Sailing Route Haarlem: Discover the Most Beautiful Routes

Which sailing routes are available?

Whether you choose a relaxing trip through the canals of Haarlem, want to explore the enchanting Mooie Nel, wish to sail the picturesque Spaarne river, or want to discover the city centre: in Haarlem, there’s a sailing route for everyone! Enjoy the charming landscape, the historic landmarks, and the serene atmosphere these sailing routes have to offer.

Circuit along the Haarlem canals

Discover Haarlem in North Holland from the water! As you sail along the canals of Haarlem, you’ll pass various historic and cultural landmarks. One of the highlights is the Bakenesserkerk. The church is an eye-catcher and offers a beautiful view from the water.

Further along, you’ll pass the Adriaan Windmill and sail past beautiful mansions and picturesque bridges connecting the canals. The canals themselves are surrounded by atmospheric streets and cosy cafés.

The route is a combination of historic architecture, the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the water, and the opportunity to experience Haarlem from a different perspective. Generally, the route takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your speed and how often you stop.

Boat trip through Haarlem city centre

Enjoy the historic architecture, the picturesque canals, and the lively atmosphere of the city centre. You’ll sail under characteristic bridges and enjoy the beautiful facades along the canals. During a boat trip through the centre, you’ll pass several interesting landmarks. One of the eye-catchers is the Grote Markt, the central square of Haarlem. Here you’ll find the imposing town hall, which dates back to the 14th century and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

Along the route, you’ll also pass the Sint-Bavokerk, an impressive church with a rich history. Another highlight is the Amsterdamse Poort, one of the original city gates of Haarlem.

Circuit around Molenplas

During the “Molenplas Circuit”, you can enjoy the serene view of the water and the green surroundings. As you sail, you’ll encounter some interesting landmarks. One of the highlights is the Oude Molen, a traditional windmill that is a characteristic symbol of the Dutch landscape. This windmill adds a touch of charm to the area.

You’ll also pass various viewpoints where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the Molenplas. The Molenplas is an idyllic spot to relax and unwind. It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers the opportunity to enjoy the serene surroundings and the soothing sound of the lapping water. The route is relatively short and usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your speed and preferences.

Boat trip across the Mooie Nel

During the boat trip across the Mooie Nel, you’ll sail through beautiful waterways and pass various interesting places. One of the highlights is the Spaarnwoude recreation area, which is located on the banks of the Mooie Nel. Here you can enjoy green meadows, forests, and recreational activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking.

Further along the route, you’ll pass the Houtrakpolder, an extensive nature reserve with rich flora and fauna. This is a popular spot for bird enthusiasts, as you can spot various bird species here. There are also several historic landmarks that you’ll pass during the boat trip, such as Fort Spaarndam.

The combination of beautiful natural landscapes, quiet waterways, and the opportunity to discover both recreational and historic landmarks makes a boat trip across the Mooie Nel a unique experience. The duration of the boat trip can vary, depending on the route you choose and the speed of the boat. Generally, you can expect a few hours to half a day to complete the route.

Choose your own sailing route

Jump aboard, take the helm, and chart your own unique sailing route through Haarlem. From idyllic villages to remarkable landmarks and from serene nature reserves to bustling harbours – the choice is entirely yours.

What can you see during the sailing routes in Haarlem?

During the sailing routes in Haarlem, you’ll be surrounded by historic splendour and breathtaking views. Enjoy the mix of architecture, cultural heritage, and the serene beauty of the canals, making every cruise an unforgettable experience.

De Waag

De Waag in Haarlem is a historic building dating from the 14th century and is an iconic landmark in the city. It is located on the Spaarne, an important waterway in Haarlem, and can be reached during a cruise through the city centre.

Molen ‘De Adriaan’

When sailing along the Spaarne, you can’t miss the majestic windmill ‘De Adriaan’. The imposing structure with its characteristic white facade and spinning blades immediately catches the eye. Molen ‘De Adriaan’ is an iconic windmill in Haarlem that has become an important landmark and symbol of the city.

Mooie Nel

The Mooie Nel is a beautiful area near Haarlem known for its expansive lake and picturesque surroundings. It is a popular sailing route for both recreational boat trips and water sports activities.

The sailing route across the Mooie Nel offers the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The lake itself is surrounded by green banks, reed beds, and lush forests, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity.

The Amsterdamse Poort

The Amsterdamse Poort dates from the 14th century and originally served as a defence gate. It is one of the best-preserved city gates in the Netherlands and an important architectural and historical monument. The gate is named after the city of Amsterdam, with which the municipality of Haarlem has had a close bond for centuries. To reach the Amsterdamse Poort during a cruise, you can follow the sailing route through the city centre.

Teylers Museum

A visit to Teylers Museum in Haarlem, in the province of North Holland, offers a unique opportunity to learn more about art, science, and history, and to enjoy the beautiful collections and the historic character of the building. The museum is dedicated to art, science, and history and offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors.

Gravestenenbrug

The Gravestenenbrug is a charming drawbridge that spans the canal water. It is a charming bridge with a characteristic appearance, featuring wooden railings and a solid construction. The bridge is known for its picturesque look and adds a touch of authenticity to the historic surroundings.

During a cruise through the canals of Haarlem, you can sail under the Gravestenenbrug. This offers a unique perspective on the bridge and the surrounding architecture. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take photos and enjoy the charming view of the bridge from the water.

Hodshon Huis

The Hodshon Huis in Haarlem is a fine example of neoclassical architecture and has a rich history. The house is named after the Hodshon family, who had it built in the 18th century.

During a cruise through the centre and along the Spaarne, you’ll pass the Hodshon Huis. It is situated on the riverbank and is a striking landmark.

Cathedral of Saint Bavo

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with imposing vaults, tall towers, and beautiful stained glass windows. We are of course talking about the Cathedral of Saint Bavo, also known as the Grote Kerk of Haarlem. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Bavo, the patron saint of Haarlem, and has a rich history dating back to the 14th century.

During a cruise through Haarlem, you can sail past the Cathedral of Saint Bavo, as it is located on the Grote Markt, an important point in the city. From the water, you have a beautiful view of the imposing facade and the spires of the cathedral, giving you an impression of its majestic presence.

The Nieuwe Gracht

The Nieuwe Gracht is a picturesque canal in the historic centre of Haarlem, the Netherlands. It is one of the most well-known canals of the city and is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, residential houses, and cosy terraces.

The Nieuwe Gracht runs right through the heart of Haarlem and forms an important connection between the Bakenessergracht and the Leidsevaart.

Sailing routes from Haarlem to Amsterdam

A beautiful trip across the waterways, during which you enjoy the Dutch landscape and the charming villages and cities along the way. The most common sailing route from the municipality of Haarlem to Amsterdam follows the Spaarne, a river that flows through Haarlem, and continues via the Zijkanaal B in North Holland. Generally, the cruise from Haarlem to Amsterdam takes on average between 4 and 6 hours.

Please note, however, that Bootuitjes.nl does not offer cruises from Haarlem to Amsterdam.

Sailing in Haarlem with a package

Create unforgettable memories with friends, family, or loved ones during these special cruises in Haarlem. At bootuitjes.nl, we offer various packages. On the Happy Hour Boat, you’ll enjoy refreshing drinks, delicious snacks, and great company while sailing along the picturesque canals. For food lovers, the BBQ Boat offers a culinary experience with flavourful grilled meat, fresh fish, and tasty side dishes. The lunch or brunch cruise is ideal for a relaxed and tasty experience with an extensive assortment of delicious dishes. And the pizza boat is a true paradise for lovers of Italian flavours, where you’ll enjoy delicious pizzas.