Huizen: Botter Heritage, Village History and Nature

Huizen combines the landscape along the Gooimeer with insights into its local history; a walk through the Nautisch Kwartier conveys the atmosphere of a Zuiderzee village from times gone by. In the Oude Dorp, historic features, old farmhouses, fishermen’s houses and characteristic streetscapes are visible. If you are interested in the town’s history, you can discover it from different perspectives on a walk, in the museum or along a cycling route featuring art and memorials.

Village History, Museum and Botter Heritage

Much of the Oude Dorp is designated as a municipally protected village conservation area. The visible farms, houses and streets give the townscape its historic character. The Huizer Museum keeps the stories of Huizen and the Gooi alive and houses one of the most important collections of traditional regional dress in the Netherlands. It also regularly organizes guided village walks; check the current dates in advance.

The Nautisch Kwartier also conveys the atmosphere of a Zuiderzee village from times gone by. It is a tourist hub where bicycles and e-bikes can be rented. The Huizer Botters keep four original Huizer Botters in service as living historical heritage. The oldest boat dates from 1892. The boats can be rented with a crew for full or half days; weekly trips with passengers are also available. Check the current dates and booking options in advance.

Another place with its own history is De Krachtcentrale, housed in a former power station dating from 1938. The complex combines a café-restaurant with nine studios and a gallery. The restaurant’s cuisine is inspired by French and Mediterranean influences. The basement club room hosts special events such as film screenings, live music and DJ sessions; the program may change.

Walks and Routes Through Huizen

The Huizer Melkmeisjeroute is a walking tour through the village’s most beautiful spots. It starts at the Huizer Museum; QR codes tell the story of the 16th-century Huizer milkmaid step by step. The route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. This walk offers a way to explore local history, with the story continuing at each stop along the way.

By bicycle, the “Beelden in Huizen” route takes about 1.5 hours and leads to public art and memorials. It passes through the Oude Dorp and the newer residential districts, linking different parts of the townscape. If you prefer to walk, the Naarder Eng walking route takes you through a different sequence of landscapes: it begins and ends in the forest, crosses agricultural land and runs along the Gooimeer. The two routes therefore differ both in their mode of travel and in the stops and landscapes described.

The Botterwerf includes a forge where you can take part in workshops. As availability may vary, it is worth checking the dates before you arrive. At Zomerkade, there is a bathing platform and play equipment for children; check the current conditions before planning a visit.

Heathland, Viewpoint and Wildlife

Huizen lies between the heathlands of the Goois Natuurreservaat and the Gooimeer. Nieuw Bussummerheide covers 29 hectares and offers opportunities for walking and horse riding. Gorse, dunes or areas of shifting sand, heather and scattered trees shape the area. Spotted flycatchers, great grey shrikes, small coppers and sand lizards can also be found there; their presence may vary by season.

The Tafelberg viewpoint is the highest point in the Gooi. Together with the trails through Nieuw Bussummerheide, it offers a different focus from the cultural walks through the village: here, the heathland and landscape take center stage. The combination of protected historic features, public art and natural areas gives your trip several distinct themes, without requiring you to stick to just one type of outing.

Huizen from the Water

The Binnenhaven is well suited to water sports enthusiasts passing through. The marinas in Huizen have around 400 berths. From the Gooimeer, a well-marked channel about 1.2 kilometers long leads to the outer harbor. Check current navigation conditions before sailing. The harbor and channel thus complement the routes on land with guidance for travelers on the water.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Huizen, Weesp, Haarlemmerliede En Spaarnwoude, Bussum, Loenen, Drechterland, Graft-De Rijp, Purmerend.

Go to the overview of destinations: North Holland.