Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland
About Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland
Enter a world of beauty by the sea in Friesland-Amsterdam
The water is a way of life in Holland, a nation born of the sea and the rivers that flow across its pastoral flat lands. Embark on a unique voyage through the waterways of Friesland and Amsterdam, where Holland's maritime legacy unfolds. Cruising through Amsterdam offers a unique and enchanting experience as you navigate the city's iconic canals.Boat hire in Amsterdam allows you to uncover the city's beauty from a different perspective. Glide past historic architecture, picturesque bridges, and vibrant neighborhoods while enjoying the freedom to create your own Amsterdam canal journey. You can also explore the beauty of Friesland, with its picturesque landscapes merge seamlessly with a rich cultural heritage, and its extensive network of lakes, canals, and waterways, providing a serene and idyllic setting. Embrace the Frisian spirit as you navigate the pristine waters, passing by quaint villages, historic windmills, and lush green meadows. Boat hire in Friesland-Amsterdam offers a unique perspective on the region's beauty, allowing you to absorb the tranquility and charm that define this corner of the Netherlands.
Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland map
= Le Boat Base 
= Canal 
= Navigable river 
= No navigation beyond this point
The perfect boating region for...
History & Heritage
The Friesland-Amsterdam region is replete with history and heritage, especially in Amsterdam and Utrecht! Check out Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace and Dom Square! In historic Utrecht, don’t miss the tour of Stadskasteel Oudaen, a fortified house turned into a brewery!
Watersports
The Lakeland district is famous for watersports holidays throughout Europe! Boating is not just a pastime in Friesland-Amsterdam, it’s a way of life! Check out the watersports hires in Sneek and Grouw. Canoe, kayak, jet ski and sail!
Cycling
Holland isn’t known for its hills, making it ideal for bicycle tours in Friesland-Amsterdam! Cruise past fields of tulips and rustic-looking restored windmills. Stop in a waterside village for steamed mussels or oysters on the half-shell! Lift a pint and watch the world go by!
Useful information
Download our Region Guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
The waters of Holland are vast, totalling roughly 269 waterways equalling 3,732 kilometres (2,319 miles)! The canals range from the enormous North Sea Canal that stretches 24 kilometres (15 miles) from the ocean to bustling Amsterdam to quiet fingers of blue amidst lush green fields. More than 25 percent of Holland is below sea level, necessitating a network of dikes to keep the water out. The Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers all flow through Holland, creating a beautiful delta.
An Amsterdam canal cruise unfolds along the north and west waters. As you travel, you’ll see a unique swath of pretty sand dunes fronting the sea, and, by way of more Amsterdam info, the Lakeland district has more connected inland lakes than found in any other nation in Europe! It’s an ideal playground for watersports, which are hugely popular! It’s great for canal boating too!
Amsterdam began in about 1200 as a fishing village, and the first dam was built at roughly the same time. By 1400, the town had become a major trading port. It continued to grow and in the 1700s Amsterdam served a major European financial hub. As part of its expansion, three concentric semicircular canals were built around the city centre. Narrow streets and smaller canals followed, transforming Amsterdam with more than 90 islands and 1,280 bridges!
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Navigating in Holland is easy and suitable for beginners.
Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your holiday plans.
Lock keepers operate all locks and some lifting bridges. Keep small change handy because sometimes there is a charge. Lock/bridge fee between €1 and €8.50 depending on the area and whether it's a bridge or a lock. Most bridges are however free of charge. Please be advised that you will need to call ahead to arrange access to certain locks & bridges in Holland. It’s therefore important that you have a mobile phone that works in Europe for the duration of your cruise. We recommend purchasing a European SIM card prior to your arrival at the base for check-in.
Opening hours: Locks are closed for lunch around 12:30 - 13:30 and for break around 16:30 - 17:30.
In Hindeloopen area locks/bridges are open: Flevoland 1st April to 31st October: Monday to Friday 06:00 - 22:00. Saturday 07:00 - 22:00. Sundays and Public holidays 09:00 - 22:00. Before 1st April: Monday to Friday 06:00 - 22:00. Saturday 0700 - 1200 Closed on Sunday.
Súdwest-Fryslân: 23rd March to 1st October: 09:00 - 19:00 April, May, September & October, 09:00 - 22:00 June, July and August.
In Vinkeveen area locks/bridges are open: 16th April to 31st May 09:00-19:00, 1st June to 31st August 09:00-20:00. 1st September to 15th October 09:00 -19:00. 1st April to 15th April & 15th October to 31st October: open on request.
