Zuiderzeemuseum, Enkhuizen

Zuiderzeemuseum displays the history of the people who lived along the shore of the Zuiderzee before it transformed into the IJsellmeer. For centuries the Zuiderzee operated as a key shipping port. However, in 1932 the Afsluitdijk, or IJsellmeer Barrier Dam, closed off the saltwater inlet known as Zuiderzee, and turned it into the freshwater lake known as IJsellmeer. The open-air museum covers 6 hectares (15 acres) and presents a way of life that has since disappeared. Explore the small fishing village with authentic buildings from the region, including a church, fish-curing shed, mill, cheese warehouse, shops, and homes. Visit the indoor portion of the museum to see the largest collection of wooden ships in the country, as well as photography and traditional costumes. Before you head to Enkhuizen, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Enkhuizen road trip planner, to make sure you see all that Enkhuizen has to offer, including Zuiderzeemuseum.