Heading to Germany
24 Januari 2026
Ways to get to Haren (DE)
One of the routes we also want to perform, is to make a nice round going into Germany. The only entry point to North-Western Germany from the Netherlands by use of inland waterways, is the Haren-Rütenbrock-Kanal (Haren-Ruitenbroekkanaal) between the Stads-Compascuum canal in NL (Between Barnflair and Munnikemoer), Rütenbrock and Haren. This 14 KM long Canal takes you from NL into DE, to the Ems.
There are multiple ways to get to Haren when you come from North-Holland:
Eastbound routes toward Haren (Germany)
When heading east through the Dutch inland waterways, there are several good entry points. The start may differ, but the logic is simple: all routes eventually funnel toward Ter Apel, and from there cross into Germany toward Haren (Ems).
The idea in short
Pick your entry point based on where you are and how busy you want it to be. Once you reach the Groningen / Veenkoloniën area, the waterways naturally guide you eastward to Ter Apel and across the border.
Route option 1: Via Friesland (Stavoren or Lemmer)
Lemmer is the most straightforward gateway. From here you enter the Prinses Margrietkanaal, the main east–west artery through Friesland. This route is wide, well-maintained, and popular with both commercial traffic and cruisers.
Stavoren works just as well, but involves a bit more inland navigation through Friesland before joining the Prinses Margrietkanaal.
From Friesland, you continue toward Groningen via the main shipping route (Van Starkenborghkanaal / Eemskanaal). East of Groningen, the canals naturally lead you into the Veenkoloniën and onward to Ter Apel.
Skipper’s note: This is the “big water” option — predictable bridges, good depths, and easy daily planning.
Route option 2: Via Meppel
Meppel is a classic inland hub and gives you two very different ways to head east.
Option 2A: Meppel → Assen → Groningen → Ter Apel
From Meppel you take the Drentsche Hoofdvaart toward Assen. From there, you work north toward Groningen and then turn east toward Ter Apel.
This route feels historic and calm, with narrower canals and more hand-operated bridges, before rejoining the larger waterways near Groningen.
Option 2B: Meppel → Hoogeveen → Klazienaveen → Ter Apel
The more southerly option runs via the Hoogeveense Vaart toward Hoogeveen and then east toward Klazienaveen. From there, the canal system leads directly to Ter Apel.
Skipper’s note: This route is quieter and more intimate, but requires checking current navigability and bridge operation — some sections around Klazienaveen have local constraints.
Final leg: Ter Apel → Germany
At Ter Apel, everything comes together. From here, you follow the canal eastward across the border via the Rütenbrock connection, which leads you straight toward Haren (Ems) and the German inland waterway network.
Bottom line: Different starts, same destination. Choose Friesland for ease and scale, or Meppel for character and quieter waters — Ter Apel is the common doorway into Germany.
Getting to Germany
Short listing
Main Route
The main route takes us past the following places:
- Andijk (Start)
- Medemblik
- Kolhorn
- Broek op Langedijk
- Alkmaar
- Akersloot
- Spijkerboor
- Avenhorn
- Beets
- Oosthuizen
- Purmerend
- Edam
- Enkhuizen
- Andijk (Finish)
It does not imply, that we will stop at each of those locations. It might be that we choose along the trip, where we are going to stay. This all depends on availability and (grocery) needs.
⚠️ Warning: Lowest air draft is 2.52 m (252 cm / 25.2 dm)!
⚠️ Waarschuwing: Laagste doorvaarthoogte is 2.52 m (252 cm / 25.2 dm)!
⚠️ Achtung: Niedrigste Durchfahrtshöhe beträgt 2,52 m (252 cm / 25,2 dm)!
⚠️ Attention : La hauteur libre minimale est de 2,52 m (252 cm / 25,2 dm)!
Route Details
So, here is the more detailed route for this roundtrip. And you can start the trip anywhere along the route. You don't have to specifically start at Andijk. You can start at any given spot on the route. You only have to then adjust the route to your needs.
Main Sections of the route
These are the main route blocks, which are segmented in 3 main sections.
The Kolhorn → Edam section is visualised in Fig. 1.
Those sections are meant as indicators, not as legs.
Andijk → Kolhorn Summary
Distance35 kmETE (hh:mm)3:00Objects8 bridge(s) · 3 sluice(s)NoteVerify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.Kolhorn → Edam Summary
Distance78.7 kmETE (hh:mm)20:00Objects66 bridge(s) · 9 sluice(s)NoteVerify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.Edam → Andijk Summary
Distance45 kmETE (hh:mm)05:00Objects0 bridge(s) · 1 sluice(s)NoteVerify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.Suggested Legs of the Route
Date:These are the route sections, which can be combined to a leg that you can do in a single day. The sections will give you information regarding the objects on this section like Bridges, Locks (slueuses) and other objects.
Please check the information regarding objects like bridges and locks, because this might be subject of change!
Passage Andijk → Medemblik Summary
Distance9 kmETA (hh:mm)00:45Objects2 bridge(s) · 2 sluice(s)NoteIJsselmeer coastal leg
fairway buoys
Andijk marina/outer harbour approach
Medemblik outer harbour; Westerhaven/Pekelharinghaven entrances; local bascule bridge(s)
VHF 9, tel. +31 227 541 273
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.Leg Medemblik → Kolhorn Summary
Distance26 kmETA (hh:mm)02:10Objects4 bridge(s) · 2 sluice(s)NoteOverleker Sluis
Spoorbrug Overleker Sluis
Hoornse Brug (A7)
Alkmaarse Brug tel. +31 88 111 0401
Westfrieschesluis Brug benendhoofd
Westfrieschesluis
VHF 20, tel. +31 227 501 602
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.Leg Kolhorn → Broek op Langedijk Summary
Distance20 kmETA (hh:mm)01:40Objects16 bridge(s) · 2 sluice(s)NoteGroetpolderbrug
Braaksluis, brug over bovenhoofd
Braaksluis tel. +31 653 361 398
Mientbrug
Lutjewinkelerbrug
Lutjewinkelerbrug (fietsbrug)
Hartbrug
Scheidersbrug
Bomerbrug
Westerbrug
Leierbrug
Rolpaalbrug
Spoorbrug Waarland
Waarlandsebrug
Brug over benedenhoofd Roskamsluis
Roskamsluis tel. +31 226 312 556
Langebalkbrug
Langebalkbrug (fietsbrug)
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.Leg Broek op Langedijk → Alkmaar Summary
Distance12 kmETA (hh:mm)01:00Objects6 bridge(s) · 0 sluice(s)NoteBroekerbrug
Bolspoorbrug tel. +31 88 231 4108
Nelson Mandelabrug Alkmaar tel. +31 72 511 7135 - VHF 20
Nollenbrug
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.This little part is optional. It takes you trought the city of Alkmaar.
Optional Alkmaar City Summary
Distance4,5 kmETA (hh:mm)00:30Objects5 bridge(s) · 0 sluice(s)NoteHalvemaansbrug - H 270 cm, B 700 cm
Arie Berkhoutbrug - H 300 cm, B 760 cm
Zeswielenbrug - H 290 cm, B 700 cm
Noorderbrug - H 290 cm, B 780 cm
Friesebrug tel. +31 72 511 7135 - VHF 20
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.AdditionalThis additional takes us trough the Hoornse Vaart, which is the ring around the "old city" of Alkmaar.Leg Alkmaar → Akersloot Summary
Distance8 kmETA (hh:mm)00:40Objects3 bridge(s) · 0 sluice(s)NoteKerkbrug (not when Alkmaar city is done)
Kraspolderbrug tel. +31 88 111 0415, VHF 20 (not when Alkmaar city is done)
Leeghwaterbrug Alkmaar tel. +31 88 111 0411, VHF 20
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.AdditionalMarina "'t Hoorntje" is the home port of the “Parel”, now replaced by "Serenity", which is owned by relatives of one of Jacco’s fellow service members (Armored Engineers). Their travel reports are definitely worth a look! Serenity – Parel Boat TripsLeg Akersloot → Spijkerboor Summary
Distance10 kmETA (hh:mm)01:00Objects1 bridge(s) · 0 sluice(s)NoteKogerpolderbrug tel. +31 88 111 0404 - VHF 20
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.AdditionalMarina "’t Verloreneind" is a small marina, that has optional spots for visitor berths, only when their own residents are not there.
