Purmerend is close to the Beemster and Wormer polders, and yet not far from the vibrant city of Amsterdam. It's the perfect place for a varied stay in North Holland, whether you want to shop, discover nature or are looking to combine both.
Purmerend was granted town privileges in the 15th century making it a very old municipality. Over the years, a canal was dug and a rampart with five gates built to protect the town. You can still see traces of these old landmarks today.
The Purmerends Museum in the old town hall on Kaasmarkt (cheese market) square is a good place to learn about the city and its convenient location between the Beemster, Wormer and Purmer polders.
Visit the area around Purmerend. Beemster, home to the famous Beemster cheese is near by. Here, for example, you can visit CONO Kaasmakers and buy delicious cheese in their little shop! For more Dutch tradition visit Volendam and get your photo taken in traditional Dutch costumes.
Purmerend is not only close to Amsterdam, which is ideal for a day of shopping in Kalverstraat, but also to the Markermeer and nature reserves such as Ilperveld. The latter is a marshy grassland with an interesting flora and fauna, perfect for a day out in nature.
The area around Purmerend is best explored by bicycle. Follow the cycle paths to Beemster or head towards Markermeer for a day of sailing. If you would like to stay closer to town, you can also hire a boat in town or on the outskirts of town. There is more than enough water!
Purmerend has a train station, making it easy to reach by public transport and visit from Amsterdam if you're staying there. If you're travelling by car, get on the ring road in Amsterdam and follow the signs for Purmerend.
Visit Purmerend and discover this typical North Holland landscape. What are you waiting for?
