The Enkhuizen port captures the history of the Netherlands and its connection to the sea in a unique way. Located in the province of North Holland, the port of Enkhuizen is in one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands and has a bustling atmosphere combining traditional fish boats engaged in their daily work, travelers enjoying the Netherland coast and international trade and commerce. Established in the 14th century, Enkhuizen, like Amsterdam, was one of the primary commerce hubs where business with the East Indies was conducted. During the peak of its power in the 17th century it became one of the most important cities in the Netherlands. In modern times, Enkhuizen retains some of its importance and has accepted a new role, tourism. As you step off of the liner, the former glory, the modern transition and the integration of its culture and history are clear as you visit and explore Enkhuizen.
Shopping
Once out of the port of Enkhuizen, you'll have the option of exploring several shopping experiences. For the more traditional souvenir, jewelry and collector's experience you'll find that the stores Shunyam Visual Art and Galerie Noordermeer both have a good selection of original local art as well as replications of more famous pieces. To find some unique and hard to find cosmetics, DIO Drogisterij/ Parfumerie has a large selection of European cosmetics, perfumes and other beauty supplies. For a bit of fashion shopping, visit Nelson Schoenen and to find a nice selection of books to read at one of the local cafes, Soneste Boekenantiquariaat has an excellent selection. For some shopping that's off the beaten path, Design Studio 93 has a wide selection of fashion, cosmetics and body care, food and drink, and some of the Netherlands' famous chocolate. Most of the products here contain and feature the variety and utility of hemp.
Things to See
One of the major tourist destinations in Enkhuizen, the Westerkerk, meaning "Western Church," was built in the 15th century on the what was the western side of the old borders of the town. One of the unique aspects of this church is its uniquely designed façade compared to other churches. The Zuiderzee museum features the culture, technology and the challenges of developing a culture that both depends upon and modifies the sea. One of the more unique and fun museums is the Flessenscheepjes Museum. It's a small museum that features some amazing ships in bottles. It claims the largest collection of ships in bottles in the world and often times features a master craftsman working on a ship in a bottle. Some museums reflect the culture and history, others show the craftsmanship, and the Zuiderzee Museum is an open air museum that shows all of the feats of engineering, whaling and shipping, historic models and replicas, clothing and art that goes back centuries. Another thing the Zuiderzee Museum has is a bakery, where they sample chocolates, cakes, gingerbreads made in the local style.
Restaurants and Bars
Enkhuizen has an excellent selection and variety of restaurants and bars to visit. For example, Watermusic is located next to the harbor and has a comfortably elegant feel. The menu's not particularly varied, it primarily has a soup, sandwich, bread and cheese fare, but it's well done and has generous portions for a reasonable price. The primary reason to visit this restaurant is its spectacular view of the harbor and the boats. For a bit of international food, visit Bella Vita, the local Italian restaurant and Yeungs Garden, a service oriented restaurant that serves Chinese food in the Cantonese style. Lastly, De Admiral, a relaxed restaurant for a weary traveler has an excellent variety of meats, poultries, fishes and vegetarian dishes for the visitors. The food is fresh, local and the view on the terrace, best enjoyed with wine or coffee is a spectacular view of the landscape, the water and the town.