From coffee round the cornerto a day by the sea.

Winkel · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Grand Café 88

What’s on offer: LunchDinnerDrinks

A friendly grand café in the middle of Winkel, on the Dorpsstraat. Come for lunch with sandwiches on sourdough, dinner with culinary classics of meat and fish, or simply a drink with bitterballen or nachos.

An easy bike ride from the cabin, handy for lunch or a relaxed evening out without having to drive.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 1 km as the crow flies^*

Nieuwe Niedorp aan Zee

What’s on offer: DinnerDrinks

A quirky, small-scale eatery on the Dorpsstraat. There’s no menu card: every day the kitchen cooks a set menu of three to six courses with produce from nearby suppliers, such as Klaver cheese. There are only around 35 seats a day, so book ahead. It’s also a place for a ‘high wine’ or a generous sharing board.

A personal, surprising evening out, right here in the village.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Happy Garden

What’s on offer: DinnerTakeaway

Nieuwe Niedorp’s Chinese-Indonesian restaurant, on the Dorpsstraat. Eat in or take away, choosing from the regular takeaway menu or the special menu of the month.

Ideal for an evening at the cabin: pick up a takeaway and eat in comfort.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

De Koffieloft

A quiet coffee spot on the Trambaan in Nieuwe Niedorp, in a new building since late 2022. Drop in for coffee, tea, cake or lunch, and pick up coffee, tea or a small gift to take home.

Close enough for a morning walk with coffee as the reward.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Klaver Kaas

What’s on offer: Shop

The Klaver family have been making cheese since 1977. Their own cheese shop on the Trambaan sells cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s cheese, including the local Niedorper Glorie.

Local cheese, perfect with a drink after the sauna.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Red Chilli

A Chinese-Vietnamese restaurant in Nieuwe Niedorp, decorated like a farmhouse in southern China. Master chef Tso Min Cheng cooks with fresh local produce and the bold flavours of both cuisines, served with wine, special teas or sake. Lovely for an evening out together; booking ahead is wise.

A special dinner right in the village, with no long drive home.

Oude Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

The Irish Cottage

What’s on offer: CoffeeLunchDinnerDrinks

An Irish pub and restaurant in an old stolp farmhouse on the Verlaat, a local institution that turned 25 in 2026. Drop in for coffee, a pub lunch, high tea or dinner; whisky lovers can choose from almost a thousand whiskies. There’s regular live music, and on fine days you can sit in the garden.

A warm, convivial spot for an evening with a good glass, just a few kilometres from the cabin.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Fruitteeltbedrijf Siem Entius

What’s on offer: ShopCoffeeTerrace

A fruit farm on the edge of the village growing cherries, plums, apples and pears, with its own cherry juice, liqueur and wine. During cherry season it opens daily and you can sit on the terrace with cherry ice cream, coffee and apple pie. In autumn there are apple-picking days.

Fresh fruit from a few kilometres down the road, and in summer a terrace among the orchards.

Season Cherry season runs from July to August, when the farm and terrace are open daily. Otherwise by appointment, with apple-picking days in autumn.

’t Veld · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 3 km as the crow flies^*

Veldzicht Hoeve

What’s on offer: Shop

The Veldman family’s farm shop, just outside ’t Veld. It sells Beemster cheese, meat from their own farm, dairy, regional produce and ice cream. The shop is open on Fridays and Saturdays only.

Stock your fridge with produce from the farm round the corner.

Hoogwoud · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 4 km as the crow flies^*

De Hooghe Heeren

What’s on offer: LunchDinnerDrinksTerrace

A lively grand café in Hoogwoud for lunch, dinner or a drink, from coffee to craft beer. In summer you can sit on the sunny terrace, and there’s regularly something going on, such as a pub quiz.

A sociable, easy-going place to round off the day.

