Ilperveld boating route
Experience the Ilperveld from the water with this 5-hour cruise through the peat meadow area. Cruising through the Ilperveld, you will encounter a number of low bridges and enjoy the hundreds of islands, whistling meadow birds and more natural beauty.
This cruising route starts at Marina 'RS Watersport'. From here, the route heads towards the Luijendijk lock. The maximum speed here is 6 km/h. The Luijendijk lock is a self-service lock. During summer (16/4-15/10) open from 8 to 8, outside from 9 to 5. From the lock, the route can be sailed either left or right.
In the first case, you cross the open lake, where there is a lot of swimming and fishing, and sail directly between the built-up area at Landsmeer. Here you come across a very low bridge. For boats that cannot fit under this, an alternative route 'B' is signposted via Den Ilp.
From the low bridge, eastward is gev...
This cruising route starts at Marina 'RS Watersport'. From here, the route heads towards the Luijendijk lock. The maximum speed here is 6 km/h. The Luijendijk lock is a self-service lock. During summer (16/4-15/10) open from 8 to 8, outside from 9 to 5. From the lock, the route can be sailed either left or right.
In the first case, you cross the open lake, where there is a lot of swimming and fishing, and sail directly between the built-up area at Landsmeer. Here you come across a very low bridge. For boats that cannot fit under this, an alternative route 'B' is signposted via Den Ilp.
From the low bridge, sail eastwards and reach the Ilperveld. Follow the route and reach the first disembarkation point, 'Zuiderschorre'. Here you can read and see how silting of the peat results in a swamp forest via several steps. From the Zuiderschorre, the route runs between meadows and goes around a beautiful swamp forest before reaching the second exit point, the 'Braamstuk'.
Here it is explained how the peat can grow 'up' again and you can also walk on the quaking bog for a bit, barefoot if necessary! From here you continue on your way to the next exit point, the 'Banscheiding'. Here it is very effectively illustrated how badly this area, which had little economic value, was handled in the past.
From here, the route continues via a bird-watching hut and the Ilperveld Visitor Centre. The large field to the left of the water is higher than the surrounding meadows. This is one of the old landfills in the Ilperveld that were remediated around 2009. It can also be recognised by the typical windmills. From here, the route leads to the last exit point, the 'Slobberstukje', with picnic table.
From the Slobberstukje, take the narrow ditch southwards. The route then crosses a small swamp forest via wider water. Continue the route until you cross Den Ilp via a small bridge and reach the Luijendijk lock again via the ring canal of recreation area 't Twiske.
Important information:
- The starting point of the route is at RS Watersport in Zaandam.
- The route has several low bridges and is only suitable for low boats.
- The detailed route map and further information about the route can be found at www.twiske.info. You can also download the detailed map with description as a PDF here!