Villages and towns in the region
Enkhuizen has a lot to offer but so does the region! The surrounding characteristic West Frisian villages and towns are rural and/or situated on the IJsselmeer or Markermeer. The region lends itself perfectly to a beautiful cycling or walking tour, anglers and lovers of sailing and boating will also feel like a fish in the water.
Magazine Experience Westfriesland!
Discover the beautiful, versatile North Holland region of Westfriesland with the magazine Beleef Westfriesland!
Tourism magazine especially for families with young children and people over 55 who (are) going to stay in the Westfriesland region.
The magazine contains extensive information about museums, events, cycling and walking routes, shopping opportunities and restaurants.
For each theme there are handy tips and recommendations. Beleef Westfriesland is available from VVV’ Enkhuizen, accommodations and attractions in Westfriesland, and in the coastal areas of North Holland and Lelystad.
Discover Westfriesland
Walking in Westfriesland
In Enkhuizen you can have a wonderful walk! So you can choose from fun and special city walks, such as Mooi Enkhuizen or the Rare street names route. In the rural surroundings of Enkhuizen you can have wonderful walks. You can plan your own route or walk part of an LAW route, such as the Westfriese Omringdijk.
Cycling in the region of Enkhuizen
The beautiful combination of the IJsselmeer and the farmlands make the area around Enkhuizen a great area to explore by bicycle. Cattle farming, fruit growing, bulb fields and even wine growing are an important source of income. Along the way you will come across stalls selling fresh produce, straight from the land!
Day out in Westfriesland
Westfriesland is completely surrounded by the oldest dike of the Netherlands; the Westfriese Omringdijk. Within the Omringdijk there is a lot to discover. For example, go to a museum, zoo, climbing park or playground. In Westfriesland you will experience a surprising day out!
The proud West Frisian
Many West Frisians have the conviction that they are different from the rest of the Netherlands. This conviction is accompanied by a certain sense of honor; West Frisians are proud to be West Frisians. They are reminiscent of Frisians, they have the same thing. So are West Frisians so special? Whoever asks, betrays himself. He is on the outside. A true West Frisian does not ask that question. It is not about what it is exactly, being West Frisian, it is about being West Frisian, being born within the Omringdijk. Ad Geerdink (director Westfries Museum in Hoorn) tells the story of ‘making history together’.
Mooie dorpen en steden in de regio
Andijk
Safely hidden behind the broad spine of the Westfriese Omringdijk lies theIJsselmeerdorp Andijk. On this particularly beautiful spot you will find two bungalow parks, a campsite and the hotel cottages of Restinn. If you come with your own boat, you can anchor in the harbor. Cyclists and hikers will enjoy the nearby recreational area De Vooroever.
Gemeente Stede Broec
The municipality of Stede Broec consists of the villages of Bovenkarspel, Grootebroek and Lutjebroek. Surrounded by water and greenery, Stede Broec is an ideal area for cyclists, hikers and water sports enthusiasts. Recreational area Het Streekbos in Bovenkarspel is ideal for a day at the beach. Also located there are Volkssterrenwacht Orion, IVN Westfriesland and Klimpark Streekbos.
Medemblik
Medemblik lies where land and water meet. Past and present are therefore inseparable. On a prominent spot stands Radboud Castle. At the Bakery Museum the most delicious delicacies are baked using traditional methods and at the Steam Pumping Station you can learn all about the development of the steam engine. Medemblik is also a stop for the Hoorn-Medemblik steam streetcar.
Come and walk in Westfriesland!
For the opening of the walking network in Westfriesland, the Recreatieschap had a beautiful video made by walking vlogster Mirre Oost, in collaboration with Wandelvrouw Bregje Schipper. As far as we are concerned, the images speak for themselves!
Andijk
Safely hidden behind the wide spine of the Westfriese Omringdijk lies the IJsselmeer village of Andijk. A typical West Frisian rural community, on the dike. Life here revolves around the water against which the inhabitants have been passionately protecting themselves for centuries.
The Foreshore
Andijk has two well-equipped marinas, making it a favorite destination for many water sports enthusiasts. Recreation and nature area De Vooroever is particularly popular with water surfers, swimming enthusiasts and sunbathers.
Museum
In Andijk you’ll find Hat Collection Zet ´m Op. In Hat Collection Zet ‘m Op the owner likes to tell you about her special collection of over 400 hats. You can try on some of the hats, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Tea Garden
Tucked away on the Dike Road is a beautiful tea garden. In Theetuin the Dragonfly you’ll relax with all kinds of goodies. Would you rather have a piece of homemade cake or a delicious Andoiker scone?
Pop aan de dijk
Het dorp barst ieder jaar in juli bijna uit zijn voegen tijdens het Dijkpop festival. Al meer dan dertig jaar wordt dit populaire festival met veel vrijwilligers van de grond getild. Een weekend vol blije gezichten, want de avond voorafgaand aan het festival wordt ‘De Avond van Andijk’ gehouden. Dit is een kinderfeest, reünie voor oud West-Friezen en opwarmer voor het Dijkpop Festival ineen.
Munincipality Stede Broec
Stede Broec (Bovenkarspel, Grootebroek and Lutjebroek)
Bovenkarspel
Surrounded by water and greenery, Stede Broec is an ideal area for cyclists, hikers and water sports enthusiasts.
The Overhaul
Residential area Broekerhaven is part of this municipality. Here you will find an inner and outer harbor with a special technical monument: De Overhaal. This boat elevator was formerly used to transfer the horticultural ships from the polder to the Zuiderzee. The restored Overhaal is now regularly used for pleasure cruises.
