3x things to do 15 minutes from Amsterdam

Broek in Waterland is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands. I can't help but agree with this. The old part consists mainly of so-called 'three-aisle' houses. A typical, old North Holland house, mostly decorated with a door calf. A door calf is a horizontal frame between the door and the skylight, on which the year can be seen. In addition, there are sometimes sayings or symbols on it. Also noteworthy are the various pastel shades in which the houses are painted, brightening up a walk through the village.

By boat through Waterland

In the ^17th and ^18th centuries, Broek in Waterland was a bargee village where many ship owners, rich merchants and captains came to live. Today, however, it is an oasis of calm due to all the greenery. It is a nice village to explore on foot or by bike, but I recommend you also rent a boat and explore from the water. From Broek in Waterland, you can discover the whole of Waterland in no time via specially marked sailing routes.

Fun fact: Napoleon visited Broek in Waterland and had a cup of tea with a view over the Havenrak. He did so in the teahouse of Cornelis Cornelisz Koker, who had the teahouse the 'Chinese Tent' built in 1792.

Enjoying the waterfront

The Havenrak is the old centre of Broek in Waterland. In spring and summer, you will see plenty of people canoeing, boating, supping and swimming here. In winter, if it has frozen enough, IJsclub Broek in Waterland will make sure there is adventurous skating. And fair is fair, nothing is more fun than skating on natural ice, right?

For me, visiting Marken was like unwrapping a gift. Marken used to be an island in the Markermeer, but since 1957 it has been a peninsula that can be reached by a dike. So you can easily get to Marken by car, but I recommend cycling. Don't worry about headwinds, nowadays there are several e-bikes you can choose from to make the trip to Marken just that little bit more pleasant. In any case, I loved cycling over the dyke, with the fresh wind in my face and the sun high in the sky. Cycling means you are not dependent on public transport and you can set your own pace. Which is nice, because the road to Marken is beautiful and I am sure you will enjoy the surroundings!

Idyllic island

What immediately struck me was the authentic character of Marken Primarily Dutch picturesque houses in shades of blue and green with red roofs. The inhabitants used to build houses on mounds, a coastal mound, against the regular floods they faced. The houses are surrounded by stretches of grassland, which are in turn surrounded by water and pretty little bridges. It is wonderful to see how current residents keep traditions alive and express love for their home town. Take Restaurant De Taanketel, for example; the owner's boyhood dream has come true by opening a restaurant here.

A trip to Marken

Visit the Paard van Marken - a magnificent lighthouse - to shoot beautiful photos and take in the Dutch surroundings. When visiting Marken, a visit to the Horse of Marken cannot be missed. More on this in this blog.

For lovers of Old Dutch history, Monnickendam is a delight. From Marken, you can take the ferry to Monnickendam, a small town with a big history. Start with a walk through the historic centre. Create your own walking route via the Grote- or Sint-Nicolaaskerk, the harbour and its wooden drawbridge and past monumental houses.

The history of Monnickendam

Thanks to its favourable location, shipping and related trade flourished early on in Monnickendam. As a coastal town on the former Zuiderzee and close to the inland lakes, Monnickendam was of economic importance. It was a convivial town with a fairly large population. Unfortunately, the exact number remains a mystery. Around 1500, the town was hit twice by fierce fires. Documents from that time were lost in the process.

Would you like to know more about the history of Waterland and Monnickendam? Then visit the Waterlands Museum De Speeltoren. Fun fact: The faintest chimes in the Netherlands are located in this Speeltoren. The fifteen bells date from 1595 and have never been replaced. Also curious about how that sounds?

A visit to Laag Holland should include an overnight stay. That is why I have collected some nice addresses for you. Places where you can fully enjoy the beautiful nature of this area; where you can soak up the history of the cities mentioned above and unwind.

• Bed & Beemster. Spend the night in a renovated gypsy caravan in the Beemster World Heritage Site.
• Juffertje in het Groen. A Tiny-house for four located in nature on the NH hiking trail. Be sure to take a bath, as the cottage has an outdoor pool with wide views.
• In the middle of a nature reserve, at the end of a dead-end road, lies holiday home "De Smid". With the Eilandspolder around you, you can take lovely walks. Would you rather cycle? This holiday home comes with a tandem bike. Enjoyment guaranteed!