Sample culture, enjoy water sports or go into the countryside: there is something for everyone
Excursions in and around Opperdoes
- Cultural sights
- Charming towns and cities
- Water-rich area
- Perfect for water sports enthusiasts
Enjoy the best excursions in and around Opperdoes during your stay at Dormio Resort Medemblik. Enjoy an active day on the water, sample the culture at historical sights or explore the beautiful nature areas. The area around the resort offers a wide range of excursions for all ages. Everything you need for an unforgettable stay in North Holland! Be inspired by our tips and discover what Opperdoes and the surrounding area have to offer.
Discover the historical centre of Medemblik
The historical centre of Medemblik, West Frieland's oldest city, is only a 7-minute bike ride from the resort. The welcoming centre has an exceptional character with typical stepped and pitched gables and is rich in cultural sights. Visit St Boniface Church from the 15th century with its church tower reaching a grand 70 metres in height and admire the stained-glass windows. You can also wander through the charming streets with unique facades and hidden courtyards, relax on charming terraces and visit Medemblik's various harbours. A picturesque town that is definitely worth a visit!
Enjoy water sports on Lake IJssel
Did you know that Medemblik is internationally known as the ultimate water sports centre? Whether you want to go sailing, kitesurfing, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding, everything's possible on Lake IJssel. From the water by your holiday home at the resort, you can sail through the narrow canals to Lake IJssel, where you can enjoy an active day on the water. If you would like to relax and unwind by the water, go to a lovely sandy beach to sunbathe, have a picnic or go swimming. Moreover, you can also go on a boat trip through the picturesque centre of Medemblik or through the natural surroundings. In short, this is the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts!
Step back in time in Radboud Castle
Visit Radboud Castle in Medemblik and step back in time to the Middle Ages. This impressive castle has been around for more than 700 years and is Count Floris V's only remaining coercive castle. Admire fascinating collections of ancient artefacts, walk through the exceptional herb garden and climb the battlements to enjoy impressive views over the centre of Medemblik and Lake IJssel. If you are curious about what it is like to wear armour, you can try some on at Radboud Castle and get a feel of the weight the knights carried around. A must visit for young and old during your stay in Medemblik!
Explore the Golden Triangle
The historical Golden Triangle of Medemblik, Hoorn and Endhuizen owes its name to the exceptional trading history. These cities' ports were important to the Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Travel from Medemblik to Hoorn on an old-fashioned steam tram and take the boat to Enkhuizen. Enjoy a thrilling trip through maritime history and admire the photogenic landscapes, picturesque villages and charming ports!
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Wander through the charming centre of Enkhuizen
The centre of Enkhuizen is only a 15-minute drive from the resort. This charming city still exudes the atmosphere of the Golden Age with its fortifications, historical buildings and no fewer than 361 national monuments. Read more about the history and future of Lake IJssel in the Zuiderzee Museum Dive into the sea of stories and learn more about the current and former residents from the Zuiderzee region and their centuries-old traditions. The Ships' Hall houses the largest museum collection of ships in the Netherlands. Go back 100 years in time on the Zuiderzee with raging waves, thunder and lightning, and experience what the fishing life was like at that time. A unique experience for all ages!
Visit the exceptional museums in Medemblik
Discover the various museums in the resort's immediate vicinity. Admire the impressive steam engines in the Dutch Steam Engine Museum and learn more about the industrial history of the Netherlands. Did you know that this is the location of the largest collection of steam engines in the Netherlands? You can find out all about the ancient traditions of the baker's trade in the Bakery Museum. There, you can see, smell, taste and experience the world of bread, pastries, chocolate and sugar confectionery. At Meelmolen De Herder, you can discover how grain was traditionally milled during a guided tour of this beautiful mill. There is no lack of museums in Medemblik!
Discover the charming centre of Hoorn
The port city of Hoorn, at only a 20-minute drive from the resort, is highly recommended for a day of culture. Wander through the lovely streets and admire the 368 national monuments you will encounter on your path. Also visit the many sights filling the city such as the Hoofdtoren, Oostereiland and the Oosterpoort. End your day with a culinary treat at the Roode Steen, where you are surrounded by various monuments. Furthermore, the Westfries Museum is unmissable, with around 36,000 paintings, sculptures, jewellery and other works of art displaying the history of Hoorn and the Netherlands. Did you know that you can find the largest collection of Rembrandt etches here?
