Waterways of the netherlands with houseboat rentals, canal boat hire, yachting
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One could say that the country of the Netherlands was born out of the water.
A considerable part of it lies beneath the sea level and needs to be continuously drained. The number of canals, rivers and wide lakes is countless.
It will not come as surprise that boating is a way of life to the Dutch, who spare no efforts to keep their waterways in an impeccable state. As most of the country is as flat as a pancake, there are almost no locks, except for the ones protecting the cities.
Rather than offering spectacular sceneries only now and then, the Dutch waterways charm with their variety of gentle landscapes, welcoming villages & ancient cities which were built on the water.
All Dutch inland waterways are open to pleasure boaters. Each adult is allowed to navigate without license any motorboat with a length of up to 15 meters and with a cruising speed of less than 20 km (12.5 miles) per hour. Only exceptions are the vast lakes of the Waddenzee & the IJsselmeer, and the Great Rivers. However, when experience can be proved, exceptions can be made by the boat hirers.