Enkhuizen is a lively port city with a rich history. Historic buildings, culture, cosiness, good food and drinks, an evening out, you will find it all in this special fortified town. The harbours are within walking distance of the historic city centre and the lively shopping street with its many shops. 

History of Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen was founded in the Middle Ages. In the 17th century the herring town flourished and became rich in sea trade. Enkhuizen had the largest herring fleet in the Netherlands and not only the VOC but also the West India Company were represented in the city. In this period the city had no less than 25,000 inhabitants, compared to the current number of 18,000.

Characteristics of Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen is known for its herring fishery, the many seed farms and the VOC era. The old town of Enkhuizen is largely surrounded by an old rampart. In the old town numerous historical buildings from the past have been preserved. Such as the Drommedaris, the Snouck van Loosenpark and -house, the Peperhuis, the Westerkerk (15th century), the Zuiderkerk (1423) and the former city prison (1612) with original wooden cells, which now serve as an exhibition centre. The town hall, on Breedstraat, is designed after the model of the 'palace on Dam Square' in Amsterdam. 

Places to visit in Enkhuizen

Besides the cozy center, the canals and the old fortress wall, the city also offers several nice sights. Let yourself be enchanted in Sprookjeswonderland, discover in the Zuiderzee Museum what it was like to live around the old Zuiderzee, an open-air museum with 140 historic houses, a shop, hairdresser or old school and much more, discover the magic of the little ship in the bottle in the Flessenscheepjesmuseum or visit the famous Jazz festival, which usually takes place around May/June.