Houseboat Senang overlooks the Beulakerpolder, a beautiful nature reserve of reed beds, scrubland, fenland and open water. A wide variety of marsh birds, reed-bed birds and waterfowl feel at home here, including bearded tits, purple herons, whiskers and water rails. A walking and cycling path circles the area, with a birdwatching hide halfway along and beautiful views across the Beulakerwijde.

Giethoorn, often called the Venice of the Netherlands, is just a few minutes away from Houseboat Senang. The village is world-famous for its charming canals, 176 wooden bridges and authentic thatched houses. The waterways were originally dug for the transport of peat and now give Giethoorn its unique character. Explore the village by boat, on foot or from one of its many inviting terraces.

The many lakes surrounding Houseboat Senang are locally known as the Wieden. The nearby Beulakerwijde is one of the largest and most beautiful of these lakes. Here, you can swim, paddleboard, sail, kayak or simply enjoy a relaxing boat trip. Prefer a slower pace? Find a spot along the shore, enjoy a picnic, or watch the sun slowly disappear into the reeds at the end of the day. A wonderful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Hop on your bike and discover one of the most beautiful cycling regions in the Netherlands. The Weerribben-Wieden National Park offers a unique combination of nature, water villages and historic fishing villages. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of inviting places to stop for a coffee, lunch or a drink. Ferries and water buses make it easy to explore this beautiful water-rich area by bicycle.

De Auken is located about 7 km from Houseboat Senang. From the birdwatching hide, you can enjoy beautiful views of a large bird island, home to spoonbills, egrets, purple herons and nesting cormorants. De Auken is situated in Giethoorn-Noord, at the edge of the village. From the parking area, it is just a short walk of approximately 500 metres to the viewpoint.

The Weerribben-Wieden is a true paradise for canoe enthusiasts. Its countless waterways, narrow channels and peat streams take you deep into the heart of nature. Paddle through green tunnels of swamp forest and along vast reed beds, while enjoying the peace and beauty of this unique landscape. Early mornings are especially magical, when the water is calm and nature slowly awakens around you. There is no better way to experience this remarkable area than from a canoe.

The Natuurmonumenten Visitor Centre, located about 10 km from Houseboat Senang, is an excellent starting point for guided boat tours, cycling trips and walks through the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Step aboard a whisper boat and explore the heart of this beautiful wetland landscape. Along the way, you’ll learn about the formation of De Wieden and its unique flora and fauna.

Adress: Beulakerpad 1, 8326 AH Sint Jansklooster.

What a small village can achieve! Every year, on the third Friday of August, Sint Jansklooster hosts its famous Flower Parade. Over the years, it has become the largest illuminated flower parade in the world. Impressive floats, decorated with thousands of hand-cut dahlias, make their way through the village. The event has even been recognised as part of the Dutch intangible cultural heritage. An unforgettable spectacle.

Just 10 km from Houseboat Senang lies Blokzijl, a former Zuiderzee town with a rich trading history. In the past, peat was transported from here to destinations throughout the Netherlands. The town’s name literally means “fortified lock”. Today, picturesque streets and inviting terraces surround the characteristic harbour and lock. A wonderful place to stroll, relax and take in the atmosphere.

The waterside village of Belt-Schutsloot is smaller and quieter than Giethoorn, yet just as authentic and picturesque. Surrounded by beautiful nature and located only 10 km from Houseboat Senang, it is well worth a visit.

On the second Friday of August, the village hosts its annual Gondola Parade. Spectacular illuminated gondolas glide through the waterways, attracting more than 10,000 visitors each year. An event not to be missed.

Kalenberg is located about 17 km from Houseboat Senang and is often regarded as the heart of the region’s reed-cutting culture. The village is known for its high-quality reed, which has been harvested here for generations. Along the Hoogeweg, you’ll find small traditional houses once inhabited by peat cutters, as well as characteristic windmills that are typical of the northern Dutch landscape. The combination of history, nature and water makes the area around Kalenberg perfect for cycling, walking and sailing.

When temperatures drop below zero, the shallow canals and waterways around Houseboat Senang quickly turn into natural skating rinks. The boats disappear, and skaters take their place, transforming the landscape into a completely different – but equally beautiful – winter scene.

On some occasions, guests have even been able to step directly from the houseboat onto the ice. Skate towards Giethoorn, or head in the other direction through Dwarsgracht and into the reedlands. A unique way to experience the area and a memory you’ll never forget.