Welcome onboard

Merlijn is a fully equipped small River-Cruise-Ship, capable of hosting 24 passengers. Built in 1930 as a freighter and converted to a luxurious cruise ship in 2002. Since then she is without a doubt the most elegant lady on the European rivers.

Cruise in style on a converted vintage barge

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What we offer you

  • Bike & Barge trips in Europe
  • Cruise only trips in Europe
  • Individual bookings directly through our website
  • Reserve the entire ship for your group
  • Charter the barge with your company
  • Large, bright lounge/restaurant
  • Luxurious, spacious cabins

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Highlighted

A big fan of Merlijn and want to support us? Book your 2021 holiday now! For example our most wanted Holland Tulip Tour

7 days Amsterdam - Amsterdam / March 27th - April 2nd

Bike, Barge & Cruise the Green heart of Holland with all kinds of nature. Entrance to the Flower exhibition 'Keukenhof' included.

* All deposit are covered by the guarantee scheme provided by VZR Garant. (like allways)

Take a look
Weser-Hills tour in Germany | ‘Following in Theodor Fontane’s footsteps”

Weser-Hills tour in Germany

June 06 - 13 / 2020
Departure port: Bremen Destination: Magdeburg Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day: 30 to 45
Book now
4 cabin(s) available
From the Bremen Town Musicians to Magdeburg’s Golden Rider Statue. Bike, Barge and Cruise through the ‘Weser-hills’ landscape, where tourists are hard to find.
€ 1.525,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
East meets West Germany tour | ‘Following in Theodor Fontane’s footsteps”

East meets West Germany tour

July 04 - 11 / 2020
Departure port: Berlin/Spandau Destination: Wolfsburg Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day: 25 to 50 KM
Book now
2 cabin(s) available
After designing this trip we needed a new slogan because Bike & Barge didn’t cover the load! We named it: ‘Bike & Culture”, a perfect combination between biking and culture !!
€ 1.525,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
Midland-canal & Rhine-river tour in Germany

Midland-canal & Rhine-river tour in Germany

July 11 - 18 / 2020
Departure port: Wolfsburg Destination: Cologne Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day: 35 to 55 KM
Book now
5 cabin(s) available
Bike, Barge and Cruise 2 different worlds; along the midland canal & the Rhine river. Where tourists are hard to find, you cycle through forests, visit castles & great city's
€ 1.525,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
View all available tours

Where we sail

Bike, Barge & Cruise the most beautiful rivers of Europe!

The Merlijn sails on:

  • All rivers & lakes of Holland/Netherlands, including the IJssel, Meuse, IJssel Lake, inland lakes of the Randmeren, the Waddensea, the Groene Hart van Holland (Green Heartlands) commencing in Amsterdam and running via Gouda/Delft to Kinderdijk. 
  • In Germany we sail the Rhine, Moselle, Saar, Main, Main-Danube-canal, Danube, Neckar, Midlandcanal, Havel, Weser, Oder, Peene & more. 
  • In Belgium we sail the Schelde and several canals to Bruges & Brussels, from there to Maastricht.
  • In France we sail the Moselle, as far as to Nancy.
  • In Poland we sail the West-Odra and cross the Lake Stettiner haff, also we dock in the city of Szczecin.
  • In Eastern Europe we sail the Danube river (from 2022), through Austria and Slovakia as far as to Budapest in Hungary.

Merlijn's Captain knows all these waters & their natural surroundings well, and knows where the most tranquil spots are to be found. 

View all available tours

The last news

Renovation upper-deck finished

Friday 06 december 2019

Renovation upper-deck finished

After a long time thinking, planning and designing we proudly present our new upper-deck interior!

See all pictures in our photo album

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Merlijn goes to the Blue Danube!

Monday 15 april 2019

Merlijn goes to the Blue Danube!

We are planning to sail the Blue Danube in 2022!

More news coming soon

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Merlijn has new owners

Friday 22 february 2019

Merlijn has new owners

We are Coen & Cristina, here is a short introduction about us, the proud new owners of Merlijn.

A dream coming true, that is.......

Read full article
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28 july 2018

Berlin/Spandau to Magdeburg, July 14th 2018

Dear friends,

Patti and I had a wonderful time on our trip.   You were all so focused on ensuring everything was perfect for our group. 

I came with very high expectations and they were greatly exceeded!  As an engineer I was so impressed with the barge.

Thank you once again for treating us to such a fine adventure! 

Regards, Ed Buehler