A Journey from Canalside
Charm to Hanseatic Splendor

Amsterdam

Amsterdam wears two faces. On one, it beckons youth with its
notorious Red Light District and liberal views around marijuana
use. On the other, it offers discerning travellers some of Europe's
finest museums and art galleries. Its house boats, bicycles,
cobbled streets, and quaint canals are a visual treat.

For tourists, Amsterdam's compactness is a plus. The old part of
town is a story-book setting of narrow lanes, gabled houses and
ancient bridges, and a pleasure to explore on foot. Visitors can
shop boutiques for souvenirs such as Delft china or wooden clogs,
or relax at cosy bars and pavement cafes.

At night even the most conservative visitors are drawn to the
Red Light District's lively atmosphere, where prostitutes stand in
shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy
floorshows. For the most part, travellers will find the best bars
in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.

Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen is a charming town located in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. Situated on the banks of the Ijsselmeer, Enkhuizen offers visitors a picturesque setting with its historic buildings, scenic canals, and beautiful waterfront.

Enkhuizen has a rich maritime history, dating back to its glory days in the 17th century when it was one of the most important trading ports in the country. This maritime heritage is still palpable today, and visitors can explore it firsthand at the Zuiderzee Museum. This open-air museum showcases the history and culture of the region, with traditional houses, workshops, and exhibits that give insight into the life of the people who lived along the Ijsselmeer.

One of the highlights of Enkhuizen is its well-preserved old town, which is a delight to explore on foot. Cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and charming canals create a romantic atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. The historic buildings in the old town display a range of architectural styles, from traditional Dutch houses to grand merchant mansions. Some notable landmarks include the Drommedaris, a 16th-century defensive tower that offers panoramic views of the town, and the Westerkerk, an imposing church with a beautiful interior.

Enkhuizen also offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is part of the West Frisian Woodlands, a region known for its forests, lakes, and meandering rivers. Visitors can explore this natural beauty by hiking or cycling along the numerous trails that crisscross the area. The nearby Enkhuizen-Stavoren ferry is a popular way to discover the Ijsselmeer and visit other charming towns along its shores.

For those interested in maritime history, a visit to the Enkhuizer Almanak Museum is a must-see. This small museum showcases the oldest continually published nautical yearbook in the world, providing insight into the seafaring traditions and practical knowledge of the Dutch. The museum also highlights Enkhuizen's role as a center for navigation and cartography.

Enkhuizen is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, particularly during the summer months. The town hosts a variety of festivals, including the annual Enkhuizen Jazz Festival, which attracts international musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike. The outdoor theater festival, Sprookjeswonderland, is also popular among families, offering performances and activities for children of all ages.

As for cuisine, Enkhuizen boasts several restaurants and eateries that offer a range of gastronomic delights. Seafood lovers will be in heaven, with fresh fish and other seafood specialties readily available. Traditional Dutch dishes, such as herring and stamppot, are also on offer, as well as international cuisines to cater to every taste.

Enkhuizen is well-connected to other parts of the Netherlands, making it easily accessible for visitors. The town is serviced by a train station, with regular connections to Amsterdam and other major cities. Alternatively, a trip to Enkhuizen can also be combined with a visit to the nearby historic towns of Hoorn and Medemblik, which are accessible by train, boat, or bicycle.

In summary, Enkhuizen is a delightful destination that offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its maritime heritage to its well-preserved old town and scenic surroundings, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Dutch town. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Enkhuizen has it all.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam wears two faces. On one, it beckons youth with its
notorious Red Light District and liberal views around marijuana
use. On the other, it offers discerning travellers some of Europe's
finest museums and art galleries. Its house boats, bicycles,
cobbled streets, and quaint canals are a visual treat.

For tourists, Amsterdam's compactness is a plus. The old part of
town is a story-book setting of narrow lanes, gabled houses and
ancient bridges, and a pleasure to explore on foot. Visitors can
shop boutiques for souvenirs such as Delft china or wooden clogs,
or relax at cosy bars and pavement cafes.

At night even the most conservative visitors are drawn to the
Red Light District's lively atmosphere, where prostitutes stand in
shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy
floorshows. For the most part, travellers will find the best bars
in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.

Lemmer

Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen is a charming town located in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. Situated on the banks of the Ijsselmeer, Enkhuizen offers visitors a picturesque setting with its historic buildings, scenic canals, and beautiful waterfront.

Enkhuizen has a rich maritime history, dating back to its glory days in the 17th century when it was one of the most important trading ports in the country. This maritime heritage is still palpable today, and visitors can explore it firsthand at the Zuiderzee Museum. This open-air museum showcases the history and culture of the region, with traditional houses, workshops, and exhibits that give insight into the life of the people who lived along the Ijsselmeer.

One of the highlights of Enkhuizen is its well-preserved old town, which is a delight to explore on foot. Cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and charming canals create a romantic atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. The historic buildings in the old town display a range of architectural styles, from traditional Dutch houses to grand merchant mansions. Some notable landmarks include the Drommedaris, a 16th-century defensive tower that offers panoramic views of the town, and the Westerkerk, an imposing church with a beautiful interior.

