Activities in and around Amsterdam

Opmeer is in the middle of the beautiful North Holland polder landscape with cities like Amsterdam, Haarlem, Zaanstad, Uitgeest, Heemskerk, and Ijmuiden. The North Sea coast is also only 8 km away from our two-person vacation studios in Beverwijk.

Tourism and recreation

In the municipality of Beverwijk there are various opportunities for recreation. Well-known locations such as the beach and dunes around Wijk aan Zee, but also lesser-known locations such as recreation area the Buitenlanden. These places are connected by various walking and cycling routes.

Beach and Dunes

Wijk aan Zee beach is a household name. Every year thousands of day trippers and holidaymakers flock to Wijk aan Zee to enjoy the wide beach, beautiful dune areas and the facilities offered by the cozy village. Hospitality, conviviality and casualness are what Wijk aan Zee is all about. Wijk aan Zee also has a special cultural life and is part of the "Cultural Villages of Europe" network. In the dunes is a permanent exhibition of the sculpture park "A sea of steel". But even outside the beach season Wijk aan Zee has fun to visit. For example, every winter it hosts the world-famous Tata Steel Chess tournament. A visit to the Beverwijk Bazaar (within walking distance of our studios) is definitely worthwhile.

More information can be found at:

Strand Noorder Pier IJmuiden Strand Noorder Pier IJmuiden is just 14 km away.

Recreation area the Outer Banks

This area lies east of Beverwijk and is partly still under construction. In this area the municipality, in cooperation with the province, is realizing the project between IJ and Z, the Buitenlanden. One of the characteristic elements in the area is the Defence Line of Amsterdam with the Fort along the Aagtendijk. The area is part of Recreatieschap Alkmaarder- en Uitgeestermeer (RAUM).

The RAUM is a joint arrangement of the Province of North Holland and the municipalities of Beverwijk, Alkmaar, Castricum, Heemskerk, Heiloo and Zaanstad. Its purpose is "to sustainably maintain natural and recreational areas for residents of the region."

The area includes a lake with Island Pannekoek in and around it and the recreational areas Dorregeest, De Hoorne, Uiterdam, De Woudhaven, Zwaansmeer, with beaches, sunbathing and playing fields and a day camping area.

Information about recreation areas, activities and the RAUM board can be found at www.alkmaarder-enuitgeestermeer.nl

Bicycle and hiking networks

On the (external) websites of PWN and the Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland you can read more information about hiking and biking routes.

Since 2016, there has been the beautiful walking route through the IJmond: the IJmond Trail.

On the bike you can "Along bunkers and forts". A route with a bicycle node system. You cycle the route by following the signs from one numbered node to the next. At each node there is an information panel with an overview map. This way you know where you are and where the other nodes are.

Walking network North and Middle Kennemerland

This walking network allows you to walk among the many beautiful landscapes and places in the region. It makes connections with the dunes and surrounding routes in West Friesland and Low Holland. All routes are signposted. At the starting points you can park and you will find an information panel. Visit www.wandelnetwerknoordholland.nl for more information and the routes.

Things to see and do in Amsterdam

With several top museums, trendy festivals, theaters, concerts, cozy pubs and delicious restaurants; there is always something fun to do! Check out the tips below and grab your calendar to plan some outings in Amsterdam.

Also check store opening hours to see until what time you can shop, or a list of all the fairs in the Amsterdam area for the best entertainment!