Hoogwoud · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 4 km as the crow flies^*

Brasserie 1718

What’s on offer: CoffeeLunchDinnerTerraceTakeaway

A contemporary brasserie on the Herenweg in the West Frisian village of Hoogwoud. Come for coffee with homemade cake, lunch or dinner, with a kitchen that follows the seasons and uses regional produce. There’s a sunny terrace at the back, and the deli service lets you take dishes home too.

A lovely lunch stop or dinner on the West Frisian side, about four kilometres from the cabin.

Kolhorn · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 7 km as the crow flies^*

Restaurant ’t Anker

What’s on offer: LunchDinnerTerrace

A restaurant full of historic charm in the heart of old Kolhorn. Chef Danny van Zweeden cooks with honest, local ingredients and, alongside the lunch and dinner menus, offers a five-course chef’s menu that changes every six weeks. On fine days you can sit on the spacious terrace.

Combine a stroll past Kolhorn’s peat barns with a leisurely lunch or a special dinner.

Kolhorn · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 7 km as the crow flies^*

De Eilanderij

What’s on offer: CoffeeLunchDinnerTakeaway

A friendly bistro and takeaway on Kolhorn’s historic harbour. Have coffee, lunch or an evening bite inside, or take away a stone-baked pizza or chips.

Pizza to take back to the cabin, or a coffee stop on a bike ride along the dike.

Lutjewinkel · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 5 km as the crow flies^*

Versicolor Tuinen

At the end of a quiet lane in Lutjewinkel lies a private garden of about 2,500 m² with twelve garden rooms, each with its own colour or theme. You wander at your own pace past borders, a butterfly garden and a large pond. Marianne and Frans have been gardening here since 1988, with plenty of room for birds and insects.

A quiet, colourful morning close to home for anyone who loves gardens.

Season Only open on open-garden weekends from April to September; check versicolor.nl for dates.

Kolhorn · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 6 km as the crow flies^*

Streekpad Westfriese Omringdijk: Kolhorn – Medemblik

What’s on offer: Walking

Stage 5 of the Westfriese Omringdijk regional trail runs from Kolhorn along and over the dike, past the Kolhornerdiep, the Groetkanaal and the Kolk van Dussen, ending in Medemblik. At 20.6 kilometres it’s a solid day’s walk, waymarked in yellow and red in both directions.

Set off close to home on a long, quiet dike walk with wide views.

Winkel · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 3 km as the crow flies^*

Golf & Countryclub Regthuys

What’s on offer: GolfCoffeeLunchDrinksTerrace

A 27-hole golf course alongside the West Frisian ring dike, with a green shaped like a tulip and a hole whose green is ringed by a little dike. You can play the 9-hole par-3 course without a handicap certificate, and there’s footgolf too. Non-golfers are welcome in the wooden clubhouse for coffee, lunch or a drink on the terrace overlooking the course.

Just around the corner from Poldergeluk: a round of golf or footgolf, then coffee on the terrace.

Winkel · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 4 km as the crow flies^*

Westfriese Omringdijk

What’s on offer: CyclingWalking

Since the Middle Ages this dike of about 126 kilometres has wound its way around West Friesland, past Schagen, Kolhorn, Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Hoorn and Alkmaar. You don’t need to do the whole loop: pick a stretch, cycle or walk along the top and look out over polders, traditional farmhouses and water. Near Winkel you can join it at the Dikke Paal, a boundary post that for centuries marked which water board maintained which stretch; a few houses along stands an old weighbridge from 1933.

The dike that shapes the landscape around Poldergeluk is best discovered from the saddle.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 1 km as the crow flies^*

Zwembad De Rijd

What’s on offer: Swimming

Within walking distance of the cabin is a proper village outdoor pool, run by volunteers and open to everyone. There’s a deep pool with diving boards, a learner pool with a slide and a toddler pool, plus play equipment on the lawn. The pools are heated with solar energy.

A summer afternoon of swimming without getting in the car.

