Noord-Holland (North-Holland)
North-Holland is located in the northwest of the Netherlands. The province lies between the North Sea in the west, the Wadden Sea in the north and the IJsselmeer in the east. The province borders the provinces of South-Holland and Utrecht via land, Flevoland and Friesland through dikes, bridges and a dam. The largest part of the province is relatively flat and several parts of it are below sea level, with some “hilly” areas in the southeast and along the coast (dunes). The coast of North-Holland has no less than 100 km of sandy beaches. The dunes behind them are of outstanding natural beauty and great for a refreshing walk. In the north you find mostly reclaimed land, polders and the Wadden Island Texel. The IJsselmeer is an enormous freshwater lake and perfect for water sports and fishing.
In North-Holland are economically important centres such as the country’s capital Amsterdam with the stock market and port, the capital of North-Holland called Haarlem with country buildings, Haarlemmermeer with Schiphol International Airport, Aalsmeer with the flower auction etc.
Some other highlights of North-Holland are:
For more information and photos about Amsterdam see the separate section under the Netherlands on this website.
North-Holland is located in the northwest of the Netherlands. The province lies between the North Sea in the west, the Wadden Sea in the north and the IJsselmeer in the east. The province borders the provinces of South-Holland and Utrecht via land, Flevoland and Friesland through dikes, bridges and a dam. The largest part of the province is relatively flat and several parts of it are below sea level, with some “hilly” areas in the southeast and along the coast (dunes). The coast of North-Holland has no less than 100 km of sandy beaches. The dunes behind them are of outstanding natural beauty and great for a refreshing walk. In the north you find mostly reclaimed land, polders and the Wadden Island Texel. The IJsselmeer is an enormous freshwater lake and perfect for water sports and fishing.
In North-Holland are economically important centres such as the country’s capital Amsterdam with the stock market and port, the capital of North-Holland called Haarlem with country buildings, Haarlemmermeer with Schiphol International Airport, Aalsmeer with the flower auction etc.
Some other highlights of North-Holland are:
- Marken: in the old days the former island flooded quite regularly therefor the typical houses were built on stilts and on mounds. Sometimes you can see people is traditional costumes. Marken was joined to the mainland in 1957.
- Zaanse schans: the traditional 17th and 18th century wooden houses are mostly all painted green and white, the streets are tree-lined and cobbles, windmills flank the river and picturesque bridges cross tiny drainage canals. It is more an open air museum however, it is a real community; a living and working village.
- Volendam: the old fishing village at the IJsselmeer is characterized by countless little houses around the small fishing port. Wander through the streets and enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere. Walk along the dike, churches and old centre and eat fresh fish near the picturesque harbour. After that have your picture taken in Dutch traditional costume. The traditional costumes are still worn on folkloric events. At least ask for the Volendam “Palingsound”(“eel sound”). Some of the most famous Dutch singers and musicians were born in this small village.
- Enkhuizen: the Zuiderzeemuseum (Southern Sea Museum) in Enkhuizen is dedicated to the culture and history of this area. The museum can only be reached by water or by foot. Houses, shops and workplaces typical of the Southern Sea town have been recreated. During the summer people in traditional costumes demonstrate the way life used to be.
- Beemster; the first so-called polder in the Netherlands and added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Beautiful villages in this area are Graft and De Rijp
For more information and photos about Amsterdam see the separate section under the Netherlands on this website.
The Zuiderzee Museum / Enkhuizen