Visiting The Batavia-Werf, Home Of The Century Old Batavia Ship

The century old Batavia

In the Netherlands, there is this place named Batavia-Stad, the center of outlet shopping. It is a walled center of branded goods such as Sketchers, Esprit, and Benneton.

Looks like an skeleton of the ship. The ship reconstrucion site

my Dutch family in the "flagship"

old canyon inside the Batavia

Ropes of all sizes made for the ship

This traditional blacksmith made a beautiful souvenir for our son

This Batavia-Stad is in the Lelystad, the Home of the Batavia-Werf. What is Batavia Werf? Batavia Werf is a shipyard that uses the traditional Dutch shipbuilding techniques to create authentic constructions of famous ships such as the Batavia.
Me and my family visited Batavia-Werf, and it was an awesome experience, not only for me but for our whole family. What made the Batavia-Werf a must-see place is that it authentically reconstructed the 17th century VOC ship ever made. I was fascinated when we went on board the Batavia that moored across the road. The feeling was like I see Captain Hook there. Inside the Batavia remains a lot of replica from the bygone era.

An ancient navigation system

There are old canyons that were used to protect the land from the enemies. It is like a scène in an adventure movie. Aside from that, we also explored the shipyard, see the traditional crafts in workshops, and the work-in-progress in reconstructing a ship. It was a great experience. When we went at the gift and souvenir shop, I was a bit disappointed that the book Batavia is not available in English.

Me on the top :)

At the lower ground of the Batavia

We ended our tour by having a cozy lunch at the restaurant just there at the Batavia shipyard.

A huge shipyard that visitors need signs

At the Batavia gift shop

If ever you will be visiting the Netherlands, you can add the Batavia-Werf in Lelystad in your itinerary. It is really worth your trip.

Thousand of Boats And Ships At Sail Amsterdam

Sail Amsterdam 2010 (photo credit: AmsterdamTourism)

I first came in the Netherlands year 2010, the same year of the Sail Amsterdam quinquennial celebration. A big event in The Netherlands every after five years. Sail Amsterdam is a maritime event where tall ships from all over the world visit this famous old city, to moor and many people can visit these visiting ships. You can actually step inside whichever ships you will like.

one of the historical ships

very Amsterdam

a first timer in Amsterdam

It was the year 1975 when the first event of Sail Amsterdam was organized, to celebrate the 700 anniversary of Amsterdam. The event was a big success. From that event, it led to the establishment of the Sail Amsterdam Foundation. Last year, it was a big success again.

all about ships 

tall and big ships from all over the world

enjoying  Amsterdam:)

From what I have read, Sail Amsterdam is one of the largest marine manifestation in the world, and the largest event of any kind in the Netherlands. That is absolutely true. In Sail Amsterdam, I have seen tens or even hundreds of boats and ship. Me and my husband, sit on the upper deck of one of the big boats with café and a restaurant and I was fascinated by the view.

parade in the water

If they are people, they are marching. But they are ships and boats. It was so beautiful to see parade of many ships and boats, and you are in the middle of old buildings, in an old city that sitting in the water.
Perhaps you also wish to visit Amsterdam. Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. The city that has so much to offer. Arts, elaborate canals, narrow Dutch houses with gabled façades. You will definitely get inspired by the 17th century ambiance. The next Sail Amsterdam will be in 2020. You can mark that year. Perhaps you would like to see this fascinating event. Who knows? Maybe there, you will encounter a pirate. A pirate who will catch your heart.