enkhuizen
Charming Dutch
Enkhuizen, a picturesque town along the shores of the Ijsselmeer , is a hidden gem that exudes history, culture, and maritime allure. With its rich maritime heritage, Enkhuizen has been a significant port since the Dutch Golden Age, and remnants of its past can still be witnessed today.
Stepping into Enkhuizen feels like stepping back in time. The well-preserved historic center is adorned with beautiful 17th-century buildings, quaint cobblestone streets, and inviting canals that lend the town an enchanting charm. Visitors can explore the Zuiderzee Museum, which offers a glimpse into the region’s seafaring past through its captivating exhibits and recreated fishing villages.
For maritime enthusiasts, a visit to the Enkhuizen Sailing Heritage Museum is a must. This museum showcases an impressive collection of historical ships and displays that narrate the town’s maritime history. A stroll along the impressive Drommedaris Tower and the majestic city walls reveals stunning views of the Ijsselmeer and surrounding landscapes.
During the summer months, Enkhuizen bustles with life as sailing enthusiasts, and tourists flock to the town. The annual Zuiderzee Festival, a lively celebration of music, dance, and traditional crafts, adds to the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
Whether you’re interested in maritime history, quaint charm, or simply wish to immerse yourself in Dutch culture, Enkhuizen is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.
THE DROMMEDARIS
The building was erected as a defense structure at the entrance to the Oude Haven, and was originally located on the Westfriese Omringdijk; this ran from the north via the Breedstraat further along the Zuiderdijk.
The part of the dike near the Drommedaris was later excavated for the construction of the Buitenhaven. The gun cellar and the ground floor room date from 1540 and were the original structure. Both rooms contained cannon holes along the walls in niches that housed cannons that could cover the harbors. The upper room has a rib vault. Above the building on the roof was a structure containing prison cells that can still be found on the first floor of the current building. Above the gate is a cell for death row inmates, with dates and sometimes poems carved into the oak paneling
city hall
The City Hall was built between 1686 and 1688 to a design by the architect Steven Vennekool. The design, an example of Dutch classicism, is reminiscent of the Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam.
In the 16th century, Enkhuizen was bigger than Amsterdam.
It had grown because of the herring fishery, with the arrival of the shipping companies of the Dutch East India Company. For example, the city council of Enkhuizen decided to expand the urban area. Lands were bought up. The costs for this were borne by an increase in the tax. This was against the sore leg of the rich shipowners. They moved en masse to Amsterdam, leaving Enkhuizen moribund. The city council decided to demolish their houses and sell the marble.
CompaGNIE-harbour
The Company harbour is an important attraction for water sports enthusiasts in Enkhuizen.
A large number of destinations can be reached in a day’s sailing from here, while the Wadden with favorable tides makes a challenging outing for a weekend trip.
Enkhuizen attracts the most pleasure boaters of the thirty ports around the IJsselmeer.
Of the total of about 50,000 passers-by who sail on the IJsselmeer, about 35,000 visit the ports in Enkhuizen.
Located at the northern entrance to the Krabbersgat, the Compagniehaven is one of the busiest marinas in the Netherlands.
Zuiderzee museum
The Zuiderzee Museum is one of the most beautiful open-air museums in the Netherlands.
In the past, all the houses in this museum stood on the coast around t the Zuiderzee, demolished there and rebuilt Steen Voor Steen here. A visit to the Zuiderzee Museum is a journey through the past through the Dutch past.
Old ships and new vacation
A boat trip on the former Zuiderzee is an exciting adventure. The large sailing ships that transported cargo across the Zuiderzee in the past are used for this purpose.
Groups in particular participate in this. Those on board are expected to cooperate on board, for example, the sails have to be hoisted, the deck scrubbed and cooking has to be done. Many school trips are held here by schools from home and abroad.
In 1816 Enkhuizen was again given a coat of arms, this time recognized by the High Council of Nobility. The herrings are now looking to the left again.
The woman is possibly the city maiden of Enkhuizen.
CITY PRISON
The tall, narrow brick buildng has been preserved almost entirely in the condition in which it was built in 1612.
The ground floor and each floor has 2 spacious cells with little light and air. Old torture devices can still be found.
The seventeenth century cells are still completely present, made of heavy oak, doors and windows fitted with wrought iron fittings and bars from the construction period. Along the front and rear facades are corridors, connected by a narrow corridor along the eastern wall.
The year of construction 1612 has been carved above the doors on the first floor. This floor is reached by a spiral staircase on the east wall; Higher up stairs are fitted, as well as at the rear.The building is open to the public in the summer months.
The City Prison in Zwaanstraat (behind the City Hall) is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entering costs nothing, but being allowed to leave again costs € 1.00 for adults and € 0.50 for children.
