Enkhuizen


Enkhuizen is a municipality and a city in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland and the region of West-Frisia.

History

Enkhuizen, like Hoorn and Amsterdam, was one of the harbor-towns of the VOC, from where overseas trade with the East Indies was conducted. It received city rights in 1355. In the mid-17th century, Enkhuizen was at the peak of its power and was one of the most important harbor cities in the Netherlands. However, due to a variety of reasons, notably the silting up of the harbors, Enkhuizen lost its position to Amsterdam.

Tourism

Enkhuizen has one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands. Zuiderzeemuseum is located in Enkhuizen. Architecturally, the Drommedaris is the oldest building in Enkhuizen, from 1540. Tourists take boat trips to and from the port to Medemblik.

Industry

Industrially, Enkhuizen is home to a number of seed production companies, Enza Zaden, Syngenta, Monsanto, as well as a plastics factory. Tourism is a large part of the economy, too.

Population centres

The municipality of Enkhuizen consists of the following cities, towns, villages and/or districts: Enkhuizen, Oosterdijk, Westeinde.

Local government

The municipal council of Enkhuizen consists of 17 seats, which are divided as follows:

Transport

offers direct rail service to Hoorn, Amsterdam and Maastricht/Heerlen, with the journey to Amsterdam Centraal of around an hour.
Furthermore, during summer ferries for pedestrians and cyclists operate between Enkhuizen and Stavoren; between Enkhuizen and Medemblik; and between Enkhuizen and Urk.
It is also possible to drive or cycle across the Houtribdijk to Lelystad, passing under a naviduct near the Krabbersgat lock.

Notable buildings

Public thought & Public Service

Citations