Enkhuizen Cruise Port

History

Enkhuizen reached its zenith during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. Founded in the 1300s and granted city rights in 1355, it quickly became one of the primary ports for the Dutch East India Company (VOC). At its peak, Enkhuizen was wealthier and more influential than Amsterdam, commanding a massive herring fishing fleet and merchant navy. The city’s strategic location on the former Zuiderzee allowed it to control trade routes to the Baltic and beyond. You will see the legacy of this wealth in the ornate 17th-century facades along the Westerstraat. However, the 18th century brought a slow decline as the harbor began to silt up and trade shifted to Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The most transformative event occurred in 1932 with the completion of the Afsluitdijk. This 32-kilometer dam turned the saltwater Zuiderzee into the freshwater IJsselmeer, effectively ending Enkhuizen's era as a deep-water sea port. What remained was a 'sleeping' city, a maritime museum piece that was largely bypassed by modern industrialization. This preservation is exactly what you see today. The Drommedaris tower, completed in 1540, still stands as a sentinel at the harbor entrance, a direct physical link to the days when the town lived in constant fear of naval invasion.

The Verdict

In Enkhuizen, the visitors who come away happiest are the ones who arrive with a plan and the flexibility to adapt it. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. Enkhuizen is a rare port that rewards the patient observer. Excursions that guarantee a return to the ship can be tailored to your mobility, interests, and pace, so missing departure is never a concern. No two travelers want the same day ashore.

Enkhuizen’s culinary identity is inseparable from the IJsselmeer. Historically, the city lived on herring, and you can still find the genuine version—raw, served with onions and pickles—at stalls near the harbor. Look for 'Hollandse Nieuwe' signs. Unlike the mass-produced herring in Amsterdam, the fish here is often prepared by families who have been in the trade for generations. Another regional staple is 'Snoekbaars' (Perch), a delicate white fish caught directly in the local freshwater lake. To drink, seek out a 'Kopstootje'—a glass of Jenever (Dutch gin) paired with a local beer like 'Enkhuizer Wit.' For a non-alcoholic specialty, the 'Enkhuizer Koek' is a spiced, honey-based cake that locals have eaten since the 17th century. Tourists often expect 'Dutch pancakes' here, but locals primarily eat those at home or in specialized pancake houses; for a real local lunch, look for a 'Uitsmijter' (three fried eggs on ham and bread), which is the true staple of the Dutch working day.

Getting back to the ship

To guarantee a stress-free return, you should be back in the harbor area no later than 45 minutes before all-aboard. If you are in the Oude Stad, this is an easy 10-minute walk. If you are at the far end of the Zuiderzeemuseum Outdoor Park, allow at least 45 minutes to catch the ferry and walk from the station to the ship. A taxi from the town center to the pier costs roughly €12.00 (~$14.00 USD) and takes 5 minutes, but they are not always available on demand. If you miss the ship, contact the Port Authority at +31 228 360 100. Enkhuizen is a primary stop; if you miss departure, you will likely need to take a train to the next port (often Hoorn or Amsterdam). The ship will not hold for independent travelers.

Cultural etiquette

Locals in Enkhuizen are polite but direct, a hallmark of North Holland culture. When entering a small shop or café, a simple 'Goedendag' (Good day) or 'Hoi' (Hi) is expected. Unlike American norms where a waitress might check on you every ten minutes, Dutch service is more hands-off; you will likely need to catch the waiter's eye or raise a hand to request the bill ('De rekening, alstublieft'). Photography of private homes is generally fine, but always ask before photographing people working in the traditional shops or the museum. In Enkhuizen, queueing is respected but can be a bit informal; do not be offended if someone edges ahead at a crowded fish stall—just stand your ground. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service in restaurants is the standard. A common misunderstanding cruise passengers make is expecting shops to be open late; most businesses in Enkhuizen close strictly at 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM, and many are closed entirely on Mondays.

Practical tips

Enkhuizen is a 'card-first' town. While cash is accepted in larger restaurants, many small boutiques and the public toilets at the train station are 'Pin only,' meaning they only accept debit or credit cards. Tipping is simple: round up to the nearest €5 or leave 10% for a full dinner. To earn genuine goodwill, use 'Dank u wel' (Thank you very much) or 'Lekker' (Delicious/Nice). Pickpocketing is rare here compared to Amsterdam, but remain vigilant in the crowded ferry terminal for the Zuiderzeemuseum. There is no formal dress code for the Westerkerk, but modest attire is appreciated. The best strategy for crowd avoidance is to arrive at the Outdoor Museum at its 10:00 AM opening. Most train travelers from Amsterdam arrive around 11:30 AM, creating a peak queue at the ferry until 1:00 PM. If you find the town center too busy, walk north to the Boerenhoek district; it remains tranquil even on the busiest cruise days.