Explore Westfriese Omringdijk
The Westfriese Omringdijk is a grand 126 kilometres in length and is the only listed dyke in the world. The dyke has protected West Friesland against water since the 13th century. You can take lovely walks or bike rides over the dyke with its stunning views of the polders and Lake IJssel. En route, you pass picturesque villages, ancient farms and lovely terraces where you can take a break. Perfect for walking and cycling enthusiasts!
Experience the charm of Zaanse Schans
Travel back in time and experience the traditional Dutch culture of yesteryear in Zaanse Schans! This unique heritage site is a popular international attraction and is only a 30-minute drive from the resort. Admire authentic windmills, wander past characteristic wooden houses, and visit handicraft workshops such as the cheese factory and clog factory where these products are still made in the old-fashioned way. This open-air museum brings the history to life and is a wonderful excursion for young and old. Travel back to a time when life in the Netherlands centred around craftsmanship and simplicity.
Go to Alkmaar: perfect for cheese enthusiasts
Alkmaar is a 35-minute drive from the resort and offers all the ingredients for a cultural and culinary day out. Visit the world-famous cheese market that takes place on Waagplein every Friday morning from March to September. See how cheese bearers in traditional attire still work with cheese barrows and learn more about the Dutch cheese history. Wander through the historical streets and search for the 32 mills spread throughout Alkmaar. You can also visit various sights, such as the Dutch Cheese Museum, the Waagtoren (tower), Grote Sint-Laurenskerk (church) and the largest Beatles museum in the world. Did you know that Alkmaar has been in the top 10 of the most popular shopping cities for years? Shopaholics will have a fabulous time here!
Explore the stunning nature areas around Opperdoes
Nature lovers can indulge themselves in the various nature areas around Opperdoes. De Vooroever is by Lake IJssel and offers alternating wet and dry areas. Walk through the countryside and spot the water birds on their islands. Egboetswater is a quiet nature area with a lush forest where owls and birds of prey live among other species. It's also a lovely place for sailing over the calm waterways and for picnics on the Boxweide (meadow). Also worth a visit is the Koopmanspolder, which was designed by a visual artist. From above, the grassland is in a vortex pattern and has an alternating water level, making it very attractive to various plants and animals. Tip: go to the vantage point for an impressive view.
Experience the events in Medemblik
The Harddraverij takes place on the third Monday of September. It's a horse race when horses gallop through the centre of Medemblik at almost 60 kilometres per hour. In July, you can enjoy eating by the water, live music, a dragon boat race and more during Waterweek Medemblik. You can also attend the Tour of the West Omringdijk in July. Over 17,000 cyclists cycle a route over the dyke covering a maximum of 135 kilometres. The Regatta Center also regularly organises sailing competitions and events for water sports enthusiasts.
Enjoy a day out with the family
There is also plenty to see and do for families with young children! Enjoy fun in the water at Medemblik's beaches or visit Koningin Emmapark. This park is a 10-minute bike ride from the resort, has a lovely outdoor playground and is next to a petting farm. Furthermore, the museums in Medemblik are very child friendly, with various activities for children. And if the weather is less favourable, go to Funfestijn with its large indoor and outdoor playgrounds, which is only a 5-minute bike ride from the resort. Play on the pirate island, build fabulous creations with mega LEGO or tear round in a mini cart. If you want to experience a magical day, then Sprookjeswonderland in Enkhuizen is highly recommended. It is only 20-minute drive and has various attractions, playgrounds and interactive exhibitions.
Visit the city of canals: Amsterdam
It’s only a 40-minute drive to Amsterdam from Dormio Resort Medemblik. Walk along the famous canals, enjoy a picnic in the Vondelpark and visit iconic museums such as the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum. You can also go on a boat tour through the centre or admire spectacular murals in the world's largest street art museum. Shopaholics will have the time of their lives in the many boutiques, design shops and luxury department stores filling the city. The capital of the Netherlands offers endless possibilities for a fabulous day out!
Book your stay in North Holland today
Dormio Resort Medemblik offers you a luxurious and comfortable base from which to explore Opperdoes and the surrounding area. Most of the resort's holiday homes have a generous waterside patio and a private jetty. Sail in a sloop or canoe straight through the relaxing landscape to the vibrant centre of Medemblik or even to Lake IJssel. Book your stay and discover for yourself what Opperdoes and the surrounding area have to offer!