Calling might be an option: Tel.: +316-23472086
Nice spot to visit "Fortress Spijkerboor"Leg Spijkerboor → Avenhorn Summary
Distance14 kmETA (hh:mm)01:10Objects1 bridge(s) · 1 sluice(s)NoteSpijkerboor, Brug + Keersluis H 260 cm - B 600 cm
De Rijp, Brug in N244
De Rijp, Brug
Schermerhorn, Brug in N243
Oostmijzen Brug
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.AdditionalAt Avenhorn you are allowed to moor for 3 x 24 Hours. Nice spot to visit restaurants hereLeg Avenhorn → Beets Summary
Distance11 kmETA (hh:mm)01:10Objects3 bridge(s) · 0 sluice(s)NoteAvenhornerbrug in N243
Oudendijkerbrug
Beetserbrug
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.AdditionalUnknown if you can moor here.Leg Beets → Oosthuizen Summary
Distance6 kmETA (hh:mm)00:30Objects1 bridge(s) · 0 sluice(s)NoteBeets Brug in A7
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.AdditionalIn Oosthuizen is a small (very small) mooring spot: Passantenhaven Oosthuizen. You are allowed to stay here for max 3 x 24 hours.Leg Oosthuizen → Purmerend Summary
Distance13 kmETA (hh:mm)01:30Objects6 bridge(s) · 0 sluice(s)NoteOosthuizerbrug
Kerkbrug Oosthuizen
Hobrederbrug
Kwadijkerbrug tel: +31610969093
Purmerend Brug in N244
Wilgenhoekbrug
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.AdditionalIn Purmerend the harbors are maintained by W.S.V. Purmerend: tel. +316-10150857. There are 50 visitor spots. Water & Electricity by use of the AanUit app. €1,- per meter. All mooring places are at the edge of the city center.Leg Purmerend → Edam Summary
Distance14 kmETA (hh:mm)01:30Objects18 bridge(s) · 1 sluice(s)NoteHoornse Brug (*)
Burgemeester D. Kooimanbrug (*)
(*) +31 622 503 252
Wherespoorbrug tel. +31 229 427 592 (NS Bridge Number 75)
Wheermolenbrug tel. +31 612 544 267
Purmerend, Fietsbrug over Purmerringvaart
Purmerend, Fietsbrug over Purmerringvaart
Purmerend, Fietsbrug over Purmerringvaart
Purmerend, Brug over Purmerringvaart
Kwadijk, Brug over Purmerringvaart
Kwadijkerbrug, Brug over Purmerringvaart tel. +31 610 969 093 (*)
Jan Koningbrug tel. +31 622 515 210 (*)
Westerbuitenbrug (*)
Brug Edam (*)
Trambrug Edam (*)
Kwakelbrug Edam (*)
Constabelbrug Edam (*)
Baanbrug Edam (*)
Oosterbrug Edam (*)
Zeesluis Edam +31 622 795 834
(*) Voor een doorvaart belt u altijd 15 minuten vooraf +31 622 515 210. Bediening is mogelijk om 10:15, 11:45, 14:15, 15:45 en 17:15 uur. In de maanden juli en augustus is er om 18:10 uur nog een doorvaart mogelijk van of naar Monnickendam.
Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.Leg Edam → Enkhuizen Summary
Distance25 kmETA (hh:mm)02:30Objects0 bridge(s) · 1 sluice(s)NoteThis is the Passage over the Markermeer from Edam to Enkhuizen.
From Zeesluis in Edam to the Naviduct Enkhuizen
Naviduct Enkhuizen: VHF 22, tel. +31 228 325 325 Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.Leg Enkhuizen → Andijk Summary
Distance20 kmETA (hh:mm)02:00Objects0 bridge(s) · 1 sluice(s)NoteThis is the Passage over the IJsselmeer from Enkhuizen to Andijk.
Naviduct Enkhuizen
Naviduct Enkhuizen: VHF 22, tel. +31 228 325 325 Verify opening hours & channels in ANWB Waterkaarten / Vaarweginformatie before departure.
Radio, Calls and AIS
VHF SetStandard Horizon GX1400GPS/E (DSC/GPS)CallsignPD9085Navigation AIS SetOnwa KP-27X (Depth/AIS/GPS)MMSI244170678Working Ch.IJsselmeer calling: Ch 1
Inland calling: Ch 10
Distress: Ch 16
Bridges/locks often 18/20/22TipCall early; have boat name & location ready. Keep Alkmaar, Purmerend, Edam phone numbers at hand.
