Houseboat for 4 people, 44 m², in Xanten (271554)

Have you ever taken a vacation on a houseboat or a floating house?
If so, then you surely share our amazing experience, would definitely take another vacation on a houseboat, or may have even already booked a new trip.
If not, then it’s time to discover something new. Spend the most precious days of the year on a houseboat and see for yourself.
Is the rental price too high for you? Then simply contact us directly and ask for a personalized quote.
Do you suddenly have some free time and feel like taking a houseboat vacation? Then ask us about our current last-minute deals. If a week is still available in the booking calendar one to two weeks before your last-minute arrival, you can save up to 40%. If you’re interested, please send us an email and ask about our last-minute offer.

By the way, we completely renovated the wooden deck in December 2024, which is why the old decking is still visible in most of the photos. The same goes for the interior furniture, as we purchase new pieces every few years. Currently, the furnishings include gray chairs. And last but not least, we have to replace the garden chair cushions almost every season, which is why different cushions are shown in almost every photo.
By the way, we’re very flexible with free days before and after your officially booked period. If our houseboat isn’t rented out before your arrival or after your departure, you’re welcome to arrive 1–2 days early or stay longer. At no extra charge, of course—the houseboat would be empty anyway, and that’s something that’s always decided at the last minute.
And last but not least, we—that is, my wife Ulrike and I, Andreas Orlowski—are personally liable for your rental payments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all guests, without exception, received refunds for all payments within 3–5 days.

Do you have any questions?

If so, we’ve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions here.

Does a houseboat rock, and does it make a lot of noise (splashing water, etc.)? Will I get seasick?

Our houseboat is securely moored to the dock and hardly moves at all. Its heavy weight of about 16 metric tons also ensures a stable position, so you typically won’t even notice that you don’t have solid ground beneath your feet. In very stormy weather from the northeast with higher waves, there may be slight rocking. However, since you’re not below deck but have an unobstructed view of the horizon, it’s unlikely that you’ll get seasick even with strong swaying.

The Xanten North Sea normally doesn’t have significant wave action. When the prevailing wind is from the southwest, our houseboat is sheltered from the wind by the shore, and the waves run northeast toward the opposite shore. Only when there are stronger winds coming from the open sea might there be a slight lapping against both hulls.

How is the houseboat supplied with power and water?

Like a normal vacation home, the houseboat is supplied with fresh water from the municipal water system. It is also connected to the sewer system and the power grid.

How can I use the electric boat?

Our houseboat is moored at the dock and cannot be moved. To explore the Xanten Lakes, we’ve purchased two electric boats for our guests in addition to our bicycles. Our Whaly 370s—which, by the way, can be operated without a license by anyone 16 years of age or older—are available at all times. Please indicate when booking whether you’d like to use our electric boat. Upon booking, you’ll receive comprehensive operating instructions for the houseboat and electric boat as a PDF file.

What safety precautions are in place?

Smoke detectors are installed in the living room and both bedrooms of the houseboat, and there is a fire extinguisher. The kitchen has an electric ceramic cooktop, and there is no gas system. For recreational activities, personal flotation devices are available for 2 children and 4 adults, and there is a life ring on board. The doors and windows are secured against break-ins when locked with bolts that engage at multiple points. In addition, the dock is secured with a sturdy, lockable door. You and your personal belongings are therefore well protected with us.

What about sun and shade?

Outside, you can enjoy the sun on the rooftop terrace or seek shade under the umbrella. The front terrace is in the shade around noon and is only exposed to the sun in the morning, early afternoon, and evening, though the overhanging roof ensures that you can still find a shady spot even during those times.

Inside, the rooms are protected from excessive sunlight by thermal-insulated windows and mirrored pleated blinds. In addition, the houseboat has a modern heat pump heating system, which provides heat in the winter and can be used as air conditioning in the summer.

Is the houseboat suitable for small children?

The houseboat is NOT suitable for small children who cannot swim! Although personal flotation devices are provided, we believe the residual risk is too high. For all other children of preschool or elementary school age who can already swim, a houseboat vacation is, of course, an unforgettable experience. As a minimum requirement, we would recommend that children have earned a “Seepferdchen” swimming certificate and have sufficient swimming experience so that they can move around freely under your supervision. When parents are not present, we strongly recommend that children wear personal flotation devices—even if they’re just stepping over to the neighboring houseboat or to the car. Ultimately, however, this is a decision you must make yourself.

Are pets allowed?

We have now decided that bringing dogs is not prohibited in principle, but will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you would like to bring your dog.

Is smoking allowed indoors?

No, smoking is not allowed indoors. However, there are two terraces available for this purpose.

Are we allowed to barbecue on the houseboat?

Yes, barbecuing is permitted on the bow or rooftop terrace using the electric grill provided on the houseboat. Charcoal or gas grills, as well as any open flames, are not permitted. Exceptions are candles in suitable lanterns, which are provided. Since the houseboat’s power capacity is limited, only one electric grill may be used at a time. Barbecue utensils are provided on the houseboat.

Is there internet and TV on the houseboat?

There is a satellite TV connection and an LED/LCD TV in the living room, which allows you to receive all unencrypted channels from Astra 19.2E. The most important German and Dutch channels are preset to the lower channel slots. Netflix is also available.

Free Wi-Fi internet access is provided.

Optional services available for booking:
- Whaly 370 electric boat: flat rate for 7 days (see photos) 108.50 EUR per stay
- Dog: 15.50 EUR per night