Enkhuizen (IJsselmeer)
Enkhuizen harbour · Zuiderzeemuseum · Houtribdijk anchorage
52°42.3'N 05°17.3'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m in the Houtribdijk anchorage or Compagnieshaven in 2–4m IJsselmeer mud. Non-tidal. The Houtribdijk creates an effective windbreak from SW through N — comfortable anchorage in most summer conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
- Check tidal height for your arrival time using Waddengids or Rijkswaterstaat tidal tables
- Plan arrival at HW -2 for tidal locations; IJsselmeer anchorages are non-tidal — arrive any time
- Navigate daylight only in all Wadden and coastal channels; IJsselmeer night sailing permitted with care
- Set your anchor alarm immediately after anchoring — before going below or sleeping
About This Anchorage
Enkhuizen (population 18,000) was the pre-eminent herring port of the Dutch Golden Age — the step-gabled Drommedaris (1540) tower guards the harbour entrance just as it did when VOC fleets departed. The Zuiderzeemuseum is the finest open-air maritime museum in the Netherlands: the Buitenmuseum (outdoor section) has 130 historic buildings reassembled on the waterfront, accessible only by ferry from the main museum — a complete 19th-century Zuiderzee fishing village. The anchorage behind the Houtribdijk (the road dam to Lelystad) is one of the most sheltered free anchorages on the IJsselmeer. Enkhuizen is the eastern terminus of the historic steam train from Hoorn (via Medemblik).
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Compagnieshaven marina approx €20–26/night; Houtribdijk anchorage free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Non-tidal IJsselmeer; speed limit 20 km/h; electronic charts mandatory; ferry route to Buitenmuseum crosses anchorage area — keep clear of ferry.
Hazards
- !Very busy in July–August — pre-book marina berths; Compagnieshaven fills by midday on weekends
- !Houtribdijk anchorage is exposed to NW — in a NW blow the anchorage becomes uncomfortable; move to inner harbour
- !Museum ferry crosses the outer anchorage area — keep clear of ferry route (marked on charts)
- !Steep short seas in SW gale conditions — the IJsselmeer has a long SW fetch (40nm to Lemmer) creating significant chop
- !Lock at south end of Enkhuizen connects to Markermeer — check hours before planning passage to Amsterdam
Skipper's Tips
- →The Zuiderzeemuseum Buitenmuseum is one of the finest attractions in the Netherlands — allow a full day and arrive by water (ferry from museum entrance)
- →The Houtribdijk anchorage (behind the dam) is the best free anchoring on the IJsselmeer — sheltered, quiet, and close to the historic centre
- →Time a classic IJsselmeer circuit: Medemblik → Hoorn → Enkhuizen → Lelystad → Urk → Stavoren (5 days minimum)
- →The Drommedaris tower (1540) at the harbour entrance is open for climbing — panoramic views over the IJsselmeer and Markermeer
- →The historic steam railway (Stoomtram) from Medemblik to Hoorn connects here — combine boat and train for a full day excursion
Facilities
Enkhuizen city centre has restaurants and cafés. Supermarket 0.5km from Compagnieshaven. The Zuiderzeemuseum has a café/restaurant. Fresh fish from harbour vendors in season.
Nearest provisions: Enkhuizen city centre (0.4nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. One of the most popular IJsselmeer destinations. Peak July–August is very crowded. The Zuiderzeemuseum is closed November–March. Best experienced in June or September.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
In the Texelstroom and North Holland waters, tidal currents can drag your anchor without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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