Discover our Golden Age Treasures
A wealth of monuments and sights
The Dutch Golden Age largely coincides with the seventeenth century. The Republic of the Seven United Netherlands experienced a period of prosperity, in trade, science and the arts. This century also saw the founding of the Dutch East India Company. At the time, this was the largest trading company in the world and the first joint-stock company with freely tradable shares. After 1672, a period of relative economic decline began and the Golden Age was past its prime.
Admire the ships in the harbors, stroll along the numerous monuments and canals or unwind among the ancient trees flanking the rampart. Everywhere in Enkhuizen in 2019 you can still taste the atmosphere of a rich VOC past.
Our treasures in 1 overview
The Pepper House
The former VOC warehouse the Pepper House is part of the indoor museum of the Zuiderzee Museum. It is the oldest building in the Museum and has a special history.
The Drommedaris
Since 1540 the Drommedaris has watched over Enkhuizen, its port and the Zuiderzee. Since 1959 the Drommedaris has been in use as a cultural center. You can go there for music, theater and movies.
City Hall
The Town Hall in Enkhuizen is characterized by the stately look of Dutch classicism, which was inspired by antiquity. During the late Golden Age, this style was very popular.
City Prison
Jails in the Golden Age did not look as neat inside as they usually do today. The cells were made of thick oak and they were dark and musty. You can also still see the instruments of torture that were used in the past.
Cowgate
The Koepoort in Enkhuizen has long served as a gateway on the west side of the city and was part of the fortifications surrounding the city during the Middle Ages and Golden Age.
Western Church
The Westerkerk is counted among the 100 most beautiful national monuments in the Netherlands and can be found in the historic heart of Enkhuizen. Worth seeing in the Westerkerk is the pulpit, choir screen and organ case.
The Librije
The Librije is the oldest city library from the seventeenth century still preserved in its original state. Some 600 books bound in parchment or leather have been waiting there for centuries to be read or admired.
Spui House
The Spuihuisje is the former lockkeeper's house, built over the passage to the Zuiderhaven. In the frieze are five colored coats of arms, bearing arms of Hoorn, Orange, West Friesland, Enkhuizen and Medemblik.
Old and New Orphanage
The square in front of the orphanage is enclosed by a large wrought-iron fence, dating back to the eighteenth century. Currently, you can learn about the role of plants at the Interactive Museum Sow to Grow located in this building.
West Frisian Mint
The present building was built in 1611, this is also indicated in two gable stones placed in the frieze. Two lion heads are also placed next to the stones. Other gable stones show the coat of arms of West Friesland and the coat of arms of Enkhuizen.
Waag
The Waaggebouw in Enkhuizen is one of the few surviving examples of the early Renaissance in the northern Netherlands. The weighing mechanism in the weighing hall on the first floor is still present.
Boerenboom en Oude Gouwsboom
The Boerenboom and the Oude Gouwsboom are two water gates in Enkhuizen. These gates, which were closed with a wooden bulkhead and could thus also function as locks, were built in 1593.
Hemony carillons
The wealth in the Golden Age enabled the Municipality of Enkhuizen to purchase an expensive Hemony carillon twice. In 1648, the Zuider- or Sint Pancrastoren received a Hemony carillon.
Golden Age Tour App
Golden Age Tour App Enkhuizen, Hoorn en Medemblik.
Explore the treasures on foot or from the water
City Walk
Discover the history of Enkhuizen? Take a city walk! You can do this with a booklet available from the VVV tourist information office. On the basis of this booklet, you can walk past the most beautiful places in Enkhuizen. You can also book a guided walk.
Enkhuizen from the water
Enkhuizen is the town where ships stay a day longer. Simply because there is so much to do in and around Enkhuizen. Moreover, you'll find the town center just a two-minute walk away. Rent a boat or take a cruise on the IJsselmeer or Markermeer.
History
Discover the history of Enkhuizen! Enkhuizen is a city with a rich history. Many beautiful monumental buildings and defenses have been preserved.
Gerelateerde tips en informatie
Visiting Enkhuizen with a group
Enkhuizen is a great destination for groups looking for a fun-filled day. Whether you are planning a family outing, organizing a company outing or just want to spend a fun day with friends, Enkhuizen has everything you need.
Ode to the landscape
This year we celebrate the beauty of the landscape in North Holland. Immerse yourself in the art projects, exhibitions and excursions; experience the theme year full of activities at various locations throughout North Holland.
Historic meeting venues
If you are looking for an unusual meeting location, there are many places to go in Enkhuizen. How about meetings in a defense tower, on a ship or at the top of the Drommedaris? We have listed a number of special meeting locations.
Historical navigational chart
Together with Vereniging Oud Enkhuizen and Vereniging Oud Stede Broec, we have created a handy and fun boating map: the Historical Boating Map. Pick it up for free at VVV Enkhuizen this summer or download it here.
New: Bike route booklet Enkhuizen
In the new bike route booklet we have mapped out 6 beautiful routes for you. Varying in length. For each route we give a nice tip for getting off the bike. For the first 100 buyers we have a nice promotion!
December in Enkhuizen
In December, the holiday month, there is plenty to do in cozy, wintery Enkhuizen. Come Christmas shopping, visit Sprookjeswinterland and discover the best outings for the Christmas vacations
