Haarlem is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, or at least that’s what we think. The city has about 150,000 inhabitants and is located on the river Sparenne. The city has an attractive city center with many monuments and sights such as the Frans Hals Museum and the Teylers Museum. In addition, Haarlem is known for its wide variety of cafes, restaurants and shops in the large shopping streets. Did you know that Haarlem was voted the best shopping city with the most varied range of shops in 2013 ?! (CBS research)

Culture

There is a lot to experience in Haarlem in the field of culture. For example, the city has a number of stages: Philharmonie, Toneelschuur, Patronaat and the Stadsschouwburg Haarlem. All offer a high-quality program in the fields of theater, dance, music and film, among others. As already mentioned, Haarlem also has museums. The best-known are the Frans Hals Museum and the Teylers Museum. The 100th anniversary of the Frans Hals Museum will be celebrated in 2013 with the Frans Hals Year. The oldest museum in the Netherlands (1784) is also in Haarlem, namely the Teylers Museum. In 2011 this museum was nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List. But there’s more. In addition to the museums and cultural venues mentioned, Haarlem offers a number of leading gallery tours, each with its own style. The best-known in Haarlem are the Nieuwe Vide, Horizonverticaal, Gallery 37 and De Vishal. We are convinced that Haarlem has something to offer for every culture lover.

Culinary

After Maastricht, Haarlem has the most cafes and restaurants in the Netherlands, which is one of the reasons why the city is known for its rich culinary life. From simple to exclusive, from trendy coffee bars to cozy bar cafes, you can not imagine it so crazy whether it can be found in Haarlem. The city even has its own annual culinary event: ‘Haarlem Culinair’. During this event in August, various restaurants can present themselves to the public.

Logistics

The city is best reached by bicycle from Camping ” De Liede ”. If you do not have a bicycle, you can use the opportunity to rent one from us. You will be on the road for approximately 20 minutes. The train and bus are also options to reach the city center of Haarlem. The boarding point for both the bus and the train is approximately 15 minutes walking distance.

Anyone who thinks of Zandvoort will immediately think of sun, sea and beach. Zandvoort has long had a reputation as the most famous seaside resort in North Holland. Zandvoort has always been known for its wide beaches, dunes and lively center. Large and small events are organized throughout the year.

Beach

Of course you know the beach for sunbathing in the summer, but also in the other seasons in the great stay on the beach of Zandvoort. Jogging, getting a breath of fresh air or just enjoying the now and then wild North Sea, it is all possible. Dogs are also allowed. Please note, this is not allowed all year round, for more information click here.

Nature

The variety in vegetation is very large and because of this we see a rich flora and fauna. In addition to many foxes, deer and rabbits, the Kennemer dunes are home to all kinds of birds, insects and amphibians. In addition, there are also different types of bats that sleep and hibernate in the old bunkers that are left over from the Second World War. Cattle, sheep and horses were also released in this area a few years ago. Do not be alarmed if you are cycling or walking in this beautiful area and suddenly a herd of Scottish Highlanders are on the cycle path! It is best to leave the animals alone and walk around them in a wide circle. Nowadays, bison (the last wild primeval cattle in Europe) also graze there. To view these beautiful animals, a special viewpoint has been created near the lake where the bison come to drink. Kraansvlak is an open dune area with remains of a sea village landscape. There are playgrounds and grazing by cattle and ponies.

Circuit Park Zandvoort

The Circuit Park Zandvoort is inextricably linked to the seaside resort of Zandvoort. A legendary and internationally renowned circuit, loved by both athletes and spectators with a history that goes back more than 60 years. Dozens of events still take place every year that make tens of thousands of racing fans beat faster. In addition to various spectacular national motorsport events, the calendar also features international highlights such as the Deutsche Toerenwagen Masters (DTM) and the Masters of Formula 3.

Click here for more information about Zandvoort.

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a stone’s throw from Haarlem. The landscaped canal belt at the end of the 16th century is one of the city’s main attractions. Other important attractions are museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Red Light District, the coffee shops and of course the large squares. Did you know that Amsterdam has the most nationalities in the world?

Culture

There are many museums in Amsterdam. The largest are located on the Museumplein, these are the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum. In addition, there are a number of smaller museums in other places in the city. The Tropenmuseum, the Amsterdam Museum, the Jewish Historical Museum, the palace on Dam Square, the Anne Frank House and the Rembrandt House are examples of this. In addition to the museums mentioned, there is more culture in Amsterdam. The Royal Theater Carré, the DeLaMar and the Stadsschouwburg are examples of well-known Amsterdam theaters and theaters. The site on which the Westergasfabriek is built is also worth a visit. At the beginning of the 21st century, a new culture park arose here, where many exhibitions, performances and festivities are now organized.

Logistics

Amsterdam has ten train stations, of which Amsterdam Central is the largest and best known. As a visitor of camping De Liede you arrive at Amsterdam Central train station within 15 minutes. The intercity to the center of Amsterdam runs every fifteen minutes. In good weather it is advisable to visit Amsterdam by bicycle. The city is known for its good facilities for cyclists. In addition, almost 40% of all journeys by means of transport in Amsterdam take place by bicycle. The distance from the campsite to the center of Amsterdam is approximately 20 kilometers.

Click here for more information about Amsterdam.