Boating in and around Lemmer

BOATING TO LEMMER

Boat hire in Lemmer and the surrounding area

At Lemmer, the Frisian lakes flow into the IJsselmeer. It's easy to get there via the Tjeukemeer, through the Groote Brekken or via the Slotermeer. Lemmer is a lovely place to moor, with a lively centre, a beach and the Woudagemaal, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. All boats are hired for a minimum of three days, so you have plenty of time. You don't need a boating licence. You hire directly from the owner or a hire company. With a number of our boats you can head out onto the IJsselmeer. This is only possible with our express permission, and you must be able to demonstrate boating experience.

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No boating licence needed

You can hire all our boats without a boating licence

Personal service

Feel free to give us a call with any questions. Together we'll find the right boat.

Local hire companies

You hire directly from the owner or a local boat hire company.

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Boating to Lemmer

Lemmer is easy to reach by water, and it doesn't take long.

Langweer: via the Langweerder Wielen and the Tjeukemeer, approx. 3 hours' sailing.
Woudsend, Balk and Sloten: via the Slotermeer, Sloten and the Follega, 2-3 hours' sailing.
Sneek: via the Sneekermeer, the Langweerder Wielen and the Tjeukemeer, approx. 4 hours' sailing, or via IJlst and Woudsend, approx. 3 hours' sailing.

The Tjeukemeer can get quite choppy when the wind is from the west. So check the weather before you cross.

Boating routes to Lemmer

Don't fancy planning your own route? These boating routes pass by Lemmer. Choose a short trip for a long weekend, or a longer route if you have a whole week.

For more routes, take a look at our boating routes page.

Mooring and overnight stays

Lemmer is a true watersports town, and there are several places where you can stay overnight:

Municipal marina in the centre. The marina is run by the municipality of De Fryske Marren and the harbour office is at Binnenhaven 5. You pay the mooring fee by scanning the QR code at your berth, or at the harbour master, who comes by regularly. Electricity, water and showers are paid for separately with the marina payment card.
Marinas on the edge of Lemmer. On the IJsselmeer side you'll find Jachthaven Friese Hoek and the Bûtenjachthaven, among others.
Marrekrite moorings. Prefer a quiet spot on the shore in nature? At Marrekrite spots in Friesland you can moor for free for up to three days.

Mooring fees are charged per metre per day. For current rates, check the marina's website. Tourist tax may be added.

Practical info

Parking, shopping and bridges

Parking. You park your car with the boat's owner when you set off. This is almost always free.

Groceries. It's easiest to do your shopping before you leave. Bear in mind that the fridge on board is often a bit smaller than the one at home.

Packing. We've written a blog about what's handy and smart to bring on holiday.

Bridges and lock. The Lemstersluis, the Oudesluisbrug (Blokjesbrug), the Flevobrug and the Zijlroedebrug in the centre of Lemmer are all operated at the same time. This is from the end of March to 1 November, daily between 9.00 am and 7.00 pm. In June, July and August it's even until 8.00 pm. At the Lemstersluis, be there at least a quarter of an hour before closing time.

Headroom. Some routes have fixed bridges with a headroom of 2.40 m, such as the Elfstedenroute. If you want to boat this route, check the boat's headroom when booking.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boating licence to sail to Lemmer?

You can sail all our boats without a boating licence. This is allowed for boats shorter than 15 metres that can't go faster than 20 kilometres per hour, and our boats meet both requirements. Many boats do require some boating experience, though. This is stated in the boat's description.

How long does it take to sail to Lemmer?

That depends on where you set off from. From Sloten and Balk, for example, you'll be in Lemmer within 2 hours. All boats are hired for a minimum of three days, so you have plenty of time. Most boats have Friday and Monday as their fixed check-in days.

What are the opening times of the bridges and the lock in Lemmer?

The Lemstersluis, the Oudesluisbrug, the Flevobrug and the Zijlroedebrug in the centre are operated from the end of March to 1 November, daily between 9.00 am and 7.00 pm. In June, July and August it's until 8.00 pm. Outside this period they're only operated on request.

Where can I moor in Lemmer?

The municipal marina in the centre is the best-known spot. You can also moor at the Zijlroede and in the marinas on the edge of Lemmer. Mooring fees are charged per metre per day.

Got more questions?

For more questions and detailed answers, take a look at our FAQ page

Christine

What a wonderful adventure we had on the boat Daniëlle. The boat was lovely, with a nice modern feel. Willo, our contact in Sloten, gave us a good briefing first, and so we set off well prepared for 5 days. We had also hired the 2 beautiful SUPs, which was great too. After lots of refreshing dips and lots of laughter, we came back ashore feeling reborn. Highly recommended, we'll definitely be back!

Jet

Spacious boat (with 2 people). Lovely to relax on the rear deck. Kitchen with all the mod cons. Cosy, good lighting on board. Snugly furnished.

Sascha & Viktoria

Wir hatten ein paar sehr schöne Tage mit der Friendship. Das Boot ist sehr gemütlich eingerichtet und bietet alles was man für einen entspannten Bootstörn benötigt. Die Friendship ist sehr gut ausgestattet und lässt sich mit etwas Bootserfahrung sehr gut fahren. Wir wurden sehr herzlich von den Vermietern empfangen und die Übergabe war sehr unkompliziert. Wir kommen gerne wieder.

Ronnie V.

We really enjoyed our stay on the boat. We even booked a few extra nights. We also now know how beautiful and welcoming Friesland is.

Ready for a relaxing boating holiday in and around Lemmer?

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