North Holland is a place where the Netherlands shows off its greatest hits in one compact region. Amsterdam brings the energy with world class museums, canals and neighborhoods that shift from historic charm to buzzing nightlife. Explore nature reserves like the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen where you can spot wildlife.
Windmills turn above old polder landscapes and small towns like Edam, Volendam and Enkhuizen feel like snapshots from another century. Fishing villages like Volendam and Marken with their traditional wooden houses and lively harbors offer a glimpse into the region’s maritime past.
The North Sea coast stretches along wide dunes and endless sandy beaches, perfect for surfers, kiteboarders or anyone who likes a walking the peaceful dunes. Coastal villages like Bergen and Egmond offer relaxed cafés and forest trails. Farther north the island of Texel adds a sense of escape with its dunes, wildlife reserves and charming lighthouse views.
Follow the coastline, hop between villages or explore the streets of Amsterdam and Haarlem. North Holland is packed with new experiences for your road trip.
North Holland highlights
- Haarlem’s Historic Center A smaller, relaxed alternative to Amsterdam with Golden Age architecture, the impressive Grote Kerk, boutique streets, cozy squares, and top museums like the Frans Hals Museum. Haarlem feels authentic and stylish without the crowds.
- The Wadden Sea Coast Perfect for mudflat hiking, birdwatching and coastal drives. The landscapes change with the tides, creating one of the most unique natural areas in Europe.
- The Beemster Polder A landscape reclaimed from a lake in the early 1600s. Straight roads, geometric fields, classic farmhouses and peaceful villages show one of the best examples of Dutch water engineering.
- Texel Island North Holland’s largest Wadden Island offers wide beaches, quiet dunes, cycling paths, seal spotting at Ecomare, and charming villages like Den Burg and De Koog. It feels like a world of its own yet is only a short ferry ride from Den Helder.
- Alkmaar Cheese Market One of the oldest cheese markets in Europe, running since 1365. Watch cheese carriers, traditional weighings and lively market scenes in the medieval center. It is both cultural and fun, especially in summer.
- Muiden & Muiderslot Castle A beautifully restored medieval castle dating back to 1280, complete with towers, gardens and a scenic riverside setting. Perfect for families and history lovers.
The local Four
History of North Holland
North Holland played an important role in the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. Amsterdam, its capital, went from a small trading post to a major global trading hub with the establishment of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1602 thanks to merchants who sailed the world bringing wealth and culture back home.
This era of prosperity led to the creation of the city's iconic canal belt, which you now can enjoy as the world famous canals in the city centre. It’s actually a world Heritage Site, showcasing the traces of Amsterdam's historic importance and impact on global trading.
The region is also celebrated for its innovative land reclamation and water management techniques. Facing constant threats of flooding, the Dutch transformed vast marshlands into fertile farmland using windmills and dikes. The Beemster Polder, a piece of 17th-century engineering, is probably the most important piece still in its original state. You can explore these historical places first hand and experience an important piece the Dutch history.