beautiful footpaths that run between the lakes.
Tourist Information
VVV Vinkeveen/ De Ronde Venen
Kerklaan 12
tel (+31) (0)297-214231
www.vvvvinkeveen.nl
VVV/ANWB Aalsmeer
Drie Kolommenplein 1
tel: (+31) (0)297-325374
www.vvvaalsmeer.nl
Take a picnic basket with fresh sandwiches and a bottle of rosé so that you can stretch out and unwind on one of the little beaches. Walking or cycling is great around the lakes as well.
- Tell a friend