8x the most beautiful nature and recreational areas North Holland

Discover the nature of Laag Holland

Be surprised by the most beautiful natural areas of North Holland. Special places, beautiful routes and unique bird species. You can really unwind in Amsterdam's backyard. Put on your walking shoes or get on your bike. The countless routes take you on an exploration of the typically Dutch landscape. Which nature reserve will you start in? We have listed the most beautiful ones for you.

Waterland-East

A beautiful piece of real Holland

Head out and discover the Waterland-East nature reserve. A unique peat meadow area where thousands of years ago people transformed the marshland into pasture. Large water lakes, swaying reeds and picturesque ribbon villages is what you can expect.

This area is also very important for the North Holland meadow bird population. Look for the birds among the riparian vegetation during a cruise on the Gouwzee. If you listen carefully, you will be treated to a brilliant whistling concert. Or jump on your bike and follow the road over dykes and through historic towns.

Discover Waterland-Oost.

The Ilperveld

Experience tranquillity in a historic landscape

Under the smoke of Amsterdam, you will find a beautiful wetland with countless islands of peat. The Ilperveld is one of the most beautiful peat meadow areas in North Holland where many birds live. The quiet area consists of marsh and water and is a nice place to escape from busy city life.

Take a walk into the moorland or join a boat excursion from the visitor centre. Along reed beds, canals and unusual vegetation, the skipper will be happy to tell you all about the landscape.

Discover The Ilperveld.

Zeevang

Enjoy the seaside in this special polder

All natural areas in North Holland have their own origins, and so does Zeevang. The name says it all; a few centuries ago, the island was captured by the Zuiderzee. People reclaimed the area and a lovely lowland was created north of Edam. To this day, the influence of the sea is still noticeable. You can learn about the special genesis of this area at Molen de Breek and Archaeological Mini Museum de Waterwolf in Etersheimerbraak.

Or learn about the history of the Zeevang during the 'Look Listen Dike' sub-routes. The routes introduce you to the dike between Hoorn and Amsterdam. The Markermeerdijk takes you into its habitat through a podcast along the route.

Explore the Zeevang.

Recreational area Alkmaarder- and Uitgeestermeer

Infinite recreational opportunities!

From challenging yourself on water skis to visiting cultural heritage. Recreation area Alkmaarder- en Uitgeestermeer is a great place to relax by the water and in nature. Grab your bike or put on your walking shoes and head out. Rather be in or on the water? You can swim, sail, sail, windsurf or kite surf in several places. So enjoy!

Looking for a nice nature cottage in North Holland? Located on the Uitgeestermeer lake is Erfgoedpark de Hoop, a park with various accommodations. Experience the ultimate feeling of holiday, outdoor life and freedom.

Discover the Alkmaarder- en Uitgeestermeer recreation area.

The Purmer forest

Out of town for a while

Do you already know Het Purmerbos? This forest is the youngest on the list, but definitely worth a lovely nature walk in North Holland! Poplar, ash, oak and beech trees. Walk the winding footpaths along the tall trees.

Children have fun in the adventure play forest, our faithful four-legged friends run through the dog-walking area and sports enthusiasts move through the silence and nature forest. Purmerbos is fun for everyone.

Discover all the activities in Het Purmerbos.

6. Recreational area Het Twiske

Everything for a wonderful day on the water

Meadows, flowery hay fields, marshlands and woodlands. Recreational area Het Twiske is perfect for long walks. Spot the most beautiful meadow, water and reed birds and admire the Scottish Highlanders. Did you know that this area contributes to the protection of the wigeon? That is because of the marsh zones, fresh waters and wet grasslands.

This water-rich area is also popular among boating enthusiasts, swimmers, sailors, divers and surfers. After all, one third of Het Twiske consists of water. It is teeming with recreational opportunities and routes. Here you will find fun for the whole family! Go climbing in the climbing park, or settle down at Paviljoen Twiske for a drink or a meal after a long day of recreation.

Discover recreational area Het Twiske.

The Oostzanerveld

Here you can still find a real boatman

Discover hundreds of islets and many ditches in The Oostzanerveld. In the past, the islets were used as grazing land for cattle. Boaters would sail flat-bottomed boats to feed or move the cows. This is still done to a smaller extent. Curious about how this is done? Visit The Sailing Farm or join a sailing excursion with the Koeman Express.

Oostzanerveld is a protected nature reserve in North Holland that is maintained in a sustainable way. This is because the islands are grazed by animals and are designed to ensure that the meadow birds enjoy themselves.

Discover The Oostzanerveld.

8. The Wormer and Jisperveld

An immense patchwork of peat

Small meadows surrounded by reeds and narrow ditches. A place where water and land create a beautiful patchwork quilt. The Wormer and Jisperveld is the largest contiguous peat meadow area in Western Europe.

Take a canoe among the many islands and look for the redshank, lapwing and black-tailed godwit in the polder. Or spot the dozens of meadow windmills in this area that play an important role in water management. Looking for an educational experience? Then join the boating excursions from Bezoekerscentrum de Poelboerderij.

Discover The Wormer and Jisperveld.