Meuse → Mosel → Rhine - The Netherlands

From here on, the journey truly begins. Of course, you can join the route from wherever you like, but we globally describe the journey as it starts from Andijk, which is our home port. As already stated, we do not give all details of large parts of this beginning, because our waterways are very, very well documented and we don't expect that y'all start the journey at Jachthaven Andijk.

From Andijk, there are several routes you can take to head south. In general, these are:

• Andijk – Medemblik – Schagen – Noordhollands Kanaal – Zaandam – Amsterdam
• Andijk – Urk – Ketelmeer – Randmeren – Muiden
• Andijk – Enkhuizen – Muiden (Compass 200° to Spar P4, Compass 201° to Spar M1)
• Andijk – Enkhuizen – Amsterdam (Compass 200° to Spar P4, Compass 240° to PG-1)

And any other routes we can come up with. Like: Andijk - Enkhuizen - Lelystad - Almere - Muiden.

To follow these routes, you can use a water chart app, or purchase paper water charts from the ANWB or you buy the 1800 Series for the IJsselmeer and Markermeer. Our goal is to reach the Zuid-Willemsvaart after the bare minimum overnight stays. This means that, weather permitting, we will choose one of the two direct routes to Muiden or Amsterdam.

The objective is to get to the Zuid-Willemsvaart where for us, the journey truly starts

While your journey may begin from a different starting point, this section describes the route we recommend when travelling south, based on our own experience and practical considerations. Departing from Andijk, we typically head in the direction of Amsterdam or Muiden before continuing further south. This route has consistently proven to be the most efficient option, offering a well-balanced combination of manageable distance, reasonable fuel consumption, and comfortable daily travel times.

One of the key benefits of this route is that it avoids extended stretches of upstream travel (known locally as “opvaart”) on major rivers such as the IJssel. The IJssel is a fast-flowing river, and travelling against its current can be both demanding and inefficient, often resulting in higher fuel use and longer passage times. By bypassing these upstream sections, the journey becomes calmer and more predictable, making it particularly well suited for a relaxed and enjoyable southbound cruise.

• At Amsterdam you enter the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal (AKA the ARK)
• At Muiden you enter the Vecht

And for both choices goes: At Weesp you can switch between the Vecht and the ARK or Vise-Versa.

The route via the Vecht is incredibly scenic, though way slower because of all the structures and bridges along the way. The ARK, in contrast, is much faster but often has significant wave action. So it is a matter of preference: if you prefer taking it slow and peaceful, choose the Vecht. If you want to make progress and don't mind some rolling motion, take the ARK. Additionally, you can now use AIS information to estimate how busy the ARK is at any given moment.

By visiting https://www.eurisportal.eu/ you can also see actual ship movements and estimate how busy it will be on the ARK.

• Muiden – Vecht – Vechtsluis: approx. 35 km
• Amsterdam – ARK – Vechtsluis: approx. 31 km

Navigating the Vecht

You enter the River Vecht through the Zeesluis at Muiden, where the waters of the IJmeer meet this historic and winding river. From the very first miles, the Vecht reveals its character: a narrow, gently meandering waterway that bends left and right through a landscape shaped by centuries of trade, estates, and small river towns. The route passes places such as Weesp, Nigtevecht, Loenen, Breukelen, and Maarssen, before eventually reaching the city of Utrecht.

Along the Vecht, there are several options to leave the river and connect to the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal (Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal). One commonly used exit is at Weesp, where the Vecht connects via the canal trought the town. Another possibility lies further south near Nigtevecht. A more direct but operationally sensitive transition is via the Vechtsluis (Vecht Lock) at Maarssen, which provides access to the ARK before entering the city.
Although this takes you onto the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal for a couple of kilometers, this is the most easy way to get you south.

Passing through Utrecht itself is also possible, but this section is extremely busy, narrow, and heavily regulated, making it suitable only for small(er) and highly manoeuvrable vessels. Boats such as a TOM (or similarly sized craft) can transit this area, but larger or deeper vessels are strongly advised to avoid it.