Season Open in the summer season only; the 2026 season has ended and dates for 2027 are not online yet.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Koks Tweewielers

What’s on offer: Cycling

Didn’t bring a bike? This bike shop on the Trambaan rents out city bikes and e-bikes by the day or week, so you can set off straight away for the polder and the Westfriese Omringdijk. Note that the shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The polder is best explored by bike, and you can pick one up right here.

Nieuwe Niedorp / Winkel · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Park de Meet

The green village park between Nieuwe Niedorp and Winkel. Children can let off steam on the pump track that opened in 2024, suitable for scooters, skateboards, BMX bikes and balance bikes, and there’s a sports court for football and basketball. For something calmer, walk through the large butterfly garden.

An hour of outdoor play for the children, a few minutes away by bike.

Oude Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Strandbad 't Skarpet

A small natural swimming lake with a sandy beach and a lawn on the edge of Oude Niedorp, a few kilometres from the cabin. An easy outing with children on a warm day, without driving to the coast first.

A swim without driving to the coast, just around the corner from Poldergeluk.

Season Open from 1 May to 1 September, weather permitting.

Lutjewinkel · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 4 km as the crow flies^*

Fietsroute Het verhaal van Hollands Kroon West

What’s on offer: Cycling

A junction-based cycle route of just over 66 kilometres, offered by the municipality of Hollands Kroon, that tells the story of water, dikes and heritage along the way. You ride along the Westfriese Omringdijk, past stolp farmhouses and the old harbour village of Kolhorn. It’s easy to join at junction 57 in Nieuwe Niedorp or 58 in Winkel, and of course you don’t have to ride the whole loop.

A proper route from the front door, with stories about the landscape you’re staying in.

Waarland · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 4 km as the crow flies^*

Vlindorado

A covered tropical garden where exotic butterflies and birds flutter around you, even when it’s grey outside. Children follow a trail, cross stepping stones through the ponds and play in the wooden playhouse. The same building houses Indoor Adventure Minigolf, with fifteen artificial-grass holes among the tropical plants.

A warm, colourful outing for a rainy day, about a quarter of an hour away by bike.

Kolhorn · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 7 km as the crow flies^*

Kolhorn

A protected village on the West Frisian ring dike that was once Schagen's outer harbour. Five listed peat barns line the dike, and the anchovy boat KH44 Jansje Johanna from 1900 lies in the harbour. One of the barns houses the village museum De Turfschuur.

A small, quiet dike village nearby, lovely for a bike ride with a coffee stop.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 1 km as the crow flies^*

Grootmoeders Tijd & Motorenmuseum

What’s on offer: Museum

A collector’s museum that grew and grew, on the Schulpweg a few hundred metres from the cabin. Downstairs are stationary engines from shipping, farming and industry, including a single-cylinder engine six metres tall. Upstairs you wander through little shops furnished as they were in grandmother’s day.

The closest outing of all, and a surprising story for young and old.

Season Open from 1 April to 30 September. Opening days change in 2027, so check the website before you go.

Nieuwe Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 1 km as the crow flies^*

Maartenstoren

In the middle of the ribbon village stands the Maartenstoren, a medieval tower that has visibly tilted over the centuries. It still holds a bell cast in 1653 by the famous Hemony bell-founders. A little further on, on the Oosterweg, stands the octagonal Westermolen windmill of 1854.

A short stroll from the cabin, with centuries of village history along the way.

Oude Niedorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 2 km as the crow flies^*

Ruïnekerk Oude Niedorp

In the middle of Oude Niedorp stands one of the few church ruins in the Netherlands, preserved and open to visitors. Information boards with old photos and drawings tell the story of the church and the village. A little further on is the De Hoop corn mill, dating from 1641.

A short bike ride from Poldergeluk, with a slice of village history along the way.

