Noord-Holland
High dikes surround polders where pedigree cattle graze in rich pastures and historic lifting bridges are silhouetted against the clouds just as you remember them in old Dutch paintings.
But it’s not just the timeless natural beauty and the bracing air that makes Noord Holland so inviting. It is also one of Holland's most culturally rich regions, careful to preserve it's long standing traditions and industries, packed with historic towns and villages, rich in museums and artifacts, and boasting outstanding architecture.
The Rustic North
The coastal region of the ‘Kop van Noord-Holland’ (northernmost point of the province of Noord-Holland) is renowned for its broad clean beaches, peace and quiet and wide-open spaces. The Julianadorp, for example, is a great spot to get some relaxation. Children can run freely, with the sand and water always close by. When you’re up for more activities, there is always enough to do. Tranquillity and beauty can be found in the popular family seaside resort of Callantsoog. There are also several dunes to walk along in the village. The phenomenon of a shifting coastline has caused the dunes to disintegrate twice. But there is no need to worry; Callantsoog is a safe, quiet seaside retreat the whole family can enjoy. Sunbathe, play with the kids, swim or horseback ride during the day, and then enjoy the evening air on a terrace in the centre of town.
Bergen and Egmond aan Zee
Running parallel to the Noord-Holland dune reserve are a number of superb beaches and charming towns. Via the dunes you come to the beaches of Bergen and Egmond aan Zee. Located at the entrance of the Bergen aan Zee beach is an aquarium where Nemo and his friends swim! The aquarium is also home to an impressive 13-metre long sperm whale skeleton. Travel five kilometres inland to the artist community of Bergen. The towns’ location in the dunes, surrounding nature and the atmosphere of its centre attracts many residents of Noord-Holland. Egmond aan Zee is the most well-known of the three ‘Egmonden’, and is characterised by the Jan van Speijck lighthouse along the main boulevard.
Egmond aan Zee is the perfect retreat for you and your family.
Fishing towns and VOC
To this day the souls of fishing ports like Volendam, Muiden and Medemblik breathe the atmosphere of the time when the IJsselmeer was still the Zuiderzee. These towns and villages are well known as the "Golden Circle". In the towns of Hoorn and Enkhuizen, it is still possible to follow in the footsteps of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The many buildings and the statues distributed here stand as mementoes of that time in the 17th century when the East India Company reigned supreme here.
Zuiderzeemuseum
Relive the region’s history in the outdoor Zuiderzeemuseum in Enkhuizen, which can only be reached by water. Around a hundred dwellings, small shops and workshops provide a good picture of life in the Zuiderzee fishing villages of centuries ago.
Picture perfect Zaanse Schans
The picturesque village of Zaanse Schans is a reconstruction of a residential and working neighbourhood at the turn of the century. In this open-air museum you’ll find many wooden houses, mills and warehouses from the 17th and 18th century. Altogether, the Zaanse Schans has nine mills including an oil mill and windmill. A boat tour leaves from the mustard mill for a trip around the mills and houses of the Zaanse Schans every hour. In addition, visitors can pay a visit to the bakery museum, the Netherlands Clock Museum, a clog and cheese maker.
Aalsmeer flower auction
Get up early to see the centre of the world’s flower industry in full action. 17 million flowers are sold and exported every day at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. You can watch from a vantage point, including English language commentary.
Alkmaar
Holland’s association with cheese goes back centuries. To see the traditional cheese market visit Alkmaar on a Friday morning during the season (April-September). Sellers and wholesalers do business as they have for 600 years. But Alkmaar is not only about cheese. Wander along the picturesque canals lined with medieval monuments and explore the enchanting old town square, a labyrinth of quirky and colourful streets and many courtyards.
Ride the Medemblik steam train
The local Medemblik people are well used to the steam train loudly chugging past, clouds of steam in its wake. The steam train dates from 1926 and leaves from Hoorn to Medemblik daily. Finding its way through the magnificent and stately landscape, it’s a great way to explore this part of Noord Holland. On arrival in Medemblik you can explore the historic city or travel further to Enkhuizen onboard a saloon-steamer to discover more about Holland’s nautical past.
Please note that the Steam train doesn't run on Mondays in May, June, September and October (with the exception of May 31).
Texel island
Only 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, Texel has also been called ‘Holland in Miniature’. Broad sandy beaches, wad-excursions, nature reserves, forests and picture postcard villages all make Texel island a real summer haven far away from it all. Less than twenty minutes by boat from Den Helder, the island offers space and tranquillity in abundance. And if that isn’t enough to revel in, check out the Maritime and Beachcombers Museum in Oudeschild. Or simply chill out and watch (and envy) the myriad of birds that have made Texel Island their home.
Shrimps and Seals
From the Oudeschild harbour on Texel tour aboard a shrimp boat and listen to the seasoned stories of the captain while the fish is being sorted. On the ’Vriendschap’ (friendship) boat you can observe seals in their natural habitat. In the area surrounding the ‘Eierlandse Gat’, there are over 1500 regular seals and 1000 grey seals. When the water recedes, the seals bask in the sun along the exposed sandbanks. To watch seals closer up visit the Ecomare sanctuary. In addition to the permanent population, 6 to 8 seal-pups are born each summer. The seals are fed every day at 11:00 and 15:00. A seal adoption program is available to those who wish to support Ecomare and their work. For children aged 3 to 16, the 35-metre high nautical jungle gym at the yacht marina is sure to entertain.
Afsluitdijk
There’s no more dramatic demonstration of Dutch hydro-engineering prowess than the 30 km long Afsluitdijk, connecting the Friesland province with Noord Holland. Stop halfway across to see the memorial to designer/engineer Cornelis Lely and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower.
More information
Website: www.noord-holland.com
