The Golden Age
" The Dutch East India Company left traces all over the world. Also in Holland north of Amsterdam. In Hoorn, Medemblik and Enkhuizen, you stroll along the harbours and beautiful buildings from that glorious period. "
The Golden Age was a period of prosperity for the Republic of the Netherlands, trade flourished especially thanks to the establishment of the Dutch East India Company (Dutch: VOC). The rich history of the thriving VOC cities can still be seen in the various townhouses, canals, museums, churches, city walls and harbours.
A day in the Golden Age
West Frisian museum
The West Frisian Museum shows the richness of the Golden Age in more than 25 furnished rooms with painting, porcelain, glass and silverware. You step through the gates of the 17th-century monument and walk into the Golden Age.
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City Museum Alkmaar
In the 'Golden Age' museum room of Alkmaar, visitors enter a world of development, well-being and wealth.
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Museum Cape Skil
A unique museum full of stories and adventures. View the surfaced treasures from shipwrecks. The museum focuses on living with the sea and the importance of the island of Texel in the Golden Age.
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Bottleship Museum
The Bottleship Museum collection comprises more than 1000 specimen from all over the world of which about half is exhibited. Moreover so called 'thematic expositions' are held regularly. There is a permanent video presentation about the art of building a ship in a bottle.
Read moreThe nicest VOC attractions
Places to experience the Golden Age
Hoorn
The warehouses, harbours and aristocratic houses—truly everything exudes the atmosphere of the seventeenth and eighteenth century.
More of the city Hoorn
Medemblik
In the oldest city of West-Friesland you can imagine yourself in days long gone. During the thriving period of the VOC, the harbours were bursting with activity: you can almost still smell the spices.
More of the city Medemblik
Enkhuizen
Enkhuizen was definitely doing well during the VOC period. Just look at all the monumental buildings that dot this old seaport town.
More of the city EnkhuizenWant to visit Hoorn, Enkuizen and Medemblik in one day? That’s possible. By steam tram, boat or train you travel to the three cities in a triangular route. Click here for De Spannendste Tijdreis (the most exciting journey through time).
Historical food, drinks & accomodation
Koekelo(e)ren onder de Zuidertoren
Sleep in a national monument from the 18th century in Enkhuizen.
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d' Oude Waegh
Eat and drink in a historic atmosphere in Hoorn with a view of the statue of J.P. Coen and the Westfries Museum.
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Holland Boven Amsterdam