Given the popularity of this route along the Vecht, and its excellent chart coverage, a detailed turn-by-turn description is not repeated here. The Vecht is very well documented in both printed cruising guides and digital navigation systems, and lock procedures, bridge clearances, and mooring options are clearly mapped. It is therefore strongly recommended to consult up-to-date route descriptions and official navigation sources when planning your passage along this stream.

The Vechtsluis and Bridge Clearances

Via the Vecht, you can decide to take the Vechtsluis to the ARK before reaching Utrecht. This allows you to avoid navigating through Utrecht’s busy city center. Keep in mind the clearance of fixed bridges in Utrecht.

The lock is generally open. It is 6.5 meters wide and 32 meters long. Using a VHF radio is mandatory on channel 62. The Burenbrug bridge over the lock is 3.7 meters high and also 6.5 meters wide. Pay close attention when entering the ARK! Commercial shipping moves quickly, and you must give way. You must turn to starboard immediately and align yourself with the ARK’s traffic flow.

After taking this right turn you have proper view over the traffic and you can now plan your U-Turn.

If you decide to pass through Utrecht itself, always check the water charts for bridge clearances and other navigational details.

You will be navigating Dutch waterways. In the Netherlands, water is everywhere, and people truly love to be in and on the water. You will share rivers, canals, and lakes with many others: recreational boaters, swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers, fishermen, commercial vessels, and people enjoying the shore.

Because of this, being on the water comes with responsibility. You are not alone, even if the surroundings feel quiet or peaceful. Always stay alert and be prepared for the unexpected.

Even on a calm and scenic river such as the Vecht, a lot can happen at the same time. For example:

• A small boat may suddenly cross your path.
• A swimmer or paddleboarder may be hard to see until the last moment.
• A faster vessel may approach from behind.
• A boat may turn without clearly signaling its intention.

To keep everyone safe, keep things simple, predictable, and clear. Maintain a steady course, adjust your speed in time, and avoid sudden or confusing maneuvers.

Clear navigation is a form of communication. When others can easily see what you are doing, they can respond safely. For example, start turning early, keep a consistent speed, and give plenty of space when passing others.

Behave as if you have eyes in the back of your head. Look behind you regularly, especially before changing speed or direction. A quick glance can prevent dangerous situations.

You are now approaching the Plofsluis at Nieuwegein. This structure marks an important decision point in the route.

The Plofsluis itself is located at approximately Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal (ARK) kilometre 42. Here, the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal intersects with the Lekkanaal, and you must choose how to continue your journey.

The Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal is one of the busiest and most important commercial waterways in the Netherlands. It is wide, deep, and designed for heavy professional shipping, with frequent passage of large inland vessels travelling at relatively high speeds. Navigation here requires continuous attention, clear radio communication, and confident boat handling, but it allows for fast and direct progress with fewer interruptions.

The Lekkanal, by contrast, offers a transition away from the intensity of the ARK. While still a major navigable waterway, it generally carries less through-going commercial traffic and has a calmer, more enclosed character. Choosing the Lekkanal often feels like leaving the main transport corridor and entering a more controlled inland route, setting the tone for the waterways that eventually lead toward the Zuid-Willemsvaart.

From this junction at the Plofsluis, both routes will ultimately guide you toward the Zuid-Willemsvaart at Den Dungen, but they differ in atmosphere, traffic density, and the type of waterways you will encounter along the way.

Turn to starboard to follow the scenic and well-known route taken by de Parel. This course leads you via the Lekkanaal in the direction of Vianen, exactly as shown in the vlog series by de Parel.

Because this route has already been documented in great detail in the Parel vlog, we will not repeat that description here. Be aware that this stretch includes numerous locks, bridges, and other structures, and involves traveling upstream (opvaart). As a result, it is generally the slower and more costly option in terms of time and fuel consumption.

Route Information to Den Dungen

Length

Approx. 65 Km

Travel Time

Estimated 15 hours

Objects

34 Bridges, 6 Locks

Objects between KM 0 and KM 4

Ultimately, route planning remains entirely your own responsibility. If you have sufficient time available and do not mind traveling in the opvaart, you are free to choose any route that suits your preferences. Reaching the Zuid-Willemsvaart can be done in several ways, depending on your overall planning.

