Sleepbootdagen Zwartsluis

Stichting Nationale Sleepbootdagen Zwartsluis organizes the biennial Nationale Sleepbootdagen, a public event celebrating historic tugboats and the maritime heritage of Zwartsluis in Overijssel. First held in 1994, the event was created by tugboat owners who wanted to preserve these vessels and share them with a wider audience. It now attracts visitors from the Netherlands and abroad, including maritime enthusiasts, local residents, former residents, and families seeking a lively day out.

Visitors can view historic and working tugboats, explore their engine rooms, and enjoy a varied programme of activities on the water and ashore. The foundation also provides practical event information through its website, including daily schedules, news, a photo gallery, a downloadable programme folder, and a live webcam from Hotel Zwartewater. Owners wishing to participate with a tugboat or small push boat must belong to Vereniging De MotorSleepboot (VDMS). Through its event and visitor resources, the foundation connects the community with the region’s tugboat history and helps keep these vessels visible to future generations.