Cycling and Walking
Discover Enkhuizen and the surrounding region on foot or by bike. Explore peaceful dykes, historic streets and scenic routes along the IJsselmeer and through the West Frisian countryside.
What are you in the mood for?
Cycling
Walking
Explore Enkhuizen and the surrounding area by bike.
Characteristic stolp farmhouses, blooming tulip fields and panoramic views across the IJsselmeer stretching as far as the horizon. Welcome to Enkhuizen and West Friesland, a beautiful region to explore at your own pace by bike.
Tip: A cycling guidebook featuring six beautiful themed routes, complete with handy cycling junction maps, is available at the Enkhuizen Tourist Information Office (VVV).
Cycling Guidebook: Enkhuizen and the West Frisian Ring Dyke
In our cycling guidebook, we’ve mapped out six beautiful routes of varying lengths. Each route includes a fun stop along the way and handy maps to take with you.
Great places to stop along the way
Fancy a little break along the way? Take a moment to relax and enjoy a tasty treat. From homemade cakes in a charming tea garden to local delicacies at a fruit farm, there’s plenty to discover. The Schapenstreek and the deer park in Enkhuizen are also lovely places to take a break and soak up the surroundings.
Rondje Wat Aars (West Frisian for “Something Different”)
Those looking to discover West Friesland in a surprising way can set off on the Rondje Wat Aars. This full-day experience combines a varied cycling route with welcoming stops along the way and a relaxing boat trip on the water.
Taking Your Bike on the Boat
From Enkhuizen, you can take your bike on the ferry services to Medemblik, Stavoren and Urk. This is a great way to combine cycling with a scenic boat trip across the IJsselmeer, giving you the chance to relax on board along the way.
Cycling Route: Along Dykes and Fields – 31 km
Discover the diverse countryside around Enkhuizen by bike. Enjoy the peace and open spaces, with charming villages, meadows filled with cows and sheep, windmills and panoramic views across the IJsselmeer stretching as far as the horizon. This 31 km cycling route starts in Enkhuizen and takes you along scenic country roads via Lutjebroek and Westwoud to Venhuizen. From there, you’ll cycle back to beautiful Enkhuizen along the Zuiderdijk, with stunning views of the IJsselmeer. Along the way, you’ll come across plenty of roadside stalls selling a variety of fresh local produce. Not only is this a sustainable choice, but it also supports local farmers, growers and producers. Simply follow the cycling junctions: 30 – 27 – 48 – 49 – 83 – 82 – 66 – 11 – 10 – 47 – 28 – 12 – 92
LF Zuiderzee Route
This “tour around the IJsselmeer” takes you through the rich history of the former Zuiderzee, which was brought under control only in the last century with the construction of the Afsluitdijk. The LF Zuiderzee Route lets you discover the remarkable results of the centuries-long struggle between humans and nature.
Cycling Around the IJsselmeer with Ferry Crossings
Discover three provinces on this unique multi-day cycling route covering a total of 153.6 km around the IJsselmeer. Along the way, you’ll cross the water three times using different ferry services! In short, this route is packed with culture, nature, architecture and history.
Cycling Routes from Route.nl
Route.nl offers a wide selection of cycling routes in Enkhuizen and the surrounding region, with scenic rides along waterways, dykes and historic sites. From the town centre, you can easily hop on your bike and set off on a route that invites you to take your time, stop along the way and discover something new around every corner.
www.routesinnoordholland.nl
On this website, you’ll find over 200 recreational routes in North Holland, including walking, cycling and boating routes. Discover up-to-date information, practical tips and routes to suit every level and interest.
Bike Rental
Rent a Bike at Dekker Tweewielers
Fancy exploring Enkhuizen and the surrounding area without bringing your own bike? Rent one and choose your own route, along the dykes or through the countryside, with plenty of opportunities to stop and relax at a café terrace along the way.
Rent a Bike at Carlos Bikes
When you rent an e-bike, scooter or electric chopper from Carlos Bikes, you’ll receive scenic routes and handy tips as a bonus. It’s a unique way to explore West Friesland.
Rent a Bike at Wat Aars
In addition to mini golf, you can also enjoy outdoor activities such as poolball, billiard golf and curling, or rent a bike to explore the area.
Walking Through the Town and Polders
Enkhuizen and the surrounding area are particularly popular with walkers. Choose from a variety of enjoyable and unique city walks, such as the Beautiful Enkhuizen route or the Unusual Street Names route. Groups can also enjoy a guided walk led by a local guide. The countryside around Enkhuizen offers plenty of beautiful walking routes, and several long-distance walking trails (LAW routes) pass through Enkhuizen and the surrounding region.
Tip: The Enkhuizen Tourist Information Office (VVV) offers a variety of city walks. It is also the starting point for short and long walks
Walking in Enkhuizen
Walking through Enkhuizen feels like wandering through a town that slowly reveals its secrets. Every street holds a detail waiting to be discovered, from historic façades and harbours to unexpectedly peaceful corners, making every walk a unique experience.City Walks Through Enkhuizen
You’ll find plenty of fun walking routes through Enkhuizen at the Tourist Information Office (VVV) and online. Will you choose the Enkhuizen City Walk or the Unusual Street Names Route? Perhaps the children’s treasure hunt? Or would you rather try the Escape Tour or the Enkhuizen Murder Mystery Route? We’ve tried them all ourselves and give them our seal of approval!
Guided City Walking Tour
Discover Enkhuizen with an expert guide who will show you the city’s most beautiful spots and share fascinating facts and stories along the way. That way, you can be sure not to miss a thing.
Children’s Treasure Hunt
Discover Enkhuizen with a fun treasure hunt. Specially designed for primary school children, the “Crack the Code” route takes you past some of Enkhuizen’s most fascinating places. Along the way, you’ll find fun questions and challenges, as well as all kinds of amusing facts.
Walking in West Friesland
In West Friesland, around Enkhuizen, walking routes unfold at a leisurely pace through dykes, villages and wide-open landscapes. Here, it’s not about covering distance, but about noticing the little things along the way: a winding path, a quiet ribbon village or the water that keeps appearing on the horizon.
Tip: Streekbos in Bovenkarspel is a great starting point for walks in nature.
West Frisian Ring Dyke Trail
De Haringstadters Walking Tours
Streekbos Eco-Project Nature Trail
Zuiderzee Long-Distance Walking Trail (LAW)
Starting Point: Streekbos
Routes in North Holland
West Friesland Walking Network
Recreatieschap Westfriesland, in collaboration with Wandelvrouw, has created a beautiful video showcasing the walking network in West Friesland.
The West Friesland Walking Network is part of the North Holland Walking Network and takes you along rural footpaths, through nature reserves, past historic towns, along the West Frisian Ring Dyke and through Medemblik.
Visit www.wandelnetwerknoordholland.nl to plan your own route using the walking junction network. The website also features ready-made themed routes ranging from 2 to 12 kilometres.
