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Enkhuizen lies on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, with its nose to the wind and its roots in history. Once a mighty port city. And you can still see that today. Among the old warehouses in narrow streets. Or in the harbour, with its bustling ferry services and historic charter vessels.
Enkhuizen combines history with a lively town centre and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Stroll past the Drommedaris, discover life around the former Zuiderzee at the Zuiderzee Museum, or explore the town and its surroundings by boat.
In Enkhuizen , there’s always something good coming your way.
Amidst seeds, plants and clever minds, you’ll discover how growth begins.
Here, children can step straight into a world full of gnomes, castles and adventure.
For coffee, comfort food, drinks and a cosy atmosphere without a strict plan.
Wake up with the harbour right on your doorstep.
Fresh from the sea, straight onto your plate. And we don’t need to add any sauce to that.
The Historical Triangle brings West Frisian history to life
At the Zuiderzee Museum, history is brought to life. Discover what everyday life was like in the towns and villages around the former Zuiderzee and explore stories of fishing, crafts, work and life on the water.
Outside, wander between historic buildings, watch traditional crafts and experience daily life from another era. Inside, exhibitions explore the history and culture of the Zuiderzee region in greater depth.
Allow plenty of time for your visit. There is much more to discover here than you might expect.
Have a great time
At the Zuiderzee Museum, you step into life around the old Zuiderzee. You walk through 't Zuiderzeedorp, see crafts and sail on the museum ferry. Inside, the Schathuys awaits, with stories about water, work and living.
There it stands, right in the heart of the town: the Drommedaris. Once part of the town’s defences, now the icon of Enkhuizen. Walk past it, through it and take a moment to look around. This is one of those places where old and new meet.
Small museum, remarkable craftsmanship. Inside the 17th-century Spuihuisje near the Drommedaris, you’ll find more than a thousand miniature ships in bottles from different periods and countries. How were such intricate ships fitted through the narrow neck of a bottle? Take a closer look and discover the skill behind this unusual collection.
You won’t find any straight lines here. The Westerstraat winds its way through the town with all its shops, façades and side streets. Just pop down an alleyway and see where it takes you. That’s the best way to experience Enkhuizen .
Right next to the harbour lies the Snouck van Loosen Park. A quiet spot, but one with a rich history. It is the second garden village in the Netherlands and one of the first social housing projects. And every summer, a flea market is still held here. Take a stroll through it on your way from the station to the town centre. Peaceful, green and quintessentially Enkhuizen. You could easily walk straight past it. But you really shouldn’t.
Discover this location in Enkhuizen
Paddle in hand and off you go. Hire a SUP from Van Stek and experience Enkhuizen from the water. A bit of wobbling at first, then it’ll come naturally. Ended up getting wet? Oh well, that’s all part of the fun.
Hire a SUP
Out of the harbour and up with the sails. It’s only on board a ship that you really feel the power of the wind. From the historic harbour, you can sail out onto the IJsselmeer or the Markermeer aboard the Schuttevaer. A traditional ship, a fresh breeze and endless views. Hands on the rope or a drink in your hand. Both are fine.
Discover the Zeilend Grand Café
This, too, is water, West Frisian style. The Museum Ferry sails from Enkhuizen railway station to ‘t Zuiderzeedorp. A short sail, but a world of difference in atmosphere. You don’t just arrive at a museum here. You moor here at a story all of its own.
Take the museum ferry
Step aboard a sturdy sloop and see Enkhuizen from the water. The skipper will take you through the Boerenhoek, past the town ramparts, old town farms, workshops and tea houses. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the ‘Haringstad’ (Herring Town) and see how water has always played a part here.
Come along for a sail
At De Koepoort, everything is taken care of. You book more than just a room, with breakfast included as part of your stay. After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you’re ready to head straight into the town centre.
Stay right in the heart of Enkhuizen, by the historic harbour. At Herberg De Compagnie, you’ll stay in a central location and can unwind after a visit to the Zuiderzee Museum. And if you book via the website, you’ll get breakfast included free of charge.
In the heart Enkhuizen , you can stay at Die Port van Cleve, nestled between the harbour, history and a cosy atmosphere. The town lies at your feet, with the water just round the corner. No fuss, good food, a good night’s sleep. Simply a lovely place to experience Enkhuizen .
Fancy camping right in the heart of the historic town centre? You can at Camping De Vest. This peaceful city campsite is within walking distance of the station and is a great base from which to discover Enkhuizen . Stroll to the harbour, pop into the town centre or hop on a bike for a ride through the surrounding area.
Dine on the dyke, between two harbours and overlooking the Drommedaris. Rijksmagazijn is housed in a historic listed building that was transformed into a restaurant and bar in 2019. Find a table inside or take a seat on the terrace and enjoy the view.
At Enkhuizen harbour, pop into Bij N.A.P. for a plate of good food in a relaxed atmosphere. A warm ambience, delicious wines and unique dishes. Whatever the occasion, you’ll find yourself lingering here a little longer.
In the heart of Enkhuizen, Dubbel & Dwars combines good food with carefully chosen wines and a character all its own. Take a seat, discover something new and settle in for the evening.
At the Compagnieshaven, with the IJsselmeer right on your doorstep, take a seat at the Mastenbar. From the spacious terrace, you can look out over the water as the boats glide quietly by. The menu features familiar dishes with a contemporary twist, served without any fuss. Pop in for lunch, dinner or a drink. With a view like that, you’ll soon find yourself staying a little longer.
In Enkhuizen , you can easily combine culture, water, history and a friendly atmosphere in a single day or weekend. Think of the harbours and the historic town centre with its old façades and monuments. It’s also the perfect place for history lovers. Enkhuizen was once an important trading and VOC town, and you can still see traces of that today. Families will find child-friendly outings here, whilst couples and groups of friends come for the atmosphere, the restaurants and bars, and the waterfront. It’s all very easy to navigate: you can walk straight from the museum to the harbour, and from a terrace to a narrow alleyway.
The best-known attractions in Enkhuizen are the Zuiderzee Museum, Sprookjeswonderland, the Drommedaris, the harbours and the historic town centre. Together, they tell the story of Enkhuizen: a town with its nose to the wind and its feet firmly rooted in history. The town centre itself is, in fact, one big attraction. Within the old ramparts, you can stroll past monuments, canals, churches and narrow old streets. It’s not an open-air museum with a fence around it, but simply a town you can walk right through.
If you’re visiting Enkhuizen with children, you can head to Sprookjeswonderland, the Zuiderzee Museum or set off on a treasure hunt through the town. Sprookjeswonderland is particularly popular with young children, whilst the Zuiderzee Museum is ideal for families who want to discover more about life around the Zuiderzee in a fun and interactive way. Enkhuizen is a lovely compact town for families. You don’t have to travel halfway across the province to find something fun to do. Combine a children’s activity with a stroll along the harbour, an ice cream in the town centre or a break by the water. Happy children, happy parents too. A day out doesn’t have to be that complicated.
In Enkhuizen , you can stay in hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes and accommodation by or near the water. This makes the town ideal for a weekend break in Westfriesland, especially if you want to do more than just tick off the well-known highlights. Staying overnight in Enkhuizen is ideal for those who want to experience the town at a more leisurely pace. During the day, you can explore museums, shops and outdoor cafés. In the evening, you can stroll along the harbour or through the old streets. And the next morning? Then you can simply go for another stroll. Plenty of time, as we say.