3 Best Sights in Enkhuizen, Netherlands

Certainly the Netherlands'—and possibly the world's—only collection devoted to ships in bottles is housed in a lovely 17th-century home, the Spuihuisje. If you've ever wondered how they get the darned things in there, there is usually a craftsman at work who will be willing to spill the beans.

One of the most striking sights in Enkhuizen is the 70-foot wooden clock tower beside the 16th-century redbrick Westerkerk (also called the Sint Gommaruskerk). The pale yellow square tower sits on a brick base and tapers toward the top, and is like no other construction in Benelux. Originally constructed in 1519, it was extended in 1609. The inner wooden frame is original, but the outer cladding was replaced in 1877.

One of the Netherlands' most complete outdoor museums comprises streets, neighborhoods, and harbors, along with 130 houses, shops, and workshops where the old crafts are still practiced. The children's island takes youngsters back to life in the former fishing village of Marken during the 1930s. Whether you approach the museum by the well-marked walking route from the station or follow the road signs, you'll come to embarkation points from which you are ferried by boat to the entrance, a romantic way to take a step back in time.