Visiting Westfriesland for the first time? Then you won’t just want to tick off Hoorn or Enkhuizen . You’ll want to get to know the region. See the water. Walk along the dyke. Admire old warehouses whilst tucking into a slice of currant cake and stumble upon places you didn’t even know existed.
Drechterland, Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Koggenland, Medemblik, Opmeer and Stede Broec. Together, these seven municipalities form a region featuring historic towns, quiet villages, traditional farmhouses, tulip fields, harbours and local produce. Typically Dutch, but without the crowds.
So, what’s there to do in Westfriesland if it’s your first time there? Below you’ll find my top tips, covering the town, water, nature and food. That way, you don’t have to figure it all out for yourself. Saves you some hassle, doesn’t it?
1. Hoorn: a port town steeped in history
2. Enkhuizen: the Zuiderzee atmosphere and tiny museums
3. Medemblik: steam and currant buns
4. Drechterland: surrounded by dykes and villages
5. Koggenland: a lovely stop-off
6. Opmeer: amongst the cheese and cows
7. Stede Broec: put your shoes on (or take them off) and off you go
1. Hoorn: a port city steeped in history
Hoorn is a natural first stop, as the town showcases much of Westfriesland’s character all in one place. Old façades, winding streets, warehouses and water just round the corner. You can easily spend half a day wandering around here without a plan. And sometimes that’s simply the best plan. And all this just half an hour from Amsterdam Central Station. Authentic Holland, right on your doorstep.
Start at the Roode Steen and wander towards the harbour. Along the way, you’ll pass places such as the Bossuhuizen, the Oosterpoort and the Hoofdtoren. Fancy a bit more context to go with all those old stones? Then book a walking tour with Local Guide Hoorn. You’ll walk past well-known spots in the town and hear stories about trade, harbours and the people who lived there. It’s particularly handy if it’s your first time in Hoorn .
Afterwards, why not pop into Oostereiland? In the past, this place was under lock and key. Now you can visit for films, a museum, food, drinks or even a night in the old prison.
Fancy a bite to eat? Pop into The Bamboo Room on Kerkstraat. This is the place to go for lunch, cocktails and shared dining featuring flavours from Suriname, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan. Deliciously tropical, but right here in Hoorn. My personal favourite? The takoyaki: savoury Japanese mini pancakes filled with octopus and spring onions.
What I really like is that you can combine a visit to Hoorn with the Hoorn-Medemblik Museum Steam Tram. That way, you can take in the countryside and Medemblik all in one day. The steam tram is particularly enjoyable in spring and summer, when you have lovely views of the tulip fields along the way.
Off to Hoorn
2. Enkhuizen: The Zuiderzee atmosphere and tiny museums
In Enkhuizen , it feels as though history has simply spilled out onto the streets. The Drommedaris, Enkhuizen city gate, the harbours, the old town… You’ll immediately understand why this town is a must-visit for anyone visiting Westfriesland for the first time. Or for the second time. Or the third time.
My top tip is, of course, the Zuiderzee Museum. In the open-air museum, you can stroll through the Zuiderzee village, see traditional crafts and take the museum ferry. Inside, you’ll find the Schathuys, with stories about water, work and life around the former Zuiderzee. This is a particularly good choice if you’re with children, but even without them you can easily spend a couple of hours here. And speaking of sweet treats, be sure to pick up some delicacies from De Graaff van Enckhuysen during your visit to Enkhuizen . As well as cheese and nuts, you can also pick up a delicious box of chocolates from Chocolaterie Albèrt.
Finished your meal? Then take a stroll to the Flessenscheepjesmuseum. The museum is housed in the 17th-century Spuihuisje, close to the Drommedaris. Inside, there are over a thousand bottle ships. A small museum, but a world of detail.
For drinks or dinner, Rijksmagazijn, situated between the harbours of Enkhuizen, is the perfect spot. It’s the sort of place where you can easily end up staying longer than planned – especially as the boats glide slowly past and nobody’s in a hurry. Is it that late already?
Discover Enkhuizen
3. Medemblik: steam and currant cake
Did you board the Museum Steam Tram in Hoorn ? Then you’re now in Medemblik. This is the oldest town in Westfriesland. Old, but not stuffy.
Fancy letting off some steam after your drive? Then head to the Dutch Steam Engine Museum. Here you can see old steam engines in action, complete with that hissing, thumping sound. Great for curious visitors, families and anyone who’d rather hear about technology than read about it.
