Holiday apartment in Blokzijl: History, Havenkolk and Weerribben-Wieden

Blokzijl combines a protected townscape with waterways, remnants of fortifications and the landscape of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Blokzijl will find various starting points for planning their trip: historical walks, cultural sites, a family-friendly museum experience, as well as excursions by boat and bicycle.

History between the fortifications and Havenkolk

Blokzijl has been designated a protected townscape in the municipality of Steenwijkerland. The former fortification was established by Sonoy at the beginning of 1581. During the Eighty Years’ War, it was converted into a hexagonal fortress with bastions and moats to protect the important peat shipping trade and access to Holland. This development makes the fortification a direct testament to the historical function of the town.

The history of the fortress can be experienced particularly vividly along the restored western fortification. It forms a historic walking route with views of the old town, the harbour and the surrounding landscape. Stately merchants’ houses stand around Havenkolk, bearing witness to a prosperous past. The Bierkade and Brouwersgracht also recall the numerous former breweries around Havenkolk.

Walk, concert and museum

For a culturally oriented stay, the Grote Kerk is one of the important stops in Blokzijl. Since its restoration from 1995 to 1999, it has also been used for cultural events; concerts have been held there since that time. This allows you to combine a tour of the historic town with a venue whose present-day use is connected to its restoration.

Museum Het Gildenhuys offers children aged 8 to 12 the treasure hunt “Weeshuis aan het water”. It focuses on life in Blokzijl’s former orphanage. Group tours were also organised by Museum Het Gildenhuys. For families, this museum focus can open up a distinct perspective on the town’s history, while the fortifications and Havenkolk make history visible in the public space.

Experience nature and plan your routes

Blokzijl lies in the heart of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. The landscape around the town broadens the historical focus with experiences in nature on the water and by bicycle. The Blokzijl boat connects Blokzijl on a round trip across the Beulakerwijde with the De Wieden visitor centre in Sint Jansklooster. This makes a specific boat trip across the Beulakerwijde one of the ways to explore the surrounding area.

There is also a clear point of reference for planning a cycling trip: a cycling hub is located on Kanaalweg in Blokzijl. The signposted Rondje De Wieden cycle route can be joined at any junction and leads back to the starting point. This type of route guidance helps you choose between a walk along the fortifications, a boat trip and a cycling loop according to your preferred pace for the day.

Choose a holiday apartment in Blokzijl according to your interests

When choosing a holiday apartment in Blokzijl, you can compare the focal points of your trip. The protected townscape, the fortifications, the Grote Kerk and Museum Het Gildenhuys are ideal for days of culture and shared discoveries. Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the Beulakerwijde, the cycling hub and Rondje De Wieden offer different highlights. There are two spacious car parks for visitors outside the historic Havenkolk. For your accommodation decision, Blokzijl thus offers a combination of a historic townscape, natural surroundings and planned routes by boat, on foot and by bicycle.

More places for planning your trip

Sint Jansklooster, Wanneperveen, Giethoorn, Belt-Schutsloot, Ossenzijl, De Bult, Kallenkote, Vollenhove

For the higher-level travel overview: Steenwijkerland.