Plenty of nature along the coast and photogenic towns. Discover it all from your holiday home in North Holland!

North Holland is a province that has it all — from the Schoorl dunes along the North Sea coast to centuries-old towns by the IJsselmeer, and from Volendam to Texel. Find Amsterdam too crowded? Then Haarlem and Alkmaar are perfect alternatives for a city break from your holiday home in North Holland! Rent a coastal holiday home and, as a nature lover, you'll have everything your heart desires. Few other provinces in the Netherlands offer such a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm competing for your attention! What will your holiday plan look like during your stay in North Holland? Let the following tips inspire you!

Haarlem: a city full of charm and elegance!

Haarlem is the perfect destination for relaxing on a sunny terrace — especially on the Grote Markt. The towering nave of the Sint Bavo church immediately grabs your attention when you enter the square, and it’s worth gazing at for a while. Why? The cathedral's tower doesn’t rise from the end but rather from the middle of the nave, stretching 75 metres into the sky! Seen enough? Take a stroll along the canal to a massive domed church with two blunt towers — truly impressive and unique in the Northern Netherlands!

Want to explore Haarlem differently? Take a canal cruise, rent a sloop, or follow various walking routes. The bridge route, for example, leads you past a number of drawbridges, while the monument route shows you many of the city’s historic landmarks.

The eye-catching courtyards of Alkmaar

Alkmaar’s cheese market is a well-known symbol of North Holland, but the city has so much more to offer. Discover numerous monuments on a walking tour and specifically seek out the city's beautiful courtyards. One peaceful example is the secluded Splinter courtyard, and if you want to enjoy a drink, visit the monastic courtyard of Sonoy. Want to witness the cheese market? Head to the central square on Friday morning for this unique spectacle!

Fancy a canal ride? A boat trip through Alkmaar’s canals will remind you of Amsterdam, with similar arched bridges and many historic buildings lining the water!

Visit picturesque towns by the IJsselmeer

North Holland is the ideal province to experience Dutch heritage — and not just in Amsterdam. Visit smaller towns on the IJsselmeer such as Enkhuizen and Hoorn!

Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen is a small historic fishing town on the IJsselmeer that packs a punch! Stroll through the Zuiderzee Museum among charming fishermen’s cottages, walk along the scenic harbour filled with fishing boats, or follow the Drommedaris route past monuments like a 16th-century fortification tower and the former orphanage. And no need to worry about the kids getting bored: take them to Sprookjeswonderland, a fairytale-themed amusement park. They’ll love attractions like a swing ship, a floating boat tour, and pedal-powered cars!

Hoorn

Hoorn is slightly larger than Enkhuizen and stands out with its sizable historic centre. The stately, slightly tilted buildings catch the eye, and both the cosy square and the marina quay are ideal for relaxing on a terrace. The old harbour, with its charming houses, defensive tower and water views, is particularly inviting. The square itself also has a lively atmosphere, and from the right spot you can see the beautiful domed church of Hoorn in the distance.

Rent a holiday home on the North Sea coast of North Holland

North Holland is the only Dutch province where you’ll find such extensive natural beauty along the coast. You can spend your entire holiday hiking or cycling here, feeling like the cities are miles away. Between Zandvoort and IJmuiden lies the expansive Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Rent a holiday home in North Holland and enjoy endless cycling routes through the country’s largest dune area. It's not just dunes that dominate the scenery — lakes and forests also define the landscape, and the park is home to remarkable wildlife including Highland cattle and fallow deer. Expect striking sights too, such as the elegant Duin & Kruidberg castle or the medieval Brederode ruins!

Visit Volendam and Marken!

Volendam is a traditional fishing village that draws visitors from all over the world. Stroll along the dike past colourful façades and enjoy the watery surroundings. A popular attraction is Fotoshop Volendam, where you can dress in traditional clothing for a memorable photo! After sightseeing, relax on a scenic terrace along the quay and enjoy freshly caught fish. Want more? Take the ferry to Marken! This picturesque peninsula invites you to wander between traditional wooden houses — have your camera ready!

Walk through the Schoorl dunes

Want a beach walk in North Holland with a detour through vast natural landscapes? Head to the Schoorl dunes! This dune area features hilly terrain interspersed with forests and heath. The sweeping views are stunning, and along the way you’ll climb the highest dune in the Netherlands! The wooded dune landscape is beautiful year-round. Consider renting a holiday home in North Holland in autumn too — that’s when the Schoorl dunes are dotted with many varieties of mushrooms.

Rent a Holiday Home in North Holland

North Holland is, without exaggeration, a province full of variety and beauty! Whether it’s the sea or the IJsselmeer, water is always nearby. And if you want to visit some great cities, there’s no shortage of choice. Experience historical elegance while walking through Haarlem, take a boat tour through the canals of cheese capital Alkmaar, or visit one of the many picturesque towns like Enkhuizen and Volendam. Want to hike or cycle through the most stunning dunes in the Netherlands? Rent a holiday home in North Holland and enjoy the breathtaking North Sea coast!