46km (29 miles) NE of Amsterdam; 14km (9 miles) NW of Enkhuizen
A small IJsselmeer town with busy twin harbors that already was a going concern by the year 700, Medemblik later joined the powerful Hanseatic League trading federation.
There are two great ways to get to Medemblik in summer. One is onboard the 1956 passenger (and bike) ferry Friesland from Enkhuizen . Another is by antique steam train from Hoorn . The train arrives at an old station. Tourist information is available from VVV Medemblik, Kaasmarkt 1, 1671 BH Medemblik (tel./fax 0227/542-852; www.vvvmedemblik.nl).
Adjacent to Medemblik's Oosterhaven (East Harbor) -- its twin is called the Westerhaven (West Harbor) -- is the moated Kasteel Radboud (Radboud Castle), Oudevaartsgat 8 (tel. 0227/541-960; www.kasteelradboud.nl), an 8th-century foundation refortified by the count of Holland in 1289 against a possible rebellion by the troublesome Frisians. The remaining section has been restored to its 13th-century state and is well worth a visit. The castle is open May to September, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 2 to 5pm; October to April, Sunday from 2 to 5pm. Admission is 3€ ($3.75) for adults, 1.50€ ($1.90) for seniors and children ages 5 to 13, and free for children under 5.
