Enkhuizen: Gates, Museums and Waterways

The Drommedaris, also known as the Ketenpoort, was built in 1540 as a city gate and defensive tower. From here, it was possible to survey the harbours of Enkhuizen and the Zuiderzee as it was then. Today, the building has been operating as a cultural centre since 1959. Its programme includes music, theatre, film, cabaret, dance and children’s theatre; individual performances vary. If you are planning a visit, check the current programme in advance.

City history between gates and canals

The historic city centre has 361 nationally protected monuments and can be crossed on foot in about 15 minutes. Its notable buildings include the Westerkerk, also known as St. Gommarus Church. It is in the historic centre and is one of the 100 most beautiful nationally protected monuments in the Netherlands. The Koepoort is one of Enkhuizen’s two surviving city gates and dates from the 17th century.

De Librije also tells the story of the city: it is the only surviving 17th-century municipal library in the Netherlands still at its original location. The Oude Gouwsboom is a historic water gate in the fortifications; the fortress has two water gates in total. De Munt stands at Westerstraat 125—the building where VOC coins were minted.

Boerenhoek offers a different perspective on historic city life. Canals, ditches and waterways once connected the city’s farms there with the lands in the polder. Snouck van Loosenpark, meanwhile, is a historic green park associated with one of the earliest social housing projects in the Netherlands.

Museums about water, crafts and plants

The Zuiderzeemuseum focuses on the history, present and future of the former Zuiderzee. Its main themes are communities, crafts and water. The museum has two locations: the Treasure House and the Zuiderzee Village. At the open-air museum, demonstrations of net-making and net-mending are part of the programme. Historical displays include a family kitchen from 1900 and shopping experiences based on historical examples. The availability of seasonal activities may vary.

At the Flessenscheepjes Museum, you can see a collection of 1,000 ships in bottles, several hundred of which are permanently on display. Children can follow a map and complete tasks as they discover the ships in bottles. The museum combines a focused look at a collection with a hands-on activity.

At Sow to Grow, A Plant Science Experience, the visit centres on food and plants, as well as learning through discovery. The Saet & Cruyt collection is an integral part of the venue: historical tools and objects illustrate the history of horticultural seed production.

More experiences in the city

Sprookjeswonderland brings together attractions, performances and fairy-tale displays. The grounds also include a playground, a petting zoo and ornamental gardens. Another way to explore Enkhuizen is the historic escape route through the city, based on puzzles and adventures.

The Jazz Festival is also part of the annual events calendar. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates. The Museumstoomtram offers a day trip from Enkhuizen harbour via Medemblik to Hoorn; departures depend on the timetable. Check the timetable for your planned date.

Harbours, waterways and excursions

Enkhuizen has several harbours, including marinas and a dedicated harbour for historic ships of the brown fleet. Through the locks, boats can travel from the city centre to the IJsselmeer and Markermeer. Bridge and lock operations may vary. From the historic centre, visitors can also take canal cruises or rent a boat to explore the waterways and the open West Frisian countryside. Operators and timetables may change.

For a longer cycling tour, the 31-kilometre “Langs dijken en velden” route is a good option. It starts in Enkhuizen, goes via Lutjebroek and Westwoud to Venhuizen, then follows the Zuiderdijk along the IJsselmeer on the return leg. Along the route, there are stalls selling fresh regional produce from local farmers, growers and plant breeders; individual stalls may vary. Check the current route signs before setting off.

For those who prefer walking, the Canon van Enkhuizen offers a 6.7-kilometre walking route with 17 information panels. It can be started at the VVV Enkhuizen. Its themes range from Enkhuizen’s sea heroes, painters and photographers to women, the Battle of the Zuiderzee and everyday life. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in how they invite visitors to discover Enkhuizen’s stories and surroundings.

Bicycles can be taken on the ferry routes from Enkhuizen to Medemblik, Stavoren and Urk. Check seasonally whether the service and bicycle transport suit your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Enkhuizen, Heemskerk, Edam-Volendam, Velsen, Aalsmeer, Huizen, Heiloo, Beemster.

Back to the main travel overview: North Holland.