Town centre
The lock and the harbour
Watch boats pass through the lock, walk the quays and the narrow streets around the harbour. Free and at your own pace.
Home›Blokzijl: fortified town with a lock
Surroundings
Blokzijl: fortified town with a lock
Eight kilometres as the crow flies, 15 by road or an hour and a half by boat. A compact old town with a lock, a harbour and a Michelin-star restaurant.
The town
Small, old and on the water
Blokzijl is a fortified town at the western edge of the Weerribben. Its centre is built around the lock and the harbour basin, with the lifting bridge and brick houses close together. It is the kind of place you walk around in an hour and then sit down by the water.
The best-known address is Kaatje bij de Sluis, a restaurant right by the lock that has held a Michelin star for 45 years and has rooms in Kaatjes Résidence, an 1860 building.
From Giethoorn it is a natural half-day trip: by car in a quarter of an hour, by bike as part of a loop, or by boat through the canals of the national park.
- 8 km from Giethoorn as the crow flies
- Lock, lifting bridge and harbour in the centre
- Kaatje bij de Sluis: Michelin star for 45 years
Distances and times
Giethoorn to Blokzijl
15 km by roadAbout a quarter of an hour by car via the N334 and N333.
12 km by boat, about 1h30The waterway between Giethoorn and Blokzijl runs through the national park. One way, at the local speed limit.
Cycling loop of 50 kmThe Giethoorn to Blokzijl loop runs via the Jonen ferry, Dwarsgracht, Blokzijl, Belt-Schutsloot and Wanneperveen.
Jonen ferry: €1.20The small ferry across the Walengracht links Giethoorn and Dwarsgracht with the Vollenhove and Blokzijl side.
Things to do
Blokzijl in an afternoon
Restaurant and hotel
Kaatje bij de Sluis
Michelin-star restaurant for 45 years, with rooms in Kaatjes Résidence (1860) and a 9-course dinner arrangement. Book ahead.
Cycling
Cycling through the Weerribben
Blokzijl, Giethoorn, the Weerribben and back to Blokzijl: 48.3 km of flat cycling through reed land and peat canals.
On the way
The Jonen ferry
A tiny ferry across the Walengracht at Jonen, between Giethoorn/Dwarsgracht and the Vollenhove and Blokzijl side. Part of the 50 km loop.
Combine Blokzijl with a boat trip
By road Blokzijl is a quarter of an hour away, so a morning in Giethoorn on the water and lunch by the lock in Blokzijl works well. Want to sail there with one of our boats? Ask us first by phone or WhatsApp: at 12 km one way it only fits a full-day rental, and we will tell you what the water is like that day.
Questions about Blokzijl
How far is Blokzijl from Giethoorn?
8 km as the crow flies, 15 km by road and 12 km by water, about an hour and a half by boat one way.
Can I sail to Blokzijl with a rental boat?
One way is about 1h30, so there and back is at least three hours of sailing before any stop. That only fits a full-day rental (6 hours of sailing). Please discuss it with us before you book, so we can advise on the weather and the route.
What is the best way to get there?
By car in about 15 minutes, or by bike as part of the 50 km loop via the Jonen ferry. Rent bikes at our dock from €10 a day.
Is Kaatje bij de Sluis worth it?
It has held a Michelin star for 45 years and sits right by the lock. Reserve well in advance; see kaatje.nl for menus, prices and rooms.
What does the Jonen ferry cost?
€1.20 per crossing over the Walengracht. It links Giethoorn and Dwarsgracht with the Vollenhove and Blokzijl side.
Start your day on the water
Rent a whisper boat in Giethoorn in the morning and drive on to Blokzijl for lunch. Book online in advance for the best price and a guaranteed boat.