Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
standing on the train balcony at the very back of the train. You'll
feel like a whistle-stop presidential candidate as the train plods
through the Dutch countryside.
The train makes two stops: ten minutes in Wognum-
Nibbixwoud and about three minutes in Twisk. Both have doll-
house-cute stations, recently renovated and decorated to evoke
times past. Notice the little potbellied stoves between rooms and
the old travel posters on the walls. At Wognum, peek into the old-
fashioned outhouses. Stops are also a good chance to walk around
and peek inside the locomotive, where you can see engineers con-
stantly adjusting valves and levers, and opening the little door to
shovel in more coal from the pile at
their feet.
The costumed conductor occa-
sionally walks through the cars, giv-
ing instructions in Dutch (if you're
curious, ask him to repeat what he
said in English when he passes). he
train periodically stops so a conduc-
tor can hop out, scurry out in front of
the engine, and flag traffic to a stop
the old-fashioned way.
But don't fret the details...this
is simply a serene, old-fashioned joyride. Enjoy the purely Dutch
countryside. Count sheep. Moo at cows. Watch horses playfully
run alongside the train. Look for ducks in the canals and pheas-
ants in the fields. If you see little Dutch kids waving to the train
from their backyards, wave back. The modern white windmills
in the distance jolt you back into the 21st century, just in time to
arrive at...
Medemblik
You'll have about an hour in this pleasant one-street town before
boarding the boat (confirm the boat's exact departure time before
leaving the train station). Exit the station and bear left, then right,
to walk up the main drag—a pretty market street lined with cafés,
bakeries, shops, and postcard stands. Because time is short here,
you'll have to pick and choose: If you're hungry, you could grab a
quick sandwich or a coffee and snack at an outdoor café, but you
likely won't have time for a full meal. (Note that there's also basic
food available on the upcoming boat ride.)
Or, if you feel like sightseeing, on the first block of the main
street (on the right) is a cute, if overpriced,
bakery museum.
Displayed on two floors of an old bakery, the exhibit shows of
baking bric-a-brac and covers everything from Christmas spice
cookies and sugar sculptures to chocolate and marzipan. The live
