Port information & tips for Medemblik
Medemblik is the oldest city in West Friesland and a radiant jewel on the picturesque shores of the IJsselmeer. The historic port city delights its visitors with an authentic maritime charm, winding medieval alleys, and an inviting atmosphere right by the water. Cultural highlights include the imposing 13th-century Kasteel Radboud, the fascinating Dutch Steam Engine Museum, and the nostalgic Museumstoomtram to Hoorn. Cruise ships dock at the central Oosterhaven, which is located directly at the edge of the historic city center. Thanks to this ideal location, guests can easily reach the charming town center with its boutiques and cozy cafes in just a few minutes on foot while enjoying first-class access to all the city's major attractions.
Medemblik, a charming historic port town on the IJsselmeer, is easily accessible thanks to good transport connections from the DACH region. The river cruise berths are centrally located, allowing guests to explore the city directly.
Car
You can easily reach Medemblik via the A7 motorway and the N23 Westfrisiaweg. A major advantage is the numerous free parking options throughout the municipality; spacious parking lots are available on the edge of the center. A parking disc is only required in the Nieuwstraat shopping street.
Train
Although Medemblik has a historic station for the museum steam tram, Hoorn station is the relevant transfer point for the regular rail network when traveling by train. From there, you can easily reach Medemblik with bus lines 139 or 239. The central river cruise berth is located directly behind the historic station, so you can reach your ship directly after a short bus ride.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), approximately 56 kilometers away. A car journey or a booked private transfer from there takes only around 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a combination of train and bus from Schiphol Airport to Medemblik, which will bring you to your destination in about 1 hour 33 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes, allowing for a relaxed journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Medemblik, a charming historic port town on the IJsselmeer, is easily accessible thanks to good transport connections from the DACH region. The river cruise berths are centrally located, allowing guests to explore the city directly.
Car
You can easily reach Medemblik via the A7 motorway and the N23 Westfrisiaweg. A major advantage is the numerous free parking options throughout the municipality; spacious parking lots are available on the edge of the center. A parking disc is only required in the Nieuwstraat shopping street.
Train
Although Medemblik has a historic station for the museum steam tram, Hoorn station is the relevant transfer point for the regular rail network when traveling by train. From there, you can easily reach Medemblik with bus lines 139 or 239. The central river cruise berth is located directly behind the historic station, so you can reach your ship directly after a short bus ride.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), approximately 56 kilometers away. A car journey or a booked private transfer from there takes only around 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a combination of train and bus from Schiphol Airport to Medemblik, which will bring you to your destination in about 1 hour 33 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes, allowing for a relaxed journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The mooring points in Medemblik are located in the immediate vicinity of the historic city center, allowing for an extremely comfortable exploration directly from the ship.
On Foot
Thanks to the central location of the ports, you can reach the picturesque city center as well as the main sights such as Radboud Castle in just a few minutes' walk. The short distances invite you to take a relaxing stroll along the historic gabled houses and canals.
Museum Steam Tram
A special feature is the Museumstoomtram, which connects Medemblik with Hoorn and starts directly at the station near the harbor. This historic train offers a nostalgic journey through the West Friesland countryside and provides a charming connection to the surrounding area.
Regional Buses and Taxis
Near the city center, you will find stops for regional bus lines as well as taxi ranks for a comfortable onward journey into the surrounding area. The buses provide a direct connection to the rail network and also take you quickly to other sights in North Holland.
To make the most of your stay in Medemblik, a combination of the historic city center and the significant cultural sights directly on the water is recommended.
Historic Center & Oosterhaven
The oldest town in Westfriesland delights with its magnificent gabled houses and lively harbor district, which, thanks to its cozy cafes and small boutiques, is perfect for a relaxed exploration on foot directly from the ship.
Kasteel Radboud
This impressive medieval castle from the 13th century is located directly on the edge of the harbor and offers visitors a fascinating insight into the defensive history of the region thanks to its striking architecture and central location.
De Vooroever & Regattastrand
This extensive recreation area on the IJsselmeer connects directly to the city center and, thanks to its well-maintained green areas and sandy sections, is the ideal place for a relaxing walk or a short break by the water.
Kasteel Radboud
The impressive Kasteel Radboud is located in the immediate vicinity of the harbor and can be easily reached on foot in less than ten minutes. The medieval moated castle from the 13th century offers fascinating insights into West Frisian history and also boasts a wide panoramic view over the IJsselmeer. Thanks to the integrated museum café, you can enjoy a first-class atmosphere with refreshments within the historic walls. Ideally, visit the castle in the morning to explore the exhibitions in peace, and use the short walk back for a relaxed stroll through the picturesque old town of Medemblik.
Medemblik is a manageable and welcoming port where, thanks to the central location of the berths, you can return to your ship safely and on time at any time.
On Foot
From the historic Kasteel Radboud or the cozy shopping street Nieuwstraat, you can walk directly back to the harbor basin in just a few minutes. The city's church steeples and the prominent masts of the sailing ships at Oosterhaven provide excellent orientation and lead you directly and safely to the pier.
Local Transport and Buses
The central bus station at the historic Medemblik station is located in the immediate vicinity of the berths and is a convenient meeting point for those returning from the region. In addition, the arrival of the famous Museumstoomtram ensures a lively environment from which you can easily and contextually complete the short final stretch to the ship.
Taxi
At prominent points such as the Regatta Center or in front of the Hotel Medemblik at Pekelharinghafen, taxis are available for a quick return trip. You can also easily have a car called for you in the cafes at the harbor or at the tourist information office on Nieuwstraat, which will bring you comfortably directly to the gangway within a few minutes.
