Meuse Mosel Rhine - The Netherlands

Departing the Netherlands

The Journey begins

From here on, the journey truly begins. Of course, you can join the route at 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
  • Andijk – Enkhuizen – Amsterdam

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

From Amsterdam or Muiden: Choose Your Route

At Amsterdam you enter the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and at Muiden you can enter the Vecht. At Weesp you can switch between the Vecht and the ARK.

  • You take the Vecht River
  • You take the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal (abbreviated as ARK)

The route via the Vecht is incredibly scenic, though slower because of all the structures and bridges along the way. The ARK, in contrast, is 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.

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

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.

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

Onto the Amsterdam-Rijn Kanaal

The ARK is a High Traffic canal

Whether you are entering the ARK via Amsterdam, Weesp, Nigtevecht or coming from the Vecht using the Vechtsluis, being on the ARK the important navigational considerations begin. If you have a VHF radio, listen to the sector channels. Stay aware of your surroundings and communicate clearly. Always remember the large blind spots of cargo ships:

When you can see the windows of their wheelhouse, they can see you.

Always make sure that you have your live-vests at hand, and that your AIS is properly working (when you have one). Also check your navigation lights. (And yes, you are alowed to have those on when it is daytime). Comunication is key.

Bunkering Near Utrecht

There is a fuel station near Utrecht:

Tankstation / Bunkerstation Utrecht
Keulsekade 143–144
Utrecht
Confluence of the Merwede Canal – ARK – KM 35.5

Heading Toward the Zuid-Willemsvaart

About Canals, Rivers, Op- and Afvaart

Route Wijk bij Duurstede - Den Dungen
Fig.3 - Route Wijk bij Duurstede - Den Dungen.

Our intention is to end up on the Zuid-Willemsvaart at Den Dungen. So for the people that chose to use the ARK, at KM 42 on the ARK, you can choose between the following two routes:

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

    On the ARK from Utrecht towards Wijk bij Duurstede you will pass some objects:

    • Nieuwe Heemsteedsebrug: Height: 9.52 m
    • Houtensebrug: Height: 9.05 m
    • Schalkwijkse spoorbrug: Height: 9.08 m
    • Schalkwijksebrug: Height: 9.36 m
    • Goyerbrug: Height: 9.06 m
    • Prinses Irenesluis brug: Height: 11.65 m
    • Brug westelijke sluis: Height: 11.2 m

    Lock Princess Irene

    VHF
    22
    Telephone
    +31887973680 nood:+31887974461
    Note
    At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is working on the bridges and lock until within 2026. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding this lock.
    (This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).

    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.

    Route Info

    Length
    Approx. 60 Km
    Travel Time
    Estimated 10 hours
    Objects
    25 Bridges, 5 Locks

    Lock Princess Marijke

    VHF
    60
    Telephone
    +31345-558427.
    Note
    At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is working on the bridges and lock until within 2026. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding this lock.
    (This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).

    From Wijk bij Duurstede, or Lock Princess Marijke, you continue on the ARK. You will meet the following objects:

    • Princess Marijke Sluis: Height: 14,65 m, width 18 m, lenth
    • Ravenswaaijsebrug: Heigth 14,6 m
    • Rooijensteinsebrug: Height: 14,35 m
    • Tiel, brug in Grote Brugse Grintweg: Height: 14.9 m
    • Spoorbrug Betuwelijn over Prins Bernhardsluis: Height: 14,72 m
    • Prins Bernhardsluis, brug in de A-15: Height: 13.68 m
    • Spoorbrug over Prins Bernhardsluis: Height: 13,53 m
    • Prins Bernhardsluis: Length: 350 m

    Lock Prins Bernhard

    VHF
    18 Inbound
    Telephone
    +3188-7974235.
    Note
    At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
    (This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).

