Enkhuizen(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Enkhuizen, top family-friendly hotels include Hotel De Brouwerij, a boutique property housed in a historic brewery building with spacious family rooms, a kids' play area, and free bicycles for exploring the surrounding canals and windmill villages. Located just a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Canal Path and Windmill Museum, it offers easy access to cultural attractions. Another excellent choice is De Gouden Molen, an eco-conscious hotel powered by renewable energy, featuring a rooftop garden, organic restaurant, and child-safe outdoor spaces. Both properties offer breakfast packages with local Dutch treats like stroopwafels and fresh bread, making them ideal for families seeking authentic North Holland experiences.

Additionally, many hotels provide guided family tours, including paddle boat rides on the canals and interactive workshops at local craft studios, ensuring children stay engaged while learning about regional heritage.

The Old Town (Oude Stad) is the best area to stay in Enkhuizen. This historic district centers around the canal path, lined with 17th-century gabled houses, cozy cafes like Café de Wijk, and the iconic St. John's Church. It’s quiet, safe, and within walking distance of major attractions, including the Windmill Museum and Harbor Square. The area also hosts weekly farmers’ markets and seasonal festivals such as the Canal Light Festival, offering vibrant cultural immersion. Plus, its proximity to Enkhuizen Train Station makes it easy to reach Amsterdam (45 min) or Haarlem (20 min), ideal for day trips. Staying here ensures you experience the true heart of North Holland’s charm and community life.

Must-try cultural experiences in Enkhuizen include the Weekly Windmill Festival at Bergen van Saksen, where traditional windmills are demonstrated, artisans sell handmade goods, and folk dancers perform. Visit the Windmill Museum (Museum De Windmolens) to learn how wind power shaped Dutch agriculture and industry. During spring, don’t miss the Canal Light Festival, when hundreds of lanterns illuminate the old waterways, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere. These events reflect the town’s deep connection to nature and heritage. Additionally, take a guided tour through the historic harbor district, where maritime history comes alive through storytelling and preserved shipyards—perfect for travelers who value authenticity and tradition.

Yes, Enkhuizen offers several romantic hotels perfect for couples. Het Oude Huis, a 17th-century stone villa on the canal, features private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, and spa suites with hot tubs. The hotel provides custom candlelit dinners and sunrise breakfasts with local pastries. Nearby, night-time kayaking tours glide silently along the illuminated canals, offering intimate views of bridges and historic buildings. For added romance, book a private evening concert at the St. John’s Church, where classical music echoes through ancient stone walls. Couples also enjoy exclusive access to the rooftop garden at De Gouden Molen, where they can sip wine under the stars, surrounded by native plants and city lights.

Yes, most hotels in Enkhuizen provide free bicycle rental services, especially those in the Old Town and canal districts. Hotel De Brouwerij and De Gouden Molen feature self-service bike stations with mountain bikes, city bikes, and child seats. Routes lead to scenic destinations like the Windmill Village, Haarlem countryside, and Amsterdam South Greenway, totaling 20–30 km of picturesque trails. Some hotels even offer digital maps and audio guides via smartphone apps to help plan your journey. This service enhances accessibility for guests wanting to explore the region’s natural beauty and rural charm—an essential part of the Dutch travel experience.

Top photogenic spots in Enkhuizen include the St. John’s Church tower, whose Gothic spire and stained-glass windows create stunning morning silhouettes. The Canal Path flanked by colorful gabled houses and wooden bridges offers classic Dutch scenery, especially during golden hour. The Bergen van Saksen windmill cluster is breathtaking at sunset, with blades catching the last light. Don’t miss De Kromme Rijn riverbank, where elevated viewpoints reveal panoramic shots of winding waterways and red-tiled rooftops. For urban charm, visit Harbor Square, where cobblestones, street art, and flower-filled balconies make for lively, Instagram-worthy compositions. Early mornings or twilight hours yield the most dramatic lighting for photography.

Yes, nearly all hotels in Enkhuizen enforce a strict smoke-free policy across rooms, lobbies, dining areas, and outdoor patios. Establishments like Hotel De Brouwerij and Het Oude Huis have designated smoking zones only in outdoor courtyards, away from main entrances. They use advanced air filtration systems and non-smoking room sensors to ensure compliance. This aligns with Dutch public health regulations and enhances guest comfort, particularly for families, travelers with allergies, or those sensitive to odors. Many hotels also offer air purifier rentals and use natural cleaning products, ensuring a healthy, fresh indoor environment for every stay.

Solo travelers in Enkhuizen can enjoy unique experiences like guided morning HopeGoo tours on the calm canals, offering peaceful views of ducks, reeds, and historic architecture. Visit local artisan studios such as Keramiek & Kool, where you can take a pottery workshop and create your own Dutch-style ceramic piece. On the first Sunday of each month, join the Open Market at Oude Stad, where you can sample local cheese, fresh bread, and handcrafted gifts. In the evenings, relax at Café de Wijk, order a warm drink, and read a novel while soaking in the town’s tranquil vibe. These low-pressure, immersive activities foster connection with locals and nature—ideal for introspective travelers.

Yes, many hotels in Enkhuizen offer authentic local food experiences. Hotel De Brouwerij hosts Dutch Kitchen Workshops, where guests learn to prepare traditional dishes like bitterballen and aardappelpannenkoeken. De Gouden Molen features a farm-to-table dinner series, using ingredients from their own organic garden and nearby farms, with seasonal menus that change monthly. Several hotels also organize cheese tasting nights, pairing regional Dutch cheeses with local wines and dark rye bread. Some even deliver breakfast baskets to rooms, filled with freshly made poffertjes (mini pancakes) and house-made butter—perfect for solo travelers craving a taste of authentic Dutch cuisine.

Yes, public transportation in Enkhuizen is highly convenient. The Enkhuizen Train Station connects directly to Amsterdam Central (45 minutes) and Haarlem (20 minutes) with frequent departures. Within the town, Bus 68 circles key sites like the Windmill Museum, Old Town, and Harbor Square. A well-integrated bike-sharing system allows instant app-based rentals throughout the city. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services between the station and downtown, ensuring seamless travel. The entire network is reliable, eco-friendly, and ideal for visitors planning day trips or exploring the scenic landscapes of North Holland without needing a car.