Huizen lies between the heathland of the Goois Natuurreservaat and the Gooimeer. Maritime history, old village structures and trails through varied landscapes reveal different sides of the place. Visitors exploring Huizen can take an interest in culture by the water, the historic village or nature—and come across routes that take in village life and the surrounding landscape.
Botters and the nautical heritage
The Nautisch Kwartier is a tourist hub where bicycles and e-bikes can be rented. A walk there evokes a Zuiderzee village from times gone by. If you plan to rent a bicycle, check in advance whether rentals are available during your visit.
Huizer Botters keeps four original Huizer botters sailing as living historical heritage. The oldest boat dates from 1892. The boats can be chartered with a crew for full days or parts of a day; weekly sailings are also available. If you are planning a trip for a specific date, check booking and sailing dates. The Botterwerf includes a forge where you can take part in workshops; it is best to check availability in advance as well.
Oude Dorp: history in the museum and streetscape
A large part of the Oude Dorp is designated as a municipal conservation area. Historic structures, old farmhouses, fishermen’s houses and characteristic streetscapes are still clearly visible there. The Huizer Museum keeps the stories of Huizen and the Gooi alive and houses one of the most important collections of traditional Dutch regional costumes. Those interested in local history can explore it both in the museum and in the village. The museum regularly organizes guided village walks; dates may change.
The Huizer Melkmeisjeroute starts at the Huizer Museum and passes through the village’s most beautiful spots. QR codes reveal, step by step, the story of the 16th-century Huizer milkmaid. The route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Beelden in Huizen offers a different perspective on the place: this approximately 1.5-hour cycling route passes public art and memorials and runs through the Oude Dorp and the newer residential neighborhoods.
Heathland, views and trails by the Gooimeer
Nieuw Bussummerheide covers 29 hectares and offers opportunities for walking and horseback riding. Gorse bushes, dunes and areas of blown sand, heather and scattered trees shape the area. Species found there include spotted flycatchers, great grey shrikes, small coppers and sand lizards; their presence may vary by season. The Tafelberg viewpoint is the highest point in the Gooi.
The Naarder Eng walking route also connects different landscapes: it starts and ends in a forest, then crosses farmland and runs along the Gooimeer. This gives the route a different character from the heathland. At the Zomerkade, there is a swimming jetty and play equipment for children. If you plan to use these facilities, check their availability before your visit.
Waterways and other cultural venues
Huizen’s Binnenhaven is well suited to visiting water-sports enthusiasts. The marinas have around 400 berths. A well-marked channel, approximately 1.2 kilometers long, leads from the Gooimeer to the outer harbor; check navigation conditions before setting out.
Another cultural venue is De Krachtcentrale, housed in a former power station dating from 1938. It brings together a café-restaurant, nine studios and a gallery. The restaurant serves cuisine inspired by French and Mediterranean cooking. The basement club space is used for special events such as film screenings, live music and DJ sessions. The offerings and program may change, so if you are interested in a particular event, check what is currently on offer.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Huizen, Amstelveen, Bloemendaal, Stede Broec, Langedijk, Drechterland, Haarlemmerliede En Spaarnwoude, Heiloo.
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