Enkhuizen is a municipality and a city in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland and the region of West-Frisia.

History

Enkhuizen, like Hoorn and Amsterdam, was one of the harbour-towns of the VOC, from where overseas trade with the East Indies was conducted. It received city rights in 1355. On June 24, 1572 during the Eighty Years' War, in Enkhuizen five Franciscans from Alkmaar were hanged: known as the martyrs of Alkmaar. In the mid-17th century, Enkhuizen was at the peak of its power and was one of the most important harbour cities in the Netherlands. However, due to a variety of reasons, notably the silting up of the harbours, Enkhuizen lost its position to Amsterdam.

Tourism

Enkhuizen has one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands. The Zuiderzee Museum is located in Enkhuizen. The Drommedaris is the oldest building in Enkhuizen, dating from 1540. Tourists can take boat trips to and from the port to Medemblik.

Industry

Industrially, Enkhuizen is home to a number of seed production companies, Enza Zaden, Syngenta, Bayer Crop Science, as well as a plastics factory. Tourism is also a large part of the economy.

Population centres

The municipality of Enkhuizen consists of the city of Enkhuizen and the settlements of Oosterdijk and Westeinde.

Local government

After the 2022 local election, the 17 seats of Enkhuizen municipal council divided as follows: • Enkhuizen Forward! – 3 seats • SP – 3 seats • CDA – 2 seats • D66 – 2 seats • PvdA – 2 seats • Enkhuizer Alternative – 1 seat • Nieuw Enkhuizen – 1 seat • No party (C.H.Segerius) – 1 seat • Pirate Party – 1 seat • VVD – 1 seat

Transport

Enkhuizen station offers direct rail service to Hoorn, Amsterdam and Maastricht/Heerlen, with the journey to Amsterdam Centraal of around an hour. During the summer, ferries for pedestrians and cyclists operate between Enkhuizen and Stavoren, Medemblik and Urk. It is also possible to drive or cycle across the Houtribdijk to Lelystad, passing under a naviduct near the Krabbersgat lock.

Notable buildings

Notable residents

Public thought and public service

The arts

Science and business

Sport

Gallery

Citations

Sources