46km (29 miles) NE of Amsterdam; 14km (9 miles) NW of Enkhuizen
Medemblik is a small IJsselmeer town with busy twin harbors. Founded in the 7th century, it later joined the powerful Hanseatic League trading federation.
There are two great ways to get to Medemblik in the summer. One is onboard the 1956 passenger-and-bike ferry Friesland from Enkhuizen (https://msfriesland.nl). Tickets are 18.50€ round-trip. An equally atmospheric way is from Hoorn by antique steam tram. Tickets are 22€ round-trip. Both the boat and the tram are operated by Stoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik (tel. 0229/214-862; www.museumstoomtram.nl).
Medemblik tourist information is available from VVV Medemblik, Kaasmarkt 1, 1671 BH Medemblik (tel. 072/511-4284; www.vvvmedemblik.nl).
Adjacent to Medemblik's Oosterhaven (East Harbor) -- twin to the Westerhaven (West Harbor) -- is the moated Kasteel Radboud, Oudevaartsgat 8 (tel. 0227/541-960; www.kasteelradboud.nl), an 8th-century castle 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 mid-September, Monday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sunday from 2 to 5pm; and mid-September to April, Sunday from 2 to 5pm (and during school vacations 11am-5pm). Admission is 8€ for adults, 5€ for seniors and children ages 5 to 13, and free for children 4 and under.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