Remarks
Objects/VHF details per leg are indicative; always check current notices to skippers and operating hours before departure.
Working Ch.IJsselmeer calling: Ch 1
Inland calling: Ch 10
Distress: Ch 16
Bridges/locks often use Ch. 18/20/22TipCall early; have boat name & location ready. Keep Marifoon and phone numbers at hand.Navigational structures
Date:Navigational structures Medemblik
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Kwikkelsbrug Bridge 166 cm VHF 9 Y Westerhavensluis Bridge 80 cm VHF 9 Y Westerhavensluis Lock ≈ 250 cm VHF 9 Overlekersluis Spoorbrug Bridge 290 cm Tel. +31 227 541 487 Y Overlekersluis Lock ≈ 450 cm Tel. +31 227 541 487 Overlekersluis Brug Bridge 540 cm Fixed Bridge over the lock. N Navigational structures Westfriesche vaart
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Hoornse Brug East Bridge 560 cm Westfriesche Vaart
East Bridge in the A7N Hoornse Brug West Bridge 560 cm Westfriesche Vaart
West Bridge in the A7N Alkmaarse Brug Bridge 260 cm Westfriesche Vaart
Tel: +3188 111 0401Y Westfrieschesluis Brug Bridge 590 cm Westfriesche Vaart
Bridge on the low side
VHF 20
Tel: +31 227 501 602N Westfrieschesluis Lock ≈ 490 cm Westfriesche Vaart
VHF 20
Tel: +31 227 501 602Navigational structures Kanaal Alkmaar - Kolhorn
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Groetpolderbrug Bridge 420 cm Kolhorn N Braakbrug Bridge 410 cm Bridge on the high side
Tel: +31 653 361 398N Braaksluis Doors Door 370 cm This is the height underneath the doors according to observations of other people N Braaksluis Lock ≈ 260 cm Tel: +31 653 361 398 Mientbrug Bridge 370 cm N Lutjewinkelerbrug Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug N Lutjewinkelkerbrug Bridge 370 cm Fietsbrug N Hartbrug Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug N Scheidersbrug Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug N Bomerbrug Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug N Westerbrug Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug N Navigational structures Niedorpervaart
Leierbrug Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug N Rolpaalbrug Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug N Spoorbrug Waarland Bridge 370 cm Spoorbrug N Waarlandsebrug Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug N Navigational structures Kanaal Omval Kolhorn
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Roskamsluis brug over benedenhoofd Bridge 360 cm Verkeersbrug N Roskamsluis Lock ≈ 20 cm Tel: +31 226 312 556 Langebalkbrug Bridge 490 cm Verkeersbrug N Langebalkbrug Bridge 490 cm Fietsbrug N Navigational structures Kanaal Alkmaar Kolhorn
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Broekerbrug Bridge 510 cm Verkeersbrug N Bolspoorbrug Bridge 208 cm Spoorbrug
NS brugnr. 71 / Seingeving groep A
Aparte voetbrug naast spoorbrug.
