Hoorn - Enkhuizen - Medemblik

Discover the historical triangle: Hoorn - Enkhuizen - Medemblik

Starting point for this 'water-rich' cycle route is Enkhuizen, from where you cycle to Hoorn (options: along the 'coast' or through the green country), then you travel from Hoorn by historic steam train to Medemblik, the oldest port stand on the IJsselmeer (the bike can be taken on the steam tram), then you sail back to Enkhuizen with the MS Friesland. From Medemblik to Enkhuizen you can of course also cycle along the coast or through the green country. You can cycle this route in 1 day – trains – sail. But it is more fun to make it a multi-day tour. The three historic cities have so much to offer that it's more than worth exploring them and cutting your bike ride into two, three or more stages. More time to taste nature, culture and history, shop and spend the night in special locations. Apart from all the culinary temptations you encounter along the way. You can also make the route in reverse order

Of course you can always bring your own bikes, but it is so easy to rent them on site. From e-bike to tandem and from mountain bike to city hybrids, there is something for everyone. You can find them in all shapes and sizes at recognized rental companies at low rates including insurance.

Cycling distances
Medemblik – Enkhuizen – approx. 23 km
Hoorn – Medemblik – approx. 18, 19 or 22 km
Enkhuizen – Hoorn – approx. 19 km or 24 km (along the coast)

About Enkhuizen
Originated in the Middle Ages as a port and fishing town. The 17th century was the heyday for Enkhuizen. The city had the largest herring fleet in the Netherlands, and also owned a chamber of the VOC. The Dutch West India Company was also represented in the city. Through trade on the Baltic Sea countries, England, West Africa and the Indies, Enkhuizen became rich.

About Hoorn
Originated around 1200. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the city flourished, and Hoorn was one of the cities represented in the Dutch East India Company. The WIC (West India Company), the Nordic Company (or Compagnie van Spitsbergen), the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier, the West Frisian Mint (alternately also in Enkhuizen) and the College of Committed Councils of West Friesland and the Noorderkwartier were also located in Hoorn. Hoorn was therefore the formal capital of the area above the IJ. Jan Pieterszoon Coen was born in Hoorn. The Hoorn skippers Jacob le Maire and Willem Cornelisz Schouten were the first to round the southernmost point of South America with the ships Hoorn and Eendracht, and called it Cape Horn.

About Medemblik
In the middle of peace and vastness lies Medemblik, the oldest city in West Friesland, located on the Markermeer. With the Regatta Center, the city has a water sports center with international allure where national and international sailing competitions are organized. In the center you will find modern and historic fraternal side by side. Beautiful yachts and historic ships of the brown fleet dock in the modern ports of the historic city center. Sitting on one of the terraces you can watch all that hustle and bustle on the water from behind a nice drink. The city has many museums; in a prominent place is Radboud Castle, dating from the end of the 13th century. At the Bakery Museum the most delicious delicacies are baked in a traditional way and at the Steam Pumping Station you will learn everything about the development of the steam engine. Medemblik is also the staging point of the Hoorn-Medemblik steam tram.