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Seven municipalities, each with a character of its own, together make up Westfriesland.
In Hoorn , you can stroll from the old harbour to the city beach. In Enkhuizen , you can step straight into the Zuiderzee story. Medemblik offers water, history and Radboud Castle to boot. In Stede Broec , you’ll find Broekerhaven, De Overhaal and Het Streekbos. Drechterland takes you past dykes, villages and local countryside. Koggenland keeps things green, spacious and village-like. And in Opmeer , you’ll find yourself right in the midst of meadows and farmers’ tales. In short: plenty of places to explore.
Seven municipalities, plenty to discover. Choose where to start and explore Westfriesland at your own pace.
Enkhuizen, a gem on the IJsselmeer, where the old façades still stand proudly and the harbour exudes a sense of history. Here you can experience Westfriesland at its best: down-to-earth, quirky and with a warm heart. From the Drommedaris to the Zuiderzee Museum,
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Hoorn, a beautiful old town on the Markermeer, where the facades tell a story and the harbour is still full of tales. Here you can feel the West Frisian spirit: straight from the sea, proud of the past and hospitable in its own down-to-earth way. From the Hoofdtoren to ’t Roode Steen, Hoorn breathes
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Medemblik, an old town on the IJsselmeer, where the wind blows through the streets and the harbour is still full of stories. Here you can get a taste of Westfriesland: down-to-earth, proud and with both feet firmly on the ground. From Radboud Castle to the sails on the water, Medemblik exudes history
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In Hoorn , you can stroll from the old harbour through narrow streets lined with characterful façades. But Hoorn isn’t stuck in the past. You’ll find outdoor cafés, shops and the West Frisian Museum. It’s a proper town, but with the water always close by.
Head to Oostereiland for a film, lunch or an overnight stay in an old prison. Afterwards, stroll over to the town beach on the Markermeer, with cafés and restaurants and views of the town. Prefer to get out on the water? Then go stand-up paddleboarding or take a boat trip through the canals. Hoorn easily fills a day.
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In Enkhuizen , the water is close by everywhere – in the harbours, on the quays and in the stories told at the Zuiderzee Museum. There, you can immerse yourself in life around the old Zuiderzee, with its crafts, the Zuiderzee village and the museum ferry.
Travelling with children? Sprookjeswonderland is a firm favourite with younger visitors. For a more leisurely visit, wander through the historic town centre towards the harbour, or simply find a spot by the IJsselmeer and watch the boats go by.
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Medemblik is the oldest town in Westfriesland. And you can really tell. Radboud Castle stands on the shores of the IJsselmeer and takes you on a journey past medieval walls, exhibitions and views across the water.
Grab a seat on a terrace in the harbour, hop on a bike or take a stroll along the waterfront. Another great idea: combine a visit to Medemblik with the Hoorn-Medemblik Museum Steam Tram. That way, you can see the region at a leisurely pace. No need to rush. After all, that’s what steam is for.
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Stede Broec brings together Bovenkarspel, Grootebroek and Lutjebroek. Yes, Lutjebroek really does exist. And it’s in a great spot too.
In Broekerhaven you’ll find De Overhaal, an old ship lift that was used to move barges between the harbour and the polder canal. To the north lies Het Streekbos. There, you can walk, cycle, row or play amongst the greenery. And Stede Broec is also a great place for boating: towards Enkhuizen, through Het Streekbos or further on to Medemblik.
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In Drechterland , you’ll drive past ribbon villages, orchards and stretches of land that do exactly what they’re meant to do: grow, flourish and remain firmly in place. The West Frisian Omringdijk is never far away. Neither are the thatched cottages, churches and village scenes.
Among the places to discover are De Stofmolen in Wijdenes and the Beatles monument in Oosterblokker, commemorating the band’s performances there in 1964. But Drechterland is just as much about the landscape itself: open spaces, historic dykes and villages where life moves at a gentler pace.
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Koggenland is no place for rushing. The countryside is far too open for that. You’ll find yourself driving from village to village, along polder roads, past ditches and farms. Grab your bike. Or your car. But whatever you do, don’t drive too fast.
If you’re travelling with children, head to Kinderparadijs Koggenland in Hensbroek. Inside, there’s nearly 2,000 square metres of play space, and the kids can burn off their energy outdoors too. For a more peaceful visit, head to Museumboerderij De Anloup in Zuidermeer. There, you’ll step inside a West Frisian farmhouse filled with clothing, tools and artefacts from farming life in days gone by. And near Scharwoude lies the De Hulk recreation area. Walking, cycling, boating, fishing or simply spending some time by the water.
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Opmeer is situated deep in the countryside of Westfriesland, amongst villages and meadows. In Hoogwoud, you can step inside the West-Frisia Museum Farm, a traditional farmhouse dating from 1857. There, you can get a real sense of what farm life was like in the past.
Just a little further on is De Lastdrager windmill. And on the first Monday in August, the Opmeer Agricultural Show is a regular fixture: animals, shows and locals bumping into one another. You come to Opmeer for the open spaces, the down-to-earth atmosphere and the farmland.
Discover Opmeer
Experience Westfriesland puts seven municipalities on the map: Drechterland, Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Koggenland, Medemblik, Opmeer and Stede Broec. Together, they form a single region full of towns, villages, dykes, harbours and farmland.
Check out places worth visiting via the overview page.
Fancy a bit of city life, shopping and history? Head to Hoorn. For harbours and stories of the Zuiderzee, choose Enkhuizen. Medemblik offers water, Radboud Castle and the Museum Steam Tram. You’ll find more greenery and a village atmosphere in Stede Broec, Drechterland, Koggenland and Opmeer.
Take a look at the events calendar for all upcoming events.
In Enkhuizen , Sprookjeswonderland and the Zuiderzee Museum await. Hoorn boasts, amongst other things, the town beach, the Boezelbos and the Museum of the 20th Century. Het Streekbos and Kinderparadijs Koggenland also keep young adventurers thoroughly entertained.
Experience Westfriesland with your kids.
Absolutely. Combine a historic town with water, nature and the West Frisian countryside. You can stay overnight in hotels, B&Bs, holiday cottages, on campsites and in holiday parks. A day trip is fine, but staying the night gives you a bit more breathing space.
Read our tips for finding accommodation in Westfriesland too.