Amsterdam and Haarlem by bike Family Trip

Individual arrival in Haarlem. The bus stop is right in front of the hostel, on the northern outskirts of the city next to a small park called Schoterbos, boasting beehives and community vegetable plots and flower gardens. Make your way down to the city centre to see historical Haarlem in its full glory. Museums such as the free Archaeology Museum for local finds and wonderful old Teijlers Museum for the sciences appeal to children. Alternatively, visit an enormous museum windmill called De Adriaan overlooking the river and the city.

Via Overveen > Zandvoort > Bloemendaal.
Today you can explore the lovely city of Haarlem before setting off for the coast. Everybody knows that this part of Holland is low-lying, even below sea level. So what stops the sea from flooding the land? Along most of the coastline it’s the dunes! Sandy dunes, preferably quite wide and hilly and covered in beach grass so the sand doesn’t blow away. So as soon as you spot the dunes, you know that the sea can’t be far off. Just wait till you see the big sandy beach! You can go hunting for pretty seashells, small crabs and tiny hermit crabs; jump waves; build sand castles etc. Or you choose a shorter loop and cycle around the elegant city of Haarlem in 18 kilometers.

The town of IJmuiden is a favourite with dads. Not only do they find the blast furnaces at the steelworks awe-inspiring, the famous lock system at IJmuiden also has the most mesmerizing effect on them. The complex of locks connects the North Sea to the North Sea Canal. Sea ships on their way to the Port of Amsterdam pass through the locks while you watch them up-close; cruise ships, cargo vessels, pleasure yachts… A shorter cycling route of about 19 km is also possible. Thirteenth century Assumburg Castle in the village of Heemskerk is where you will stay the night! This hostel is a dream come true. Surrounded by a moat and gardens it certainly looks the picture so your son will feel like a knight and your daughter will feel like a princess; a princess in a bunkbed… Important! Please note the bedrooms of Stayokay Heemskerk are divided into two buildings, the Castle and the Orangery. If you make a reservation you will get a room in the Castle or in the Orangery.

Via Noorddorp > Castricum aan Zee (Castricum by the Sea)  > Castricum.
This will be another day well-spent, enjoying the coast. The route is a little shorter to give you plenty of time to roam the windswept dunes and relax at the seaside.  Then hop on your bikes to return to your castle. There is also a longer route (45km) you can go through the dunes to Egmond aan Zee. This route can also be shortened (34 km) by not visiting Egmond aan Zee.

Via Westzaan > Koog aan de Zaan > Het Twiske > Landsmeer > Amsterdam Central Station.
The spotlights are on the Zaan Region today, named after the River Zaan. The region is famous for its traditional architecture: green-painted wooden houses, sheds, warehouses and even windmills. Prime examples have been grouped together at Zaanse Schans, very touristy but oh so pretty! Do stop off there for a good dose of nostalgic cultural history. Kids can find out about cheese making and wooden shoes; or climb up a creaking, shuddering windmill. Het Twiske is a lovely, leafy recreational area offering sporting activities on and off the water.

The centre of Amsterdam is beautiful. But other districts also offer a variety of architecture, culture and lovely parks. Go to Vondel Park, for example, and continue to Museumplein or P.C. Hooftstraat for the biggest fashion and luxury brands. For waterside chilling, check out Oosterdok with a view of (replica) 17th century sailing ship “The Amsterdam”. If you want to board the ship, go to the National Maritime Museum and you’ll be in for a very interesting afternoon.

Leave the city and plunge into peaceful, wide-open countryside. The picturesque village of Spaarndam was built around a dam across the River Spaarne where the river emptied into a saltwater bay (this was very long ago – nowadays there is no sea to be found!). Kolksluis lock, an opening where boats can pass through the dam, is said to be the oldest working shipping lock in Europe (1280). You may be interested to see the monument to the “Little Hero of Haarlem”. On Youtube you can hear Sara Cone Bryant’s version of this folktale for children about a boy who plugged a hole in the dike with his fist and saved the town from flooding.

After filling up at the breakfast buffet, it’s time to pack your bags and make your way home.