Netherlands Waterway Cruise – Hardewijk to Naarden

Nijkerkersluis – in the rain

We planned to leave Hardewijk fairly early as we needed to be in Naarden by lunchtime to meet some friends who were joining us there.

We got going by 08.15 hrs, which was pretty good for us.
Once again it chose to rain as we were leaving. The rain stayed with us most of the trip, but cleared up as we got closer to Naarden, and it was sunny by the time we arrived there.

Wind turbines on Flevoland

The trip took us basically westwards, with Flevoland on the right and the mainland on the left.
Flevoland is a very flat reclaimed area, with hundreds of wind-turbines spinning away.

The route followed a buoyed channel the whole way, along the Nijkerkernauw and across the Eemmeer and the Gooimeer.
There was only one lock – Nijkerkersluis and one large fixed bridge with ample clearance to negotiate.

Naarden marina

The approach to the marina is via another buoyed channel, but the entrance itself is not obvious until you are right at it.

With the stiff NW breeze blowing, I was a bit anxious about manoeuvring in the tight space, but once inside, the marina is well protected being surrounded by large trees and we had no problems mooring up at the visitor’s jetty.

We had made good time and were moored up in Naarden marina by 12.30 hrs.

This marina was a huge and very well equipped marina. There must have been several hundred yachts berthed there.

The ablutions and facilities were excellent, including good wifi. It was on the expensive side though at Euro 30 including the tourist tax for 4 people.

Old gate into Naarden

Our friends arrived as planned about half an hour later.

Once we had their stuff on board, and explained a few basics about the boat, we all took a walk to explore the town.

The marina is about a 15 minute walk from the old town itself.

Strolling around Naarden

Naarden is a very picturesque ancient walled town, but not a lot else happening.

We did a small shop up at the supermarket and returned to the boat for a pleasant evening aboard.

Some statistics – Distance for the day – 42 kms with average speed of 10 kms/hr again.

Only 1 lock and 1 fixed bridge.

Canals of Naarden

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