Next, do take a look at Radboud Castle. This 13th-century castle stands on the shores of the IJsselmeer and takes you on a journey through the history of Count Floris V, past medieval walls, exhibitions and views over the town and the water. Did you know that you can even visit a medieval herb garden here?
Next, head over to De Oude Bakkerij Bakery Museum. Here, you’ll catch the scent of freshly baked biscuits and currant buns as soon as you walk in. You’ll see how bakers used to work, with lifelike demonstrations, activities for the kids, a museum café and a shop full of sweet treats. This is a particularly lovely stop if you’re with children, as they’re allowed to have a hands-on look around here too.
Round off your day at MED Trattoria by the marina. Here you can enjoy Italian dishes and a glass of wine. From the terrace, you can look out over the harbour and the IJsselmeer. Italy on your plate, Medemblik all around you. It’s a perfect match. Fancy some fresh fish from Medemblik? Then pop into Dean Karkhof Fishmongers. Fresh fish arrives here daily, and you’ll find delicious dishes from their own kitchen. Add some herring, freshly sliced, and you’re all set.
Come along to Medemblik
4. Relax along the Omringdijk
Drechterland isn’t a place for major attractions. And that’s precisely its charm. Here, it’s all about villages, dykes, water and tranquillity. Perfect if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you’ve got a bit more time, I’d recommend hiring a bike. That way, you can explore a section of the West Frisian Omringdijk. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Markermeer and meadows stretching to the horizon. The breeze comes free of charge – it’s all part of the Dutch experience.
Stop off at De Stofmolen in Wijdenes on your way. Are you driving through Venhuizen? Then do stop off at the Beatles Monument. It’s not necessarily what you’d expect to find amongst the meadows. But that’s precisely what makes it so nice. The De Weelen nature reserve also fits in well with this route. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the green countryside and waterways.
Fancy a bite to eat or a drink along the way? Then look out for a village café or outdoor terrace on your route, for example on the way to Venhuizen or Schellinkhout. Keep it simple: a coffee, a slice of cake, and off you go again.
Tip for your first visit: start or finish your route in Schellinkhout. From the dyke here, you can enjoy a lovely view over the water.
Discover Drechterland
5. Stolpen, dyke roads and quiet stops along the way
Koggenland is ideal for anyone who wants to get to know Westfriesland at a leisurely pace. With dyke roads, villages, traditional farmhouses and plenty of water, be sure to put Villa GROET in Avenhorn at the top of your list. This eatery is situated by the water and makes a lovely starting or finishing point for walking, boating, canoeing, inline skating or cycling. In Koggenland , you’ll find plenty of village pubs, restaurants and outdoor terraces along the routes anyway, but Villa GROET is a spot that fits perfectly into a loop around the Omringdijk.
Would you like to get a glimpse of farm life in days gone by? Then visit Museumboerderij De Anloup in Zuidermeer. This is a small thatched farmhouse displaying clothing, tools and everyday objects from the farming life of the past. And did you know that you can find more than 450 nativity scenes here in December?
If you’re travelling with children, I’d recommend a visit to Kinderparadijs Koggenland in Hensbroek. Inside, children can have a go on the bouncy castles or in the ball pit. But there’s also plenty of space outside to play football or jump on the trampolines.
Come to Koggenland
6. Farmhouse cheese, tranquillity of the countryside
When you think of Holland, you think of cheese. So start your exploration of Opmeer at Berkhout Cheese Farm in Hoogwoud. You can buy cheese right on the farm, ranging from young cheese to herb-flavoured cheeses with truffle, cumin or pesto. My tip: take a piece of nettle cheese home with you. And do pop round to see the cows and calves too. After all, cows are part of Westfriesland as well.
Would you like to find out more about rural life in the Netherlands in days gone by? Then head to the West-Frisia Museum Farm in Hoogwoud. Here you can see old artefacts and get a sense of what farm life used to be like. A lovely, peaceful cultural stop.
For lunch or coffee and cake, head to Brasserie 1718 in Hoogwoud. This is a great spot if you’re combining a visit to Opmeer with a cycle route or a trip to Berkhout Cheese Farm.
If you’d like to stay overnight in Opmeer, take a look at Camping Boven ’t Maaiveld. At this campsite, nestled between the sea and the IJsselmeer, you can really unwind. Don’t have a tent? No worries. I’d recommend booking one of the new Wijland Cabins. That way, you’ll be right in the heart of peace, space and nature.
