Explore Urk - Balk Shipyard

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Explore Urk

Urk is the hometown of Balk Shipyard and the place for crew and captains.
Dutch superyacht shipyard Balk Shipyard.

Discover local life around our shipyard

When your superyacht is undergoing a survey, refit or rebuild, the surrounding area becomes more than a backdrop: it becomes part of the experience for captains and crew. Located in the heart of the Netherlands, our shipyard in Urk offers more than state-of-the-art facilities. It’s a gateway to a rich cultural landscape, lively cities and relaxing downtime. Explore Urk and it’s surroundings as crew during the survey, refit or rebuild.

Balk Shipyard is located half an hour from Zwolle, a historical city in the Netherlands.

Historic Cities Nearby

Located in the heart of the Netherlands, our superyacht shipyard in Urk offers yacht crew a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich culture during a yacht survey, refit or rebuild. You’ll find historic towns such as Kampen, Elburg, and Zwolle within 30 minutes. Amsterdam is only a one hour drive. Each destination offers its own character, from museums and canals to charming harbors, traditional Dutch architecture, and local boutiques. It’s the perfect way to spend your downtime while the vessel is in the yard.

Closeby our shipyard is Giethoorn, also known as Dutch Venice. Explore Urk and it

Leisure and Local Life for crew

Outside working hours, there is plenty of entertainment and leisure close by. The nearby Emmeloord Golf Club offers an 18-hole course surrounded by Dutch countryside, ideal for relaxing after a day on-site. For a fun day on the water, Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North,” is just a short trip away. Whether you’re cycling through tulip fields or enjoying a drink at a waterfront café, there’s no shortage of activities in this region. If you want to organize a fun leisure day, our team is here to help you as a crew as well.

Balk Shipyard is a Dutch shipyard based in the Netherlands.

Village of Urk

Urk itself is a historic fishing village with a strong maritime identity, located directly on the IJsselmeer. Yacht crew staying in Urk benefit from two gyms within walking distance of the yard and several excellent restaurants offering locally caught fish, with Dutch herring being a true local delicacy. The close-knit community welcomes international visitors, and many crew members find the relaxed atmosphere ideal during intense shipyard projects.

Let's talk

Is your crew ready to discover Urk and the Netherlands? Contact us to plan your next superyacht survey, refit or rebuild.