Nederland - Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen is a picturesque little city, well known for its numerous historic buildings and monuments. During the 17th century it was one off the most prosperous cities in the Netherlands as a member of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie - VOC (Dutch East India Company); the largest trading company in the world.

Its rich history is visible in many villas, ‘Golden Age’ buildings, churches, channels, harbours and city walls. The most remarkable sight in Enkhuizen is the defense tower - known as Drommedaris (Dromedary) - at the entrance to the Old Harbour. The building - restored in 2013 - still has its 17th-century carillon.

Enkhuizen was one of the harbour-towns of the VOC, from where overseas trade with the East Indies was conducted. It received city rights in 1355. In the mid-17th century the city was at the peak of its power and was one of the most important harbour cities in the Netherlands. It lost its position by the late 17th century, due to the wars with England, the silting of its waters and the rise of Amsterdam. Enkhuizen became a sleepy fishermen's town.

Nowadays Enkhuizen is famous for its water sports facilities; the town has one of the largest marinas in the country. Many ships from the so called bruine vloot (brown fleet) have adopted Enkhuizen as their homeport.