When planning a stay in Medemblik, it is worth considering the different themes: Kasteel Radboud represents medieval history, the Goudkustroute runs through the historic centre, and activities on the water go hand in hand with opportunities for cycling and walking. Crafts and steam-engine technology are also distinct cultural highlights. You can first decide whether you would like to combine your accommodation search with cultural history, technology or outdoor activities.
Castle, Baking Crafts and Steam Engines
Kasteel Radboud was built in Medemblik in the 13th century as one of five coercion castles intended to keep the rebellious West Frisians under control. The castle offers an audio tour; from the battlements, you can look out over Medemblik and the IJsselmeer. The historical background and the view are two distinct aspects: the tour takes you through the castle, while the view from the battlements encompasses the town and the water.
Bakkerijmuseum De Oude Bakkerij presents the history of the Dutch baking trade through old tools, traditional techniques and hands-on work. This brings a different subject to the fore than the castle: here, the focus is on skills passed down through generations and the tools used for baking. If you are interested in cultural history, you can consider this perspective on craftsmanship alongside the military history of Kasteel Radboud.
At the Nederlands Stoommachinemuseum, the building’s former use shapes its theme: it is housed in the former Vier Noorder Koggen steam pumping station, one of the oldest intact steam pumping stations in the Netherlands. On steam days, the boiler is fired up so that the machines can run. Operation on these days makes the connection between the historic pumping station and its machinery especially tangible; this applies to steam days, not to daily operation.
Waterways, Sailing and Routes
Sailing is also one of Medemblik’s attractions: the International Sailing Center Medemblik is an important training venue for international competitive sailing. This offers a different perspective on water sports than a sightseeing cruise. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between an interest in competitive sailing and a trip on the water.
The Museumstoomtram offers a combined boat and steam tram route between Enkhuizen, Medemblik and Hoorn. Check the timetable before travelling so you can plan around the available connections. De Koggevaarder offers a different kind of trip: its day tours travel through Medemblik’s canals and singels in original open horticultural barges. De Koggevaarder can depart from Medemblik or Onderdijk. This lets you choose between a route with several named locations and a trip through the local canals, depending on the distance and type of excursion you prefer.
The Goudkustroute starts at Meelmolen De Herder, Westerdijk 3, and runs through the historic centre of Medemblik. This gives you a clearly identified starting point if you include the route in your plans. Cyclists and walkers can put together cycling trips and walking routes in Medemblik, including tourist routes using numbered junctions and themed routes. Visitors interested in culture and history are also among the groups catered for. Concerts are held at Bonifaciuskerk Medemblik throughout the year; if you have a particular concert in mind, it is worth checking the dates before travelling.
Plan a Stay That Suits You
When looking for hotels in Medemblik, it helps to first decide what interests you most: the castle and crafts, technological history, sailing, boat trips, or routes on foot and by bike. The activities described differ in subject and format, giving you a basis for planning a stay around your own interests without turning individual activities into a fixed tour.
Discover more destinations: Abbekerk, Wognum, Oostwoud, Nibbixwoud, Opperdoes, Twisk, Benningbroek
For the main travel overview: Medemblik.
