Suggested Route

Would you like to discover the authentic, real Netherlands with windmills, historic villages, and harbors by the water? With the Old Holland route, you can easily travel along some of the most characteristic places in North Holland.

Start your route in Zaandam, the gateway to the Zaan region.

Are you traveling from Amsterdam and want to go directly to the Zaanse Schans? Then you can also use the Zaanse Schans Express (bus line 800), which takes you directly from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans.

Recommended stay: 2 hours

At the Zaanse Schans, most visitors turn left towards the windmills, but you can do it differently. Turn right and take a walk along the peaceful Schanszichtpad Kalverpolder. It’s an ideal spot to see the iconic windmills without the biggest crowds. Or visit the interactive Verkade Experience in the Zaans Museum and discover how the famous Verkade cookies and chocolate were made. A perfect first stop!

Make a relaxing stop in Purmerend and have lunch at the lively Koemarkt. Then visit the Purmerends Museum and discover the history of this former market town in Waterland.

Volendam is a lively harbor town on the IJsselmeer. Stroll along the dike, look out over the fishing boats in the harbor, and discover the small streets behind the quay. The village is known for its maritime history and cozy terraces with views over the harbor. At Restaurant Pieterman, you can enjoy a drink on the sunny terrace.

From Volendam, you can also easily take the Marken Express for a short and beautiful crossing to the picturesque Marken.

The route ends in Edam, a compact and charming town where you can still clearly see the historical character of North Holland. If you are a cheese lover, Edam is the place to be. In summer, the Cheese Market truly comes to life. Stroll through the center along canals, little bridges, and monumental houses, and discover why Edam has been such a special place for centuries.