Why not combine a lovely bike ride with a relaxing boat trip across the IJsselmeer? It’s surprisingly easy to do in Enkhuizen. Whilst you relax on board and enjoy the view across the water, the boat will take you to a new destination where you can pick up your cycle route again.
Langs-dijken-en-velden-2-Henk-Visser
Cycling and boating from Enkhuizen
Nowhere else can you combine cycling and boating quite so easily as in Enkhuizen. During the summer months, no fewer than three different ferry services depart from the town’s harbours. Ideal for those just passing through, but also for a full day out.
For example, cycle through the varied landscape of the Frisian Gaasterland, explore the quaint streets of Urk, or take a lovely trip along the IJsselmeer to Medemblik and sail back to Enkhuizen at a leisurely pace. Do check the wind direction beforehand; sometimes it’s wiser to do the route the other way round. You can take your bike on board all the ships and enjoy a snack and a drink along the way.
Enkhuizen – Urk
You can sail back and forth to Urk on the passenger ship ‘De Zuiderzee’. The crossing to the former island departs twice a day and takes ninety minutes. On board, try Captain Riekelt’s freshly fried kibbeling – highly recommended!
Enkhuizen – Stavoren
Experience the IJsselmeer on board the ‘Bep Glasius’. Sail to Stavoren and back again – a lovely mini-cruise! Along the way, you’ll see the classic sailing ships of the ‘bruine vloot’ (brown fleet) and all sorts of birds skimming across the water. From Stavoren harbour, you can cycle straight to the Frisian lakes or the rolling countryside of Gaasterland.
Enkhuizen – Medemblik
On board the museum ship Friesland, you’ll cross the IJsselmeer to Medemblik, the oldest town in West Friesland. From here, you’ll cycle back to Enkhuizen via the West Frisian Omringdijk. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the IJsselmeer, interspersed with picturesque villages, historic farmhouses and the open West Frisian countryside.
Would you prefer to start with a cycle ride? That’s certainly an option too. Cycle at your leisure from Enkhuizen to Medemblik and board the Friesland there at 1.20 pm for a relaxing return journey across the water.
Or make a full day of it in West Friesland: take your bike on board to Medemblik and then hop on the historic steam tram to Hoorn. From there, cycle back to Enkhuizen along a beautiful route, past thatched farmhouses, green meadows, old ribbon villages and the sweeping views so typical of West Friesland.
For more information, visit: https://visitenkhuizen.nl/blog/tips-en-informatie/met-de-fiets-en-veerdienst/