Lelystad is located directly on the border between the two inland lakes IJsselmeer and Markermeer. Since the diking of the Zuiderzee, the area has developed into a popular water sports area. In the Markermeer and the southern IJsselmeer, the old fishing villages with their special wooden houses are still preserved and each maintains its tradition, whether cheese making, pottery or ceramics or historic shipbuilding. Also a trip to the unique nature reserve Oostervaadersplassen is worthwhile.
Climate: temperate with temperatures between 12 and 22 degrees Celsius
Winds: southwest, west
Sailing season: May to September
Yacht charter Lelystad
Located near Amsterdam, Lelystad is the capital of the Dutch province of Flevoland. Lelystad is a young town compared to the former fishing villages on the IJsselmeer, which have existed for a long time. It is a popular starting point for sailors, as it borders both the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer. From here you can start your sailing trip to old "Zuiderzee" towns, the Frisian lakes or the Waddenzee. There is plenty of parking space in the marina as well as new, well-maintained sanitary facilities. From land, the best way to reach Flevo Marina is via the A6. Near Lelystad take the exit "Lelystad-Noord" and follow the signs "Flevo Marina" for about two kilometers.
When the Dutch say sea, they actually mean lake, but the Markermeer seems like a sea because of its size, it was also originally part of the Zuider Zee. Since the diking, the area has become a popular spot for water sports. However, the dike does not keep the winds out and it can get quite stormy here, so you should not underestimate the area.
In the vicinity of Lelystad, a visit to the beautiful nature reserve Oostvaadersplassen is worthwhile for nature lovers. Here in the marshes and grasslands live, in addition to a variety of bird species, large wild animals such as the red deer, Heck cattle and Konik ponies. The visitor center also offers excursions. The construction of historical sailing ships can be seen in the Batavia shipyard, here they build and restore according to old methods.
Discover the Markermeer and southern IJsselmeer with a yacht charter Lelystad
The former islands of Schokland and Urk already existed in Zuiderzee times and both look back on a long settlement. Schokland was the first Dutch monument to receive World Heritage status. With numerous archaeological sites, the cultural history of the region can be traced here, including in the Schokland Museum. Today's Polden landscapes can also be easily explored by bicycle. On Urk, it is worthwhile to stroll through the alleys of the fishing village of the same name. Cafés and restaurants at the harbor invite you to linger, and here you can also taste local fish dishes. The Marken peninsula on the other side of the IJsselmeer is almost similar. Today it is connected to the mainland again. Once turned into an island by a storm, its own culture developed here over the centuries. The typical houses on wharfs and on stilts, which can be seen everywhere here, still date from this time. The lighthouse from the 19th century still does its job today.
On the IJsselmeer they still exist, the traditional fishing villages from the time of the Zee. Monnickendam, located on the same side as Marken, was granted its town charter as early as the 14th century. From this time only the play tower has been preserved, which can be visited. Volendam is also an old fishing village and in the harbor you can see old Dutch ships anchored. When you think of Edam, you think of the successful product rather than the small town from which it originated. The cheese warehouses from the 17th century can be visited and of course the cheese can be tasted here in various forms.
Southwest of Lelystad lies the historic town of Naarden. During its history it was conquered by various countries, such as France and Spain. Therefore, it was converted into a fortified town in the 17th century and is largely preserved that way today. A museum informs about the history of the embattled city. Not far away is also the bird sanctuary Naardermeer, where cormorants, spoonbills and other waterfowl species live. A little north of Naarden is the town of Muiden, with its castle of the same name, which dates from the 17th century and is well preserved. The town itself is crisscrossed by many small canals and is nice for walking.
Alternatively, you can start from Lemmer, which is located further north. The base is located in the northern IJsselmeer and adjacent start the Frisian Lakes. It is also not far to the Wadden Sea.
Yacht charter Lelystad - set sail with 1a Yachtcharter!
