The Zuiderzee Museum is one of the best open-air museums in the Netherlands, spread along the waterfront south of the harbour. The indoor section (Binnenmuseum) houses a remarkable collection of objects from the fishing villages that once lined the Zuiderzee — the inland sea that was enclosed and largely drained after the construction of the Afsluitdijk in 1932. The outdoor section (Buitenmuseum) is a full reconstructed village assembled from original buildings removed from communities around the former sea. Costumed staff demonstrate traditional crafts and fishing techniques; traditional boats line the quays.
The outdoor section is the main draw and requires at least two to three hours to do properly. Arrive by boat from the main station — the museum offers ferry tickets as part of its entrance package and arriving across the water is far more atmospheric than coming through the car park. Open daily 10am to 5pm, April to October; reduced hours in winter. Wierdijk 12, Enkhuizen.