Tel. +31 882 314 108Y Nelson Mandelabrug Alkmaar Bridge 370 cm Verkeersbrug
VHF 20
Tel. +31 72-5117135Y Nollenbrug Bridge 530 cm Verkeersbrug N Navigational structures Hoornse Vaart (Alkmaar City)
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Halvemaansbrug Bridge 270 cm Verkeersbrug N Arie Berkhoutbrug Bridge 300 cm Verkeersbrug N Zeswielenbrug Bridge 290 cm Verkeersbrug N Noorderbrug Bridge 290 cm Verkeersbrug N Friesebrug Bridge 408 cm VHF 20
Tel. +3172-5117135
Verkeersbrug
Bridge in NH KanaalY Navigational structures Schermerringvaart
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Kerkbrug Bridge 490 cm Verkeersbrug N Kraspolderbrug Bridge 270 cm Verkeersbrug Y Navigational structures Noordhollandsch Kanaal
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Leeghwaterbrug Alkmaar Bridge 473 cm VHF 20
Tel. +31881110411
VerkeersbrugY Kogerpolderbrug Bridge 380 cm VHF 20
Tel. +31881110404
VerkeersbrugY Navigational structures Beemsterringvaart
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Spijkerboor Brug Bridge 260 cm Verkeersbrug N Brug in de N244 Bridge 290 cm De Rijp
VerkeersbrugN Brug Bridge 290 cm De Rijp
VerkeersbrugN Brug in de N243 Bridge 290 cm Schermerhorn
VerkeersbrugN Schermerhornerbrug Bridge 290 cm Schermerhorn
VerkeersbrugN Avenhornerbrug Bridge 290 cm Avenhorn
Verkeersbrug N243N Oudendijkerbrug Bridge 260 cm Oudendijk
VerkeersbrugN Beetserbrug Bridge 265 cm Beets
VerkeersbrugN Brug A7 Bridge 300 cm Beets
Verkeersbruggen A7N Oosthuizerbrug Bridge 260 cm Oosthuizen
VerkeersbrugN Kerbrug Oosthuizen Bridge 280 cm Oosthuizen
VerkeersbrugN Hobrederbrug Bridge 260 cm Hobrede
VerkeersbrugN Kwadijkerbrug Bridge 255 cm Kwadijk
VerkeersbrugN Brug in N244 Bridge 320 cm Purmerend
VerkeersbrugN Wilgenhoekbrug Bridge 260 cm Purmerend
FietsbrugN Beemsterbrug Bridge 100 cm Purmerend
VerkeersbrugY Navigational structures de Where
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Hoornse Brug Bridge 92 cm Verkeersbrug Y Burgemeester D. Kooimanbrug Bridge 92 cm Verkeersbrug Y Wherespoorbrug Bridge 92 cm Spoorbrug
NS brugnr. 75 / Seingeving groep A.
Tel. +31299-427592Y Wheermolenbrug Bridge 112 cm Tel. +316-12544267
VerkeersbrugY Navigational structures Purmerringvaart
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Purmerend Fietsbrug Bridge 300 cm fietsbrug N Purmerend Fietsbrug Bridge 320 cm fietsbrug N Purmerend Fietsbrug Bridge 320 cm fietsbrug N Purmerend Bruggen N244 Bridge 600 cm Verkeersbrug in N244 N Kwadijkerbrug Purmerend Bridge 145 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-10969093
Voor een doorvaart belt u altijd 15 minuten vooraf
Tel. +316-1096 9093.
Voor aansluiting op de bedientijden van de bruggen in Purmerend vraagt u een opening om 10:45, 12:15, 14:45, 16:15 en 17:45 uur.
Voor aansluiting op de bedientijden in Edam vraagt u een opening om 09:45, 11:15, 13:45, 15:15 en 16:45 uur.
In de maanden juni en augustus is een opening mogelijk 17:45 uur voor schepen richting Monnickendam of met bestemming de Klein Westerbuitenhaven in Edam.Y Jan Koningbrug Bridge 150 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-22515210
Voor een doorvaart belt u altijd 15 minuten vooraf
Tel. +316-2251 5210.
Bediening is mogelijk om 10:15, 11:45, 14:15, 15:45 en 17:15 uur.
In de maanden juli en augustus is er om 18:10 uur nog een doorvaart mogelijk van of naar Monnickendam.Y Navigational structures de Edam
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Westerbuiten Brug Bridge 92 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-22515210Y Brug Edam Bridge 92 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-22515210Y Trambrug Bridge 92 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-22515210Y Kwakelbrug Bridge 162 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-22515210Y Constabelbrug Bridge 92 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-22515210Y Baanbrug Bridge 92 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-22515210Y Oosterbrug Bridge 252 cm Verkeersbrug
Tel. +316-22515210Y Zeesluis Edam (Damsluis) Lock ≈ 350 cm Tel: +3116-22515210 Navigational structures Enkhuizen (IJsselmeer/Markermeer)
Name Type Clearance
Height
Rise/FallNotes Movable Krabbersgatsluis Lock ≈ 100 cm VHF 22
Tel: +3188-7973915Krabbersgatsluisbrug Bridge 639 cm VHF 22
Tel: +3188-7973915Y Naviduct Enkhuizen Lock ≈ 100 cm VHF 22
Tel: +3188-7973915
Two locks: East chamber/West chamber
additional info
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