Off to Opmeer
7. Put your shoes on (or take them off) and off you go
Stede Broec is a great choice for anyone who wants to do more than just see Westfriesland – they want to experience it. Here, you can get out and about to go for a walk, go paddling, pick produce and sample local delicacies. Or you can hop on a bike and head for the water. Canals, reeds, the scent of the polder: simply the Dutch countryside.
Start at Het Streekbos in Bovenkarspel. There, you can walk amongst woods, water, grass and paths. And on warm days, you can go for a swim or simply relax by the water. Would you like to see the region from the water? Then go stand-up paddleboarding in the polder from Lutjebroek. Yes, it really is possible. With calm waters and reeds all around you, you’ll suddenly see Westfriesland from a different perspective.
Next, head to Fruitkwekerij ’t Keetje in Lutjebroek. There you’ll find a farm shop, a café, a terrace and a therapeutic farm. You can pick up fruit, local produce and a generous slice of apple pie made from apples grown in their own orchard. My tip: combine a visit to Het Streekbos with a trip to ’t Keetje. First some fresh air, then apple pie. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
If you’re travelling with children, the Gouwe Voeten barefoot trail in Bovenkarspel is a great option. This barefoot trail is located at De Gouwe Stek campsite, surrounded by greenery. You walk barefoot across different surfaces, and the walk takes about one and a half to two hours. Bringing a pushchair? Best not. Getting a bit grubby? You certainly will.
Get off at Stede Broec
Here’s how to plan a logical itinerary
Only got one day? Then head for Hoorn and Enkhuizen. Start with a city walk in Hoorn and take in the harbour. Then drive on to Enkhuizen to visit the Zuiderzee Museum or take a stroll past Enkhuizen city gate: De Drommedaris. Don’t forget to sample some fresh fish at Vishandel van der Veen. That way, you can take in the highlights of Westfriesland in a single day.
Got a weekend to spare? Then head to Enkhuizen and Hoorn on your first day. Grab a bite to eat by the water and spend the night at Heavens Hotel Hoorn. The next day, drive on to Medemblik, Opmeer and a stretch of the West Frisian Omringdijk.
Travelling with children? Make sure to put the Zuiderzee Museum, De Oude Bakkerij Bakery Museum, Het Streekbos and Kinderparadijs Koggenland at the top of your list. Without children? Opt for Hoorn, the Flessenscheepjesmuseum, Radboud Castle, Villa GROET and a long walk along the dyke. Add a coffee. Perfect.
You don’t have to take in all of Westfriesland in one go. Start with a town, visit a museum, cycle along a stretch of the dyke and enjoy a bite to eat by the water. That’ll get you a long way. And if you come back again? Great. There’s still plenty left to discover.
Frequently asked questions about your first visit to Westfriesland
Start with a historic town, a museum and a stretch of dyke. Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Medemblik are therefore excellent places to visit on your first trip. Combine them with the West Frisian Omringdijk, a cheese farm or a nature reserve. That way, you’ll immediately get a good impression of the region.
Looking for places with a compelling story? Then be sure to read this article featuring 8 of our most off-the-beaten-track tips.
Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Medemblik are great starting points thanks to their harbours, museums and historic town centres. Are you looking for peace and quiet and the great outdoors? Then take a look at Drechterland, Koggenland, Opmeer and Stede Broec. There you’ll find villages, farmland, dyke routes, nature and spots by the water.
Check out what’s on soon via the Westfriesland events calendar.
If you’re travelling with children, the Zuiderzee Museum, De Oude Bakkerij Bakery Museum, Het Streekbos and Kinderparadijs Koggenland are all great options. The Hoorn-Medemblik Museum Steam Tram is also a popular choice. There’s plenty going on along the way, so the kids will be kept entertained all day long.
Visiting Westfriesland with the kids? We’ve put together our top tips for you.
For dining by the water, De Hoofdtoren in Hoorn, Rijksmagazijn in Enkhuizen, MED Trattoria in Medemblik and Villa GROET in Avenhorn are excellent options. Fancy taking home something locally produced? Then pop into Kaasboerderij Berkhout in Hoogwoud.
Don’t forget to check out our top tips for a delicious meal in Westfriesland.
Absolutely. The region is flat, open and varied. You can easily cycle past villages, dykes, harbours, traditional farmhouses and spots by the water. The Westfriese Omringdijk in particular makes for a lovely route for your first cycle ride through Westfriesland.
Fancy exploring Westfriesland by bike? Take a look at our best cycle routes.