Waterfietsen (Pedal Boats) Amsterdam

Waterfietsen — Dutch for “water cycling” — is Amsterdam’s most active and fun way to explore the canals. You captain your own pedal-powered boat, steering through the canal ring at whatever pace suits you. There is no guide, no fixed route, and no schedule — just you and the canals.

Pedal boats are available in 2-person and 4-person sizes, and you can pick one up at four locations in Amsterdam: Leidseplein, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Keizersgracht. You pedal out from one of these stations and return to the same spot when your time is up. Reservation is recommended due to limited capacity, and the operation is weather-dependent, generally focused on spring and summer.

Each pedal boat comes with a waterproof canal map showing recommended routes, bridges to pass under, and highlights to look out for. The boats are stable, easy to steer, and virtually impossible to capsize — no prior boating experience is needed.

Waterfietsen is the ultimate family activity. Children as young as 3 can sit safely in the boat while older kids and adults take turns pedaling. It is also surprisingly good exercise — an hour of pedal boating burns roughly the same calories as an hour of cycling.

The canals offer a constantly changing perspective on the city. One moment you are passing under a bridge covered in flowering wisteria; the next, you are alongside a houseboat where a cat is sunbathing on the deck. Ducks, swans, and coots paddle alongside you, and other boaters wave as you pass.

Rental periods start from one hour, with discounts for longer rentals. On warm summer days, waterfietsen is one of Amsterdam’s most popular outdoor activities, so we recommend booking online to guarantee availability.

Tip: the quietest and most scenic canals are in the Jordaan and along the Reguliersgracht. Ask at your pickup station for route recommendations based on your interests.