Doorvaardag is back again this summer. On Saturday, June 21, there will be unlimited back-and-forth passage between Reeuwijks Verlaat and the Mallegatsluis in Gouda, and vice versa. The City of Gouda is organizing this Doorvaardag in collaboration with the Gouda Lock Keepers’ Guild.
This year, there are a few changes due to construction work on Korte Vest. The passage is narrower here. Port authorities and volunteers from the Sluiswachtersgilde will be on hand to direct traffic.
The bridges and lock between Gouda and Reeuwijk are usually operated three times a day at fixed times during the high season. On Navigation Day, there are no fixed operating times, so boaters do not need to take this into account.
Alderman Thierry van Vugt: “We hope that many boat owners will take advantage of the open-water day again this year. Gouda is and always will be simply beautiful when viewed from the water. This year, we do have some restrictions due to construction work on the Korte Vest, but we hope it will still be a wonderful day for many.”
The Doorvaardag is being organized for the 8th time in collaboration with the Gouda Lock Keepers’ Guild. The Doorvaardag will take place on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please note that the Mallegat Lock will be operated until 4:45 p.m. at the latest on that day. Skippers need a permit to access the Reeuwijkse Plassen. This permit is available at the end of the Breevaart at the Sup and Watershop, Verlengde Breevaart 3 (entrance to the Landal De Reeuwijkse Plassen reception).
For more information, visit the Gouds Sluiswachtersgilde Facebook page.
Evening Sloop Tour onthe Longest Saturday, June 21, 2025
As always, the Evening Sloop Tour will take place on this year’s longest Saturday. With the traditional evening boat tour, we’ll be sailing in the opposite direction—from the lakeside recreational areas, where most water users spend their leisure time, into the city center. A unique opportunity to dine on board, host a barbecue on the quay, or enjoy a meal at one of Gouda’s restaurants by boat.
The convoy will assemble on June 21 at 5:45 p.m. on the Reeuwijk side at the Reeuwijks Verlaat lock and will depart at 9:30 p.m. from the Kleiweg Bridge on the Gouwe side.
Advance registration is not required, but you must check in at the bridge in time for either the outbound or return trip. Once a year, the Gouda Harbor Authority runs this special evening of lock and bridge operations to give water recreation enthusiasts this unique experience. A festive atmosphere in a ribbon of boats. A beautiful sight for those on shore. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy both Gouda’s city center and the Plassen area with this water event.
A long line of boats on the Karnemelksloot at dusk; a photo report from the previous edition (2024) by the SWRP.
On the Longest Saturday Water Day, June 21, anyone with a boat can join the convoy; even those who participated in the earlier Passage Day can sail back with the final convoy. The Evening Boat Tour is being organized for the fifth time by the local water sports association SWRP in collaboration with the City of Gouda.
For more information, visit welkomingouda.nl and the websites of Roei & Zeil Gouda, Elfhoeven, and MWR REEUWIJK.
