Discover the region
Towns and villages
Drechterland
Drechterland is a municipality in the West Friesland region of North Holland. The municipality borders the municipality of Hoorn to the west, Medemblik to the north, Stede Broec to the east, and the Markermeer to the south. The municipality takes its name from the historic district of Drechterland.
Stede Broec
Stede Broec consists of the villages of Bovenkarspel, Grootebroek, and Lutjebroek, from east to west. These villages have historically been situated close to one another, but since the 1970s, Bovenkarspel and Grootebroek have become fully connected, effectively forming one residential area. The smaller village of Lutjebroek remains somewhat separate from this main built-up area.
Medemblik
Medemblik ligt daar waar land en water elkaar raken. Verleden en heden zijn hierdoor onlosmakelijk met elkaar verbonden. Op een prominente plek staat kasteel Radboud. Bij het Bakkerijmuseum worden op ambachtelijke wijze de meest heerlijke lekkernijen gebakken en bij het Stoomgemaal kom je alles te weten over de ontwikkeling van de stoommachine. Medemblik is ook halteplaats van de stoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik.
Hoorn
Hoorn is the perfect city for your next adventure. Visit Hoorn and discover historic ships and modern boats. Go paddleboarding or cruise through the canals. Relax at the city beach. Wander through the streets of the historic city centre. Explore boutiques, shops, and local markets.
Koggeland
Koggenland is a municipality in the West Friesland region of the Dutch province of North Holland. The name Koggenland refers to the historic “koggen” of the Middle Ages. A “kogge” or “banne” usually consisted of four or five villages and formed a legal district.
Opmeer
The polder landscape, charming villages, and beautiful walking and cycling routes make Opmeer a great place to explore. It offers the perfect combination of nature, tranquillity, and West Frisian charm. Enjoy the countryside in Aartswoud with a game of farmer’s golf, have a drink (and perhaps even a dance) at the village café in De Weere, or stay overnight at a bed and breakfast among the sheep or cows in Hoogwoud.
Take the ferry to Urk
In July or August, take the ferry from Enkhuizen to Urk. Urk’s historic centre is characterised by its harbours and “helliges” (shipyards), narrow “ginkies” (alleys), distinctive architecture, and unique monuments. Experience the island atmosphere, soak up the local charm, and, of course, enjoy some fresh fish!
Day out in West Friesland
West Friesland is completely enclosed by the oldest dike in the Netherlands: the Westfrisian Ring Dike. This 126-kilometre-long historic monument passes through the historic cities of Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Alkmaar, Schagen, and Medemblik before returning to Enkhuizen. There is plenty to discover within the Ring Dike. Visit a museum, zoo, climbing park, or playground, for example. West Friesland offers plenty of opportunities for memorable day trips!
Experience West Friesland
Discover more of the region at Beleef Westfriesland. From charming villages and historic towns to cycling routes, walks, stories, and surprising day trips, you’ll find inspiration for a day or weekend in West Friesland. Enkhuizen is also part of this landscape filled with water, history, and places you’ll want to return to.
Walking and cycling
Come and explore West Friesland on foot!
To celebrate the opening of the walking network in West Friesland, the Recreational Board commissioned a beautiful video featuring walking vlogger Mirre Oost, in collaboration with Wandelvrouw Bregje Schipper. We think the images speak for themselves!
