Go on a walk
‘Effe de biene strekken,’ say the West Frisians. And that is perfectly possible here. Westfriesland is bursting with beautiful hiking trails. Come stroll through the varied landscape of polder, water, historic towns and cheese-cover farmhouses. Within the Omringdijk you will find plenty of nature and cultural history as well as beautiful places to stop for a cup of coffee.
Across the country
The combination of the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, farmland, and characteristic villages makes it perfect for a beautiful walk through West Friesland. Set off on an adventure without a set plan or map out your own route.Streekpad Westfriese Omringdijk
The Westfriese Omringdijk marks the boundaries of West Friesland. Through the Regional Trail, you can walk around the dike in stages. The total route covers 150 kilometers. It’s a beautiful path through the polders, past picturesque villages along the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, and through historic cities. Need a break? Stop by one of the many cafés or restaurants.
Zuiderzeepad
During stage 27 of the Zuiderzeepad, you will enjoy the view of the IJsselmeer, the former Zuiderzee, between Medemblik and Enkhuizen. Medemblik is the oldest town in West Friesland and a staging post for the Hoorn-Medemblik steam streetcar. Known for Radboud Castle and the Bakery Museum, among other things.
In the Streekbos
The four hiking trails through the Streekbos near Bovenkarspel lead between trees, shrubs, grassland and water. A paradise for animals and insects. The nature trail takes you along the Eco Project that provides diversity of plants, butterflies, dragonflies, birds and small mammals. Or choose the Bronze Age Trail and discover the Archaeological Footpath that forms a map of a Bronze Age farmhouse.
Follow the little gnomes
Going for a walk with young children? Try the children's hiking routes in Abbekerk, Koggenland (de Hulk), and Enkhuizen. You can recognize them by the cheerful gnomes: Gnome Babbel, Gnome Pinnemuts, and Dwarf Berend. Along the way, children can search for the gnome signs that guide you on the path.
Rare straatnamenroute - Weird street name route
‘Hoerejacht’ or ‘Tussen Hel en Vagevuur’ - imagine living there! In Enkhuizen, these street and alley names are quite normal. Esther Keesman, a native of Enkhuizen, delved into the history of the streets and alleys of the city, designed a walking route, and convincingly won the ANWB Route Competition with it. Discover the origins of these unusual street names and enjoy the typical beauty of the former Zuiderzee.
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City walks
Explore the historic cities of Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Medemblik on foot. You’ll walk straight back to the Golden Age - the time of knights, farmers, and country folk. Stroll through the picturesque streets of the city center, past historic buildings, monumental (farm)houses, and beautiful harbors. Walk at your own pace or opt for a guide to ensure you don't miss anything.Hoorn
In the authentic harbor city of Hoorn, you walk through history. From the 17th century with its picturesque streets, traditional warehouses, and inner harbors, to the present day in the shopping streets and on the terraces. What will you choose? A thematic walk about World War II or a tour through the historic city gates? Let yourself be surprised!
Medemblik
In Medemblik, it feels like time has stood still. Today, you can still marvel at beautiful warehouses, picturesque streets, prominent gates, and grand churches. Start at the flour mill De Herder and walk the Goudkustroute through the historic center of Medemblik to discover the charm of this oldest town in Westfriesland.
Enkhuizen
Choose one of the unique walking routes through the historic harbor city of Enkhuizen. Will you go for the Enkhuizen City Walk or the Unusual Street Names Route? The kids' scavenger hunt, or perhaps the Escape Tour or the Murder Route in Enkhuizen? We've tested them all ourselves and give them our seal of approval!
The best routes
Route maps can be found at tourist offices, hotels, B&Bs, campsites and online: