De Drommedaris (The Dromedary) – Enkhuizen

The Phantom Sentinel of De Drommedaris: Enkhuizen’s Haunted Tower

In the quaint coastal town of Enkhuizen, where the scent of the sea mingles with the charm of centuries-old architecture, stands De Drommedaris—a historic tower that has watched over the city since the 16th century. Originally built as part of the city’s fortifications, the tower has served as a guard post, a prison, and even a cultural center. But beneath its storied past lies a darker tale, one that has earned De Drommedaris a reputation as one of the most haunted landmarks in the Netherlands. Visitors and locals alike have reported eerie occurrences, from ghostly footsteps to shadowy apparitions, all tied to the spirit of a soldier who died defending the city.

The Fall of the Loyal Soldier

The haunting of De Drommedaris is rooted in a tale of bravery and tragedy. During the tumultuous years of the Eighty Years’ War, when the Dutch fought for independence from Spanish rule, Enkhuizen was a key strategic location. The tower served as a vital defensive point, manned by soldiers who risked their lives to protect the city. According to legend, one such soldier was stationed at De Drommedaris during a fierce battle. Despite being outnumbered, he fought valiantly, holding his post until the very end. Tragically, he was struck down by enemy forces, his lifeblood staining the stones of the tower.

Since that fateful day, the soldier’s spirit is said to have remained within De Drommedaris, forever bound to the place where he made his final stand. Witnesses have reported seeing his ghostly figure patrolling the tower, his uniform tattered and his face etched with determination. Some believe he is still fulfilling his duty, guarding the city even in death.

Footsteps in the Night

One of the most common paranormal occurrences at De Drommedaris is the sound of footsteps echoing through the empty halls. Visitors and staff have reported hearing heavy, deliberate footsteps climbing the tower’s spiral staircase, as if an unseen presence is making its way to the top. The footsteps often stop abruptly, leaving listeners frozen in fear. Some have claimed to hear the sound of boots pacing the battlements, accompanied by the faint clinking of armor, as if the ghostly soldier is keeping watch over the city.

One particularly chilling account comes from a night watchman who worked at the tower in the 1970s. He claimed to have heard the sound of footsteps ascending the staircase late one night, despite knowing the tower was empty. When he investigated, he found no one there, but the air was thick with an oppressive sense of dread. As he turned to leave, he heard a deep, guttural voice whisper, “Who goes there?”—a phrase that sent shivers down his spine. Terrified, he fled the tower and never returned to work there again.

The Apparition on the Battlements

The ghostly soldier is not only heard but also seen by those who visit De Drommedaris. Many have reported seeing a shadowy figure standing on the tower’s battlements, his silhouette outlined against the moonlit sky. Some have described him as a tall, imposing figure dressed in 16th-century armor, his face obscured by the shadows. Others have claimed to see his ghostly form walking along the walls, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he is still on patrol.

One group of tourists visiting the tower during the day reported seeing the figure of a soldier standing at the top of the tower, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. When they pointed him out to their guide, the figure vanished into thin air, leaving behind only a faint, lingering mist. The guide, familiar with the tower’s haunted reputation, simply nodded and said, “He’s always here.”

A Tower Steeped in History and Mystery

De Drommedaris’ haunted reputation is just one facet of its rich history. Built in 1540, the tower has stood as a symbol of Enkhuizen’s resilience and strength. Today, it serves as a cultural center and event venue, offering visitors a chance to experience its grandeur and beauty. But for those who believe in the supernatural, the tower is much more than a historical landmark—it is a place where the past comes alive, and where the boundary between the living and the dead is unnervingly thin.

Visiting the Tower

For those brave enough to explore De Drommedaris, the experience is both fascinating and eerie. During the day, the tower is a peaceful place to learn about its history and enjoy stunning views of the city and the sea. But as the sun sets and the shadows grow long, the atmosphere changes. The air grows heavy, and the silence is broken only by the occasional creak of ancient wood or the distant sound of footsteps. It is then that the tower’s haunted reputation comes to life.

Whether you come for the history or the ghost stories, one thing is certain: De Drommedaris is a place where the past is never truly gone. The ghost of the loyal soldier still walks its halls, his presence a reminder of the tower’s tragic secrets. So, if you find yourself standing in the shadow of its towering walls, listen closely. You might just hear the faint sound of footsteps, carried on the night breeze—a haunting echo of a life cut short and a spirit that refuses to rest. Enter if you dare, but remember: not all who visit De Drommedaris leave with their curiosity satisfied. Some leave with a story they’ll never forget.