Steenwijk

Steenwijk is a town in the northeast of the Netherlands, in the province of Overijssel. It is the administrative center of the municipality Steenwijkerland and serves as a regional service hub for surrounding rural communities.

The town lies in a water-rich region near the Weerribben-Wieden National Park and close to the village of Giethoorn, making natural scenery and water-based recreation a characteristic feature of the area. Steenwijk has a historic town center with a compact street pattern, canals, and several historic buildings dating from the medieval period onward. The name and exact origins of the settlement reflect its long history as a local market and fortification site, although the current urban layout has evolved through centuries of development.

Historically, Steenwijk developed as a local center for trade and crafts, with peat extraction in the surrounding countryside contributing to regional prosperity in past centuries. In modern times the economy shifted toward services, commerce, and tourism, benefiting from the proximity to national parks and water routes. The town maintains cultural institutions and community facilities that serve both residents and visitors.

Steenwijk is accessible by road and rail, with a regional railway station providing connections to larger cities in the region. As the seat of Steenwijkerland, the town also functions as a focal point for local administration, education, and public services within the municipality. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, cycling, and exploring the nearby nature reserves.