Enkhuizen
Enkhuizen haven · Zuiderzeemuseum · Drommedaris tower
52°42.3'N 05°17.3'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m on IJsselmeer mud in 2–4m. No tidal swing. The Buitenhaven provides good shelter in all directions except NW. In NW conditions, the Compagnieshaven (inner) is fully protected.
About This Anchorage
Enkhuizen is the home of the Zuiderzeemuseum — one of the finest open-air museums in the Netherlands and the most comprehensive record of Zuiderzee life before the Afsluitdijk closed the sea in 1932. The outdoor section (Buitenmuseum) is a complete recreated Zuiderzee fishing village — 130 authentic historic buildings brought from across the former sea shores, assembled on the IJsselmeer waterfront. The museum is accessed by ferry from the harbour — boats moor in the museum harbour. The historic Dromedaris tower (1540, now a concert hall) guards the harbour entrance and is visible from 10nm. Enkhuizen was one of the most important VOC (Dutch East India Company) ports — the inner Compagnieshaven has the original VOC warehouses on the quay.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx €20–26/night (Buitenhaven); Zuiderzeemuseum entry separate
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Inner Compagnieshaven — very limited visitor spaces (historic berths); Buitenhaven is main visitor harbour; ferry to Zuiderzeemuseum from harbour (museum entry required); speed limit in harbour and approach channels; IJsselmeer shipping channel N–S passes east of harbour.
Hazards
- !NW exposure from outer anchorage/Buitenhaven — IJsselmeer NW fetch (25km); use inner harbour in NW conditions
- !IJsselmeer shipping channel runs N–S east of harbour — crossing traffic; monitor AIS
- !Busy harbour in July–August — call VHF 74 before arriving; inner berths often full by midday
- !Paddle steamer and tourist vessel traffic in the harbour area
- !Zuiderzeemuseum ferry crosses the harbour approach — monitor for ferry movement
Skipper's Tips
- →The Zuiderzeemuseum (Buitenmuseum) is one of the finest museums in the Netherlands — allow a full day; the recreated village is extraordinary; arrive by museum ferry from the harbour
- →The inner Compagnieshaven (VOC harbour) is the most atmospheric mooring in the Netherlands — if a berth is available, take it; the original VOC warehouses surround the basin
- →The Dromedaris tower (1540) on the harbour entrance can be climbed — views across the IJsselmeer and the historic town
- →Enkhuizen is the eastern terminus of the Enkhuizen–Stavoren passenger and cycle ferry (across the IJsselmeer) — a useful passage option without sailing the full lake circuit
- →The herring auction (visafslag) in Enkhuizen — the town was historically the herring capital of the Netherlands; fresh IJsselmeer fish available at the harbour in season
Facilities
Enkhuizen town has excellent restaurants and provisioning. The Dijk area (along the old sea wall) has cafés and fish restaurants. Full supermarkets in town centre.
Nearest provisions: Enkhuizen town centre (0.4nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Enkhuizen is busiest in July–August due to Zuiderzeemuseum tourism. May–June and September have fewer crowds. The museum is open April–October.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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