Vacation in West Friesland
The West-Friesland region is located in the Dutch province of Noord-Holland. The region is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a combination of nature, culture, history and relaxation on their vacation.
The region got its name from the Frisians. They lived there in the early Middle Ages. Initially the West Frisians were still independent, but from around 1291 they had to submit to the Count of Holland.
West Friesland is known for its charming, historic towns such as Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Medemblik, Schagen and Alkmaar. These towns offer picturesque old towns with cobblestone streets, canals and well-preserved buildings from the time of the Dutch East India Company.
The region is a paradise for cyclists and hikers. The famous West Frisian Omringdijk (ring dike) offers a picturesque route through the flat landscape, past windmills, tulip fields and small villages. West Friesland is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Especially in places like Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Medemblik, there are numerous opportunities for sailing, windsurfing and boating.
The region has always been characterized by agriculture. Peat was once mined and people lived from fishing and livestock farming. The region is still known for its fresh, regional produce. Fish lovers in particular get their money’s worth here, as the proximity to the IJsselmeer guarantees fresh fish and seafood. A tip: Broek op Langedijk is home to the oldest vegetable auction in the world. Visitors can experience how fruit and vegetables were auctioned in the past and take part in an auction themselves.
The region is easily accessible, especially from Amsterdam. It takes less than an hour by train or car to reach the main towns in the region. West Friesland is also ideal for day trips.
Tips for a great stay
The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen is a destination for anyone interested in culture, history and traditional craftsmanship. The museum offers a unique opportunity to get to know the way of life of the people in the region around the former Zuiderzee in West Friesland.
There are several ways to discover a city. On foot, by bus, by bike … The sights in Alkmaar can ideally be experienced on foot or by boat. I tried both options and can't really decide which I liked better.
Cheese as far as the eye can see …The cheese market in Alkmaar is the oldest and largest cheese market in the Netherlands. If you watch the hustle and bustle here, you will learn a lot about traditional life and the cheese trade in the Netherlands.
Accommodation tips for the region
Europarcs Ijsselmeer
Boutique Hotel Enkhuizen
SuyderSee Hotel
Hampshire Hotel Petit Nord
Tinyhouse op Terschelling
Travel informations
Arrival
By plane
The nearest airport is Amsterdam-Schiphol. From there there are train connections to Hoorn and Enkhuizen.
By train
From Amsterdam Centraal station there is an express train to Hoorn every 30 minutes (journey time approx. 40 minutes). From there, take the regional train to Enkhuizen (total journey time approx. 1 hour).
Alternatively, there are also trains to Alkmaar and on to Schagen.
By car
From the north and east of Germany: Take the highway E22 (BAB 31 and BAB 200) to the border crossing Nieuweschans, then continue on the Dutch A7.
From southern and western Germany: Take the BAB 3 to the Elten/Bergh border crossing, then take the A12 and A2 towards Amsterdam and continue on the A7 to Hoorn.
By boat
There are ports in Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Medemblik.
On the way
By public transport
The region is well served by trains and buses. There are regular connections from the main cities such as Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Schagen to the surrounding villages and sights.
By bike
West Friesland is ideal for cycling tours. The flat landscape and well-developed cycle paths make it easy to explore the region. The West Frisian Omringdijk in particular offers a picturesque route along historic villages and water landscapes.
By boat
Many places in West Friesland can also be reached by water.
Language
The official Frisian language in the province of Friesland is called Westerlauwersk. Linguists also refer to it as the West Frisian language.
West Frisian is a Dutch dialect that is traditionally spoken in the West Friesland region.