Top Things to do in North Holland Province
Top Restaurants in North Holland Province
10 Ferries in North Holland Province That You Shouldn't Miss
Mostly jutting northward from its largest city of Amsterdam and its capital of Haarlem, the Noord-Holland region has much more to offer beyond those two wonderful cities. At Muiden is the magnificent Muiderslot Castle, as if it stepped out of a fairy tale. Showing more wear but no less interesting is Brederode Castle at Santpoort. At Zaanstad is Zaanse Schans, one of Holland’s top tourist destinations and a family-friendly open air museum of windmills, traditional buildings, crafts and shops.
Restaurants in North Holland Province
1. Amsterdam Tourist Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, and sail with our historical boats to Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot or Fortress Island Pampus! We are the only company that offers this adventurous and interesting tour, to some of the best kept secrets of Amsterdam. Did you know that Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot is already 700 years old, and the best kept medieval castle of Holland? Or visit fortress Island Pampus, where soldiers lived untill world war I. Both destinations offer ample activities to discover the unique Dutch water defence works, and military history. Or just relax and enjoy the sunny ride! The ferry service is carried out with a traditional barge, built in 1899, and is named Sailboa. On board you'll find a fully equipped bar, toilets, a flush deck with tables and chairs and for cold and wet days the interior is heated!
Reviewed By Anna911
My one complaint with this trip out to Muiderslot would be the lack of signs pointing you to the boat while you're still in the city. The easiest way to know you're in the right spot is that if you see a small marina, cross the major road to the river and look for the only boat that moored their. Most likely that's what you're looking for. According to the boat operators, if you're on the tram to get there the drivers can point you in the right direction. That would have been a helpful piece of information to have before I found the boat. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the castle. It was ample time to explore. The castle was surprisingly light on visitors. I don't know if that's lock or if it's normal. There was a rather large tor group that arrived as we laughed so luck definitely played a role. The castle has been rebuilt fairly recently. So there's not a ton inside that's original. They have fitted out a few rooms with furniture, including some very unique pieces. You also have quite a dedicated focus on defense of the castle. The castle grounds include a small falconry, gardens and a cafe if you choose to eat there. It was a fun way to see a different side of Holland with out driving out of the city. If you have the time, I recommend taking the ferry to at least one of the stops.
2. Watertaxi Hoorn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The Watertaxi was founded in 2011 to entice visitors of the harbour to park their cars outside the city and transport them by boat from there to the centre of the city and the harbour. While sailing they admire the beautiful ancient buildings, canals, locks and how the city was originated. As a result of the enthusiastic reactions we started to offer boat tours where the boatman guides you through all this beauty in your own language. This kind of tours usually last 60 minutes. On board you can enjoy wine, chilled beer and soft drinks, all for free. On request we can also provide little snacks or fulfil other wishes. Boats; Our first boat, we started with, is a beautiful Norwegian aluminium lifeboat from 1956. This is exactly the right size to pass the lowest bridges and to get to the best spots in town and is also suitable for the Markermeer. The boat can accommodate 12 guests. Since 2015 we have, as a second boat, a fully electric one, suitable for 18 people. Environmentally friendly and wonderful quiet, so you and your party can enjoy even more. You rather cruise by yourself? We have also an electric boat for rent, so you can be your own skipper and discover Hoorn at your own pace.
3. Volendam Marken Express
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 781 reviews
Since 1933, the Marken Express has been sailing, daily every 30-45 minutes starting at 10.30 am in Volendam between the two old fishing villages of Volendam and Marken. From the boat you have a great view of the fi shermen’s houses standing along the dyke.Captainsbar & Audio guide on board in Dutch and Englisch. Bicycles are welcome on board. Sails all year round.
Reviewed By sylvesterd2013 - Volendam, The Netherlands
The Volendam Marken Express Ferry to Marken was fantastic with a very neat clean and well-maintained ferry. Captain Richard's hospitality was simply the best including inviting us in his cabin and showing us how the meters n the ship works, gave us background of how the dam to separate the sea n River was built and how the transformation from 450 boats to 4 fishermen boat happened - a memory we will never forget! Captain Richard went out of his way to ensure all passengers enjoyed the ride and provided a great trip! We would highly recommend this experience. Thanks Captain Richard you are awesome!!
4. Buiksloterweg Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By MariaVeec - Athens, Greece
Excellent free service from Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam Noord, a couple of minutes ride, crossing the river, that runs every 5 minutes. The alternative is to go by car, tram etc and make a big circle more than 5 kilometres, that can be around 15 minutes ride.
5. TESO Koninklijke Texels Eigen Stoomboot Onderneming
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Reviewed By 723petrd - Pardubice, Czech Republic
The transportation from Den Helder to Het Horntje on the island Texel and back. You pay only the ticket to the island. In Den Helder you can use a bus of public transport from the train station to the port. This bus goes every hour dirrectly according to the ferry. After leaving the bus at the port you can board the ferry. And this rule is the same after landing the ferry at the port. The ferry sails every hour. On the island after leaving the ferry you can use a bus of Texels hopping. It waits for passengers of the ferry. This service is provided every hour as well.
6. Ferry Terminal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By jaywalkingaroundtown - Calgary, Canada
Located behind the central station. It is FREE to take the ferry and cross to the other side of Amsterdam. Watch out for the bikes in full speed. Once you area on the other side, It is a 5 minutes cross, you will experience a much more calm part of the city. On their site Adam's lookout and the music museum.
7. Pampus Veer Boot
8. Zaanferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Experience Old Holland from the water! Discovering the region of Old Holland is best on the waters of the Zaan. On the water you will have first place seats to the rich heritage sites on the banks. You will see traditional windmills, monumental warehouses and factories with names as Batavia, Saigon and de Liefde (translated as the Love). At each stop there is a new story to discover. To add to your experience: Download the free app izi.TRAVEL and follow the ZaanSpotter tour. On board we have: - A bar with a view - Drinks & snacks - Free WiFi - Airconditioning & heating - A free App - Room for bikes You can buy your ticket on the website or on board
Reviewed By 688shint
What an experience to travel to Zaans schans! It took nearly 2 1/2 hours but we enjoyed every minute of it. We had a unexpected 45min stop at Zaandam due to water level difference. We had a private ‘Tour guide’ from the captain owner’s friend around Zaandam, discovered the history of Zaandam and the Russian Tsar Peter I and his unique residence. Definitely recommend this to anyone who likes to experience the unique sight of Netherlands waters (cost 10euro per journey , 15 return). I will also recommend this for family with young children The internet site can be more informative of where exactly the meeting point is. We struggled to find the dock. It is situated just behind the main station. Walked passed the underground of the station.
9. Teso Ferry Port
10. DFDS Seaways, Felison Terminal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By cml017 - Kilmacolm, United Kingdom
Pleasantly surprised by quality of Explorer buffet. Good live entertainment. Small but adequate cabin. Good value.
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