From towering dunes to canal-laced polders: experience the diversity of North Holland from your holiday home in Egmond aan Zee!

The beauty of the Netherlands reveals itself especially clearly in North Holland! The province opens up with hiking and cycling routes in the high dunes, a boat tour through the Eilandspolder, and much more. Discover the castles and churches of Heemskerk, take a boat along the canals of Alkmaar, and paddle a canoe past windmills and reed-fringed waterways. All wonderful adventures you can enjoy while basing yourself in a holiday home in Egmond aan Zee!

Discover the North Holland Dune Reserve from your holiday home in Egmond aan Zee

A vast nature reserve where beach, dunes, and forests meet: the North Holland Dune Reserve stretches some 20 kilometers along the coast from Wijk aan Zee to Schoorl. Avid hikers and mountain bikers can indulge themselves on unpaved forest trails. From the Schoorl Dunes Visitor Center, several walking and cycling routes set off, opening up the unique dune landscape. Did you know you can also sit back on the Zonnetrein excursion train? Those with limited mobility can enjoy the hilly, wooded dune park this way!

Cycle through the dunes and enjoy wide-open views across the polders

Setting out by bike from Egmond aan Zee, you won’t run out of things to see—nature and history blend richly in this region. Dunes, castles, windmills, and colorful bulb fields in spring: it’s all on show when you hop in the saddle. Cycling is the quintessential way to explore from your holiday home in Egmond aan Zee. Head via the bulb fields to the dune area De Bleek and visit the medieval Abbey in Egmond-Binnen. A longer route leads through coastal forests to Bergen aan Zee and then across the polders to the historic city of Alkmaar, passing the remains of Slot op den Hoef and a chapel along the way.

Cycle to the castles of Heemskerk

For well-preserved castles, cycle south to Heemskerk. The town’s green belt hides several historic gems, starting with the stately Chateau Marquette. Guided tours of the castle run hourly on Sundays. On other days you’re welcome on the garden terrace, which pairs nicely with a short stroll. Besides the short yellow route, you can take longer walks of 5 to 9 kilometers. A reed-rimmed pond, a colorful spread of wildflowers, and an impressive tree-lined avenue are hallmarks of the landscape. History also leaves its mark—Saint Lawrence Church, with its fine façade and beautifully decorated spire above the nave, is a striking sight.

Another highlight on the edge of Heemskerk is Castle Assumburg, a true moated fortress with gardens reminiscent of Het Loo Palace—symmetrical and elegant. The allegorical white statues in the geometric castle garden form a special contrast with the brick stronghold in the background.

Visit the Luna recreation area from your holiday home in Egmond aan Zee

Heerhugowaard, east of Alkmaar, has a special appeal for visitors. Families and peace-seekers love the lake-rich Park van Luna. There’s little you can’t do here—from walking the dog to relaxing on the beach and enjoying watersports. The Twuyver Mill is a handsome sight on the polder banks of the Alkmaar Canal; you can also visit inside to see how grain used to be milled.

Cruise the canals of Alkmaar and the waterways of the Eilandspolder

For a historical and gezellig city outing close to Egmond aan Zee, head to Alkmaar. The Waagplein by the water, overlooked by the eye-catching Weigh House Tower, is a cozy spot with many terraces. The best activity, though, is a boat trip through the old center—join a canal cruise or rent a small motorboat and glide under drawbridges and arches as you enjoy the picturesque heart of the city. You can also book a cruise into the surrounding Eilandspolder, a reed-rich area with special birdlife such as Eurasian wigeon and spoonbill—and with a bit of luck, a peregrine falcon. The wide lowlands with ditches, windmills, and village scenes at the edges create a quintessentially Dutch landscape.

Tip: consider a canoe loop from Alkmaar towards Bergen. Along this route you’ll also enjoy Dutch natural beauty with meadow birds, reeds, and windmills.

Visit the Museum of Egmond and the Aquarium in Bergen aan Zee

The “Museum of Egmond aan Zee” offers a fascinating window into the history of the seaside town. Maritime heritage and the village’s development into a resort are brought to life. Admire a replica fishing boat, learn about the lighthouse’s vital role for the community, or listen to stories from the rescue service. Another all-weather attraction is the Sea Aquarium Bergen aan Zee. Here you’ll see not only familiar sea creatures but also species from the Amazon. More than 100 species await—from seahorses and clownfish to starfish and sharks.

Rent a holiday home in Egmond aan Zee

A holiday in Egmond aan Zee means more than a refreshing beach break. It also includes exploring the highest dune area in the Netherlands, where everyone—from casual walkers to mountain bikers—can enjoy forested dunes along the coast. Have an unforgettable holiday as you cycle endlessly through the dunes and admire the sweeping colors of the bulb fields in spring. Fancy a staycation by the sea? Rent a holiday home in Egmond aan Zee, cruise the canals of Alkmaar, and discover the polder landscape with windmills, reeds, and village spires on the horizon.