Winkel · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 3 km as the crow flies^*

Kunsttuin Winkel

Behind a castle-like gate on the Limmerschouw lies a dream world of home-built turrets with onion domes, baroque ornaments and sculptures, all made by hand by builder Ger Leegwater. Children can do a photo puzzle trail. The garden is right next to the Regthuys golf course.

One of the most unexpected places in the polder, a short bike ride away.

Season Open at weekends from March to September; groups all year by appointment.

Medemblik · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Strandpaviljoen De Zoete Zee

What’s on offer: CoffeeLunchDinnerBy the water

A beach pavilion on the freshwater beach of the Vooroever near Medemblik, looking out over the IJsselmeer and its sailing boats. Stop for coffee, lunch or dinner; the pavilion is open all year round, and parking is free.

A beach café on the IJsselmeer: a shorter drive than the North Sea, with views just as wide.

Langedijk / Alkmaar · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 10 km as the crow flies^*

Geestmerambacht

What’s on offer: WalkingCyclingBy the water

A large green recreation area around the Zomerdel lake, between Alkmaar and Langedijk. Walk, cycle or skate past reed-fringed shores and flower-rich meadows where Highland cattle graze, and there’s a mountain-bike trail too.

Lots of space and water a short drive away, easy to combine with Museum BroekerVeiling.

Tuitjenhorn · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 10 km as the crow flies^*

Van Blanckendaell Park

A compact animal park with playgrounds and a museum of North Holland life, all in one place in Tuitjenhorn. You stroll past giraffes, zebras, alpacas and lemurs while the children let off steam in the playgrounds. It's open all year, so it's a good plan when the beach isn't tempting.

A relaxed day with children, without the crowds of a big theme park.

Anna Paulowna / Breezand · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Bollenvelden Kop van Noord-Holland

Between Burgervlotbrug and Den Helder lies the largest continuous bulb-growing area in the Netherlands, with the fields around Anna Paulowna and Breezand at its heart. Cycle the 35-kilometre bulb route along the junction network and let the colours drift past.

In spring the polder opens straight onto a landscape of flowers.

Season From mid-March to mid-May, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips bloom in turn.

Hoorn / Medemblik · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Museumstoomtram Hoorn–Medemblik

Puff your way across West Friesland on a real steam tram from Hoorn to Medemblik. Combine it with the boat to Enkhuizen and the Zuiderzeemuseum for a round trip through the Historic Triangle.

Nostalgia for the whole family, with no driving required.

Season Runs seasonally from spring; the 2026 season began on 28 March. Check the journey planner on stoomtram.nl for operating days.

Hollands Kroon · Kop van Noord-Holland

Fietsroute Zuiderzeeroute (knooppunten)

A 37-kilometre junction-network route across the former bed of the Zuiderzee, past water, farmland and woods. Flat, open and spacious, it is the best way to get to know the polder. It is easy to shorten using the junctions.

Flat and wide open: cycling with no hills, only the wind to contend with.

Medemblik · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Kasteel Radboud

A medieval castle by the harbour in Medemblik, linked to Count Floris V. The audio tour tells the stories of Floris, his wife Beatrijs and Gerrie the lion-dragon, and the castle looks out over the little town and the IJsselmeer. Afterwards, have a drink in the Kasteel Café within its thick walls.

A real castle for the children and an atmospheric harbour town for you.

Broek op Langedijk · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 8 km as the crow flies^*

Museum BroekerVeiling

At this historic vegetable auction where growers sailed straight through the hall, you can bid in a real auction yourself. Then take a boat trip through the 'Kingdom of a Thousand Islands' and try the experiments in the Proeflab.

An original outing, even on a grey day.

Season Closed from 14 November to 4 December 2026 for a Sinterklaas event.

Schagen · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 8 km as the crow flies^*

West-Friese Markt Schagen

On summer Thursdays the centre of Schagen comes alive with a market around the church, horses in harness and themed days such as ring-tilting. A festive slice of West Frisian tradition.

