Before construction of the Afsluitdijk, the ferry between Enkhuizen in Noord-Holland and Stavoren was a very important connection. You arrived in Stavoren by train, switched to the ferry, crossed the Zuiderzee (now IJsselmeer) and continued your journey by train from Enkhuizen.
The steam-powered ferry moored further up in the Spoorhaven railway port. It was used to transport freight and livestock. Loaded rail carriages were pulled onto the ferry via a bridge with rails on it. The locomotive stayed behind on dry land because it was too heavy for the ferry. In Enkhuizen, another locomotive stood ready on the quayside. A similar construction had been made for reception of the carriages here, so that the load could be transported to its final destination by rail.
This service came to an end in 1934, after the Afsluitdijk was completed in 1932 and the ferry connection became gradually less important. It was all demolished in 1950 in the end, resulting in a hole in the harbour wall, which became known as the ferry gap. The remnants of this jetty were renovated in 2015, and are now a permanent monument in the railway port of Stavoren. A replica has been made for the bridge, and information signs tell you more about this piece of railway history so unique to the Netherlands.
Ferry service between Stavoren and Enkhuizen
Still functional and going strong however, there is still a ferry service between Stavoren and Enkhuizen. You can enjoy it from sometime in March until October. Salon ship the 'Bep Glasius' will transport you comfortably over the former Zuiderzee, taking approximately 80 minutes. The ideal opportunity to catch your breath after a long cycling trip or cycling holiday, because your bike can come too. Or to take a day trip to the Zuiderzee Museum or Fairytale wonderland in Enkhuizen, while staying in Friesland.
