nl
en
deThe countdown has started!
The 2026 boating season is just around the corner. Slowly but surely, winter is loosening its grip: the sun is appearing more often, the days are getting longer, and temperatures are starting to rise again. For water sports enthusiasts, that means only one thing… the urge to get back on the water is returning. Preparations at Yachtcharter De Drait are also in full swing: boats are being cleaned and engines are being checked so that everything will soon be in perfect condition for your boating holiday in Friesland. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the boating season will officially start again. What can you expect once the season begins?
Bridge Operation
The 2026 boating season runs from Saturday, March 28 to Saturday, October 31, 2026. During this period, bridges will once again operate according to their regular opening hours. Generally, bridges are operated daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. In the months of June, July, and August, bridges are even operated until 8:00 PM. Most bridges in Friesland are operated remotely from ‘It Swettehûs’, a central control point responsible for operating around 40 bridges in the province. These remotely operated bridges are equipped with cameras and will open automatically once you are waiting with your boat in front of the bridge. Other bridges are operated by a bridge keeper from the nearby bridge keeper’s house. Thanks to this centralized system, passing through most bridges in Friesland is free of charge. Only in a few regions is a small bridge fee still requested.
Click here for all information and a complete overview of the opening hours of bridges and locks in the province of Friesland.
Harbours and Facilities
During the winter period, only a few harbours are open for visiting boats and not all facilities along the waterways are accessible. From March 28, 2026, almost all harbours and facilities on and around the water will be open again. This means that in most places you can refill drinking water and have wastewater pumped out. Always check the website of a harbour to be sure which facilities each marina offers.
Marrekrite
In fact, Marrekrite mooring locations are accessible all year round. However, during the winter months only some of the waste containers in popular boating areas are available. Once the boating season starts, all waste containers will be usable again. Not familiar with Marrekrite yet? In our blog you can find more information about Marrekrite mooring locations in Friesland. Click here to read the blog.
Rent a boat
Plenty of reasons to start preparing for a boating holiday in Friesland again. Have you not planned a boating holiday yet this year? Send an email to contact@dedrait.com with your wishes and we will gladly send you a non-binding offer for your boat holiday. You can also check availability through our online booking calendar.
Trial Boating Day
Did you know that Yachtcharter De Drait organizes a free trial boating day on Thursday, April 16? Feel free to visit us at De Zwaan 20 in Woudsend and experience for yourself what it is like to be the skipper of a motor yacht. Have you ever had the ambition to go out on a motor yacht but feel that the step might be too big? Take this opportunity to discover and experience what a boating holiday in Friesland is really like. Click here for more information about the trial boating day. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact us.
In short: the excitement can begin! The 2026 boating season is about to start. Whether you enjoy a peaceful cruise through nature, a day on the water with family and friends, or a longer route along charming harbour towns, the new season once again offers plenty of possibilities. Just a little more patience… and then it will be time to cast off again! See you soon at Yachtcharter De Drait in Drachten or Woudsend.