Public holidays: Locks are closed on some public holidays and may operate at different times.
Closure dates: Please be aware about the lock closure dates by local authorities. During that day(s), you won’t be able to go through the locks. For more details and questions, please contact our sales team.
You may moor alongside in the canals in ports. You’ll find marinas with shore power and other services. Small charges may apply. To visit Amsterdam, moor at Weesp and take a train to the city centre. Alternatively, you can moor at Six Haven Marina across from the Amsterdam Central Station and take a free 24-hour ferry to the city centre.
To find out how to get to each of our bases in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available at each base or nearby, click on the relevant base below:
- Hire of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Optional holiday extras (find out more)
- Boat damage waiver (find out more)
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour (find out more)
- Passage through locks (small fee applies - payable locally)
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside serevices if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map of Holland, Amsterdam, Friesland
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see…
Route suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here's a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You dont have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you've booked - you're free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we'd recommend an average of 2 - 4 hours cruising each day.
Vinkeveen RETURN via Utrecht, Lisse & Amsterdam
Vinkeveen
Maarsen
Utrecht
Oudewater
Gouda
Leiden
Lisse
Amsterdam
Vinkeveen
30 hr(s) of cruising
180km 11 locks 7 nightsVinkeveen RETURN via Utrecht, Lisse & Amsterdam
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Overview
Discover the dutch way of life! Emerge yourself into some of the most historic & dynamic cities of Holland like Amsterdam, Utrecht or Den Haag through typical dutch villages like Delft. On the way you'll also admire the flowered fields near Lisse & Leiden and taste the famous cheese of Gouda. Don't miss the traditional cheese market there!
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays - 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days - special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Top highlights:
- Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen
- The culture and arts of medieval Utrecht
- Lisse's castle and flower gardens
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River is Maarssen, a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Age. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam have built some country houses nearby that you could still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit the historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
- Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland's fourth biggest city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin's Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it's a nice place for a walk.
- Oudewater: Spend some time to visit the historic protected city center and the famous 'Heksenwaag' (witches' scales) where people accused of witchcraft were offered a chance of proving their innocence.
- Gouda: Famous thanks to the cheese of the same name, Gouda hosts a traditional cheese market every Thursday morning. The town has a rich history and patrimoine and hosts one of the oldest city halls in the country. Don't miss the Saint John Church famous for its stained glass windows.
- Leiden: The charming town of Leiden is made of small canals and tree-bordered. The historical town center contains imrpessive buildings and churches that you can't miss. Spend some time to walk in the numerous parks and to visit the Hortus Botanicus and other gardens of the town.
- Lisse: Lisse is known as Holland's flower-growing area. Enjoy the amazing view of the surrounding flowered fields during spring. From March to May, visit the famous Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world which also hosts an open Castle all year-round.
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
30 hr(s) of cruising
180km 11 locks 7 nights
Hindeloopen RETURN via Harlingen
Hindeloopen
Workum
Sneek
Bolsward
Leeuwarden
Franeker
Harlingen
Hindeloopen
29 hr(s) of cruising
200km 4 locks 7 nightsHindeloopen RETURN via Harlingen
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Overview
You’re in the heart of the Lakelands region, a highlight of fabulous Holland river cruises! For lunch it’s a stop at a traditional fishing village to enjoy a pint of Grolsch and oysters on the half-shell, and later you take time for some sightseeing in beautiful Lemmer. The warm sun relaxes you as you kayak in scenic Grou.
Top highlights:
- Strolling through the streets and sandy beaches of Hindeloopen
- Sneek's monumental Roman Catholic Church
- Leeuwarden's very own Pisa tower
- Canoeing in the charming town of Grouw
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Hindeloopen: Hindeloopen is a picturesque village full of Dutch character. Its quirky cobbled streets, wooden bridges & well-preserved houses give it a unique identity and a rich heritage that you can discover by walking to its old centre, around the traditional harbor and along the nearby sandy beaches.
- Workum: Workum is a beautiful little seaside city with numerous medieval monuments like the Gertrudis church. You should also visit Werenfridus Church.
- Bolsward: The rich history of Bolsward city can be admired through its dozens of national monuments such as the 17th century Bolsward Town Hall, a magnificent red-brick building, or the 15th century Martinikerk, the church, which is home to intricate wooden carvings and pulpit carved from a single oak tree. A ten-minute walk from the town center is one of the country’s smallest breweries, producing ‘US Heit’ beers and several whiskies. Be sure to catch a tour (Thu to Sat - reserve online www.usheit.com).
