View all Dutch Waterways Cruises
Fed by the Rhine, the Maas and the Scheldt, the Dutch Waterways are an intricate interlinking series of canals, small rivers and inland seas, creating one of the most unique river cruising experiences in Europe. Under vast open skies, these tranquil waterways lace through the most-gentle of landscapes punctuated by traditional windmills and elegant church spires. In springtime fields teeming with tulips stretch as far as the eye can see. The Netherlands is a country defined by its waterways and the Unesco-listed canal district is the vibrant heart of its capital Amsterdam. Weaving their magic through medieval cities and charming historical towns, these timeless waterways are simply a Dutch masterpiece - part of the national identity.
Things to know
- The Dutch waterways total over 3,700 miles long and 17% of the total surface area of the Netherlands consists of water
- The deltas of the Rhine, the Maas and Scheldt rivers are part of the Dutch Waterways.
- Known as the eighth wonder of the world, the Delta Works were designed to protect the delta lands of the Rhine, Maas and Scheldt rivers.
- The Netherlands had approximately 10,000 windmills in the 17th century – almost a thousand of the 17th century windmills still dot the landscape today.
- The tulips that colour the landscape in springtime were introduced to the Netherlands in the 17th century