Your own island, a sailing cottage and nothing else at all. Except birds, water, reeds and maybe a curious heron in the distance. Sounds like a dream? It is! But one that can become a reality. We were allowed to spend a night on a floating tiny house of Konga Float in Hemelum, Friesland, and are nóting.
Nature cottage in Friesland on your own private island
As soon as you arrive at sailing school Hemelum, you will be welcomed by Claartje and her husband Remco - he also runs the sailing school. Together with you, they will board the Konga Float: a stylish tiny house houseboat with its own electric motor. They will take you to your private island in about ten minutes
dje on the Frisian lake, the Morra. And then the great enjoyment begins. Swimming, fishing, supping (there are two sups and rods waiting for you), barbecuing, building a campfire... everything is available on the island. You also get a small motorboat, just for fun, so you can cruise around or moor somewhere for a picnic. Truly one of those bucket list experiences that you enjoy together with your loved one, your family or a bunch of good friends. The Konga Float can accommodate up to four people. So who do you invite?
Please note that if the wind is too strong, the island experience is not possible. In that case, you will be offered another mooring spot, surrounded by nature, of course.
Konga Float: sleeping in a tiny house on the water that goes sailing to a private island.
Off-grid residence in Friesland
What makes this place extra special is that you stay completely off-grid, without compromising on comfort - fieuw. The Konga Float runs on solar energy, the hot water comes from a solar water heater and there is a toilet. The cottage is equipped with all modern conveniences, but Claartje makes a conscious effort to keep power consumption as low as possible: no wifi, coffee is made with a percolator and instead of a television there is a record player with a cabinet full of fine vinyl records. How cosy! Yet you won't miss a thing: there is a hot shower, a kitchenette with a gas cooker and fridge, comfortable beds and a tasteful interior full of second-hand and vintage finds, selected with care and love. Sustainable floating, in other words, which is why Konga Float fits squarely on a sustainable traveller's bucket list.
Fun things to do near Hemelum
Should you still be able to tear yourself away from your island, there is plenty to explore around Hemelum too. Nearby, about ten times a year the Flinty Flea Market organised: a cosy car boot market with some 130 stalls full of second-hand gems, live music and a terrace with barista. No small feat, then! Keep their socials keep an eye out for the dates, because you really don't want to miss this.
Also nice: book a sailing lesson with Remco, who, besides being an island captain, is also a sailing instructor. After all, here you are in one of Friesland's most beautiful water sports areas, so why not? For those looking for a bit more action: just under half an hour away is Sneek, a historic town with cosy streets, cool boutiques and just a bit more action. Fancy it? Then check out our sustainable shopping itinerary in Sneek here.
Read more about this special accommodation.
More Friesland tips
- Also see: Your travel guide for a sustainable day out in Leeuwarden.
- Also see: itinerary for a weekend in northwest Friesland.
- Also see: A road trip through Friesland.
Photo credits: Konga Float (main image), other: thegreenlist.nl.
