REALLY everything you're looking for around Alkmaar!

REALLY everything you're looking for around Alkmaar!

Looking for entertainment near Alkmaar? Then you've come to the right place! Here, you're right in the heart of the action and relaxation. The Alkmaar area has it all: water sports, forests, dunes, and even the sea. Here are the hotspots listed in random order. We can't choose the best spot either.

The Geestmerambacht

The Geestmerambacht nature reserve is located just outside Alkmaar, bordering Koedijk and Langedijk. It consists of a large lake, the Zomerdel, and a green area of ​​woodland, meadows, and reed banks. It's a wonderful place for walking, recreation by and in the water, and encountering Scottish Highland cattle. There are several playgrounds, restaurants, and cafes, and it's also a wonderful area for dogs. The area is also home to many (water) birds and even foxes. For more information, visit the recreation board's website.

The Alkmaarder and Uitgeestermeer

Between Alkmaar, the North Sea Canal, and Zaanstad lies the Alkmaardermeer and Uitgeestermeer recreation area. Here, there's plenty of space for water sports, walking, and cycling. There's also a wealth of cultural heritage to be found, including forts and windmills. This open, water-rich area is a haven for aquatic, migratory, and meadow birds. Numerous walking and cycling routes crisscross the area, including one with several ferries around the lake. You can rent a boat or take a boat tour, and there are several restaurants and cafes. There are also several beaches where you can swim and fish. For more information, visit the recreation board's website.

The Rekerhout

In Alkmaar-Noord, you'll find De Rekerhout Park. The park is designed as a nature reserve, with a strong focus on water and education. There's a herb garden and a petting zoo, as well as a nature playground, gas fields, and a boardwalk through the marsh. It's a wonderful place for walking and offers a wide range of sports and recreational opportunities.

The Alkmaarderhout

De Hout City Park is perhaps the oldest city park in the Netherlands. Construction began in 1607, modeled after the Haarlemmerhout. The park is known for the many free cultural festivals organized there in the summer by De Hout Cultural Park. You'll find plenty of nature, as well as a petting zoo and a playground. You can spend hours here, with or without the family. A fun fact: spoonbills often nest in the park during the breeding season.

Luna Park

Luna Park was created during the construction of the Heerhugowaard neighborhood "City of the Sun." Here, the water has been given ample space, creating plenty of opportunities for water sports. Waterskiing on the dedicated course, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, surfing, and swimming—it's all possible. The water is purified by a natural system of purifying plants. There's also plenty to do on land. There's a mountain bike trail and cycle paths that connect to the cycling network. And you can also enjoy the park on foot. There are various art objects, often depicted in everyday objects, such as benches, waste bins, and bicycle parking. It's a feast for the eyes. For more information, visit the recreation board's website.

Bergen and Bergen aan Zee

The largest recreation area in the Netherlands is, of course, the North Sea coast. With the forests and dunes in Bergen and the boulevard and beaches of Bergen aan Zee, you can enjoy endless Dutch nature. Bergen is easily accessible from Alkmaar and the surrounding area by bike and, of course, by car. Planning on cycling and walking in the dunes? Keep in mind that you'll need a dune card from PWN for part of the area. You can purchase these at the vending machines. For more information, visit Bezoek-Bergen.nl