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'Effe de biene strekken,' say the West Frisians. And that is perfectly possible here. Westfriesland is bursting with beautiful walking routes. Come stroll through the varied landscape of polders, water, historic towns and cheese-cover farmhouses. Within the Omringdijk, you will find plenty of nature and cultural history as well as beautiful spots to relax.
The Westfriese Omringdijk marks the borders of Westfriesland. Via the Streekpad, you walk around the dyke in stages. The total route covers 150 kilometres. A beautiful route through the polder, past picturesque villages on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, and through historic towns. Need to stretch your legs for a while? Light up at one of the many cafés or restaurants.
Discover the Streekpad
The four walking routes through the Streekbos near Bovenkarspel lead between trees, bushes, grassland and water. A paradise for animals and insects. The nature trail takes you along the Eco Project, which provides diversity of plants, butterflies, dragonflies, birds and small mammals. Or choose the Bronze Age Trail and discover the Archaeological Footpath that forms a map of a Bronze Age farm.
Discover the Streekbos
Going for a walk with small children? Do the children's walking routes in Abbekerk, Koggenland (the Hulk) and Enkhuizen. You can recognise them by the cheerful gnomes: gnome Babbel, gnome Pinnemuts and Dwergje Berend. Along the way, children search for the gnome signs that immediately point the way.
Follow the children's walking routes
You walk from Enkhuizen towards Wijdenes, enjoying the beautiful views over the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer. The route takes you past the picturesque little harbour, over charming drawbridges and through atmospheric streets. On top of the dike, you look out over the countryside, where characteristic cheese-cover farmhouses adorn the farmyards.
Walking stage 1
You walk from Wijdenes past Hoorn to Scharwoude and are surprised by beautiful sights along the way. First you pass clay pit De Nek, a nature reserve full of tranquillity and vistas, and then the impressive Grote Molen from 1603 looms up - one of the last two remaining mills of the original 200 along the Zuiderzee.
Walk stage 2
On stage 27 of the Zuiderzeepad trail, you will enjoy the view of the IJsselmeer, the former Zuiderzee, between Medemblik and Enkhuizen. Medemblik is the oldest town in West Friesland and a staging post for the Hoorn-Medemblik steam tram. Known for, among other things, Radboud Castle and the Bakery Museum.
Walking stage 27
'Hoerejacht' or 'Between Hell and Purgatory'. Just imagine living there! In Enkhuizen, these street and alley names are very common. Enkhuizen native Esther Keesman delved into the history of Enkhuizen's streets and alleys, designed a walking route and convincingly won the ANWB Route Competition. Discover the origins of the strange street names and enjoy the typical Zuiderzee beauty.
View the street names
In the authentic port city of Hoorn, you step through history. From the 17th century with its quaint streets, traditional warehouses and inland ports to the present in the shopping streets and terraces. What will you choose? A thematic walk on World War II or along the city's historic gates? Let yourself be surprised!
Time also seems to have stood still in Medemblik. Today, you can still marvel at beautiful warehouses, quaint streets, prominent gateways and stately churches here. Start at flour mill De Herder and walk the Goudkustroute through the historic centre of Medemblik and discover the charm of this oldest town in West Friesland.
Choose one of the special walking routes through historic port town Enkhuizen. Will you go for the Stadswandeling Enkhuizen or the Rare Street Names Route? The children's treasure hunt or do you prefer an Escape Tour or the Murder Route Enkhuizen? We have tested and approved them all ourselves!
A wonderful four-part listening route by podcast, which you can listen to while walking or cycling through the municipality of Medemblik. The podcast series goes through and about the West Frisian landscape. With an eye for the water and the greenery and all those special buildings that mark the landscape and tell special stories as old as the landscape itself. The podcast provides background information, fun facts and do-it-yourself tips along the way.
Discover the icons
Route maps can be found at VVV offices, hotels, B&Bs, campsites and online.
