Haarlem is a charming city, located just a short distance outside Amsterdam, offering a significant trace of Dutch background and culture. With the combination of a maze of his narrow streets surfaced with cobblestone, great medieval churches, to say nothing of pretty gabled houses, the tourists must feel like they have been transferred to the past when they are in Haarlem. The past is not hidden as the city is equipped with a wealth of museums including the Frans Hals Museum, a space that offers a comprehensive view of the great Dutch Baroque painter's work.
The fame of Haarlem is not limited to historical landmarks. There is also an array of art galleries, and numerous exhibitions that feature the endeavors of modern Dutch artists. Haarlem stands out as a pick representing the continuum present in urbanity and the greatness of being amidst the natural setting, from the lively Grote Markt square to the quiet Haarlemmerhout park.
While Haarlem occupies the center stage, taking a look at the breezy Dutch countryside that encapsulates it deserves just as much attention.
Some of the activities you can do are cycling along the parochial windmills, passing through amazing tulip beds, and strolling across time-stamped villages. As the Dutch landscapes are charming, so is the area around Haarlem.
Put the picture of tasting the flavors of original Dutch cheese in your mind, watching the masterpieces of traditional crafts, and revolutionizing your existence into the countryside lifestyle. Amazingly, the Dutch countryside wins for a getaway as it serves as a constant breath of fresh air to the stir of the city, which adds to the aspect of finding yourself diving deeper and renewing your touch with nature, as well as absorbing the holy joy of the old days.
A new and amazing journey awaits those braving a day trip from Haarlem, filled with the potential of endless surprises. And all around it, the Dutch countryside offers its treasures - whether you are a history lover, a natural lover, or just someone looking for a deep cultural experience at the countryside then it's gotch!
For a good day off, you should take into consideration the sorts of things that you like and attach importance to. For example, are you captivated by the deep-seated windmills and authentic crafts at the Zaanse Schans? Perhaps you are dazzled by the tulip fields at Keukenhof Gardens and the natural beauty that you can find here. Probably intriguing to you are the quaint fishing villages like Volendam or the ancient draw of Muiderslot Castle.
Among the choices between destinations, your day trip’s itinerary, on which you can play a crucial role by doing a good planning, is the main point. This process involves many aspects such as transportation, timetable, and the must-see highlights of the destination and is guaranteed to go smoother and more entertaining. You will be able to have a memorable trip without any problems as long as you pay out a good deal of your time and effort.
Explore a natural museum even now at Zaanse Schans, where Holland famous windmills say their last words. Just outside of Haarlem, this small town of Zandijk offers a set of unique windmills that were erected in the 18th and 19th centuries. Nowadays, Zaan River banks are a virtual time machine along which you can walk and listen to one of the main musical instruments with which history arranges its music.
There is a specific topic of conversation for each of the windmills in Zaanse Schans. From sawmills to oil mills, these structures were once used for various purposes, such as grinding spices, producing paint, and crafting wood. It was a time as significant as today to have a closer look at its interior, which will reveal the story of the engineering tools made for the facilitation of such windmills and their role in the local economy.
From the village of Zaanse Schans, we know it not just as a series of windmills, but as a proposition of Dutch craft and culture. While you walk around the town, you can see people engaging in craft demonstrating old Dutch traditions that have been keeping the craft alive for centuries.
Get inside a wooden shoe workshop and you will realize what it really takes to produce clogs, which represent Dutch culture very well. Where a family lives on the artistry a wooden block becomes handcrafted through, where they receive their livelihood by a hard and accurate technique, where they find peace and pleasure as they are surrounded by respect for the truths of craft.
Other traditional crafts on display at Zaanse Schans include:
Attending such meetings does not only provide an attractive invasion of Dutch heritage but also lets us feel and recognize how the long-established traditions can be saved using tremendous effort and skills.
Sampling some of the delicious Dutch dishes in Zaanse Schans has been a must-have experience. A great many cute cafes and restaurants can be found in the village which are endpoints each with their own peculiar traditional dishes that can blow your mind.
"Pannekoeken" is one of the best options for the delectable Dutch pancakes, however, "pannenkoek" is a Dutch term for them. This kind of thin and large pancake is served with a benefit of a variety of sweet or savory toppings such as syrup, powdered sugar, bacon, or cheese. Try them outside at one of those absolutely beautiful cafes whose windows boast the sight of windmills for visitors to get an exceptional experience.
Dutch Cuisine at Zaanse SchansDescriptionPannenkoekLarge, thin pancakes served with sweet and savory toppingsPoffertjesMini pancakes dusted with powdered sugarGouda CheeseThe iconic Dutch cheese, often served with mustard or chutneyErwtensoep (Snert)Traditional Dutch pea soup, perfect for a cozy meal.
Among the other great foods not to be missed, you can also directly word these rich, creamy Gouda cheese, the soothing Dutch pea soup erwtensoep, and the over treat loving stroopwafel (caramel-filled waffle cookie). Even the most demanding of taste buds will be satisfied by savoring tasty delicacies on a visit to Zaanse Schans.
The Dutch countryside undergoes a magical transformation every spring when tulips show their colors all at once. The best place to enjoy this natural spectacle is the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. A holy grail for flower enthusiasts and a typical vacation spot too, Keukenhof lies slightly to the southwest from Haarlem and is affectionately known as the Garden of Europe.
When someone is paying a visit to this place, the first thing that they'll expect is to be welcomed by a massive area full of colorful tulips, and that's Keukenhof. Each square meter of the gardens is worth seeing. This is the place which is organized with the most care for each detail and pattern in such a way that every person finds himself lost in the beauty of nature at Keukenhof.
But the beauty of Keukenhof extends beyond just the tulips. The gardens are also home to a stunning array of other spring flowers, including:
The combination of these blooms creates a symphony of colors and scents that will leave you in awe of nature's beauty.
Exploring the Keukenhof is a very enriching journey made at a famous garden in the Netherlands. Narrow walkways in Keukenhof twist through many idyllic gardens, each leading to a different world through which you have to take a trip.
While rambling through the gardens, make a point to concentrate on the weird ideas and accuracy to which the creation of such diverse spectacles should adhere to. At Keukenhof, landscapers break the back to make sure that the world is clearly seen, being perfectly clean and neat throughout the grounds that result in a magical sight to behold.
Besides the immense outdoor garden, visitors can also access different pavilions in the indoor area to get a full feel of the spring park. Actually, each pavilion is a different picturesque and showcases various kinds of trees and plants. A unique way of enjoying these plants that has not matched their appeal with the stars.
The gorgeous blossoms leaving the breathtaking atmosphere are all you need for your photo album, Keukenhof Gardens. For those whose passion is photography the gardens are a paradise. But they are also so special for those simply keen on creating some memorable pictures, they have an unending array of options.
Here are some tips for capturing the perfect photo at Keukenhof:
As you wander through the gardens with your camera in hand, don't forget to take a moment to simply appreciate the beauty surrounding you. The memories you create at Keukenhof will last a lifetime, long after the final petal has fallen.
At the edge of Lake Ijssel, Volendam is a small village known for fishery, offering a retreat from the urban cities at an ultimate level. With its typical colorful wooden houses, calm harbor, and happy community members, Volendam shows us at least a prelude of the traditional Dutch lifestyle
If you are meandering around the narrow streets and the little passages, you will start to think back in time, remembering the times when the village was living on fishing. The village's rich maritime history can be witnessed in the architecture, where the village shows off in the pointed roofs they feature and in the complex wooden facades.
Among the best things in Volendam is walking around the vibrant harbor, home to both traditional fishing boats and modern vessels. It's the best place to enjoy the genuine face of the village, with real people carrying out their usual vocations, and the occasional seagull flying by in the sky.
For the most realistic experience of eternal times head to a beautiful setting at one of the photography studios in Volendam, it's possible to choose the elegant Dutch clothing. The most complete set comprises these complicated grand dresses along with wooden shoes and cowls; so they are a piece of emblematic Dutch culture and a great source of fun photos.
As the material you put on touches your skin, you will feel connected to the past of this fishing village and the generations of fishermen and their families who have lived there. The photographers will then walk you through the best way to shoot amazing images so that your summertime visit can always be in your mind captured.
It is not just fun and exciting but also a great way of demonstrating the local culture and the history. It's a living proof of Volendam people's respect of their tradition and their future generations to live too.
Volendam's location and fishing industry have made it a place where good seafood is expected which means that it is known for its delicious seafood. There are nice restaurants and cafes, built along the promenade from which all of them offer freshly made fish and other sea foods.
One must soon discover the "Volendammer paling" which is the Volendam eel. This eel is so delicious, when it is smoked and then served with different extras such as bread, pickles, and onions. At Volendam, the eel tastes so authentically smoky that it truly imparts the essence of the sea and suggests a subject of fishing.
Other seafood specialties to sample in Volendam include:
In case you seek the true sea flavors, as a plan go to the harbor's floating fish market, where the seafood is delivered directly from the fishermen. The sellers, who are seafood experts, are the best people to consult when it comes to advice about preparation and consumption of the type of fish.
During your time of enjoyment when you taste the seafood of Volendam, take a few seconds to give respect to the long-term fishing traditions that have breathed such an idyllic setting. Through every savored bite, one can note the results of the manpower and stamina proved by the local fishermen and the nutritious sea that has fed the place for decades.
On the edge of the Vecht River, stands the Muiderslot Castle, which is a clear eyewitness to the rich history of the medieval times of the Netherlands. Built in the 13th century, this castle demonstrated strong walls and impeccable technique in its construction, making it last all this time and attracting tourists curious about history.
Once next to it, you will marvel in its grandeur. A gigantic stone fortress with fortified walls, rounded towers, and a towering drawbridge that shadowed visitors at first. The fact that this castle is strategically situated close to Amsterdam is a key point as it turned into a vital military defense point during the Middle Ages.
But Muiderslot Castle is beyond just a military stronghold; it also boasts a culture rich in history. The seventeenth century marked it as the castle that attracted the Dutch elite minds, with the presence of renowned poet and playwright P.C. Hooft. In the 17th century, Dutch culture flourished and brought along with it Muiderslot that among other things hosted recourse and literary meetings that allowed it to regress as a center of art and learning.
When you will visit Muiderslot Castle, you will have a chance to experience the beauty of medieval times. Once you walk over the drawbridge and step into the castle yard, you become the liable person to go back to one of the historical epochs of prosperity, gloriousness, fidelity, and flaunted love.
The inside of the castle is equally imposing with grand halls, cylindrical and spiral staircases, and rooms elaborately adorned with decoration. Whenever you just step into different chambers, you may obtain the know-how of the struggles and pleasures that are borne by the castle's society, from the patricians to the household help who maintained the functioning of the strong feature.
The knights' hall, one of the major attractions of the castle tour, contains very beautiful ancient weapons, armor, and the Carmel tapestries. This location reflects the magnificence and mightiness of the knights in the medieval period who owned the Muiderslot castle.
Other notable architectural features of the castle include:
When walking through the corridors of the Muiderslot Castle, make an effort to give the value of the ceremony and artistic skills used in creating such an ancient and magnificent building, from which people still benefit to the present day. Muiderslot Castle, situated in the heartland of the Netherlands, is truly a valuable possession of the Dutch people, through which you can recognize the very ancient times and get to know the delicious history of the country.
Regardless of the fact that it is a very nice place, the Muiderslot Castle provides a number of engaging activities and demonstrations to visitors who can explore the history through them. The experience of falconry is really fascinating. Using this chance, any visitor can go deeply into the age-old art through trained birds of prey.
You will have the unforgettable experience of seeing these magnificent falcons flying up so high and start their descent towards the victim as a newcomer to the field, a prospective falconry master who has never been properly explained about the whole process and its requirements. The falconers, who are known for their knowledge of falconry, will acquaint you with the history of falconry and the means of flying these birds when they take off providing both kids and adults with a unique educational experience.
After you have had a go at the falconry show, you may go casually along the flowered paths of the fortress park. The park is characterized by informal flower beds that look scenic with fully trimmed hedges to enclose the gardens. There is a uniquely special kind of beauty that is found in formal Dutch gardens that are harmonized with both symmetry and care. In these splendid and perfectly organized creations, nature turns into a peaceful and picturesque phenomena.
While walking along the garden stone paths, do not forget to see all the sculptures and fountains that can be found in the park. Those beautiful elements of art bring in with them an intriguing mood and at the same time make one feel like a part of nature thus providing the perfect scene for beautiful and memorable pictures to be taken.
The historic Muiderslot Castle has castle gardens that encompass a wide variety of plants and flowers and each has been strategically chosen to be reminiscent of the style and essence of a medieval garden. The gardens have a rich selection of smells which include herbs and a variety of colorful blooms that would charm the visitor of any age.
Thanks to the regular performances of the falconers, the garden of Muiderslot is not quiet but peaceful either. Instead, it offers visitors the opportunity to plunge into the Middle Ages and cherish the thoroughly captivating sight of this glorious castle. This is a rare sight of Dutch life from that period, and, therefore, a thriving one of the history devotees, the architecture specialists, and the nature lovers.
To make a trip to the Netherlands just perfect you have to try cheese, which is characteristic for the country. Without a thought, Edam is the main competitor among Dutch cheese types:
Edam - a famous Dutch cheese - is smooth, mild cheese, produced in the town of Edam since the Middle Ages, giving the cheese a vast amount of tradition and history. Even though time has passed, the Edam cheese still remains a peak of Dutch cuisine which is delicious and incorporates cheese.
