Netherlands North Holland

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

Haarlem is the capital of the province of North Holland and is situated at the northern edge of the Randstad, one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe. There are several museums in Haarlem. Since the 18th century, Haarlem has historically had more museums per inhabitant than any other city of the Netherlands. It also has the highest number of defunct museums per inhabitant. The city contains several theatres, cinemas and other cultural attractions (apart from the museums). Beer brewing has been a very important industry for Haarlem. The heyday of beer brewing in Haarlem goes back to the 15th century, when there were no fewer than 100 breweries in the city.

Zandvoort is a municipality and a town in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. Zandvoort is one of the major beach resorts of the Netherlands; it has a long sandy beach, bordered by coastal dunes. It is also the site of the country's most important automobile racing circuit, Circuit Park Zandvoort. There is a nudist beach located about 2 km to the south, with 6 cafés or restaurants; it extends several kilometers further south. The municipality of Zandvoort consists of the communities of Bentveld and Zandvoort.

Volendam is a popular tourist attraction in the Netherlands, well known for its old fishing boats and the traditional clothing still worn by some residents. The women's costume of Volendam, with its high, pointed bonnet, is one of the most recognizable of the Dutch traditional costumes, and is often featured on tourist postcards and posters (although there are believed to be fewer than 50 women now wearing the costume as part of their daily lives, most of them elderly). There is a regular ferry connection to Marken, a peninsula close by. Volendam also features a small museum about its history and clothing style, and visitors can have their pictures taken in traditional Dutch costumes.

Alkmaar has many medieval buildings that are still intact. The other main attraction is Alkmaar's cheese market, one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. The cheese market traditionally takes place on the first Friday in April and the last market of the season is the first Friday in September. After the old-fashioned way of the hand clap, traders and carriers will weigh the cheeses. The demonstration, it is possible to buy all kinds of cheese related products. Alkmaar has two large theatres and a big cinema. A red light district is situated at the Achterdam, and Alkmaar has a nightlife scene as well which takes place in the pubs in front of the cheesemarket.

Hoorn is a municipality and a town in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. It is located on the IJsselmeer, 35 kilometres north of Amsterdam, and acquired city rights in 1357. Cape Horn, the most southerly point of the Americas, was named after the town by Willem Schouten, who founded it in 1616. The Hoorn Islands of the Oceanian nation of Wallis and Futuna are also named after this city. Hoorn is home to several museums, and also offers numerous water activities. It is still an active trading center.

Aalsmeer is a municipality and a town in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. Its name is derived from the Dutch for eel (aal) and lake (meer). Aalsmeer is bordered by the Westeinderplassen lake, the largest open water of the Randstad, and the Ringvaart Canal. The town is located 13 km (8 mi) southwest of Amsterdam. Because the largest flower auction in the world is based in Aalsmeer, along with numerous nurseries and an experimental station for floriculture, the town is sometimes referred to as the flower capital of the world.

Edam is a city in the northwest Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. The name Edam originates from a dam on the little river E or IJe where the first settlement was located and which was therefore called IJedam. Edam is famous as the original source of the cheese with the same name. The old town centre, within the borders of the old city walls, is nowadays protected by the government, both the main structures and architectural details. A number of notable buildings survive in good condition. Edam held commercial cheese markets till 1922. Since 1989, the cheese market in Edam has been revived as a re-enactment for tourists.

Enkhuizen was one of the harbour-towns of the VOC from where overseas trade with the East Indies was conducted. It received city rights in 1355. In the mid-17th century, Enkhuizen was at the peak of its power and was one of the most important harbour cities in the Netherlands. Nowadays, Enkhuizen continues the maritime tradition and has one of the largest marinas of the Netherlands. It is also the location of the Zuiderzeemuseum, an open-air museum reflecting life in the villages around the Zuiderzee throughout history. Most of the buildings in the museum come from other locations in the Netherlands, such as Purmerend and Amsterdam.

Muiden is home to several fascinating sites, including Muiderslot (Muider Castle), a well preserved castle from the Middle Ages, Muizenfort (Mice Fort) a 19th-century fortification part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, Fort Pampus Island, an artificial island that is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam (Dutch: Stelling van Amsterdam), as well as various regional walking and cycling routes pass Muiden. More recreational and tourist information on Muiden travel guide from Wikivoyage. Muiden is also home to a historic Gunpowder factory, that has since closed down.

Naarden is located in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. Naarden is an example of a star fort, complete with fortified walls and a moat. The moat and walls have been restored and are currently in excellent condition. Naarden in home to several historic sites, including the Spanish House. The house was originally a church building converted to house migrants. Today, the historic building serves as a the Weegschaal Museum. The Great Church is one of the oldest surviving churches in The Netherlands. The church has numerous wooden vaults that are painted with scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

Den Burg is a town in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Texel on the namesake island, and lies about 12 km north of Den Helder. Located in the middle of the island, Den Burg is the largest city of Texel. It features a historic centre and also the town hall. Outdoor markets are held each week in the main square. Nevertheless, Den Burg is the island's least touristic settlement. A monument to the constructed language, Esperanto, is on the corner of Kogerstraat and De Zes. It was constructed in 1935 when Esperanto was widely spoken throughout the island.