    The Waal River

    Turn starboard on the Waal and contine to KM 925. From where the ARK enters the Waal, this is about 12,7 km. You are now in the section where you have to listen to VHF 68 (Blok Kanaal St. Andries) So, at around KM 925 you cross the Waal river to get to the entrance of Kanaal "St. Andries" that takes you to the lock "St. Andries".

    Canal St. Andries

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

    Lock St. Andries

    VHF
    20
    Telephone
    +3188-7974135.
    Fax
    +31418-661284
    Note
    At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
    (This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).

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

    Meuse

    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.

    Maximakanaal

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

    Lock Empel

    Operated by
    BCT
    VHF
    81
    Telephone
    +3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
    Note
    At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
    (This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).

    After Lock Empel, being on the Maximakanaal the following objects you'll pass:

    • Brug Schuitegat: Height: 7,47 m
    • Brug Lunerkooi: Height: 7,43 m
    • Brug Zomerdijk: Height: 7,43 m
    • Brug Lang Hei: Height: 7,25 m
    • Spoorbrug Rosmalen: Height: 7,20 m
    • Brug Heerenbeek: Height: 7,72 m
    • Brug Varkenshoek: Height: 7,31 m
    • Sluis Hintham: Length: 115 m, Width 12,4 m
    • Brug Drieborcht: Height: 7,53 m
    • Brug Nijvelaar: Height: 8.16 m

    Lock Hintham

    Operated by
    BCT
    VHF
    81
    Telephone
    +3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
    Note
    At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
    (This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).

    Continue now at the Zuid-Willemsvaart

  2. Turn to starboard because you chose to follow the beautiful route that the Parel has taken. You will take the Lekkanaal toward Vianen, following the route known as mentioned by the vlog “de Parel.” Due to the fact that this route has been extensively shown in the vlog of the Parel, we will not add that here. This route has many structures and involves upstream current (“opvaart”), making it the more expensive option.

    Route Info

    Length
    Approx. 65 Km
    Travel Time
    Estimated 15 hours
    Objects
    33 Bridges, 5 Locks

    Fact remains that you have to plan your route yourself. Whenever you've got time, and don't mind going in the "Opvaart", you can take any route you like. Getting to the Zuid-Willemsvaart is all up to your own plans. And even going in de Opvaart all the way to Luik (Liege) over the river Meuse.

The Zuid-Willemsvaart

The ZWV in the Netherlands

North Part ZWV
Fig.5 - North Leg ZWV.

Arriving at the Zuid-Willemsvaart at N 51°40.830', E 5°22.379' (Raai 117.5), we are going to follow the Zuid-Willemsvaart until we we 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.

From Den Dungen to Aarle-Rixtel

So, from KM (Raai) 117.5, the route goes in a global south-southeast direction. Following the Canal, we pass the following objects until we reach Aarle-Rixtel:

Objects Information

Name
Height/Width
Fietsbrug Berlicum
H 7,92m
Milrooisebrug
H 7,48m

Lock Schijndel

Operated by
BCT
VHF
20
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Harry Kinnardbrug
H 7,46m
Julian J. Ewelbrug
H 7,51m
Fietsbrug Gazellepad
H 7,21m

Lock 4

Operated by
BCT
VHF
20
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Maxwell Taylerbrug
7,67m
Erpsebrug
1m

Lock 5

Operated by
BCT
VHF
20
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Donksebrug
1,9m

Lock 6

Operated by
BCT
VHF
20
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Beeksebrug
0,5m

Marina's (Visitor spots)

Along this section in between Den Bosch and Aarle-Rixtel we have the following marina's:

Information regarding Marina's

Location
Information
Veghel
W.S.V. Veghel, 30 visitor spots. You have to go underneath the bridge in the N-266 5,07m.
Aarle Rixtel
Passantenhaven Laarbeek / Aarle Rixtel, 25 visitor spots. Be aware of waterplants. This is at the closed end of the "Oude Zuid-Willemsvaart" at the crossing with the "Wilhelminakanaal". You exit this facility facing North, and you take a starboard turn to continue on the "Zuid-Willemsvaart".
Crossing at Aarle-Rixtel
Fig.6 - Crossing at Aarle-Rixtel.

From Aarle-Rixtel to Nederweert

At Aarle-Rixtel turn to port when not staying at the marina, or go straigt accros the crossing to enter the marina. After staying at the marina,turn to starboard when leaving the marina at Aarle-Rixtel, because the old canal is closed off and to continue, take the new part of the canal.

On this leg to Nederweert, we find the following objects:

Objects Info

Name
Height/Width/Length
Heuvelsebrug
H 5,64 m
Brug Venuslaan
H 5,8m
Bloemvelderbrug
H 5,72m
Brug Rembrandtlaan
H 5,81m
Brug Bakelsedijk
H 5,65m
Fiets/Voetbrug
H 5,68m
Brug Deurnenseweg
H 5,75m
Spoorbrug Helmond
H 5,67m
Brug Vossenbeemd
H 5,82m
Sluis Fietsbrug
H 5,99m

Lock Helmond

Operated by
BCT
VHF
18
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Brug Rochadeweg
H 5,79
Kempen-Peellandbrug
H 5,14m
Bommerhei, brug
H 7,14m

Lock 10

Operated by
BCT
VHF
18
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Brug Someren
H 5,63m

Lock 11

Operated by
BCT
VHF
18
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Brug Wielput
H 6,74m

Lock 12

Operated by
BCT
VHF
18
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Sluis 13 Brug
H 2,5m

Lock 13

Operated by
BCT
VHF
18
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Brug 14
H 5,26m
Brug 15 Nederweert
H 5,28m
Randwegbrug
H 5,94m

Marina's (Visitor spots)

Along this section in between Den Bosch and Aarle-Rixtel we have the following marina's:

Information regarding Marina's

Location
Information
Nederweert
Visitors Harbour, 6 visitor spots. Maximum 2 nights stay. Directly on the canal-side the spots seem deep enough. !! VERY UNDEEP !!

From Nederweert to the Belgian Border

South Part ZWV
Fig.7 - South Leg ZWV.

After the mini-marina at Nederweert with only 6 places, ahead the semi-crossing between the ZWV, the Noordervaart (on port side), Canal Wessem - Nederweert (straight ahead) and the last part of the ZWV on starboard. So, turn starboard into the last part of the ZWV to get to lock 15. 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 €€€!

Objects Info

Name
Height/Width/Length
Sluis 15 Brug
5,3 m

Lock 15

Operated by
BCT
VHF
20
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Name
Height/Width/Length
Brug Rijksweg A2
5,05 m
Laarderbrug
5,03 m
Biesterbrug
0,4 m
Stadsbrug Weert
1,1 m
Boshoverbrug
5,7 m
Spoorbrug Weert
5,36 m
Sluis 16 Brug
5 m

Lock 16

Operated by
BCT
VHF
18
Telephone
+3188-7974825/+3113-5811881.
Note
At the date of writing this, Rijkswaterstaat is not working on the bridges and lock. Please check Rijkswaterstaat Information regarding information about the ARK.
(This is also a good source for other information regarding waterways in NL).
Belgian Border
N 51°12.992', E 5°34.996'

Welcome to Belgium!

Along this section we have the following marina's:

Information regarding Marina's

Location
Information
Weert
Visitors Harbour, 22 visitor spots. Inform the Bridgekeeper.

Kanaalroute

River section

Which countries will this route pass?

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

The Netherlands
NL - +31 - Many canals & rivers (Depending on YOUR route)
Belgium
BE - +32 - Mostly Albert Canal and Meuse River
France
FR - +33 - Meuse River, many canal and Moselle River
Luxemburg
LUX - +352 - Moselle River
Germany
DE - +49 - Moselle River, Saar river and Rhine River

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.

Stay tuned for updates on our journey!

Our upgrade plans.