In fact, if conditions and your planning allow, it is even possible to continue upstream all the way to Luik (Liège) by following the River Meuse.

Continue now at the Zuid-Willemsvaart

Turn to port at the Plofsluis and continue on the ARK towards Wijk bij Duurstede. This route offers a good amount of downstream current (“afvaart”) later on, making it the cheaper route in terms of fuel consumption.
It is also our preferred route towards the Maximakanaal.

Historic object: The Plofsluis near Nieuwegein, built between 1937 and 1942 as part of the New Dutch Waterline, is a unique defensive structure designed to dam the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal in the event of war. By detonating the bases of concrete caissons filled with 40,000 metric tonnes of sand and gravel, the canal would be blocked, making it possible to flood the surrounding area.

Nieuwegein - Wijk bij Duustede

On this section of the ARK between Nieuwegein and Wijk bij Duurstede you will pass some objects:

Continue now at the Crossing at Wijk bij Duurstede

The Crossing of the Rhine, Lek and ARK

The crossing at Wijk bij Duurstede lays between the locks "Princess Irene" and "Princess Marijke" that "guard the ARK" from the changing waterlevels in the Rhine and Lek rivers.

At the crossing

At this crossing there are 4 waterways:

ARK

The ARK continues here, separated by 2 locks.

The Rhine River

AKA the Nederrijn comes down here from Arnhem.

The Lek River

And the Nederrijn continues after the crossing as the "Lek" river. And that is a bit weird, due to the fact that the KM numbering of the Rhine river just continues on the Lek river......

Wijk bij Duurstede

The city harbor of Wijk bij Duurstede is really connected to the old town and just a stone throw from the nearest supermarket. At about 8 minutes walk you'll find an Albert Heijn. Nice spot to stay for the night. There is an old "castle" ruin and nice restaurants. Wijk bij Duurstede is located at the crossing of the Lek river and the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. From here you can also choose to continue on the ARK to the Waal. Or now take a detour over the river Lek. For that, you should use your own water-maps and do your own planning.

Wijk bij Duurstede is also known as the place of how far the Vikings travelled in-land

Route WBD to Mouth Maximakanaal

Length

Approx. 34 Km

Travel Time

Estimated 5 hours

Objects

9 Bridges, 3 Locks

This section goes from Wijk bij Duurstede (the crossing) to the connection of the ARK with the Waal River. Make sure you listen in to the appropriate VHF channels and announce yourself at Traffic Post "Tiel" on VHF 69.

Always listen to the Traffic Post's advices. Their Radars see more than you in your small yacht!

ARK: Wijk bij Duustede - Tiel

On this section of the ARK between Wijk bij Duurstede and the Waal river you will pass some objects:

River Waal – Downstream to the Kanaal van Sint-Andries (±12 km)

Entering the River Waal, we proceed downstream (westward, starboard, right turn) for approximately 12 kilometres toward the Kanaal van Sint-Andries. The Waal is the busiest branch of the Rhine and forms a major international shipping route between Germany and the Port of Rotterdam.

Expect intensive commercial traffic, including large container ships and pushed barges, often travelling at considerable speed. The river is wide and powerful, with a strong current that works in our favour while going downstream. Depending on discharge levels, the current can add approximately 2–4 km/h to the speed over ground. (SOG)

Continuous steering attention is required. Passing commercial vessels generate significant wash and suction, particularly near bends and when overtaking or being overtaken.

Navigation Notes

• Keep well outside the main fairway where possible
• Cross the shipping lane only when necessary and decisively
• Monitor VHF traffic information if available
• Watch for buoys, groynes, and shallow edges along the banks

After turning starboard on the Waal, continue downstream to approximately river kilometre (KM) 925. From the point where the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal (ARK) enters the Waal, this stretch measures about 12.7 kilometres.

This section requires monitoring VHF channel 68 (Blok Kanaal St. Andries). Maintain a listening watch well in advance, as commercial traffic coordination is essential.

