Step back in time to Old Holland

Old Holland towns such as Volendam, Zaandam and Alkmaar hark back to times of more honest crafts, showcasing the traditional skills the region was famous for: shipbuilding, fishing and cheese making. Alongside such classic industries, you can also experience the heritage of the industrial revolution – a time when smoking chimney stacks and spinning sails enabled the mass production of chocolate and biscuits.

Old Holland destinations

Marken

Marken is a former island in the Markermeer that remains a popular seaside getaway. Visit via the long causeway or by ferry.

Volendam

Experience Volendam: a charming harbour village on the shores of the IJsselmeer, just 20 km north of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Waterland

The home of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: De Beemster and the Amsterdam Defence Line.

Edam

This idyllic town produces a brand of cheese that’s beloved by food fans from around the world.

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans offers a perfectly preserved glimpse into the Netherlands' industrial past with its traditional houses, windmills and workshops.

Activities, excursions, hotels and more

I amsterdam's selection of highlights of things to do and places to stay, eat and drink in Old Holland, including restaurants, hotels, excursions and attractions.

Getting to Old Holland

Old Holland is just a short trip from Amsterdam with public transport. Find out what you can see on the way.

Old Holland itineraries

Whether you have a full day to spend or just half, here's a selection of suggested itineraries for taking in the best sights and experiences of the Ol...

De Beemster

The Beemster is a Unesco World Heritage site that’s an oasis of scenic polders, waterways, dikes, restored mills and charming, traditional farmhouses....

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Old Holland route

Experience the Netherlands of a bygone era: cheese, clogs, traditional dress and eels.

6 reasons why Old Holland is the capital of cheese

Out of all the ‘typically Dutch’ items, cheese is probably our favourite – and certainly the most delicious! And with its markets, cheese dairies and ...

Monnickendam

Monnickendam is a town in Noord-Holland on the bank of the IJsselmeer. Its history goes back to the Middle Ages when the small village was buzzing wit...

5 facts about windmills

Windmills are an Old Holland tourist attraction – a quaint symbol of Dutch tradition – and visiting one (or several!) makes for a lovely day out. Did ...

Where next?

Haarlem

A city of remarkable history and culture, Haarlem is just a short hop from Amsterdam but packs a unique punch. With spectacular monuments dating back ...

Castles & Gardens

Delve into the fascinating history of the Dutch Golden Age by exploring the ancient castles that were once the homes of wealthy merchants. Many of th...

New Land

Although famous for its historic city centre, the Amsterdam region is always evolving as new immigrants and diverse cultures make their mark on many n...