Huizen between Zuiderzee heritage and Gooimeer

Huizen lies between the heathland of the Goois Natuurreservaat and the Gooimeer. The town brings together different themes to consider when planning your trip: the water and its maritime history, a protected historic townscape, and cycling and walking routes. Which of these you would like to explore in more depth can shape the focus of your stay.

Gooimeer, beach and routes

On the Gooimeer, Huizen beach includes the sandy Zomerkade, with its gently sloping shoreline. The beach area has a surf club, a skate park, a basketball court and a volleyball court. If one of these facilities is important to your plans, check its current status before your visit, as facilities may change.

Longer outings also make the most of the waterside setting: the Natuurboulevard is a 22-kilometre cycling and walking route along the coast between Diemen and Huizen, by the IJmeer and Gooimeer. For a shorter cycle ride with a set duration, the Beeldenroute passes through the Oude Dorp and the newer residential districts; it takes about an hour and a half by bike.

At Gooierhoofd, the cycle path redesigned in 2026 is part of the Zuiderzeeroute and is combined with a walking route. Another option is the “Erfgoedrondje naar Huizen langs Naarden-Vesting” (Heritage Loop to Huizen via Naarden Fortress): the Nautisch Kwartier Huizen is listed as a possible starting point. The route described runs from Naarden-Bussum railway station through the heathland of the Goois Natuurreservaat to the former fishing village of Huizen.

Townscape and Huizen history

The historic townscape of Huizen’s Oude Dorp is designated as a protected village townscape. It features historic structures, old farmhouses, fishermen’s houses and characteristic streetscapes. This gives the town centre a different focus from the routes by the Gooimeer: here, the emphasis is on the buildings that have grown over time and the village’s former way of life.

The Huizer Museum houses one of the most important collections of traditional costumes in the Netherlands. It also contains the core collection of the Huizer pottery factory Potterie De Driehoek. The two collections have different focuses: one is devoted to traditional clothing, the other to local pottery.

A story from Huizen can also be explored on the Huizer Melkmeisjeroute. This themed route follows the folk tale of a miserly farmer and a milkmaid. QR codes tell the story, step by step, of the 16th-century miracle of the Huizer milkmaid. The route starts in front of the Huizer Museum and is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and children.

Harbor and maritime heritage

The Nautisch Kwartier is at the tip of the old Huizen harbor. It is a nautical centre that evokes a former Zuiderzee village. The buildings’ design also draws on historical imagery, recalling a village school, a harbor café and a town hall from around 1860. The Nautisch Kwartier is also a Toeristisch Overstap Punt (TOP), where bicycles and e-bikes can be rented.

By the water, De Kalkovens tells another part of the town’s history. The monument is right on the water and offers views of the Gooimeer, the Nautisch Kwartier and the old Huizen harbor. The historic lime kilns were originally used to burn shells from the sea into quicklime. This offers a chance to consider the industrial use of the water as a distinct aspect alongside fishing and today’s routes.

The Botterwerf presents Huizen’s Zuiderzee fishing heritage through traditional botter fishing boats. The boatyard includes a forge where visitors can attend workshops. Preserved Huizer botters can also be rented for boat trips, including a crew. Check the availability of workshops and boat trips before making specific plans.

For the broader travel overview: Huizen.