Discover Medemblik: Culture, Technology and Water

History, craftsmanship, technology, sailing and boat trips give a stay in Medemblik several possible focuses. If you are looking for a hotel in Medemblik, the focus of your trip can help guide your planning. The attractions vary considerably: an audio tour of the castle, engines running on steam days and a trip in an open market-gardening boat each appeal to different interests.

History, craftsmanship and concerts

Kasteel Radboud was built in Medemblik in the 13th century as one of five coercive castles. These castles were intended to keep the rebellious West Frisians under control. Its historical context links the building to its former role among this group of fortifications. An audio tour takes visitors through the castle; from the battlements, the view stretches across Medemblik and the IJsselmeer. Here, history, architecture and views come together.

The Bakkerijmuseum De Oude Bakkerij presents the history of Dutch baking through old tools, traditional techniques and craftsmanship. Its approach differs from the history of a castle: the focus here is on the tools and skills of a trade. This offers a distinct perspective on cultural history.

Concerts are held at the Bonifaciuskerk Medemblik throughout the year. This musical element complements the historical and craft-related themes. For travellers interested in different forms of culture, architectural history, craftsmanship and concerts offer distinct reasons to visit.

Steam engines and sailing

The Nederlands Stoommachinemuseum is housed in the former “Vier Noorder Koggen” steam pumping station, one of the oldest intact steam pumping stations in the Netherlands. The former pumping station is itself part of the story of technology. On steam days, the museum fires up the boiler so the machines can run. Seeing them operate on these days adds the running machinery to the experience of the historic building.

The International Sailing Center Medemblik has a different focus: it is an important training venue for international competitive sailing. The options thus range from the history of technology and working machinery to organised training in competitive sailing. These themes can offer different starting points for planning, though they do not represent the same kind of outing.

Boat trips and routes

De Koggevaarder offers day trips on original open market-gardening boats through the canals and Singels of Medemblik. The Koggevaarder can depart from Medemblik or Onderdijk. The type of boat and the waterway give these trips a distinct character: the open boats, canals and Singels are at the heart of the experience.

The Museumstoomtram offers a combined boat and steam tram route between Enkhuizen, Medemblik and Hoorn. Unlike trips on the market-gardening boats, this route combines two modes of transport and connects three named places. Check the Museumstoomtram timetable before setting out.

On foot and by bike

The Goudkustroute passes through Medemblik’s historic centre and starts at the Meelmolen De Herder, Westerdijk 3. This gives the route a specific starting point. Its course through the historic centre sets it apart from the boat trips and the attractions centred on steam engines and sailing.

Medemblik is suited to cyclists, walkers, and those interested in culture and history. You can put together cycling and walking routes there, including tourist junction routes and themed routes. If you want to explore on foot or by bike, you can choose between these route types and include the Goudkustroute as a specific example of a path through the historic centre.

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

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