Edam assures the possibility for visitors to know much more about the cheese that is a deeply-rooted tradition. In addition, Edam's cheese market, which is held every week in summer, is of lively and colorful nature there where the participants are offered a spectacle of singing and dancing during cheese production, while on the other hand, the people are in a hasty beside to make cheese quickly to keep up with the market. In the early morning, buyers and tourists begin to flock at this particular moment making it no less extraordinary.
The available Edam cheese selections are quite varied. From young and creamy ones to old and crumbly ones. The staff that sells cheese have a wide range of knowledge and can also help you find the perfect cheese you desire, they will also let you taste it through a sample.
Some interesting facts about Edam cheese include:
Whether you're a die-hard cheese enthusiast or simply looking to sample a taste of Dutch culinary heritage, a visit to Edam and its famous cheese market is an experience not to be missed.
Besides being a famous cheese center, Edam is an attractive place to visit, as one would discover it through a walking tour. Edam reminds of a typical European town with its long streets, narrow passages, old bridges, and houses that are in harmony with the surrounding nature.
As you stroll through the town's heart, take a moment to remember how the town grew into riches with its unique architecture reflecting the houses back from that time. The homes look distinctive with their remarkable facades painted in bright colors and snowball-topped building fronts. Uncountable windows and multicolored ones are also present in the houses. If it is over 100 years old or from the 18th century, it could be historical houses.
During a stroll through Edam, you may find the amazing Damplein known as the central square a hot topic of discussion, for instance. This cozy square has been reaching local history enthusiasts with its buildings that tell a story to the ones interested in history, including the impressive Great Church of Edam (Groote Kerk), built in the 15th century. The church is depicted as a majestic Gothic cathedral with a spire as high as the sky and the overall photo shoot can be completed here, too.
Other notable sights to explore in Edam include:
While strolling through the streets of Edam ignore not getting a drink or having a light meal at one of the parchment bistros the town is abundant with. Besides, you can sit outside under the sun and see people hurrying to get their chores done. During this time, absorb the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere and acquaint yourself with locals.
There isn't a visit to Edam where you will not encounter the classic cheese market. This unique market is famous for Edam cheese every Wednesday morning during the summer. The market is an inescapably budgeted place where the city of Edam comes alive. People look lively and excellent points of their life are explored, whereas elsewhere a shadowed world dumbfounded by things and their distances.
Right at the entrance of the market square, you can see heaps of Edam cheese. All of the cheese has been arrived in good order and they are all waxed red which gives them a distinguished appearance. If you manage to look closely into the clusters of the wine, you will find that stale the yummy iceberg is yellow. The clinking of the wheels and the scent of cheese fills the air as the sounds of amiable conversations are intermixed with the sound of people wearing wooden shoes that fall under the street.
The Edam cheese market is much more than a place to purchase cheese but rather a treasure trove of captivating history and traditions that have been passed down from one generation to another. The market has been sitting in this area from the 16th century, and many of the customs have been passed down from their ancestors to theirs and many remain unchanged.
Among the most interesting is the weighing and trading of the cheese in a traditional way, at which spectators are amazed. Here they are in the white-clothes representatives, who go together with colorful straw hats, skillfully carrying heavy barrows which are carrying large wheels of cheese on their shoulders. The cheese is then weighed on the age-old scales, with a lot of haggling and a good number of them giving in good nature to the customers and sellers.
After the weighing and trading, the public is given the rare chance of trying out some cheeses, which are both local and international, as anyone can pick samples in real time. Remember to make the types and different tastes so that you get to experience the taste and flavor of Edam cheese as a whole.
The cheese market in Edam is functioning as a platform not only for commercial purposes but also as a fun and jolly festival of the town's history and culture. Besides the market, which serves as a center for the commercial part of the event, other traditional music, folk dance, and entertainment programs attend this event. The joyous and festive atmosphere completes the image of the market and everything happening there cannot be missed.
For someone wishing to spend a day in Haarlem, the trip planning process should begin with planning its circulation. Luckily, it is known and loved for its accessibility, and great public transport networks, not just from within the city but beyond. Here you can travel leisurely, explore the rural surroundings by taking a train, and avoid the hassle of riding a car.
Among several others , they are the fastest and most convenient choice for day trips, which becomes the train. The Dutch National Rail Company is effective, trustworthy, and cheaper than driving a car. After Haarlem, the coastal city of Ijmuiden is literally inviting you in about half an hour. Another possibility is to visit the famous-the-others—the ones.-of-the cool town of Edam which is nearly an hour away.
Another alternative of transportation could be a bicycle rented. Dutch cycling culture is known throughout the world, and this culture is also characterized by numerous bicycle paths and lane systems, mostly graveled trails linking the rural lands across the country. Hiring a bicycle allows you to see the countryside at your own speed, leisurely passing and taking memorable pictures wherever you wish.
Other transportation options to consider for your day trip include:
Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, be sure to plan ahead and check timetables and routes in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free day trip.
Your day from Haarlem step has to be done carefully.If you don't want to miss anything interesting, first put on the list the places of your interest to go to them. But consider the fact that sometimes relaxation can offer better results than stress and a scattered mind showed as relaxed the travelers during their trips.
Begin by picking the key sites and then a grading scale to base your prioritizing preferences on. Take into consideration elements such as opening time, travel time, and the time to be spent at each place.
Here's an example of a well-planned itinerary for a day trip to Zaanse Schans:
By focusing on a single destination and allowing plenty of time to explore and enjoy the sights, you'll have a more relaxed and immersive experience.
Other tips given by people who themselves took a day trip are as follows:
Remember, the key to a successful day trip is to strike a balance between structure and spontaneity, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the beauty and charm of the Dutch countryside.
A trip from Haarlem should be memorable and convenient, that's why it is necessary to prepare wisely. At the same time it is important to note that every time may bring to the differences of the activities in which the traveler may engage and the climatic conditions, however, there are general items that no tourist should forget at home in order to make the day trip as comfortable as possible.
The first item to care for are the shoes. No matter if it is walking in the streets of a picturesque town, cycling in fields, or hiking in the woods, you should be shod in footwear that offer a stable walk and a cushiony step. It is the reason why you should look for good walking shoes or to adopt the other variant, sneakers, with a wide space left for your toes to move and breathe freely.
What are some things you shouldn't forget to bring when going on a day trip?
So, if you plan your trip to museums, castles, and other attractions, make sure to visit their web pages or contact them in advance to know whether they ask from you anything specific: maybe an identity document for your phone discount or a padlock to secure your bicycle, for example.
By doing this strategically and being prepared for any eventuality, you'll find yourself being at ease the whole of your one-day tour from Haarlem without unnecessary hassle or feeling uneasy.
We have researched some of the best day trip destinations near Haarlem, outing at each site with the varied Dutch countryside view. Traveling from the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans to the vivid tulip flower fields of Keukenhof Gardens you can easily see, there are a lot of good things around there, all of which are beautiful and charming, for your detection.
It can also be counted that the different aspects of the local region, like the indigenous crafts and food of Zaanse Schans, as well as Medieval plays at Muiderslot Castle, are significant. There is a beautiful spot on the way where you can always stop by to see the existing stage in the form of the pretty fishing village of Volendam and also the well-known cheese-making village of Edam, just like two pearls of pearl, each providing the perfect Dutch experience.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, the countryside around Haarlem has something to offer. With its excellent transportation links, stunning scenery, and friendly local atmosphere, this region is a true gem of the Netherlands.
If you've been touched by this guide's destinations and experiences, get your own day trip planned from Haarlem by all means. Just waste no time as soon as you get there. Take the first train there and do not wait!
Don't you forget to "Just Breathe" and indulge in every single moment whether gazing at such a beautiful sunset, trying out local snacks, or talking to lovable locals. In the Netherlands' countryside go slow along with putting off the tension and move on with the sweetness of simple things.
Don't be afraid to step off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known towns and villages around Haarlem. You never know what hidden gems you may discover, from charming cafes and artisan workshops to tranquil nature reserves and scenic bike routes.
This guideline, we hope, reads well and is practical as you go about your day trip from Haarlem. Making you feel the beauty and richness of the countryside should be highly appreciated through our detailed guide. If this is your first time in The Netherlands or you're a frequent traveler, the area around Haarlem will make you grow fonder of it. Haarlem and its surroundings are known for having a connection with people of all kinds and attracting tourists with their beauty...
Why don't you first design your own ideal day trip from Haarlem today? The rural settings, history and friendliness of locals make it an exciting experience for everyone who visits it. The mental picture when the journey starts and the other emotions encountered during the trip is something that everyone remember.
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the vibrant life of Haarlem. For more stories, tips, and local insights, keep exploring HaarlemToday. Don’t forget to share your favorite articles with friends and join the conversation on our social media channels. Until next time, keep discovering the unique flavors and experiences that make our city special