On this section of the Waal between Tiel and the Canal Sint-Andries, you will pass some objects:

At around KM 927(passed the mouth of Canal St. Andries), cross the River Waal decisively and navigate back toward the entrance of the Kanaal van Sint-Andries. This canal leads directly to the St. Andries lock, marking the transition from large-scale river navigation to a more controlled inland waterway with noticeably calmer conditions.

From Waal to Maas in 30 minutes

Both Canal and Lock St Andries connect the MAAS and the WAAL rivers.

Together, the canal and lock form a short but important navigation link in the Dutch river system. The canal provides a protected cut between the two rivers, while the lock manages the water-level difference and controls the exchange of water and traffic between the waterways.

For skippers, this connection can be a practical alternative when planning a route between the Maas and Waal corridors. It can help avoid long detours, and it offers a calmer, more controlled transition than entering the other river directly in open flow conditions.

Canal St. Andries

Canal St Andries is the engineered channel that physically links the two river environments. It is typically experienced as a relatively sheltered stretch compared to the main river fairways, making it easier to prepare for the next river leg: fenders and lines ready, crew briefed, and traffic checks done before entering the lock approach.

On this connection channel with lock between the Meuse and Waal river, you will pass some objects:

Lock St. Andries

Lock St Andries is the control point of the connection. It organizes traffic in both directions and makes the transition between the Maas and Waal manageable by lifting or lowering vessels as needed. As with most locks, expect waiting times to vary with traffic, commercial shipping priority, and operational circumstances.

Practical notes for skippers

• Approach: slow down early and keep a good lookout; lock approaches can be busy.
• Lines & fenders: rig on both sides if possible; have at least one long line ready.
• Communication: follow local signage and instructions; monitor the relevant VHF channel if posted.
• Current & wind: conditions can change quickly near river mouths—brief the crew before entering.
• After the lock: allow room to merge and accelerate safely before committing to the main river flow.

So from here: Kanaal van Sint Andries → Muese → Maximakanaal → Zuid-Willemsvaart.

Entering the Meuse (for a short stretch)

You now enter the Maas (Muese) river at about KM 209. And we go starboard, in the "Afvaart". Weird ey? No, not really, because from here, it is only 6,5 KM to the entrance of the "Maximakanaal". And that canal will bring us straight to the location where the Maximakanaal will end up in the Zuid-Willemsvaart.

On the Meuse, at marker 215, cross the river to the entrance of the Maximakanaal. Do this again by passing the mouth of the Maximakanaal, make a U-Turn and enter Maximakanaal going "upstream"

At the same marker, you can also choose to stay at Marina "Neptunus" before entering the Maximakanaal.

On this connection channel with lock between the Meuse and Waal river, you will pass some objects:

Avoiding the Center of Den Bosch

Communication

Make sure you announce yourself at Lock Empel Noord (VHF 81). This lock is operated from Operation Central Tilburg.

On this connection channel with two locks between the Meuse and Zuid-Willemsvaart, you will pass some objects:

Continue now at the Zuid-Willemsvaart

Short Introduction to the Zuid-Willemsvaart

Leaving lock Hintham and the last part of the Maximakanaal, enter the Zuid-Willemsvaart at N 51°40.830', E 5°22.379' (Raai or KM 117.5). We are going to follow the Zuid-Willemsvaart until we reach the fork at Neerharen.

But first we have to continue to Weert and have to make a starboard turn at Nederweert to continue the rest of the Zuid-Willemsvaart.

Close to Lozen, we are going to cross the border into Belgium where the ZWV continues.

We are going to cut these sections on the ZWV up, from Marina to Marina. Else it might get a bit unreadable. So from here, we continue to Veghel, where the first marina is. This way it might be clearer where certain objects are. It is always difficult to write for both yourself and others at the same time.

The first stretch

So, from KM (Raai) 117, the route goes in a global south-southeast direction to Veghel. That is the first marina in the ZWV.

