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In Medemblik , you can smell biscuits, steam and water. An old town with colourful stories.
Here, you can stroll into the harbour, hear the museum steam tram chugging its way from Medemblik to Hoorn , and catch the scent of currant buns at the Bakery Museum even before you step inside. Medemblik may be old, but it’s certainly not stuffy. You’ll find ships, city walls and museums full of character.
You’ll come to Medemblik for Radboud Castle, the Steam Engine Museum or a stroll along the IJsselmeer. You’ll stay for the wind in your face, the down-to-earth atmosphere and that cheeky edge.
Radboud Castle has stood firm for centuries. It was once built to keep the West Frisians in check. Well, good luck with that.
Visit the castle
At Gemaal Lely, you can see just how hard people have worked to keep the land habitable. Huge machines, sturdy steel and a story that is quintessentially West Frisian.
Discover the Lely Pumping Station
The Bonifacius Church has stood in Medemblik since 1404. Fire, reconstruction, centuries of stories: this church has seen it all.
Discover the Bonifacius Church
Twisk is in no hurry. This village shows Westfriesland as it really is: peaceful and full of character at every turn.
Visit Twisk
At Wat Aars, it’s not about sitting still. You can play mini-golf, billiards golf, pool ball, curling or simply hire a bike and head out into the countryside.
Let’s go!
Medemblik and sailing go hand in hand. At the Regatta Centre, you’ll see why. This is where sailors train, races get underway, and the IJsselmeer lies ready for anyone who’d rather sail themselves than just watch.
Visit the International Sailing Centre
At De Oude Bakkerij, the smell of freshly baked biscuits, speculaas and currant buns greets you as soon as you walk in. Watch bakers knead, shape and bake using traditional methods, and discover historic ovens, machinery, moulds and confectionery.
De Oude Bakkerij is exactly the sort of place Medemblik is famous for: history brought to life. Not stuffy, but down-to-earth. And with a tasty treat at the end, because that’s how it should be in a bakery.
Visit the tastiest museum in the Netherlands
At De Oude Bakkerij Bakery Museum, you can smell the biscuits as soon as you walk in. In this museum in Medemblik , you can see how bakers used to work. It features demonstrations, children’s activities, a museum café and a shop full of sweet treats. Simply excellent craftsmanship. More info about De Oude Bakkerij Bakery Museum
At the Medemblik War Museum, you don’t just view the Second World War from a distance. You step right into the thick of it. On the Experience Tours, you follow stories from the 1940s, ranging from ordinary civilians to military personnel. A special highlight: climb into a real army truck and take a tour through the countryside.
At the Steam Engine Museum, the machinery still runs just as it did in the old days. You’ll see machines, smell the oil and get a sense of just how hard people used to work to keep the water and land under control. This isn’t a museum with signs on the wall, but one of steel, steam and movement. Typical of Medemblik.
The Twisca Museum is housed in the former town hall of Twisk. Inside, exhibitions tell the story of the village, its residents and everyday life in times gone by. The historic building is part of the experience in itself.
Climb aboard the Museum Steam Tram and travel between Hoorn and Medemblik in a historic carriage. As the locomotive makes its way through the countryside, you’ll pass meadows, villages, waterways and old railway stations.
The journey between Hoorn and Medemblik is a day out in itself. Just sit back, look around and listen. In Medemblik , you alight at the harbour. Lovely for children, great for enthusiasts and, secretly, just the ticket for anyone who fancies slowing the pace down a bit. Steam in your nostrils, the wind in your ears. Sometimes that’s all you need.
Go for a drive
The locomotive whistles. The stoker shovels coal onto the fire. And you? You hop on board. On the Hoorn-Medemblik Museum Steam Tram, you’ll travel through the West Frisian countryside in historic carriages. Past meadows, villages and old stations. Not fast, but a lot more fun. More info about the Hoorn-Medemblik Museum Steam Tram
At the Vooroever, you can experience Medemblik at its best. Stroll along the IJsselmeer, find a spot on the shore or watch the birds and boats go about their business.
Visit De Vooroever
At EuroParcs IJsselmeer, you’re right by the water. From here, you can go stand-up paddleboarding, hire a boat or simply spend the whole day relaxing around the IJsselmeer. Ideal for those staying overnight, but also for anyone who wants to experience Medemblik from the water.
See Medemblik from the water
Don’t have a boating licence? No problem. At Happy Boats in Medemblik , you can hire a boat and set off at your own pace. For an hour, half a day or longer. You at the helm, Westfriesland all around you. That’s how simple it is to enjoy the water here.
Hire a sloop
Camping Ariënstocht is for those who love waking up outdoors. Simply pitch your tent, park your caravan or motorhome, and let the day begin at a leisurely pace. Medemblik is nearby, as is the IJsselmeer. So you can go in any direction: cycling, swimming, walking or simply sitting back with a cup of coffee.
At EuroParcs IJsselmeer, you’ll be sleeping with your feet almost in the water. The park is situated right on the IJsselmeer, with the beach, harbour and water-based leisure activities within easy reach. Ideal for families, groups of friends and anyone who simply likes to have a bit of space around them.
At B&B De Blokvis, you’ll sleep surrounded by the countryside and tranquillity. It’s the perfect spot for those who aren’t looking for a large resort, but rather something small and unique. Situated between Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Medemblik , the whole region is at your fingertips.
At B&B Het Molensteegje, you’ll find a comfortable bed and fresh air. The West Frisian Omringdijk and the IJsselmeer are nearby, as are the surrounding villages and walking routes. Ideal for cyclists, walkers and those seeking peace and quiet.
De Kwikkel is the perfect spot for lunch, a drink or a hearty meal by the harbour. The steam tram stops just round the corner, so you can pop in here after your trip around the area.
MED Trattoria brings a taste of Italy to Medemblik marina. Think pasta, pizza, antipasti and views of boats bobbing gently on the water. It sounds posh, but it’s still wonderfully relaxed.
At Costas, you can enjoy Portuguese cuisine on the Oosterhaven. Fish, meat, fine wine and views of the water. A lovely spot for anyone looking for something a bit different from the usual fare.
In Medemblik , there’s plenty to do: head into the harbour, take to the water, visit a museum or simply take a stroll around the town. Hop on the Hoorn-Medemblik Museum Steam Tram, visit the Bakery Museum or take a walk along the Vooroever. Also worth a go: have a stroll through the town centre, check out the town’s harbours or cycle towards Twisk and Onderdijk.
Well-known attractions in Medemblik include Radboud Castle, the Bakery Museum, the Dutch Steam Engine Museum and the Hoorn-Medemblik Museum Steam Tram. The Bonifacius Church, the Lely Pumping Station and the historic city harbours are also well worth a visit. Each and every one of these places has its own unique story to tell.
Medemblik is a great place to visit with children. Go and see, smell and sometimes even make baked goods at the Bakery Museum, hop on the Museum Steam Tram or take part in an activity at Wat Aars. The Vooroever is also lovely with children: plenty of space, water and a place to let off steam. In bad weather, the War Museum and the Steam Engine Museum are great indoor options.
You can stay overnight in Medemblik by the water, at a campsite or in a cosy B&B. EuroParcs IJsselmeer is situated right on the waterfront and is ideal for families. Ariënstocht Campsite is perfect for those who love waking up to the great outdoors. Prefer peace and quiet and a personalised stay? Then take a look at B&B Te Warskip or B&B Het Molensteegje.