It’s summer vacation in the North Holland region. Where we previously shared five hidden gems of the province, there are plenty of other beautiful places to be found. Therefore is it your turn now and we share five tips vto the NH readers.
1. The Hemmeland
Behind the dike of Monnickendam you will find the Hemmeland, a recreation area that grents on the Gouwzee. You can be there cycling, walking, swimming, sailing and surfing. There is also a campsite and marina where you can moor your boat.
In order not to miss anything of Hemmeland, you can follow the walking or cycling routes along sunbathing lawns where you have beautiful views of the area. If you choose the Troeterroute, then you take a walk of about six kilometers along special places in Monnickendam.
On a summer day you can swim at one of three sandy beaches. In summer, the quality of the water is inspected and the area is cordoned off with a ball line. Surrounded by water, the recreational area is the perfect place for activities such as jet skiing, sailing and surfing. You can even take surfing and sailing lessons at the nearby sailing school.
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2. Lutjestrand
In the head of North Holland on the Amstelmeer you will find the Lutjestrand in Westerland. In addition to swimming, wind and kite surfers are also at the right place here. You can swim blue-green algae free, because there is a swimming pool at the sandy beach. In addition, you can easily moor your boat and sup and surf at the beach.
Pleistocene sand has been around for over 100,000 years, and it is probably the oldest beach in the Netherlands. In 1990, a new layer was sprayed over the old sand to protect the old sand. As a result, the Lutjestrand has become even larger and you can spend hours there in the summer.
If you want to see more of nature, the round Amstelmeer is the perfect route to enjoy the peace, birds and the view. The walk takes 14 kilometers, starting from Lutjestrand along the Amstelmeer runs to Ulkesluis, dand Haukesand and van Ewijcksluis.
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3. The Twiske
You will find the nature and recreation area above Amsterdam-Noord Twiske, located in the Zaan region. The area has several sunbathing areas, a harbor with boat and canoe rental and no less seven beaches.
That’s how it is Doesstrand one of the seven beaches near Oostzaan, Landsmeer and Amsterdam where you can swim in the summer and where children can play.
Next to the many swimming spots, the Twiske also offers various walking and cycling routes where you can spot birds at one of the viewpoints. To see even more of nature, you can opt for the red Twiskeroute, the yellow Morgenstondroute or the green Marsenroute. With a bit of luck you will come across a Scottish Highlander, buzzard or pheasant.
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4. Ghost Mer Craft
The recreation area Geestmerambacht is located in the municipalities of Alkmaar and Langedijk, which consists of a large lake surrounded by all kinds of sandy beaches, playgrounds and forests. In the summer you can swim in one of the eight swimming bays or paddle board.
Not far from Geestmerambacht you will find Park van Luna, on the edge of Heerhugowaard. A nature reserve where you can walk, cycle and swim. Here you will also find a beach where you can row, surf and swim.
In the northwestern tip of Geestmerambacht you will find De Groene Oase. In the northern part there is a food forest with, among other things, nut and berry plants. In the southern part is another fruit tree meadow, where you can pick apples and pears.
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5. Toolenburgerplas
The Toolenburgerplas is an artificial lake located in the Toolenburg district of Hoofddorp. The lake was created by sand extraction from the Floriande and Toolenburg districts. This created a pond that has become increasingly larger and has ended up in the Toolenburgerplas. The lake is seen as an oasis of peace and is surrounded by lawns where you can sunbathe and beaches.
The Toolenburgerplas is a popular diving area among divers. The lake has a clay wall and the water is clear with many fish such as carp, eels, bream, pike and catfish in the shallow water. It is not for nothing that it has a diving course that has been constructed by diving team Haarlemmermeer.