- Sneek: Sneek is a dynamic city in the area. It has interesting architecture, especially the great gate of the waterport and the city hall, which is built in a rococo style. Also, visit the Roman Catholic Church, which is a national monument.
- Leeuwarden: As the capital of Friesland, there are plenty of things to see and do in Leeuwarden. The Nature Museum is located in a 17th century building and is dedicated to exhibitions around the local nature and wildlife. Friesland’s breed of cattle is renowned across the world, and the Friday cattle market and annual show are still held regularly. The Oldehover Tower (which leans even more precariously than the Tower of Pisa) offers uninterrupted views of the local countryside, once you climb its 183 steps. At one time there were over 130 windmills standing in the city.
- Franeker: In the living room of a lovely Friesian canalside house is the world’s oldest functioning planetarium. This accurately moving model of the solar system was built between 1774 and 1781 by Eise Eisinga. Visit this wonderful museum, see Eisinga’s amazing creations and learn about the planets as well as the determination and brilliance of this amazing man. Franeker itself is a typical Friesland city with a handful of interesting museums, a city hall and an inviting array of cafés and restaurants
- Harlingen: This quaint fishing town is known for the hundreds of sculptures dotted about the city. Make sure to visit the “Stone Man”, a two-headed statue created in 1774, then head to the beach across the road where you can swim, kitesurf or hire a canoe. The town remains a major port for shrimp and prawn fishing, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants where you can sample the daily catch. If you’re a nature lover, why not catch the ferry to the West Friesian Islands or cycle to the beautiful nature reserve, the Hegewiersterfjild, where you’ll discover various birds and fish.
29 hr(s) of cruising
200km 4 locks 7 nights
Vinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam, Edam & Alkmaar
Vinkeveen
Weesp
Amsterdam
Edam
Alkmaar
Zaanse Schans
Vinkeveen
24 hr(s) of cruising
158km 7 locks 7 nightsVinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam, Edam & Alkmaar
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Overview
This cruise will drive you to the culture of Holland. Starting with a tour of Amsterdam to admire its canals and enjoy its dynamic & cultural life before tasting the famous dutch cheeses. Edam and Alkmaar have a long history with cheese that you will discover with the handful of remaining cheese warehouses and their local cheese markets.
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays - 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days - special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.
Top highlights:
- The fresh cheeses and markets of Edam
- The cheeses and stained-glass window church of Gouda
- The vibrancy of Amsterdam - Be sure to hire a bike and cycle along the city's beautiful canals
- Windmills and green wooden houses of Zaanse Schans
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
- Edam: Edam is known worldwide thanks to the cheese. Don't miss the market in peak summer on Wednesday morning!
- Alkmaar: Take a stroll through Alkmaar's beautiful city centre to discover the many museums, shops and cafes that line the historic canal banks. Don't miss the famous cheese market, held every Friday morning from April to September - this market has been taking place for centuries, and is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Alkmaar.
- Zaanse Schans: For anyone interested in Dutch history the Zaanse Schans is a must see. Beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century buildings from all over the Zaanstreek region have been moved to this spot, so you can experience first hand what life was like in old Holland. There are fully functioning windmills, bakeries and even a clog workshop - all with a story to tell.
24 hr(s) of cruising
158km 7 locks 7 nights
Vinkeveen RETURN via Utrecht & Gouda
Vinkeveen
Maarsen
Utrecht
Oudewater
Gouda
Weesp
Vinkeveen
22 hr(s) of cruising
123km 11 locks 5 nightsVinkeveen RETURN via Utrecht & Gouda
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Overview
Following the River Vecht, this cruise will drive you to the historic and charming city of Utrecht. You'll then be able to reach the small town of Gouda, famous for its cheese and its traditional cheese market. Once there, admire the historic buildings of the town such the Saint John Church, famous for its stained glass windows.
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays - 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days - special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.
Top highlights:
- The cheeses and stained-glass window church of Gouda
- Walking through the extraordinary streets of Oudewater
- Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen
- Tasting the chocolate, beer and jenever in Weesp
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River Maarssen was a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Ages. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam built some country houses nearby that you can still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
- Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland's fourth biggest city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin's Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it's a nice place for a walk.
- Oudewater: Spend some time to visit the historically protected city center and the famous 'Heksenwaag' (witches' scales) where people accused of witchcraft were offered a chance of proving their innocence.
- Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
- Gouda: Famous thanks to the cheese of the same name, Gouda hosts a traditional cheese market every Thursday morning. The town also has a rich history and patrimoine and hosts one of the oldest city halls in the country. Don't miss the Saint John Church famous for its stained glass windows.
22 hr(s) of cruising
123km 11 locks 5 nights
Vinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam & Utrecht
Vinkeveen
Maarsen
Utrecht
Muiden
Weesp
Amsterdam
Vinkeveen
18 hr(s) of cruising
114km 4 locks 5 nightsVinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam & Utrecht
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Overview
Start your Holland river cruise with a bit of pampering at the resort amenities of Vinkeveen, and then it’s off on the River Vecht to cosmopolitan Amsterdam and historic Utrecht! You glide past the palatial riverfront homes and find yourself in more rural locales with traditional windmills and fields of colourful flowers.
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays - 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days - special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.
Top highlights:
- The diverse culture and arts of medieval Utrecht
- Muiden's fort and castle
- The vibrancy of Amsterdam - Be sure to hire a bike and cycle along the city's beautiful canals!
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River Maarssen was a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Age. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam have built some country houses nearby that you could still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit the historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
- Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland's fourth city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin's Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it's a nice place for a walk.
- Muiden: Muiden is a walled city with an impressive heritage. The Muiderslot Castle is a wonder of the Middle Ages that has survived throughout the centuries. Discover the numerous monuments and vestiges of Muiden, and enjoy its quietness.
- Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
18 hr(s) of cruising
114km 4 locks 5 nights
Vinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam & Muiden
Vinkeveen
Amsterdam
Muiden
Weesp
Amsterdam
Vinkeveen
13 hr(s) of cruising
86km 4 locks 3 nightsVinkeveen RETURN via Amsterdam & Muiden
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Overview
Set off from Vinkeveen Marina and its luxury amenities on your canal cruise through the peaceful suburbs of Amsterdam. You’ll head northward to picturesque Amstelven and its modern art museum before diving into the dynamic city of Amsterdam.
Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays - 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days - special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.
Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.
Top highlights:
- Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen
- Muiden's fort and castle
- The vibrancy of Amsterdam - be sure to hire a bike and cycle along the city's beautiful canals!
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
- Muiden: Muiden is a walled city with an impressive heritage. The Muiderslot Castle is a wonder of the Middle Ages that has survived throughout the centuries. Discover the numerous monuments and vestiges of Muiden, and enjoy its quietness.
- Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
13 hr(s) of cruising
86km 4 locks 3 nights
Hindeloopen RETURN via Sneek
Hindeloopen
Workum
Bolsward
Sneek
Hindeloopen
13 hr(s) of cruising
84km 0 locks 3 nightsHindeloopen RETURN via Sneek
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Overview
Cruise from our base in Hindeloopen, frequently ranked as one of the prettiest villages in Europe, to the city of Sneek. Sneek's centrepiece is it's beautiful Waterpoort Gate, the only of its kind in the Netherlands and all that remains of the 17th Century town walls. En-route you'll pass through Workum, the hometown of famous artist Jopie Huisman. Here you'll find a great little museum showcasing some of his work, as well a fine church on Workum's bustling main street.
Top highlights:
- Strolling through the streets and sandy beaches of Hindeloopen
- Sneek's monumental Roman Catholic Church
- One of Holland's smallest breweries in Bolsward
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Hindeloopen: Hindeloopen is a picturesque village full of Dutch character. Its quirky cobbled streets, wooden bridges and well-preserved houses give it a unique identity and a rich heritage that you can discover by walking to its old center, around the traditional harbour and along the nearby sandy beaches.
- Workum: Workum is a beautiful little seaside city with numerous medieval monuments like the Gertrudis church. You should also visit Werenfridus Church.
- Bolsward: The rich history of Bolsward city can be admired through its dozens of national monuments such as the 17th century Bolsward Town Hall, a magnificent red-brick building, or the 15th century Martinikerk, the church, which is home to intricate wooden carvings and pulpit carved from a single oak tree. A ten-minute walk from the town centre is one of the country’s smallest breweries, producing ‘US Heit’ beers and several whiskies. Be sure to catch a tour (Thu to Sat - reserve online www.usheit.com).
- Sneek: Sneek is a dynamic city in the area. It has interesting architecture, especially the great gate of the waterport and the city hall, which is built in a rococo style. Also, visit the Roman Catholic Church, which is a national monument.
13 hr(s) of cruising
84km 0 locks 3 nights