Ceres Mill
On Broekerhavenweg stands windmill `De Ceres`. This mill was built in 1620 in Wormerveer and has stood in Bovenkarspel since 1848. The miller still regularly turns the sails. When the flag is raised, you can visit the mill.
Resort Markermeer
For a wonderful day of playing, sunbathing and swimming, you are welcome at Resort Markermeer. The site is located on the Markermeer and has several play facilities, a paddling pool and a sunbathing lawn.
Farm Campsite De Gouwe Stek
At campsite De Gouwe stek you can enjoy peace and quiet. Cozy with your family, relatives, friends, or quietly alone or as a couple, everyone is welcome. The Gouwe Stek has 4 pipowagens, these are fully equipped. There is also a 6 person luxury glamping safari tent. Of course you can also just come with your own tent, caravan or camper. De Gouwe Stek has various facilities such as trampolines, football and volleyball field, campfire place, various play equipment and a sandwich service. Or walk the Blotevoetenpad Gouwe Voeten!
Recreational Area The Streekbos
Recreational area Het Streekbos also lends itself ideally to a day at the beach. The Streekbos is a recreational area of 72 hectares with beautiful hiking and biking trails, a natural swimming pond and boating routes through the adjacent nature reserve De Weelen.
In addition to peace and space, the Streekbos also features the Streekbos pavilion, home to IJgenweis food and drink, Volkssterrenwacht Orion and IVN Westfriesland. Do you like more action? Then the Klimpark Streekbos is well worth a visit.
IJgenweis Food & Drink
For a delicious cup of coffee, lunch or dinner, visit IJgenweis Eten & Drinken. This atmospheric restaurant with waterfront terrace is located in the Streekbos Pavilion.
People’s Observatory Orion
The pavilion is also home to Volks Observatory Orion. The observatory has its own planetarium in the dome atop the striking building. Viewing evenings are regularly organized here. During these viewing evenings, telescopes are set up on the roof terrace.
Climbing Park Streekbos
Do you love excitement, being active and nature? In Ecological Climbing Park Streekbos climb safely among the trees and tackle challenging obstacles. A fun, adventurous and exciting day out!
The Barefoot Trail
The Barefoot Path “Gouwe Voeten” (Bovenkarspel) is an adventurous walk across agricultural land of about 2 to 3 kilometers. You walk barefoot on different surfaces and there are several obstacles during the walk. Everyone is given a booklet with assignments to do during the walk.
IVN Westfriesland
IVN Westfriesland is also located in the Streekbospavilion. IVN (Institute for Nature Education and Sustainability) works towards a sustainable society. Their idea is that involvement with nature encourages sustainable action. Interesting guided walks, lectures and fun workshops for children: IVN lets everyone, from young to old, experience nature close by.
Shopping center Streekhof
Shopping center Streekhof is located in the heart of Stede Broec. You can enjoy pleasant indoor shopping here in the indoor shopping center with as many as 55 specialty stores. In shopping center Streekhof you will find besides retail chains such as Jamin, Deen Supermarkt, Blokker, Bruna and Zeeman also many specialty stores. Think of clothing stores, shoe stores and delicacies. Of course there is also thought to the inner man, in the mall there are several places where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, lunch or drinks.
Thursday there is an expanded weekly market next to the Streekhof.
Lutjebroek
Sheep Farm De Schapenstreek
The Schapenstreek has a multi-faceted operation. In addition to working organically in the De Weelen nature reserve, a processing branch has emerged on the farm with the production of sheep cheese and ice cream, a store, tours and the care farm. Throughout the year there are several open days or events at the farm such as the open day in June, lambing day and “Christmas Eve in the stable.
Rijo Boat Rental
Rijo Boat Rental is located in Lutjebroek. From this central point you can quickly reach polder Het Grootslag or nature reserve the Lutjebroeker Weel. Rijo rents out polder boats with outboard motors and canoes.You can then enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the polder yourself. We can even provide a well-stocked picnic basket for a delicious lunch on the way and/or a cup of coffee with something tasty before you go on the water.
Minicamping De Groote Wijzend
At the flower farm in West Frisian Lutjebroek you can camp in one of five large and fully equipped luxury 4-person safari tents complete with bathroom, kitchen and fixed beds. Of course, larger families can always add a tent. The tents are located under a glass canopy in which grapes, peaches and other plants grow. That way a bad summer does not throw a spanner in the works. The tents are located directly on the water and each has its own jetty.
Munincipality Drechterland
The municipality of Drechterland is an important link between Hoorn and Enkhuizen. The characteristic ribbon development of the villages (Hoogkarspel, Wijdenes, Oosterleek, Venhuizen, Hem, Oosterblokker, Schellinkhout, Westwoud) with accompanying farmlands characterize this area on the Westfriese Omringdijk. Each village has retained its own identity, but the rural character can be found in all villages. Cattle farming, fruit growing, bulb fields and even wine growing are an important source of income here. Along the road are stalls selling these products, fresh from the land!
Location on the IJsselmeer
Its location on the IJsselmeer attracts plenty of swimmers, (kite)surfers and other water recreationists. The sailing route network through the polder, the extensive bicycle and walking paths and the location on the Westfriese Omringdijk offer residents and tourists wonderful ways to enjoy all the beauty of this West Frisian municipality.
Port Wijdenes
Just a resting point during a day of boating, but also a wonderful place to sit by the water during a walk or bike ride. The small harbor of Wijdenes is an excellent place to enjoy the Markermeer, with a wide view over the water. You can sunbathe, fish and moor here. You can stay in the small harbor for up to three nights for a fee.
