Houseboat – Holiday on the water

Brief facts on the subject

• Driving license and charter rules vary by country, driving area and boat.
• A briefing shall not everywhere replace a prescribed certificate of competence.
• Locks, bridges, current and berths determine the realistic daily route.
• Deposit, fuel, final cleaning, port fees and insurance change the overall price.
• Beds, sanitary room, kitchen, heating and storage space are more compact on board.
• Children and pets need clear safety rules on deck.
• Weather, water level and closures can change the route at short notice.

Have you ever thought of a floating apartment? A houseboat? Houseboat vacation is still a tourist niche – wrongly, as we think. Houseboats are holiday apartments on the water and can easily rented. You then sail self-determined over lakes and canals, can sleep on the houseboat, cook food.

A perfect holiday for individualists. Also: Houseboat vacation wonderful for family vacation Suitable with children. And the great thing: A houseboat can be rented simply...

Domestic boat areas

Houseboats in the charter are actually everywhere where there are rivers, canals and lakes, which are not only intended for the large transport ships. The most famous and popular region for houseboat holidays in Germany is theMecklenburger Lake Platte. There are many charter options for houseboats at the Müritz. Another well-known driving area for houseboat holidays is the area around the Moselle and Saar, and the Rhine Marne Canal. The tour with the houseboat can Go here to deep Alsace.

As a Mecca for the houseboat holiday is France. Here there is an excellent structure for houseboat holidaymakers and above all over 1000 kilometers of navigable canals, lakes and small rivers. Together with ordinary You can spend your holiday here on the houseboat even without special driving licenses.

Navigating areas for houseboats in Europe are also found in Portugal (Duro), Spain (e.g. Ebro Delta), the Netherlands (blobt is the Ijsselmeer), Ireland and Scotland or Italy (in the Po Delta).

Houseboat driving licence

In many areas you do not need a separate license as captain of the chartered houseboat. For example, you can be trained as a “houseboat captain” at the Müritz within three hours – And the journey begins over Müritz. There are restrictions on the size of the houseboat, the speed and the number of people carried. In many areas of France there is no Required driving license for a houseboat. If in doubt, even children should steer the houseboat during family holidays. Important for all interested parties for a houseboat holiday: Before booking a houseboat always via the for the Inquire about applicable rules regarding houseboat driving license! The companies where the houseboats can be chartered willingly provide information – usually the information on the necessary driving licenses already advertised at the offer.

Houseboat rental

Anyone who wants to rent a houseboat on the Internet will find a highly fragmented market of providers of houseboats. Unlike, for example, in the area of package travel, there are currently no portals that provide an overview about the various possibilities to charter or rent a houseboat. The houseboat broker is usually only found directly in the ferry areas - here you can rent your houseboat directly on site.

Houseboat as a residential

Amsterdam should be mentioned first when it comes to accommodation in a residential boat. At almost 3000 berths in the canals of Metropole are residential boats. Some of the houseboats in AmsterdamYou can rent a holiday home right away.

Residential boats can also be found in places where they are initially not suspected. Thus, inCenter Parc Bispingenso-called houseboat bungalows, where you can live with up to four people.

Differentiate Houseboat and Yacht Charter

Houseboats are usually designed for slow inland areas. A sailing or motor yacht has different requirements for navigation, experience and equipment. Whoever compares different charter forms will find Yacht charter the main issues; for a fixed location at the port more fits Sailing holiday with holiday accommodation.

Prepare route and overnight

Check lock and bridge times, reachable berths, supply and return location. For travel with children, the criteria for Family leave. Those who prefer to live on land can Holiday home on the lake Voting. Booking and payment questions can be dealt with Rent a holiday home and Safely rented Compare.

Frequent questions about houseboat holidays

Do I need a boat driver’s license?

This depends on land, territory, boat and motorization. The charterer must confirm the specific conditions.

How far do you go per day?

Locks, speed, weather and available berths are more important than just distance.

Can I go anywhere?

No. Permitted berths and local rules must be observed.

What is the additional cost?

Often there is a deposit, fuel, cleaning, port fees or insurance services.

Is a houseboat suitable for children?

This depends on railing, life jackets, sleeping places and consistent supervision.

What belongs in the preparation?

Documents, weather planning, clothing, supplies and emergency contacts belong in the Travel arrangements.