Flessenscheepjes Museum

The Bottle Ship Museum in Enkhuizen is a small but remarkable museum entirely dedicated to the art of building ships in bottles. Housed in a former lock keeper’s cottage from 1890, it is located on the old harbor in the historic heart of Enkhuizen.

Inside this charming building, you’ll find more than a thousand bottle ships from all over the world. Each one is a miniature masterpiece. Built with great precision, often using simple tools, they represent a wide variety of ship types – from VOC trading ships and fishing boats to modern freighters and fantasy vessels.

Visitors learn about the history of bottle ships as well as the intricate techniques and patience needed to build them. The museum explains various construction methods, such as folding the masts or positioning the ship through the neck of the bottle.

The museum is suitable for all ages. Children can follow a scavenger hunt or try building a virtual bottle ship. Live demonstrations are held regularly, where skilled makers show how a ship actually goes into the bottle.

Part of the collection is arranged thematically – by ship type or region of origin. Highlights include ships made by prisoners of war or those with religious and symbolic meaning.

The museum is open from April through October, with reduced hours in winter. The building is small but well-organized, and assistance is available for wheelchair users upon request. The museum shop sells miniature bottles, books, and DIY kits.

A visit to the Bottle Ship Museum reveals how maritime tradition, creativity, and craftsmanship come together inside a bottle. It’s the perfect complement to a day in Enkhuizen or a walk along the harbor.

A small museum with a big story in a bottle.