The village has a ribbon layout along the IJsselmeer dyke with a length
of 7 kilometres. For long since it has been a market gardening area that
is particularly famous for growing cauliflowers and bulbs. The place is
above all a water-sports centre with a marina and recreational banks.
Enkhuizen is a stopping place for IJsselmeer
sailors who gape at the famous 16th Century defence port of Drommedaris,
the town house, the 15th Century Westerkerk (church) and the Waag building.
There a lot of bars, restaurants and shops
Medemblik, a cosy pleasant town,
is the smallest of the three towns and the oldest of West Friesland. As far as sailing is concerned Medemblik is not a newcomer. Every year
large sailing races and competitions are held with participants from all
over the world taking place. The Spa Regatta is one of Medemblik is best-known
sailing events
This lovely old place takes you back to the
days when it was an important international trading city of the VOC (United
East India Company).The city of Hoorn has four harbors. It's an attractive destination
for lovers of water sports. Many ships of the brown fleet, traditional sailing
ships, anchor in the harbor. The inner harbor of Hoorn is as pretty as a picture
postcard.
By 1500 Volendam only had 100
inhabitants. In those long-gone days village life centered on the fishing trade. These days Volendam has 19,000 inhabitants and is no longer a small port. Sailing
yachts and excursion boats now dominate the harbor. One of these excursion boats
is the Marken Express. Volendam welcomes scores of tourists every year. Some
of the main attractions are the town's souvenir shops, displays of traditional
costumes and the fresh fish which can be eaten near the harbor. Volendam’s
folklore is as alive as ever. The town's unusual houses are best admired from
the harbor. The small fishermen’s
cottages are built any which way. Many visitors have lost their way in the maze
of narrow streets and alleyways.
The town of Monnickendam is a
mere fourteen kilometers from Holland's busy capital of Amsterdam. It is a pleasant
and peaceful town. It offers great hiking, biking and sailing. This small seaport
has some 10,000 inhabitants and boasts a historical town center which has stood
the test of time well. Tourists have not discovered Monnickendam yet in great
numbers. However, the town is well worth a visit. The St. Nicolaas Kerk and
carillon are real eye-catchers. The 15th-century church is quite beautiful and
the lovely sounds of the orchestra bells create a pleasant ambience.
Between the Gouwzee and the Markermeer
you will come across the former island of Marken. This is a jewel of a place,
which should be treasured because of its green houses on stilts as well as its
unrivalled colourful national costume. Marken
is also a delightful town for tourists. Pubs and outdoor cafes aplenty are located
around the harbor for a pleasant break. Are you looking for a more tranquil
place? Do take a walk through the narrow streets of Rozewerf. You will imagine
yourself in days gone by. The palisades that point out from the water are delightful.
These days washing lines are usually fastened to these poles. In the old days
the palisades obstructed the drifting ice and broke it.
Amsterdam has the right formula
for young and old alike for a great day out. The Netherlands Maritime Museum,
the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum (modern art). Choice
enough ! Amsterdam is particularly renowned for the special atmosphere
of its historical inner city. Here you can shop to your heart's content, enjoy
art and culture, eat and drink in the many restaurants and cafés and
not forgetting: watch people.
One of Hollands newest cities is Lelystad. It is the capital of the province
of Flevoland and dates back to 1966. In only a short period Lelystad has developed
into a versatile city, with more than its fair share of nature and culture.
Some examples are the Oostvaardersplassen, nature reserve Lelystad and famous
Batavia Shipyard. Lelystad is known for its diverse choice of activities, recreational
and sporting possibilities as well as a large shopping centre.
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