Zuiderzee Museum Enkhuizen

The Zuiderzee Museum brings the maritime culture of the former Zuiderzee to life. It’s both an open-air village and an indoor museum of Dutch coastal heritage. Historic houses, windmills, and shops have been relocated and reconstructed. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts like sail making and smoking fish. Inside, exhibitions show art, textiles, ship models, and local history. The museum covers themes of water, resilience, and Dutch identity. Children can play, explore, and participate in hands-on activities. Set on the shores of the IJsselmeer, it feels like stepping back in time. Accessible by ferry from Enkhuizen station during the season. A delightful journey into Dutch life, culture, and craftsmanship.

Opening hours

Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 to 17.00

How to get there

Wierdijk 12-22, 1601 LA Enkhuizen

Prices from

From €19.50

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Zuiderzee Museum – Step Back in Time by the Water

The Zuiderzee Museum is in Enkhuizen, a historic harbor town in North Holland. The museum shows what life was like in Dutch fishing villages before the Zuiderzee became the IJsselmeer.

It has two parts: an open-air museum and an indoor museum.

What to See

A full 19th-century village with over 140 real buildings
Traditional homes, shops, a church, and a school
Live demos of crafts like net-making, sail-making, and wooden shoe carving
Historic boats, fishing gear, and maritime objects
Indoor exhibitions about coastal life, trade, and culture

Why Visit

Walk through a real village from 100 years ago
Learn how people lived, worked, and survived by the sea
Great for families, with interactive games and dress-up areas
Enjoy fresh air, open space, and local snacks

The Museum
The open-air museum is active from spring to fall. Staff in costume help bring the past to life. The indoor part is open all year and shows the history of the Zuiderzee and the people who lived around it.

The museum was founded in 1948 and keeps Dutch heritage alive.

Visitor Information

Location: Wierdijk 12–22, Enkhuizen
Open: Indoor museum open year-round, outdoor from April to October
Tickets: Around €18.50 (adults), €10.00 (kids 4–12), under 4 free
Free with Museumkaart
Facilities: Museum ferry, café, shop, and picnic areas

The Zuiderzee Museum is perfect for anyone who wants to explore Dutch history, traditions, and life by the water. A fun and educational day for all ages.