VELUWEMEER

• Latitude: 52.4137
• Longitude: 5.73929
• Inland, Europe
• Port in Netherlands

Location: Netherlands Netherlands

The Veluwemeer is not actually a marine port but rather a shallow lake located in the Netherlands between the provinces of Gelderland and Flevoland. The lake is part of the "Randmeren" or bordering lakes that were created when the Flevopolder was drained, which means it's more accurately described as an inland waterway rather than a marine port.

Description:

1. Location: Veluwemeer is situated to the south of the province of Flevoland and to the north of the province of Gelderland. It runs from Harderwijk in the west to Elburg in the east.

2. Type: Inland lake (part of the Randmeren)

3. Usage: Primarily recreational, including boating, fishing, and watersports. There are numerous marinas and mooring spots along its shores.

4. Connecting Waterways: It connects to other lakes and waterways, such as Wolderwijd to the west and Drontermeer to the east.

Specifications:

1. Size: The lake stretches approximately 20 kilometers in length and varies in width up to a few kilometers.

2. Depth: Generally shallow, with depths averaging around 1.55 meters. Depths can vary more considerably near channels and marinas.

3. Facilities:

   • Marinas: There are multiple marinas along the Veluwemeer offering mooring, maintenance, and supply services.
   • Boat Rentals: Various locations offer boats for rent including sailboats, motorboats, and kayaks.
   • Recreational Areas: Designed for camping, swimming, and picnicking along the shores.
   • Locks and Bridges: Though there are no major shipping locks, there are several smaller locks and moveable bridges to facilitate smaller vessels and local traffic.

4. Navigation:

   • The Veluwemeer is suitable for smaller and sedentary watercraft.
   • Marked channels ensure safe navigation, although skippers should be aware of the shallow depths.
   • Nautical charts are available and recommended for precise navigation.

5. Environmental Note: The Veluwemeer area hosts a rich biodiversity, making it a protected nature reserve. It's important for visitors to respect environmental guidelines to preserve its natural habitats.

Accessibility:

1. By Road: Accessible via well-maintained roads with ample parking near marinas and recreational areas.
2. Public Transport: Nearby towns like Harderwijk and Elburg are served by public transport, from which taxi or bus services can reach the lake.
3. Cycling Paths: Numerous cycling paths surround the Veluwemeer, popular among tourists and locals for scenic rides.

Key Points of Interest:

• Harderwijk: A historic town with attractions such as the Dolfinarium.
• Elburg: Offers medieval architecture and historic sites.
• Beaches: Several man-made and natural beaches are popular in the summer.

For boaters and sightseeing, Veluwemeer offers a tranquil and scenic setting, rich historical backdrops, and recreational opportunities making it a favorite in the Netherlands inland waterways.