At De Holle Poarte beach, shallow water, play equipment and a promenade come together to create a distinct seaside hub. Makkum complements it with watersports, boat trips, and places to enjoy nature and culture. Which of these aspects takes centre stage depends, among other things, on the season and on whether you want to be active yourself or choose a trip of a set duration.
Beach, wind and season
De Holle Poarte is a family beach with play equipment and a promenade. The shallow water at the beach is particularly suitable for beginners. Makkum’s location on the IJsselmeer often provides enough wind for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Kitesurfing at the Makkum kitesurfing spot is subject to its own seasonal rule: it is permitted from October to April, but not during the summer season because of the high number of swimmers on the beach and in the water. Check this rule before you arrive.
Water experiences with different focuses
You can sail from Makkum aboard the 100-year-old fishing vessel Blazer TX33, help hoist the sails and take the helm yourself. It Preamke offers 80-minute trips on an open barge through the inland waterways, including trips from Makkum. The differences are clear when choosing: on the Blazer, taking an active part is part of the experience; with It Preamke, the focus is on a trip of a set duration. Check the current trip and departure arrangements in advance.
Routes and natural features
The Kuiertocht Makkum route is fully paved and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. If you rely on these features, check the current conditions before your visit.
The “Rondje centrum Makkum” route follows the Lytse Sylroede, passes the former lime kilns and returns to the centre. The waterway and former lime kilns are the named landmarks along the route before it leads back to the centre.
The Makkumer SĂşdwaard is the middle of the sandbanks that were originally covered with vegetation; it is surrounded by shallow water. Orchids grow on the SĂşdwaard. This gives Makkum a specific nature interest alongside its coastline and local routes.
Trading history and cultural programme
De Waag van Makkum illustrates Makkum’s historical importance as a trading town. The Waag houses an exhibition by Stichting Ald Makkum; the clock mechanism can also be viewed there. If you plan to visit the interior, check the visitor arrangements in advance.
Cultureel Podium Makkum organises music, cabaret and performing arts events, workshops and presentations. Its season runs from September through June. For information about events taking place on your travel dates, check the current programme.
The former Koninklijke Tichelaar factory is another cultural aspect of the town. The factory building is no longer accessible because the business has moved, but its façade is worth seeing.
Discover more destinations: Westhem, Hindeloopen, Cornwerd, Warns, Molkwerum, Stavoren, Pingjum, Gaast
For the overarching travel guide: Súdwest Fryslân.
