Holiday apartment in Huizen: discover botters, heathland and the Gooimeer

Huizen lies between the heathlands of the Gooi Nature Reserve and the Gooimeer. In this setting, maritime history, heathland and dune landscapes, as well as cycling and walking routes, come together. The town reveals very different sides: historic boats and fishing traditions, nature areas and public art.

Culture

At the Nautical Quarter, a walk can give you the impression of a Zuiderzee village from times gone by. It is also a tourist transport hub where bicycles and e-bikes can be rented. Huizen's maritime heritage includes the Huizer Botters: Huizer Botters keeps four original Huizer botters in service as living historical heritage; the oldest dates from 1892. The boats are rented with a crew for full days or parts of a day; weekly trips with passengers are also available.

The Botterwerf also conveys Huizen's historic fishing heritage. The focus there is on Zuiderzee botters, fishing vessels that used to be common in this area. The Botterwerf also includes a forge where workshops can be attended. The Huizer Museum offers another perspective on the town's history. It keeps the stories of Huizen and the Gooi alive and houses one of the most important traditional costume collections in the Netherlands. The museum regularly organizes guided village walks.

A large part of the Oude Dorp has been designated as a municipally protected villagescape. Historic structures, old farmhouses, fishermen's houses and characteristic streetscapes are still clearly visible there. The town's history can also be explored along the Huizer Melkmeisjeroute. This town walk leads through the most beautiful places in the village of Huizen; QR codes explain step by step the story of the Huizer milkmaid from the 16th century. The route starts at the Huizer Museum and is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Nature

The Nieuw Bussummerheide is a 29-hectare heathland area offering opportunities for walking and horse riding. Numerous broom shrubs, areas of dunes and shifting sand, ling heather and individual trees characterize the landscape. The Nieuw Bussummerheide is home to spotted flycatchers, great grey shrikes, small silvery fish and sand lizards. The Tafelberg viewpoint is the highest point in the Gooi.

Another succession of landscapes can be seen along the Naarder Eng walking route. It begins and ends in a forest, then passes through an agricultural landscape and runs along the Gooimeer. Thus, forest, open agriculturally shaped areas and the water stand alongside one another in a clear sequence along this route.

Getting around

For exploring by bicycle, there is the approximately 1.5-hour “Beelden in Huizen” route. It leads to public art and memorials, passes through the Oude Dorp and continues through the expansion districts. In Huizen, you can also cycle along the LF Zuiderzee Route.

Water

Huizen's inner harbor is well suited to visiting water sports enthusiasts. The marinas in Huizen have around 400 berths. From the Gooimeer, a well-marked channel approximately 1.2 kilometers long leads to the outer harbor. At the Zomerkade, there is a swimming jetty and play equipment for children.

Places and dining

De Krachtcentrale is located in a former power station dating from 1938. Today, the venue combines a café-restaurant with nine studios and a gallery. The restaurant serves cuisine inspired by French and Mediterranean cooking. De Krachtcentrale's basement club room is used for special activities such as film screenings, live music and DJ sessions.

Those who wish to continue exploring the town's history can go via Huizen to the next destination page. Other destinations in the same area: Loenen, Andijk, Purmerend, Edam-Volendam, Hoorn, Alkmaar, Opmeer.

For the higher-level travel overview: North Holland.