Makkum on the IJsselmeer – Beach, water sports and culture
Accommodation in Makkum
Makkum brings together beach, water sports and culture. Options range from shallow water at the beach and sailing and boating experiences to a route through the town centre. When choosing a hotel, you can consider which of these aspects of the town you want to shape your stay: time at the beach, activities on the water, exploring Makkum or culture and nature.
Beach and water sports
De Holle Poarte is a family beach with play equipment and a promenade. The water at the beach is shallow and particularly suitable for beginners. Makkum’s location on the IJsselmeer is also appealing for water sports: there is often enough wind for kitesurfing and windsurfing. However, frequent wind does not mean that kitesurfing is permitted all year round. At the Makkum kitesurfing spot, it is permitted from October to April; during the summer season, it is not allowed because of the high number of people swimming on the beach and in the water. Check this rule locally again before your trip.
Sailing, boat trips and routes
If you would like to take part in a sailing trip, you can sail from Makkum aboard the 100-year-old fishing vessel Blazer TX33, help set the sails and take the helm yourself. Another option is It Preamke: this open pram boat takes an 80-minute trip through inland waters, including from Makkum. The experiences differ in focus: on the Blazer TX33, you can get involved on board, while It Preamke centres on a trip of a stated duration in an open boat. As the availability of trips on the Blazer and the booking and departure arrangements for It Preamke may change, check these details before making plans.
The routes also offer different points of reference. The Kuiertocht Makkum is fully paved and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; check current path conditions before your visit. The “Rondje centrum Makkum” route follows the Lytse Sylroede, passes the former lime kilns and returns to the centre. The Kuiertocht therefore focuses on the surface and accessibility, while the Rondje focuses on the route and the landmarks mentioned.
Nature around the Makkumer SĂşdwaard
Orchids grow on the Makkumer SĂşdwaard. It is the middle of the originally vegetated sandbanks, which are surrounded by shallow water. The SĂşdwaard thus offers a natural attraction of its own alongside De Holle Poarte beach: here, the description of the area centres on sandbanks and orchids. If you would like to include nature watching in your travel plans, you can consider this place alongside beach and water sports activities.
Culture and history in Makkum
De Waag van Makkum houses an exhibition by Stichting Ald Makkum; visitors can also view the Waag’s clock mechanism there. The Waag illustrates Makkum’s historical significance as a trading town. The exhibition, the clock mechanism and the town’s trading history each offer a different reason to visit the Waag. As access to the interior may depend on opening arrangements, check the options before visiting.
Cultureel Podium Makkum organises music, cabaret and performing arts events, workshops and presentations. Its season runs from September through June. If you want to plan around a specific date, check the current programme.
Another glimpse into Makkum’s past is the former Koninklijke Tichelaar factory. The former factory building is no longer accessible because the business has moved; however, its façade is worth seeing. The façade therefore remains a point of interest from the outside, while the building itself is not accessible.
Discover more destinations: Kimswerd, Warns, Arum, Koudum, Ijlst, Hindeloopen, Cornwerd, Westhem.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.
