THE RISE OF MEDEMBLIK

Medemelaca. Radboudstad. Handelsplaats. Watersportcentrum. Throughout the centuries, Medemblik has gone through a tremendous development. Its location by the water has been a determining factor. The city, and even the entire area, managed to turn the challenge into an advantage.

From Medemelacha villa to Medemblik Municipality. By the time count Floris V began building bastion Radboud, Medemblik was already inhabited. Medemblik obtained city rights in 1289.  

The city owes its name to the original watercourse Medemelake. This tiny turf stream has largely disappeared. The remaining part is known as the Kromme Leek. It merges into the IJsselmeer via the Kleine Vliet and the Grote Vliet.

The Oude Haven and Oosterhaven remind us of the flourishing centuries of the port city. However, the creation of the Noordhollands Kanaal marked the definitive end of this period. The Afsluitdijk turned the ferocious Zuiderzee into the calm IJsselmeer.

Today Medemblik is primarily known as an international water sports centre. In 1989 the former port in the centre was flooded again to turn it into a modern marina. In 1999 Regatta Centre Medemblik was opened, an international sailing contest centre.

Surrounding the old city, there’s a wealth of nature. Of course, water maintains its important role. The IJsselmeer is never far away. You can make gorgeous sailing trips to explore the hinterland.

The West-Frisian Omringdijk is popular among cyclists and hikers alike. With a view of the water on one side, and the panoramic views of the meadows and bulb fields on the other. There are various natural sanctuaries in the area where you can find recreation and spot birds.

Today, Medemblik consists of much more than Medemblik city alone. Until 2007 it was a detached municipality without any other residential areas. The current municipality came into existence after a merger with the Noorder-Koggenland and Wognum municipalities on 1 January 2007, followed by a merger with the Wervershoof and Andijk municipalities on 1 January 2011.

After flourishing centuries as a port town, Medemblik has successfully shifted its attention to water sports and recreation. There are countless recreational cultural and historic activities all over the area. And of course, in on and around the water. Medemblik is happening!