OUTSIDE OF AMSTERDAM

OUTSIDE OF AMSTERDAM

An Amsterdam boat rental is awesome, no doubt about it! But there are other great destinations waiting to be discovered by rental boat too.

Some of them are in the countryside within cycling distance from Amsterdam. Others, like the really nice cities of Haarlem, Leiden and Alkmaar are a bit further away, making them a great daytrip destination.

Bakkerswinkel Amsterdam West next to Boats4rent Rent a Boat

1. Alkmaar (‘the cheese capital’)

1. Alkmaar (‘the cheese capital’)

The historical mid-size city of Alkmaar is a great destination for a day trip from Amsterdam. You can get there by car or by public transport in about one hour’s time.

Alkmaar has a monumental center with lots of nice buildings and canals. The main tourist attraction is the (seasonal) weekly cheese market. Alkmaar is surrounded by typical flat and green countryside. You can also combine your visit to Alkmaar with the Northsea coast, with attractive coastal towns like Bergen aan Zee and Egmond aan Zee.

The best way to discover the historical center of Alkmaar and the countryside surrounding the city is of course by boat. Alkmaar Boat Rentals is the place to go to. They are affordable, they have different boats to choose from and several nice add-ons.

Bakkerswinkel Amsterdam West next to Boats4rent Rent a Boat

2. Broek in Waterland (Dutch countryside)

2. Broek in Waterland (Dutch countryside)

The picturesque typical Dutch landscape just north of Amsterdam is called ‘Waterland’. Lots of waterways cross this rural area with charming little villages. Broek in Waterland is one of them: a prosperous small scale village with beautiful wooden houses. Great ways to discover this area are cycling, and boating!

Broeker Bootverhuur (meaning: Broek in Waterland Boat Hire) has electric boats for rent for a maximum of 5 people. And if you’re into sports: this place also rents canoes.

Giethoorn

3. Giethoorn (Dutch ‘little Venice’)

3. Giethoorn (Dutch ‘little Venice’)

From Amsterdam to Giethoorn (‘Dutch little Venice’) is just 1,5 hours by car. It’s definitely one of the prettiest water villages in the Netherlands. Along the main canal you will find hundreds of fairytale houses with thatched roofs, nice gardens and little bridges. There are two nice ways to explore Gierhoorn. The first is by foot on the Binnenpad. The second (and better) option is by renting a boat and sailing it through the picturesque main canal and the lush countryside surrounding Giethoorn. For renting a whisper boat or a (luxury) sloop we recommend Giethoorn boat rental. Here you can also book a private boat tour with skipper.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond Amsterdam, several destinations offer unique boating experiences. Alkmaar, known as 'the cheese capital,' features a historic center with numerous canals and a seasonal weekly cheese market. It's approximately an hour's drive or public transport ride from Amsterdam. Another option is Broek in Waterland, a picturesque village north of Amsterdam, characterized by charming wooden houses and waterways. Here, you can rent electric boats suitable for up to five people. Lastly, Giethoorn, often referred to as 'Dutch little Venice,' is about 1.5 hours by car from Amsterdam. This village boasts fairytale-like houses with thatched roofs and is best explored by renting a boat to navigate its canals. For more details, visit Outside of Amsterdam.

In Alkmaar, you can rent boats from Alkmaar Boat Rentals, which offers a variety of boats and additional options to enhance your experience. They provide affordable rates and are an excellent choice for exploring the city's canals and surrounding countryside. For more information, visit Outside of Amsterdam.

Broek in Waterland, located just north of Amsterdam, is best explored by boat or bicycle. The village features beautiful wooden houses and numerous waterways. Broeker Bootverhuur offers electric boat rentals for up to five people, as well as canoe rentals for those interested in a more active experience. More details can be found at Outside of Amsterdam.

Yes, Giethoorn is accessible for a day trip from Amsterdam, being approximately 1.5 hours away by car. Known as 'Dutch little Venice,' Giethoorn is renowned for its canals, thatched-roof houses, and picturesque bridges. Visitors can explore the village on foot via the Binnenpad or by renting a boat to navigate the canals. For boat rentals and private tours, consider Giethoorn Boat Rental. Additional information is available at Outside of Amsterdam.

Yes, near Alkmaar, there are attractive coastal towns such as Bergen aan Zee and Egmond aan Zee. These towns offer beautiful North Sea beaches and are ideal for combining with a visit to Alkmaar. They provide a relaxing seaside experience and are easily accessible from Alkmaar. More information can be found at Outside of Amsterdam.