Medemblik: Steam, Castle and Cycle Routes

At the Nederlands Stoommachinemuseum, visitors experience machinery powered by water and fire: it can be seen, heard and smelled. The Stoomgemaal Vier Noorder Koggen stands on the Oosterdijk and is a state-protected monument. Visitors to the museum have been able to tour the old pumping station since 1985. Check the current access conditions in advance.

Castle, church and milling history

Kasteel Radboud is the only surviving one of five castles that Count Floris V had built between 1282 and 1287, partly to control the rebellious West Frisians. An audio tour leads through the castle, and from the battlements visitors can look out over Medemblik and the IJsselmeer. The grounds also include a medieval herb garden, with information about the various plants. Visitor offerings may vary seasonally, and access to the garden may vary during events.

The Bonifaciuskerk is a late-Gothic hall church with three naves. In summer, guides are on hand in the afternoons; their availability may change. Check before your visit to see whether a tour is available.

At Meelmolen De Herder, visitors can tour the interior, join historical guided tours and see the mill sails turn. Bakkerijmuseum De Oude Bakkerij demonstrates historical bakery equipment in operation and shows how biscuits and chocolates are made. Additional activities for children are also on offer. A chocolate workshop may be a suitable idea for a visit; the specific programme may vary.

Steam train, boat and routes

Museumstoomtram Hoorn–Medemblik offers a steam train ride between Hoorn and Medemblik, through villages and rural countryside. The museum ship run by Museumstoomtram travels across the IJsselmeer between Medemblik and Enkhuizen and is part of a day trip through the Historic Triangle. Another option is the Stoomsafari: a treasure hunt for children and adults about transport on the museum railway. The programme may vary. The railway’s operating days and seasonal routes, as well as the ship’s timetables, may change depending on the season; check the details before planning your trip.

For cyclists, the municipality of Medemblik’s recreational cycle route network is signposted through the wider regional cycle node network. The Goudeneeuw cycle route is about 40 km long and includes eight signposted stops. QR codes provide information from John Wester about sights along the route. Check the latest route information before setting off.

Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland offers routes through the farming countryside and town walks through Medemblik’s narrow streets. Route descriptions can be downloaded free of charge; along the way, walkers can follow coloured arrows or use an app. The municipality of Medemblik’s four harbours offer a good base for enjoying the water.

Try a local speciality

Opperdoezer Ronde is a protected designation of origin. Only potatoes grown in the West Frisian village of Opperdoes, within a 1 km radius of the church, may bear this designation. Visitors can try the potato at Opperdoezer Ronde Toko. Check visitor access before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Medemblik, Twisk, Wognum, Oostwoud, Nibbixwoud, Opperdoes, Abbekerk, Benningbroek.

For the full travel overview: North Holland.