This calm Dutch harbor town on the IJsselmeer lake has preserved its 17th-century maritime past, with a working steam train museum and the open-air Zuiderzee Museum.
Enkhuizen sits on the edge of the IJsselmeer lake, where ships once sailed for the Dutch East India Company. Walk past 17th-century merchant houses along Herenstraat canal, watch blacksmiths demonstrate tools at the Zuiderzee Museum's open-air village, or see sailboats docked at the marina from the Drommedaris tower. This former herring trade center keeps its 16th-century walls and wooden bridges, with summer ferries leaving for Medemblik and Stavoren. Over 300 protected buildings fill the streets, from the Gothic Westerkerk church to a converted prison displaying local artifacts. Buy smoked eel at the morning fish market, then watch ships pass through the locks connecting the harbor to the lake.
Maritime History and Harbor Development
Enkhuizen received city status in 1355 and grew wealthy through herring fishing, with 500 ships operating by 1650. The Dutch East India Company stored spices and textiles in the Peperhuis warehouse before shipping them to Asia. When shifting sandbanks blocked larger ships in the 18th century, trade moved to Amsterdam. The 1932 completion of the Afsluitdijk dam turned the salty Zuiderzee into the freshwater IJsselmeer, forcing fishermen to switch from herring to eel. You can still see original harbor cranes and weigh houses near the Drommedaris tower.
Visiting the Zuiderzee Museum
The Zuiderzee Museum splits into two parts: a modern building with ship models and a recreated village with 140 historic houses. Watch rope-makers twist hemp fibers using traditional methods, or see bakers pull rye loaves from a wood-fired oven. The indoor section explains how engineers built the Afsluitdijk dam using boulders and willow mats. Look for the 1900 pharmacy display with jars of leeches and the classroom where children wrote on slate tablets. A ferry shuttles visitors between museum sections every 20 minutes from April to October.
Climbing the Drommedaris Tower
Built in 1540 as part of the city defenses, the Drommedaris tower guarded the harbor entrance with cannons on its lower levels. Climb 52 steps to the viewing platform for clear views of the marina and IJsselmeer. The tower now hosts art exhibitions in its vaulted brick rooms and concerts in the former gunpowder storage area. Check the schedule for weekly guided tours explaining how the tower's arches inspired its camel-themed name. Nearby, the Koepoort gate remains from the original city walls, with walking paths along former moats.
Walking Tours of Central Enkhuizen
Start at the Westerkerk church to hear its 1652 carillon play every Thursday afternoon. Follow the canal to the 1612 City Prison, where you can see iron shackles still attached to cell walls. The Snouck van Loosenpark area has 36 identical brick houses built in 1887 for widows, arranged around shared vegetable gardens. Walk the rampart trail past wild mint patches and old cannon positions to reach the Zuiderzee Museum. Many houses display their construction years on gables, like the 1603 building at Dijk 15 with stepped facade.
Seasonal Events and Water Activities
From May to September, take a 90-minute ferry ride to Stavoren for lunch, then cycle back along the dike path. The Enkhuizen Jazz Festival uses the Drommedaris tower and church courtyards as venues during the last weekend of May. Every Sunday morning from June to August, fishermen sell fresh perch and zander at the dike market near the train station. Rent a rowboat at Houten Hoofd pier to explore the harbor, or join a two-hour historical cruise detailing the herring trade routes. In winter, the outdoor museum closes, but you can warm up with pea soup at cafes overlooking ice-covered docks.
Eating Local Fish and Dutch Specialties
Smoked eel served on rye bread remains a local favorite, available at the Fish Auction building near the lock gates. Try pan-fried perch with parsley sauce at De Lunchhoek, a cafe inside a 1673 weighing house with original beams. For sweet options, order poffertjes mini pancakes at 't Ankertje cafe next to the Drommedaris tower. Brouwerij De Werf brewery serves beer-battered cod bites in a former ship dry dock, now with outdoor seating under heat lamps. Stop by Vivaldi cafe near the station for ice cream made with Dutch strawberries or salted caramel.
Getting to Enkhuizen and Day Trips
Take the direct NS train from Amsterdam Central Station, which runs twice hourly and stops at Hoorn and Zaandam. Cyclists can follow the LF21 route along the IJsselmeer dike from Hoorn, passing 19th-century pumping stations. Use the free parking lot at the train station, as street parking in the center requires a paid permit. Between April and October, ride the historic steam train from Medemblik to connect with a boat tour back to Enkhuizen. Drive across the Houtribdijk causeway to visit the Batavia Shipyard in Lelystad, where carpenters build replica 17th-century ships.
