At the Nederlands Stoommachinemuseum, visitors can see, hear and smell machinery powered by water and fire. This hands-on introduction to steam technology is a special way to discover Medemblik. The old Stoomgemaal Vier Noorder Koggen is also part of this story: the nationally protected monument stands on the Oosterdijk and has been open to museum visitors since 1985. Check the current access conditions before your visit.
Castle history and architecture
Kasteel Radboud is the only surviving one of five castles that Count Floris V had built between 1282 and 1287, among other reasons to keep the rebellious West Frisians under control. An audio tour leads through the castle; from the battlements, you can look out over Medemblik and the IJsselmeer. What is available may vary by season. The castle also has a medieval herb garden where various plants are explained. Access to the garden may vary during events.
The Bonifaciuskerk offers another kind of historical discovery. This late Gothic hall church has three naves. Those interested in its architecture may encounter visitor guides in the afternoons during summer; their availability may change. The church interior and the castle thus offer different ways to explore history: the layout of a sacred building on the one hand, and a castle with an audio tour and herb garden on the other.
From steam engines to the bakery
At the Nederlands Stoommachinemuseum, the focus is on visible and audible motion, along with the smell of machinery powered by water and fire. Bakkerijmuseum De Oude Bakkerij, by contrast, explores the work of a bakery: historic bakery objects are demonstrated in operation, and visitors learn how biscuits and chocolates are made. The museum offers additional activities for children and is also suitable for a chocolate workshop; the programme may vary. The two museum experiences thus differ not only in their subjects, but also in the processes they demonstrate.
Getting around by train, boat and on foot
The Museumstoomtram offers a steam-train ride between Hoorn and Medemblik. The route passes through villages and rural landscapes; operating days and seasonal routes may vary. Check the timetable before planning your trip. The museum ship offers a different perspective: it travels between Medemblik and Enkhuizen across the IJsselmeer and is part of a day trip through the Historic Triangle. Timetables vary by season. The Stoomsafari turns the museum railway theme into a treasure hunt for children and adults; this programme may also vary.
Those who prefer to explore on foot will find both walking routes through farmland and town walks through Medemblik’s narrow streets in the Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland. Route descriptions can be downloaded free of charge; along the way, walkers can follow coloured arrows or use an app. For cycling, the network of recreational cycle routes in the municipality of Medemblik is signposted through the regional cycle junction system. The Goudeneeuw cycling route is about 40 kilometres long and includes eight signposted stops. QR codes along the route provide explanations from John Wester about the sights. The approximate route length and number of stops offer two concrete reference points for planning your own trip.
Harbours and a regional speciality
The municipality of Medemblik’s four harbours make a good base for enjoying time on the water. Harbour services and access conditions may vary; check the current options before visiting.
The Opperdoezer Ronde also tells the story of a special connection between a product and its place of origin. Only potatoes grown within one kilometre of the church in the West Frisian village of Opperdoes may bear the name; it has Protected Designation of Origin status. Visitors can try the potato at the Opperdoezer Ronde Toko. Confirm your visit with them before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Medemblik, Twisk, Wognum, Oostwoud, Nibbixwoud, Opperdoes, Abbekerk, Benningbroek
For the overview of the wider region: North Holland.