On this this stretch of the Zuid-Willemsvaart from Den Dungen to Veghel, you will pass some objects:

Towards the Next Marina

After (passing the entrance of) Marina Veghel, the route continues to Aarle-Rixtel. Here is also a very nice marina. This is also the marina where the Parel moored and that is our preferred stop for this stretch.

To be honest, the stretch from Den Dungen to Aarle-Rixtel is doable in a single day. Arriving at the crossing at KM 89.8, you go straight into the (free) marina of Aarle-Rixtel like the "Parel".

On this this stretch of the Zuid-Willemsvaart from Veghel to Aarle-Rixtel, you will pass some objects:

The crossing at Aarle-Rixtel

This junction marks the crossing of the Zuid-Willemsvaart, coming from the direction you are travelling.

At the crossing, the Wilhelminakanaal branches off to starboard (right-hand side).

Straight ahead lies the old stretch of the Zuid-Willemsvaart, where the marina is located. This section is blocked at the bridge in Aarle-Rixtel and is only accessible for the part between the crossing and the bridge at the end of the marina.

The new stretch of the Zuid-Willemsvaart continues to port (left-hand side) and is the route to take when continuing your journey.

Due to the fact that we write these routes from our point of view it implies that we stay the night at the marina at Aarle-Rixtel.

We continue our way by leaving the Marina and making a turn to starboard at the crossing, to continue on the next stretch of the Zuid-Willemsvaart

We are aiming for the marina in Weert.

On this this stretch of the Zuid-Willemsvaart from Aarle-Rixtel to Nederweert, you will pass some objects:

Last stops before the border

After (leaving) the mini-marina at Nederweert with only 6 places, the semi-crossing is coming up, between the ZWV, the Noordervaart (on port side), Canal Wessem - Nederweert (straight ahead heading towards Maasbracht) and the last part of the ZWV on starboard.

Here turn starboard into the last part of the ZWV to get to lock 15. Right after this lock there should be a possibility to refuel, althoug this is a bit unsure.

As stated, along this part, there are some places to refuel. Just before crossing the Belgian - Netherlands border, there is a gas station in The Netherlands. Please be aware about pricing on the pump at the water-front. Most of the time the price here is way higher and it might be smart to gas up with jerrycans. although this might be a little more work, it might save enough €€€!

It might be cheaper to refuel in Belgium!

On this this stretch of the Zuid-Willemsvaart from Nederweert to Weert, you will pass some objects:

Staying at Weert?

Our original plan was to stay here at Weert. But it might be a bit different. We might have slept in Nederweert. So, yep, we continue from here.

On this this stretch of the Zuid-Willemsvaart from Weert to the Belgian Border, you will pass some objects:

It is possible to navigate from Weert (NL) to Kanne (BE) in one single trip!

Also be aware of the openings-information for Lock 17 (Lozen)

Passing Marker 46.6 (NL)

These are the 5 (five) countries we are going to visit. Please use the links to get to the specific chapters (or routes, or legs) of each country.

We added, for good measurement, the ISO Country and the International country-code for calling. There are objects (locks, bridges, etc) that you have to call and do not have any VHF radio. (Or we could not find the VHF information

List of Countries

The Netherlands

NL - +31 - Many canals & rivers (Depending on the chosen route).

Belgium

BE - +32 - Mostly Zuid-Willemsvaart, the Albert Canal and the Meuse River.

France

FR - +33 - Meuse River, many canals and the Moselle River. Many canals because of the chance of detours.

Luxemburg

LUX - +352 - Moselle River. Shortest stretch.

Germany

DE - +49 - The Moselle, the Saar and the Rhine River.

Back to
The Netherlands

NL - +31 - Many canals & rivers (Depending on the chosen route).

Of all five countries, we’ll only be in Luxembourg for a short stretch: just the section of the Moselle that lies wedged between France, Germany, and Luxembourg. It starts at Écluse d'Apach (FR) and ends at Wasserbillig (LUX), where the Sauer River flows into the Moselle. On this approximately 36 km long stretch, we’ll be boating right along the border between Luxembourg and Germany. More about this will follow in the section covering this part of the route.

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