25.03.2026
Experience the tulip bloom in Holland: sailing on the IJsselmeer in spring
Experience the tulip bloom from the water: sailing on the IJsselmeer in spring
When the sailing season begins in spring, the IJsselmeer shows itself at perhaps its most beautiful. As you glide under sail across the calm inland sea, the mainland transforms into a colourful mosaic of tulips and daffodils.
The period between late March and early May is the ideal time to experience the tulip bloom. The weather becomes sunnier, and the air is clear and fresh. Perfect for the first sailing trip of the year.
The route at a glance
- Lemmer
- Enkhuizen
- Den Oever
- Oudeschild
- Den Helder & back
Total distance: approx. 70–85 nautical miles
We have chosen Lemmer as our starting point, one of the most popular ports for a sailing trip in North Holland. The town boasts excellent facilities, and local charter bases such as Enjoy Sailing offer a wide selection of BAVARIA sailing yachts.
Stage 1: Lemmer → Enkhuizen (approx. 17 nm)
From Lemmer, you’ll cross the IJsselmeer towards Enkhuizen. There you have a choice of several harbours, but we recommend the Oude Haven, as it’s right in the historic centre of the town.
From here, you are just a few steps away from the heart of the old town with its canals and old merchant houses. The town looks back on a long history as a trading and fishing town, and this maritime character can still be felt today.
An absolute highlight is the Drommedaris, a former defence tower situated right by the harbour. Also well worth a visit is the Zuiderzee Museum, where an entire historic village with workshops and windmills has been recreated. Food lovers will find numerous restaurants around the harbour. Fresh fish is particularly recommended, for example at the former auction house De Enkhuizer Visafslag, which overlooks the boats coming in
Stage 2: Enkhuizen → Den Oever (approx. 12 nm)
The second leg is ideal for a relaxed day’s sailing. The route follows the closing dyke towards Den Oever. Navigation is straightforward, but as always, you must pay attention to traffic and buoyage, particularly near the harbour.
The harbour at Den Oever is functional, spacious and well-protected. It has an authentic atmosphere, with plenty of local life centred around fishing and crafts. The harbour is a safe haven, particularly in stronger winds.
On land, it’s worth taking a stroll through the town or visiting the small museum farm with its adjoining café. Around the harbour, you’ll find several simple but good restaurants, often serving regional cuisine with a view of the water. If you fancy it, you can set off from here on your first cycle tour into the blossoming countryside.
Stage 3: Den Oever → Texel (Oudeschild) (approx. 11 nm)
The leg to Texel really brings that North Sea feeling to life. The crossing to Oudeschild is short but scenic. Depending on the wind and tide, things can get a bit lively on the water here.
The harbour at Oudeschild is modern and well-equipped, yet pleasantly relaxed. From here, you can reach many of the island’s highlights either on foot or, in true Dutch style, by bike.
Texel is at its most beautiful in spring: around Den Hoorn, vast fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are already in bloom from mid-April onwards. At the same time, lambing season begins – more than 20,000 little lambs create a real picture-postcard atmosphere. A tour over the Hoge Berg or along the so-called ‘Lamb Route’ is particularly lovely.
Texel also has plenty to offer in terms of food and drink: small cafés, beach pavilions and restaurants serving regional produce, often with views over meadows or dykes. Perfect for winding down a day’s sailing in a relaxed manner.
Stage 4: Texel → Den Helder (approx. 10 nm)
The short crossing to Den Helder takes you back towards the mainland. From a sailing perspective, this leg is fairly relaxed, but not entirely without its challenges.
Den Helder itself is less idyllic than other port towns, but it is an ideal starting point for one of the most beautiful tulip excursions of the trip. From the harbour, a cycle ride into the hinterland is well worth it: the route is flat, well-maintained and perfect for cycling.
Your destination should definitely be Land van Fluwel. The theme park not only offers an 11-metre-high observation tower with views over the tulip fields, but also fascinating insights into the history of tulip cultivation. The blaze of colour here is particularly impressive in spring.
Back in Den Helder, you’ll find numerous cafés and restaurants, particularly in the harbour area. The perfect way to round off an eventful day.
Return journey: Den Helder → Den Oever → Lemmer (approx. 30–35 nm)
The return leg is the longest stage of the trip, so a stopover in Den Oever is a good idea before heading back to Lemmer.
Important to know:
- Allow plenty of time. Weather changes are not uncommon, especially in spring.
- Bring your bike on board – there’s no easier way to reach the tulip fields.
- Tulip flowering schedule: the first blooms appear at the end of March, with the peak season in mid-April and the last fields in bloom in May.
Highlight: Keukenhof; not on the route. It is located near Amsterdam.
Conclusion: A sailing trip with real added value
This sailing trip is more than just a classic IJsselmeer trip. It combines relaxed sailing with genuine natural highlights. That’s what makes it so special.
We wish you fair winds and safe sailing!
Do you have any questions, requests or suggestions? Write to us at: marketing@bavariayachts.com