Your first houseboat adventure: a guide for beginners

Welcome aboard your very own houseboat adventure! The thought of gliding along calm inland waters, unwinding, feeding ducks as they swim by and enjoying the surroundings from a unique perspective sounds absolutely tantalising, doesn't it? Don't worry, even if you want to rent a houseboat for the first time, with our beginner's guide you are well prepared, even if you don't have a pleasure craft licence. Because many licence-free houseboat areas in Europe await you.

Rent the right houseboat

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right houseboat. Firstly, think about how many people are travelling with you and what amenities you need. Houseboats range from basic to luxurious - so think about whether you really want to charter a fully equipped, state-of-the-art motor yacht or an old, cosy and cheaper boat. Older houseboats in particular, some of which have been in operation for 20-30 years, have a charm all of their own and remind us of an older car with toggle switches and rotary knobs when it comes to operation. A nostalgic feeling also arises when you find a self-installed car radio with cassette deck next to the steering wheel and are surprised that the outdated car radio technology obviously still works today. In the end, however, it is mainly a question of taste whether you prefer to rent an older houseboat or a new, perfectly equipped motor yacht. Whether old or new, all houseboats usually have a kitchen, a toilet and a shower and, of course, a living area below deck where you can make yourself comfortable with your fellow travellers at any time.

Licence-free houseboats bookable in many houseboat regions

If you have never been on holiday on a houseboat before and have been allowed to take the helm yourself, you will realise on your first day as a leisure captain at the latest that manoeuvring a houseboat is not quite as easy as parking the small car that you have perhaps just parked at the marina. Houseboats are cosy, but also cumbersome creatures, and even a spontaneous jerk of the rudder or steering wheel will not turn the boat around in seconds as if by magic. A captain must therefore always drive with foresight and initiate all manoeuvres in good time, because unlike your car, a boat always responds with a certain delay. Boats have no brakes, and waves and currents can also make one or two manoeuvres a challenge. With this in mind, even if other European countries are much more liberal in this respect, it is not entirely incomprehensible that driving licences are compulsory on busy inland waterways in Germany (e.g. the Rhine). So if you want to go on a houseboat holiday on the Rhine, you will need an inland boating licence. However, if you don't have a boating licence, it's no problem, because the most beautiful houseboat areas are not necessarily the large inland waterways that keep Europe's logistics running, but rather the small rivers and breathtakingly beautiful lakes that characterise our continent. In Germany, these include the Mecklenburg Lake District, Brandenburg and the Havel, some sections of the Rhine-Herne Canal and the Lahn. For a picturesque houseboat holiday in France without a boating licence, we recommend the Canal du Midi (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal de la Garonne or the River Lot. The Netherlands (e.g. Friesland), Ireland (e.g. Shannon, Erne), England (e.g. Midlands, sections of the Thames) and Italy (e.g. Canal Bianco and Minicio) also offer several wonderful licence-free houseboat areas. Every houseboat charter company will generally introduce you to the operation of the boat before letting you take the helm, and in many cases a so-called charter licence is also required, which you will receive for the duration of your boat trip after two to three hours of practical instruction. 

Plan the perfect route

When planning your itinerary, you are spoilt for choice. Decide according to your interests: Do you want to discover pure nature or the charm of small towns? Take a look at the maps of the waterways in advance and find out about locks, bridges and any necessary permits. Plan realistically, because a leisurely glide on the water is not comparable to fast progress on the road. A tip: Always keep a flexible plan open, because an unexpectedly beautiful place often tempts you to make a stopover. Tip no. 2: Ask your boat hire company where the best moorings are along your planned route, as you won't always get a berth in the nearest marina along the way, especially during the season, and only the fewest harbours will allow you to reserve a berth. As a rule, first come, first serve applies, which means that you may have to moor your boat somewhere on the shore overnight. 

Mastering challenges and coping with everyday life on board

Life on a houseboat is decelerated and cosy, but it also comes with small challenges. Starting with the supply of fresh water and electricity through to the correct manoeuvring of the boat, which was already mentioned earlier in this article. Make sure you have sufficient supplies and fresh food before you set off, and plan regular stops in harbours to top up the batteries and water supplies, refuel if necessary and have dirty water pumped out of your boat. What's also important: pack the right clothing. It can get chilly on the water in the evenings, even in summer, and above all you will have to be out in the rain to navigate a lock or moor somewhere. Rainproof clothing is therefore a must, as is headgear - and above all sun cream if you don't want to get sunburnt within a few days. 

Enjoying freedom on the water

A houseboat holiday offers you the unique opportunity to experience the freedom of the waterways in complete relaxation. Take advantage of the quiet moments to observe nature or read a book. You can spend cosy hours on deck and enjoy sunsets. Leave the stress of everyday life behind you and learn to slow down. It can also be fun to stop along the way to discover the local cuisine and culture or simply to stretch your legs.

With these tips and tricks, you'll be well prepared to explore the wonderful and slow-paced world of houseboat holidays. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the water. Have fun Canal Boat or Houseboat - and of course mast and sheet break!