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Enkhuizen

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Landmark
—°18
Enkhuizen (Netherlands)

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Enkhuizen was one of the wealthiest cities in the Netherlands during the 17th century, serving as a key base for the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The cityscape is still characterized by grand patrician houses, canals, and the massive Drommedaris, a defensive tower dating back to 1540. Its location on the IJsselmeer makes the city a hub for water sports and sailing enthusiasts. The standout attraction is the Zuiderzee Museum, divided into an indoor section and a large open-air area. Here, over 140 historic buildings have been faithfully reconstructed to show life as it was before the completion of the Afsluitdijk dam. Visitors can witness traditional crafts like sail-making and fish smoking. The museum's harbor also features an impressive collection of historic sailing vessels. Beyond its history, Enkhuizen features a pleasant town center with small boutiques and restaurants serving freshly caught fish. The city is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam. Especially in summer, the harbors draw numerous sailors, providing a lively, international atmosphere. The nearby Sprookjeswonderland theme park is also a favorite destination for families visiting the region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C335913161818151174
Rain mm746354395964818564717078

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The historic port and old town of Enkhuizen are freely accessible. The Zuiderzee Open-Air Museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits on maritime life.
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Typical hours
The museum typically opens 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. The harbor and streets are always accessible.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed at the museum and in the old town. Flash may be restricted in some exhibit areas.
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Time needed
Allow half a day for the museum and a walk through the old town.
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Combine with
Combine with a boat trip on the IJsselmeer or a short visit to Hoorn.
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Getting there
Enkhuizen has a train station and is easily reachable from Amsterdam. Parking is available near the harbor and museum.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum early in the morning to avoid crowds, and don't miss the historic shipyard.

Geography

Population
17,365 (2017)
Coordinates
52.69944, 5.28778

Facts

  • Former major base of the VOC
  • Home to the Zuiderzee Museum
  • Drommedaris tower built in 1540
  • Major sailing hub on IJsselmeer
  • Wealthy merchant city in 17th c.
  • Train station located by the port
  • Sprookjeswonderland theme park
  • Once had 40,000 inhabitants

Explore nearby

Notable places around

IJsselmeerIJsselmeer8 km · EExplore →
ZuiderzeeZuiderzee13 km · SEExplore →
HoornHoorn17 km · WExplore →
MiddenmeerMiddenmeer20 km · NWExplore →
UrkUrk21 km · EExplore →
StavorenStavoren21 km · NExplore →
Port of LelystadPort of Lelystad23 km · SEExplore →
LelystadLelystad25 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Enkhuizen (18)

Recreatiebad Enkhuizerzand🎡 recreation

Swimming lake with sandy beach and beach volleyball courts.

Ceres📍 landmark

Windmill Ceres from 1849 in Enkhuizen drained the polder.

Zuiderzeemuseum entreepaviljoen🏛 museum

Entrance pavilion of the Zuiderzeemuseum open-air museum, with ticket office and café.

Spijtbroekstoren🏺 historical

A historical tower in the old town of Enkhuizen.

Nutszaal🎭 culture

A cultural hall in the historic center of Enkhuizen.

Sow to Grow🏛 museum

A museum about horticulture and plant growing in Enkhuizen.

🕒 Mo,Tu "In overleg geopend"; We-Su 12:00 - 17:00

De Drom🎭 culture

De Drom (Drommedaris) from 1540 in Enkhuizen is a historic gate tower and national monument.

De Oude Smidse📍 landmark

A historic blacksmith's workshop in Enkhuizen.

't Vuurtje📍 landmark

A small lighthouse on the IJsselmeer in Enkhuizen.

Koepoort🛡️ fortress

Koepoort in Enkhuizen was built in 1671 as a city gate.

Ontmoetingskerk⛪ religious

Ontmoetingskerk in Enkhuizen was inaugurated in 1904 as a Protestant church.

Boerenboom🛡️ fortress

Boerenboom is an old city gate that once defended the town of Enkhuizen.

Oude Gouwsboom🛡️ fortress

Oude Gouwsboom fortification in Enkhuizen dates from 1593.

Zuiderkerk⛪ religious

Gothic church from 1524 in Enkhuizen.

♿

Gummarus en Pancratiuskerk⛪ religious

Gummarus en Pancratiuskerk from 1908 in Enkhuizen is a Catholic church.

Naviduct Krabbersgat🌿 nature

Naviduct Krabbersgat gives scenic views as a designated viewpoint in Enkhuizen.

♿

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Zuiderzeemuseum?
An open-air museum showing life on the former Zuiderzee.
How do you get to the Zuiderzeemuseum?
From Enkhuizen station by the museum boat.
Are there attractions for children in Enkhuizen?
Yes, 'Sprookjeswonderland' is a popular fairytale park.
What is the Drommedaris?
A historical 16th-century defense tower at the harbor.
When are the museums open?
Usually daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Enkhuizen: where is it located?
Enkhuizen is located in North Holland, Netherlands.
Enkhuizen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sprookjeswonderland, Recreatiebad Enkhuizerzand, Ceres.
Enkhuizen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Enkhuizen: why is it worth visiting?
Enkhuizen was one of the wealthiest cities in the Netherlands during the 17th century, serving as a key base for the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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