Environment

A unique spot on the Markermeer

Are you coming for a swim, playing, walking, cycling or sunbathing on the largest city beach located on a lake? Located between the Park theatre and the Galgenbocht, the Markermeer is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle or by car.rnrnThis beach is perfect for nature lovers, swimming enthusiasts, hikers, cyclists and sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the beautiful view of the beach and city from the small viewing hill located in the middle of the beach. Stroll or cycle along the waterfront, enjoy the gentle breeze and warm sun on your face and completely unwind from the busy city life.rnrnFancy a sporting match with your friends or family? Then the Hoorn city beach is the perfect spot. The beach has a football pitch, beach volleyball court, fitness park and numerous playgrounds for children. When are you coming for a dip in the Markermeer? 

The Markermeer was created in 1976 by the construction of the dike between Enkhuizen and Lelystad. Now it is a beautiful area for hiking, cycling, water sports and bird watching.

Discover this old VOC town on foot, by bike or by boat. Within Enkhuizen's old ramparts you will find numerous national monuments and special street names. Visit interesting museums, unusual shops and the cosy catering establishments.

Experience the Middle Ages at Radboud Castle. Learn about history in the museum, enjoy a snack and a drink in the Castle Café or take part in one of the activities for young and old.

Welcome aboard!

Use the convenient water taxi service with more than 12 stops in and around Hoorn! Park for free outside of the city and take the water taxi to the city center or to the port. A nice informative cruise is also available. By appointment, the Water Taxi will pick you up at one of the stops. The skipper will guide you along some of the most beautiful places in Hoorn during an hour-long cruise. Welcome aboard!

Cycling or walking in the region

Discover the most beautiful cycling and hiking routes through the tip of West Friesland and North Holland. Here, the landscape is characterised by fruit orchards, village views across the fields and the beautiful Marker and IJsselmeer. On the routes, you can enjoy the landscape around Wijdenes, as well as the characteristic VOC towns of Enkhuizen and Hoorn. Start the route from junction post 80 in Wijdenes and follow the green cycle posts for a charming route around the northern Netherlands.

Experience the historical Driehoek

Between the historic 'Zuiderzee' towns of Hoorn, Medemblik and Enkhuizen steamtrams meander from village to village across the Westfrisian countryside and an old-fashioned steamer with a fantastic saloon-deck sails along the coast of lake IJsselmeer. Visit the Museum Steamtram and get aboard for the most exciting journey through time. The Museum Steam Tram Hoorn-Medemblik is the registered museum on the history of the steam tram in the Netherlands.

Rise to great heights

Do you like excitement, physical activity and nature? Then you will be in the perfect spot at climbing park Streekbos in Hoogkarspel! Here you can safely climb between the trees from one challenging obstacle to the next. Test your climbing skills on one of five spectacular climbing courses which are over 400 meters long. They vary in difficulty and height. Climb to 4 or even 11 meters. Expand your own limits and experience an amazing adventure! And for those who prefer to stay on the ground with both feet, there is also an 18-hole miniature golf course.

Looking for a magical day out? Then visit Sprookjeswonderland in Enkhuizen. The park is full of stories from all kinds of fairy tales, making you really imagine yourself in a Fairy Tale World. Let the children play in the attractions such as the Dobberbootjes or a trip along the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The children can also have a great time in the playground. Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, they are all there in the Fairytale Wonderland.

Copyright © Sprookjeswonderland

The rich history of the Zuiderzee area

For centuries, the Netherlands has been a country of vendors and traders. The Zuiderzee Museum shows a glimpse of the cultural heritage from the time that the biggest lake of the Netherlands was still a sea. In this museum, this long and rich regional history is brought back to life.

A glimpse of the Golden Age

The Edam Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands, located in two Edam monuments, namely: the town hall and the former merchant’s house of 1540. The museum teaches you all about the rich history of Edam. Complete with authentic furniture, wall tiles and a beautiful collection of historical objects, here you will find yourself in the Golden Age.

Explore the region on foot with one of the many walking routes in the area. The routes take you along the coast and past the picturesque meadows and towns near Wijdenes. Set off along the Wijdenes route that leads you to the refuge of the Markermeer. Or walk the Dust Mill Route to discover culture and nature. Otherwise, opt for the peaceful Driebanroute, a beautiful route through Wijdenes and through polder the Drieban. Go out and enjoy the surroundings around Wijdenes while walking.