Medemblik

For a piece of old Dutch culture, make sure to explore Medemblik. Old houses, narrow streets and picturesque facades will transport you back in time for little while. In case you can't get enough of it, pay a visit to Floris the Fifth's castle 'Radboud' with its impressive knights' hall and towers. Make sure not to miss the beautiful museums and monuments either, including the late Gothic church 'De Bonifatius' with its stunning stained glass windows, painted pillars and a unique Pieter Backer organ dating from 1671.

After a day of enjoying the culture, you can eat your fill at one of the many restaurants. How about some authentic French cuisine or the delicious, traditional Dutch seafood restaurants? You'll wish you didn't have to choose...

History

Medemblik is the smallest and oldest town in West Frisia. Its first harbor, Oude Haven, was dug behind the sea dike which stretches out from east to west. It brought many people since there were many opportunities for trade.

The Oosterhaven was constructed in 1589 and serves an important function to Medemblik up to this day.

In 1811, Napoleon made plans to turn Medemblik into a military harbor, but these were never realized. The Navy's training center did remain in Medemblik until 1850, however. At this day, it is still called Landswerf. After construction of the North Holland Channel, a fishing fleet remained. After this fleet had moved out about 30 years ago too, the fish market disappeared as well.

Medemblik is the smallest and olders city of West Friesland. The first harbour, Oude Haven, was dug behind the east-west sea dyke. Many people moved to the city because of the trading possibilities.

The Oosterhaven was created in 1589 and is still important for Medemblik.

In 1811, Napoleon planned to make Medemblik into a war harbour, but this never happened. The training institute for the navy stayed in Medemblik until 1850. This building is now known as Landswerf. After the construction of the North Holland Canal, only a fishing fleet remained. 30 years ago, when that also disappeared, the fish market was also closed .