Medemblik

Medemblik is the smallest but oldest of the West Frisian towns.  Count Floris the Fifth granted Medemblik city rights as far back as 1289. In order to keep the rebellious West Frisians under control, he had a fortress built which stands proudly at the mouth of the harbour to this day: Radboud Castle.

Medemblik has a rich cultural history with – for technology enthusiasts – the Netherlands Steam Engine Museum as the highlight. More steam engines can be seen at the completely renovated station where the Hoorn-Medemblik steam tram arrives and departs almost every day. The ‘tastiest’ museum in the Netherlands is located nearby: the bakery museum ‘de oude bakkerij’. Traditional baking is still carried out here every day and children may even have a go themselves during the school holidays. And there are plenty of other ways to enjoy a pleasant day in Medemblik, with countless restaurants and pavement cafes situated along the harbours. 

The Bonifaciuskerk (Bonifacius Church), which dates back to the twelfth century, boasts the famous 17th century Pieter Backer organ. At the foot of the Bonifaciuskerk, in the entrance porch of the former orphanage, is the exhibition area of the archaeological society ‘Medenblick’. There is a large children’s playground and children’s farm in the recently renovated Koningin Emmapark next to the Pekelharinghaven. An interesting city walk through Medemblik is available at the VVV (tourist information office). The walk takes you not only past sightseeing highlights but also along the many historical buildings of Medemblik. (www.medemblikenmeer.nl VVV +31 (0)227-542852).

Medemblik also has an extensive range of social activities. 
The multifunctional centre De Muiter offers a wide range of sports and cultural activities. It is also to become home to the Bon Theater as of September 2008. FC Medemblik football club, the table tennis hall and the MTC tennis courts are all situated close to De Muiter.   Medemblik has many choirs and music and theatre societies.

There is a recreational area at the Vooroever. Enthusiasts may also take a trip along the inner waterways to see the surrounding countryside,  in a fluisterboot (‘whisper boat’) for example. Cycling is also an excellent way to see the magnificent countryside. The network of cycle paths starts in the immediate vicinity, with a ‘cycle junction network’ creating an entire chain of beautiful cycle routes.  New residential building projects such as Waterpark and Schepenwijk are proof that Medemblik is more than just history and beautiful countryside. In short: Medemblik has more.