Schiphol-Rijk(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In North Holland Province, immerse yourself in traditional Dutch culture by visiting Zaanse Schans, where you can tour working windmills and watch artisan cheese-making at De Pijl. Stay overnight at Zaanserhof, a restored 18th-century farmstead offering hands-on workshops in wooden shoe crafting and tulip bulb planting.

For a deeper local experience, join a guided canal cruise through the Zaan River Delta, where historic shipyards and century-old warehouses line the waterways. Don’t miss the weekly Alkmaar Cheese Market, one of the oldest in the Netherlands, where locals still trade raw Gouda under the sun—perfect for food lovers seeking authenticity.

The prime spot for tulip fields in North Holland is the Bollenstreek region, especially around Lisse and Keukenhof Gardens. From March to May, vast swathes of vibrant blooms stretch across the countryside, with fields of purple, yellow, and pink tulips creating a surreal sea of color.

Rent a bike and ride along the Houtenweg Trail, which winds past scenic farms like De Rode Hoed, where visitors can pick fresh tulips. For panoramic views, stop at Pootwijk Viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of the flower-covered landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances photography opportunities, making it ideal for capturing golden-hour shots among the blooms.

For couples seeking romance in North Holland, stay at Museum Hotel Alkmaar, housed in a former city hospital with elegant art deco interiors and private balconies overlooking the Alkmaar Cheese Market. Enjoy a bespoke "Dutch Evening Dinner" featuring local cheeses, craft beer, and live violin music.

For ultimate privacy, book a lakeside villa in Zaanse Schans, such as Villa Zaanview, complete with a private hot tub nestled beside a tranquil canal. As night falls, the reflection of stars and spinning windmills creates a dreamlike atmosphere—perfect for intimate moments away from the world.

In North Holland, try a traditional Zaan River Delta boat tour from Haarlem, gliding past centuries-old windmills and historic shipyards. Many boats offer interactive guides explaining how wind-powered mills once drove the region’s economy.

For adventure seekers, Flevopolder Lake hosts beginner-friendly kayaking and windsurfing schools. Along IJsselmeer, experienced divers explore submerged 17th-century fishing vessels. During summer, join a nighttime illuminated paddle tour, where glowing boats float on still waters, casting shimmering reflections—creating a magical, starlit journey across the lake.

The Flevoland Nature Reserve offers a 20-kilometer loop trail through reed beds, wetlands, and ancient woodlands—ideal for birdwatchers spotting egrets and ospreys. Interactive signage provides QR codes to access species info via smartphone.

Another top route is the Zaanse Schans to Wormer greenway (12 km), winding past windmills, historic bridges, and old farmhouses. Lined with wildflowers and oak trees, it’s perfect for spring walks or autumn leaf viewing. Rest stops and viewpoints are strategically placed along the way. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and download offline maps for full navigation freedom.

North Holland's culinary identity stems from its agricultural and maritime heritage. Visit the Alkmaar Cheese Market, held every Sunday, where locals still hand-sell Gouda cheese using traditional wooden wheels—try aged, smoked, or herb-infused varieties.

The region is also famed for Zaan mustard, produced in family-run mills like Van der Heijden Mustard Mill, offering free tastings. Signature dishes include bitterballen (deep-fried meat croquettes) and stamppot—a hearty mash of potatoes, kale, and sausage—reflecting the Dutch love for simple, wholesome ingredients.

Restaurants like De Kruiskapel feature seasonal menus highlighting locally sourced organic produce, showcasing North Holland’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy.