12 hours in Old Holland: polder landscapes and heritage
Stroll through Zaandam
From 10:30 to 12:00
Hop on the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandam or rent a bike. The city of Zaandam itself is a lovely place to spend a few hours. Stroll amongst the bustling shopping streets packed with theatres, museums, cafes and restaurants. Don’t forget to have a look at the Inntel Hotel, a modern interpretation of the traditional green Zaans houses. The gigantic, 12-storey structure is the showpiece of the Inntel Hotels chain. The blue house at the top is based on Monet’s eponymous 1871 painting created in Zaandam.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Have lunch at Lagom Cafe
From 12:00 to 13:00
You will find Lagom Cafe right next to the Inntel Hotel. The broad menu is perfect for a refuel, with many in-house-made smoothies and lemonades. Enjoy a delicious flatbread with toppings of smashed avocado, hummus harissa, goat cheese with figs, smoked salmon, and others, as you watch passers-by and take a breather.
Duration: 1 hour
See where a Russian Tsar lived
From 13:00 to 13:30
At the start of the River Zaan is the Czar Peter House – one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands – where Peter the Great spent a week learning the craft of shipbuilding in 1697. Nowadays, it has been lovingly restored and is open to the public. The interiors include several pieces of furniture from the 17th century and a fascinating exhibition of paintings, engravings and etchings, which is well worth exploring.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admire contemporary art in a unique industrial space
From 13:30 to 14:00
If you are discovering the area with a bike or car, the Hembrugterrein makes a worthy stop on your journey through Old Holland. Once a hub for the production of ammunition and weaponry, Zaandam's Hembrugterrein has now transformed into a cultural centre housing several restaurants, museums and creative venues. The Museum of Humanity features thought-provoking portraits of people from all over the world.
Duration: 30 minutes
Discover nature at Het Twiske
From 14:30 to 16:30
Nestled between Amsterdam and Purmerend, the Het Twiske recreational area offers various outdoorsy activities. You can rent canoes or sailboats, windsurf, stand-up paddleboard, and even go diving. If that doesn’t float your boat, there are plenty of designated spots to have a scenic picnic or take a brisk dip. Little ones will love the water and adventure playgrounds. Surrounding this are various picturesque villages connected by a variety of walking, cycling and paddling routes. Stop by for a drink at the Kiosk Puur Twiske or catch some rays in good weather at the Paviljoen Twiske. If you've got a rental bike, take a look at the Waterland Cycle Route for more inspiration on where your two wheels can lead you. If you'd rather explore elsewhere, consider making your way to the Purmerends Museum, housed in the former town hall, for more insight into the region.
Duration: 2 hours
Spend the evening at Fort Resort Beemster
From 17:00 to 22:00
Both a hotel and an outstanding spa and wellness centre, Fort Resort Beemster truly lies within a repurposed fort, surrounded by endless green Dutch countryside. Once you set foot inside, you will discover soothing baths and saunas ensconced in a private open-air setting, complete with a sandy beach and a mini-island of calmness. For dinner, try the Poterne restaurant, which takes advantage of the Beemster area's produce by working with local suppliers and promoting sustainable dining. Relax into the sunset before spending the night here, or check out alternative accommodation options in the area.
