Makkum
Makkum haven · Makkumer Waard · Royal Tichelaar
53°03.2'N 05°23.7'E
Depth
1.5–3.5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m on IJsselmeer sand and mud in 1.5–3.5m. No tidal swing. N and NW exposure across the full IJsselmeer (up to 60nm fetch from the north) — in N/NW conditions, use the inner harbour. Wind seiche (0.3–0.5m level change) possible in prolonged SW winds.
About This Anchorage
Makkum is the most historically significant ceramics town in the Netherlands — Royal Tichelaar Makkum has been producing earthenware and Delftware ceramics continuously since 1594, making it the oldest operating factory in the Netherlands. The famous Makkumer aardewerk (with its distinctive blue, white, and polychrome designs) is collected worldwide — the showroom and factory tour are in the historic town centre. The town itself is a perfectly preserved small Frisian port — the reformed church (1660), the weigh house (Waag, 1698), and the canal harbour are intact. The IJsselmeer outside Makkum has excellent sailing conditions — the Makkumer Waard bay provides partial shelter from the west and is used by local sailing clubs for dinghy racing. Makkum is on the classic IJsselmeer west coast circuit between Medemblik (15nm south) and Stavoren (15nm north).
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
N · NW · W · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina fee approx €16–20/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Approach channel minimum 1.8m depth — confirm with current ANWB waterkaart; no anchoring in the approach channel; Makkumer Waard sandbanks — drying areas marked on chart; IJsselmeer speed limit 9km/h within 500m of shore; wind seiche possible — monitor IJsselmeer level data.
Hazards
- !N and NW exposure — IJsselmeer north and NW fetch (up to 60nm); outer anchorage untenable in N/NW above F3
- !Makkumer Waard sandbanks — approach channel only; drying banks on both sides of channel
- !Wind seiche — 0.3–0.5m level change after prolonged SW winds; check depths before departure
- !IJsselmeer crossing from east coast (Urk, 20nm) — open water passage; check weather
Skipper's Tips
- →Royal Tichelaar Makkum factory and showroom (Turfmarkt 65) — the oldest operating factory in the Netherlands (since 1594); the factory tour shows hand-painting of the distinctive Makkum earthenware; the showroom has the full range at factory prices
- →The Waag (Weigh House, 1698) on the market square is one of the best-preserved in Friesland — the external balance arm for weighing cargo is still visible
- →Makkum is significantly quieter than Medemblik or Hoorn on the west coast — a more authentic Frisian experience with full facilities
- →The Makkumer Waard offers excellent flatwater sailing conditions on summer mornings before the afternoon sea breeze builds — ideal for dinghy sailing and traditional Frisian boat racing
- →The cycle route from Makkum south to Hindeloopen (12km along the IJsselmeer dyke) is one of the most scenic coastal rides in Friesland — the dyke road with open water on both sides
Facilities
Makkum has a café, restaurants, and a supermarket in the town centre. Royal Tichelaar showroom in town centre. Fuel at the marina.
Nearest provisions: Makkum town centre (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Makkum is the best-kept secret on the Frisian IJsselmeer coast — full facilities, authentic town character, and far fewer visitors than Medemblik or Hoorn. Ideal for sailors wanting a genuine Frisian experience.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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