Wind mills, chees &wooden shoes

Let’s embrace the charm of North Holland’s most iconic villages

If you're looking to escape the city, a day trip to the villages just outside Amsterdam is the way to go. It’s a relaxed journey filled with romantic wooden houses, quiet canals, centuries-old windmills, and cozy little harbours. Whether you’re into history, photography, or just in it for the cheese and wooden shoes, there’s something here for everyone. It’s the perfect chance to slow down and see a more traditional side of the Netherlands.

In most guidebooks, you’ll find these spots labelled as “fishing villages” or “typical Dutch towns.” But what does “typical Dutch” even mean when it comes to a place like Volendam? What’s life like nowadays on the former island of Marken? And why is Zaanse Schans such a magnet for travellers from all over the world? That’s exactly what we’ll explore together on this one-day adventure.