Enkhuizen (Netherlands North Holland)

Enkhuizen is a river cruise port and city in The Netherlands' North Holland province (West-Frisia region), with population around 19,000.

The same-named municipality consists of Oosterdijk, Westeinde and Enkhuizen. Enkhuizen was among the harbour-towns of Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie - just like Amsterdam and Hoorn. From these port cities was conducted overseas trade with the East Indies (Southeast Asia). In 1355 the town received its city rights and in the mid-17th-century, it was at the peak of its might. However, because of various reasons, notably the harbors' silting up, Enkhuizen lost its first position to Amsterdam.

The city has one of Holland's largest marinas. Zuiderzeemuseum is also here. The city's oldest building (dating back from 1540 AD) is called Drommedaris (at the left In the above photo). Riverboat tours are offered from Enkhuizen to Medemblik. Industrially, the city is home to several seed production companies and a plastics factory. Tourism is also a large part of the local economy.

A train station provides direct rail service from Enkhuizen to Amsterdam City, Amersfoort and Hoorn. The travel time to Amsterdam Centraal is ~ 1 hour. During summer, regularly scheduled passenger ferries link Enkhuizen with Medemblik, Stavoren and Urk. It's also possible to cycle or drive across Houtribdijk to Lelystad while passing under naviduct (navigable aqueduct) close to the Krabbersgat lock.