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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.
The town is rugged, quirky and lively. Just as a West Frisian harbour town should be. With old harbours, winding streets and facades that have witnessed a great deal of history. Stroll past the Drommedaris, discover the Zuiderzee Museum or take a sloop out onto the water.
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
Here, you can step back in time for a while. At the Zuiderzee Museum, you can see, hear, feel and taste what life was like around the Zuiderzee. Dusty display cases? Not at all. Here, you’ll stroll past wooden ships, cobbled streets and ancient treasures.
Outdoors, you’ll stroll past old buildings, watch traditional crafts and meet people who demonstrate how things used to be. Indoors, you’ll delve a little deeper into history – from fishing to everyday life. Here, everything is told with both feet firmly on the ground.
Tip: make sure you set aside plenty of time for the Zuiderzee Museum. This isn’t just a quick stop, but a place where you’ll want to linger.
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 in size, grand in craftsmanship. In the 17th-century Spuihuisje, close to the Drommedaris, there are over a thousand miniature bottle ships from all sorts of periods and countries. All of them have been skilfully fitted inside through such a narrow bottle neck. How on earth? That’s exactly why you’ll want to go and see for yourself.
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 turn 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 city 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 with a character 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 simply taken care of for you. That’s because you’re not booking a single room here, but a complete package. So you can step straight out of bed with a full stomach and head 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 of 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 explore 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 with a view of the Drommedaris. The Rijksmagazijn is housed in a former listed building, which was completely transformed in 2019 into a quirky eatery and bar. Pull up a chair inside or take something out onto the terrace. Either is fine.
At Enkhuizen harbour, pop into Bij N.A.P. for a plate of good food in a relaxed atmosphere. A warm atmosphere, delicious wines and unique dishes. Whatever the occasion, you’ll find yourself lingering here a little longer.
Right in the heart of the town centre and with a touch of quirkiness. At Dubbel & Dwars, it’s all about good food and the perfect wine. With a constant focus on flavour. Pull up a chair, try something new and make yourself at home for the whole 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.
At De Eendracht in Van Bleiswijk, you step into a building full of character, right in the heart of Enkhuizen. Leather sofas, candlelight and today’s newspaper: here, the town feels instantly close by. Pull up a chair for lunch, dinner, a quick bite or a drink without any fuss. Good food, good company and plenty of atmosphere within these walls.
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 head in 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, 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 West Friesland, 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.