Enkhuizen also offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is part of the West Frisian Woodlands, a region known for its forests, lakes, and meandering rivers. Visitors can explore this natural beauty by hiking or cycling along the numerous trails that crisscross the area. The nearby Enkhuizen-Stavoren ferry is a popular way to discover the Ijsselmeer and visit other charming towns along its shores.

For those interested in maritime history, a visit to the Enkhuizer Almanak Museum is a must-see. This small museum showcases the oldest continually published nautical yearbook in the world, providing insight into the seafaring traditions and practical knowledge of the Dutch. The museum also highlights Enkhuizen's role as a center for navigation and cartography.

Enkhuizen is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, particularly during the summer months. The town hosts a variety of festivals, including the annual Enkhuizen Jazz Festival, which attracts international musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike. The outdoor theater festival, Sprookjeswonderland, is also popular among families, offering performances and activities for children of all ages.

As for cuisine, Enkhuizen boasts several restaurants and eateries that offer a range of gastronomic delights. Seafood lovers will be in heaven, with fresh fish and other seafood specialties readily available. Traditional Dutch dishes, such as herring and stamppot, are also on offer, as well as international cuisines to cater to every taste.

Enkhuizen is well-connected to other parts of the Netherlands, making it easily accessible for visitors. The town is serviced by a train station, with regular connections to Amsterdam and other major cities. Alternatively, a trip to Enkhuizen can also be combined with a visit to the nearby historic towns of Hoorn and Medemblik, which are accessible by train, boat, or bicycle.

In summary, Enkhuizen is a delightful destination that offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its maritime heritage to its well-preserved old town and scenic surroundings, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Dutch town. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Enkhuizen has it all.

Groningen

Lemmer

Leer

Groningen

Leer

Papenburg

Bollingerfähr

Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven was founded in 1139. In 1827 the decision was taken to make this small fishing town a huge deep-sea port, and today Bremerhaven, along with Bremen, forms the smallest of Germany’s federal states. This busy port is still part of the municipality of Bremen, and half of Germany’s fishing fleet deposit their catch here. Bremerhaven’s lighthouse, a famous landmark, dates back to 1853 and is the oldest working lighthouse on Germany's mainland North Sea coast. Bremerhaven is home to the German Shipping Museum, founded in 1971, which houses many interesting exhibits including a well-preserved 14th-century Hanseatic trading vessel, found at the bottom of the River Weser during dredging operations. Another attraction is the German Migration Museum, which tells the stories of Germans who migrated to the New World and of foreigners who have made their homes in Germany.

Oldenburg

Bremen

Situated in the heart of Central Europe and bordering nine other countries, Germany is an established and rewarding tourist destination. Its sweeping land is varied, with turreted castles and medieval villages tucked below snow-capped mountains, and amid lush river valleys and dark and mysterious forests. It is also a place of fairytales, where minstrels first regaled audiences with such fantastical tales as Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood.

Despite the beauty and romance of the German countryside, most first-time visitors head straight for one of the country's famous cities. Each year, millions of litres of beer are consumed in Munich during the city's Oktoberfest, where locals and visitors discover true German revelry and gemutlichkeit, while Berlin promises an abundance of sightseeing opportunities, such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the ruins of the Berlin Wall and a truly wild and exotic nightlife. Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse, promising business opportunities and great shopping and dining experiences, while Hamburg is more of a picturesque urban experience, full of canals, parks and gardens.

Germany seldom disappoints, which can be expected from a country that gave us Beethoven and Bauhaus, Goethe and Glühwein, Lager and Lederhosen.

Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven was founded in 1139. In 1827 the decision was taken to make this small fishing town a huge deep-sea port, and today Bremerhaven, along with Bremen, forms the smallest of Germany’s federal states. This busy port is still part of the municipality of Bremen, and half of Germany’s fishing fleet deposit their catch here. Bremerhaven’s lighthouse, a famous landmark, dates back to 1853 and is the oldest working lighthouse on Germany's mainland North Sea coast. Bremerhaven is home to the German Shipping Museum, founded in 1971, which houses many interesting exhibits including a well-preserved 14th-century Hanseatic trading vessel, found at the bottom of the River Weser during dredging operations. Another attraction is the German Migration Museum, which tells the stories of Germans who migrated to the New World and of foreigners who have made their homes in Germany.

Bremen

Situated in the heart of Central Europe and bordering nine other countries, Germany is an established and rewarding tourist destination. Its sweeping land is varied, with turreted castles and medieval villages tucked below snow-capped mountains, and amid lush river valleys and dark and mysterious forests. It is also a place of fairytales, where minstrels first regaled audiences with such fantastical tales as Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood.

Despite the beauty and romance of the German countryside, most first-time visitors head straight for one of the country's famous cities. Each year, millions of litres of beer are consumed in Munich during the city's Oktoberfest, where locals and visitors discover true German revelry and gemutlichkeit, while Berlin promises an abundance of sightseeing opportunities, such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the ruins of the Berlin Wall and a truly wild and exotic nightlife. Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse, promising business opportunities and great shopping and dining experiences, while Hamburg is more of a picturesque urban experience, full of canals, parks and gardens.

Germany seldom disappoints, which can be expected from a country that gave us Beethoven and Bauhaus, Goethe and Glühwein, Lager and Lederhosen.