Zuiderzee Museum
The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen tells the story of life around the former Zuiderzee. In the open-air museum, your group will stroll through streets lined with Zuiderzee cottages, workshops and places where everyday life from days gone by comes to life.
Open-air museum on the Zuiderzee
The open-air museum brings to life the stories of people who lived and worked on the shores of the Zuiderzee. Your group will see, hear, taste and smell what daily life was like before the Afsluitdijk transformed the sea into the lake IJsselmeer in 1932.
During a visit, you’ll stroll through narrow streets lined with authentic Zuiderzee cottages. Along the way, your group will learn more about living, working, crafts, fishing and life in the villages around the Zuiderzee.
Dutch maritime history
The Zuiderzee Museum showcases various aspects of Dutch maritime history. Starting from Enkhuizen, the story takes you past the Afsluitdijk, the Wadden Islands, Frisian towns such as Hindeloopen and Makkum, and North Holland villages such as Marken and Volendam.
The museum offers many recognisable features for groups. Visitors can enjoy the scent of freshly smoked fish, sample farmhouse cheese in the cheese store, or learn about traditional costumes and crafts. The short boat trip from the car park to the open-air museum is also part of the visit.
Guided tours and groups
Guides are available for groups. This makes the museum suitable for international visitors and tour operators wishing to offer a guided programme.
Given the size of the open-air museum and the various attractions on the site, the visit can be tailored to the time available, the group size and the composition of the group.
Planning a visit
An average visit to the Zuiderzee Museum lasts 2 to 3 hours. The exact duration depends on the size of the group and the preferred programme, such as a guided tour or free time.
The museum is well-equipped to cater for group visits and coach trips. It welcomes around 300,000 visitors annually. There are restaurants, picnic areas and shops on the site. The admission price includes the short boat trip from the car park to the museum.
Enquiries
Would you like to include the Zuiderzee Museum in your group programme? Please complete the enquiry form and let us know your requirements, schedule and group size. We will work with you to devise a suitable programme and send you a bespoke proposal.