Enkhuizerzandroute - Ontdek de randen van Enkhuizen

Walk along the IJsselmeer, through the Streekbos and over the city walls of Enkhuizen - an 8.9 km circular walk full of variety.

Fortified city and wild nature

The Enkhuizerzand Route (orange) takes you along the most beautiful edges of Enkhuizen on an 8.9-kilometer circular walk. You will discover three very different faces of the city: the open waterfront of the IJsselmeer, the quiet greenery of the Streekbos, and the centuries-old city walls of this former VOC port city. For those who know Enkhuizen as a tourist destination, this route offers a surprisingly different perspective — peaceful, varied, and full of stories.

From the IJsselmeer through the forest to the ramparts

You start at the edge of the IJsselmeer, where the sense of space is immediately palpable. The water stretches endlessly before you, while seagulls circle overhead and the reeds along the shore rustle softly. In spring and autumn, this is a favorite stopover for migratory birds — keep your binoculars at hand. You continue walking along the Kadijk: a centuries-old dike that literally created the land you are walking on. Here, you feel how the battle against the water has shaped the history of this region.

Halfway through the route, you dive into the Streekbos, a green oasis on the edge of the city. The forest is a welcome surprise: shady paths, singing birds, and the feeling that you are completely away from it all for a moment. Squirrels frolic through the trees, and in spring, the forest floor blooms in white and yellow. Then, the paths climb up to the historic city walls, the highlight of the route. From here, you have a beautiful view over the rooftops of Enkhuizen, the harbor, and the wide IJsselmeer. The walk ends as it began—close to the city, but with the feeling that you have discovered something special.

Highlights along the way

1. IJsselmeer coastline — Wide views over the water, fresh sea air, and a rich birdlife. A special place, especially in spring and autumn.
2. The Kadijk — A historic dike that tells the story of North Holland's centuries-long struggle against the water. Quiet and sparsely built.
3. Enkhuizen Regional Forest — A hidden green ribbon on the edge of the city, with shady paths and many birds and small game.
4. City Walls of Enkhuizen — The elevated walkways along the walls offer a unique view of the city and its surroundings — and a direct connection to the past.

From port city to pedestrian city

In the seventeenth century, Enkhuizen was one of the wealthiest cities in the Republic of the Seven Provinces — thanks to herring fishing and VOC trade. The city walls and the Kadijk are silent witnesses to that glorious era. The Streekbos is of more recent origin and shows how the city consciously opted for green recreational space on its outskirts. Together, these places tell the story of a city that continually reinvents itself.

Tips and practical information

1. Dogs: Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
2. Public transport accessibility: Enkhuizen Station is within walking distance of the starting point. Leave the car at home and start your walk directly from the train — it couldn't be easier.
3. Marking: The route is marked with orange posts and is easy to follow.
4. Accessibility: The route is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The paths in the regional forest and on the city ramparts are unpaved and sometimes narrow.
5. After your walk: The center of Enkhuizen is close to the endpoint. Ideal for a well-deserved drink or lunch in one of the cozy cafes or restaurants by the harbor.