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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 young children? Try the children’s walking routes in Abbekerk, Koggenland (de Hulk) and Enkhuizen. You can spot them by the cheerful gnomes: Babbel the Gnome, Pinnemuts the Gnome and Berend the Dwarf. Along the way, children can look out for the gnome signs that show you the way straight away.
Follow the children's walking routes
You walk from Enkhuizen towards Wijdenes, enjoying the stunning views over the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer. The route takes you past the picturesque little harbour, over charming drawbridges and through atmospheric little streets. From the top of the dyke, you can look out over the landscape, where characteristic thatched farmhouses adorn the farmyards.
Walking stage 1
You’ll walk from Wijdenes past Hoorn to Scharwoude, and along the way you’ll be treated to some stunning sights. First, you’ll pass De Nek clay pit, a nature reserve full of tranquillity and sweeping views, and then the impressive Grote Molen, dating from 1603, comes into view – one of the last two remaining windmills of the original 200 that once stood along the Zuiderzee.
Walk stage 2
During stage 27 of the Zuiderzeepad, you can enjoy views of the IJsselmeer – the former Zuiderzee – between Medemblik and Enkhuizen . Medemblik is the oldest town in Westfriesland and a stop on the Hoorn–Medemblik steam tram line. It is known for, amongst other things, Radboud Castle and the Bakery Museum.
Walking stage 27
‘Hoerejacht’ or ‘Between Hell and Purgatory’. Imagine living there! In Enkhuizen , these street and alley names are quite common. Esther Keesman, a native of Enkhuizen, delved into the history of Enkhuizen streets and alleys, designed a walking route and convincingly won the ANWB Route Competition with it. Discover the origins of the strange street names and enjoy the typical beauty of the Zuiderzee.
View the street names
In the authentic harbour town of Hoorn , you can take a stroll through history. From the 17th century, with its picturesque streets, traditional warehouses and inner harbours, to the present day in the shopping streets and on the terraces. What will you choose? A themed walk about the Second World War or past the town’s historic gates? Let yourself be surprised!
In Medemblik , too, time seems to have stood still. Even today, you can still marvel at the beautiful warehouses, picturesque streets, imposing gateways and stately churches here. Start at De Herder flour mill and walk the Goudkustroute through the historic centre of Medemblik to discover the charm of this oldest town in Westfriesland.
Choose one of the unique walking routes through the historic harbour town of Enkhuizen. Will you go for the Enkhuizen City Walk or the Strange Street Names Route? The children’s treasure hunt, or perhaps an Escape Tour or the Enkhuizen Murder Mystery Route? We’ve tried them all ourselves and given them our seal of approval!
A wonderful four-part audio tour in the form of a podcast, which you can listen to whilst walking or cycling through the municipality Medemblik. The podcast series takes you through and across the West Frisian landscape. With a focus on the water and the greenery, and all those remarkable buildings that characterise the landscape and tell extraordinary stories as old as the landscape itself. The podcast provides background information, interesting facts and tips for things to do along the way.
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