Tradition and conviviality on a cheerful day out in Schagen.

Season Thursdays in summer; the last market of 2026 was on 3 September. In 2027 most market days run from 08:30 to 15:00.

Schagen · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 8 km as the crow flies^*

Museum Vreeburg

A restored 17th-century town farmhouse in the old centre of Schagen, furnished to show how people lived and worked here around 1900. The carriage museum behind it houses the coaches of the West Frisian Folklore society. It pairs nicely with the West Frisian Market on summer Thursdays.

A small, close-by slice of local history.

Season Open in spring and summer; the museum is currently closed and reopens in spring 2027.

Medemblik · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Bakkerijmuseum De Oude Bakkerij

This museum in Medemblik bakes every day, so you can smell where you are straight away. You'll see old bakers' tools and traditional techniques, and you get to roll up your sleeves yourself. In the museum café you can taste biscuits and bread from its own bakery.

A warm and tasty outing for a rainy day with children.

Medemblik · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Nederlands Stoommachinemuseum

What’s on offer: MuseumBy the water

In the former Vier Noorder Koggen steam pumping station, on the dike just outside Medemblik, stands a large collection of steam engines that really hiss and turn on steam days. It shows how West Friesland was kept dry in the past. The museum is run by nearly a hundred volunteers.

Easy to combine with Kasteel Radboud and a stroll around Medemblik harbour.

Season Closed from 8 November to 18 December 2026, and on a few days around New Year. See the website calendar for steam days.

Hoorn · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Historische binnenhaven Hoorn

Hoorn is an old harbour town on the Markermeer, with an inner harbour full of historic ships and quays lined with terraces. From the harbour you wander straight into the lanes and hidden courtyards of the old town. Hoorn is also where the museum steam tram to Medemblik sets off.

An afternoon of town and water, then back to the calm of the polder in the evening.

Hoorn · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Museum van de Twintigste Eeuw

What’s on offer: Museum

A museum full of recognition on the Oostereiland in Hoorn: old telephones, furnished living rooms, technology and a room full of toys from the last century, including plenty of LEGO. Grandparents point out what they used to have, while children get busy in the play corner.

An outing for every generation, open all year and a short walk from Hoorn harbour.

Petten · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Zee en Zo

What’s on offer: CoffeeLunchBy the water

A beach pavilion on the beach at Petten, close to the Hondsbossche Duinen. It’s normally open all year round, lovely for a coffee after a blustery walk or lunch with the surf in front of you.

The place for a warm cup of coffee by the sea, even outside the summer season.

Season Normally open all year; closed from 26 October to 26 November 2026.

Den Burg (Texel) · TexelDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 35 km as the crow flies^*

Kaasboerderij Wezenspyk

A family cheese farm on Texel that has been making cheese since 1981, now more than thirty varieties from cow's, sheep's and goat's milk. A lovely stop on a day trip to the island.

Turns your island day into a tasty one too.

Schoorl · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Schoorlse Duinen

This is where you will find the highest dunes in the Netherlands, with old woodland, open drifting sand and more than sixty kilometres of footpaths. At De Kerf, seawater even flows into the dune valley during spring tides and storms. Staatsbosbeheer's visitor centre makes a good starting point.

A day of climbing, descending and fresh sea air, followed by a warm-up in the sauna.

Sint Maartensvlotbrug · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Wildrijk

A small, atmospheric wood on the Zeeweg, originally laid out as a country estate for Amsterdam merchants. A waymarked walk of just over an hour leads you past its loveliest spots, including an unusual drum-shaped water mill.

A peaceful woodland walk close by, ideal for an unhurried morning out.

Season In spring the woodland floor is carpeted with wild bluebells.

Callantsoog · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Uitlandse Polder

What’s on offer: Walking

Opposite the Zwanenwater lies the Uitlandse Polder, an old polder returned to nature that keeps the water level high so the Zwanenwater doesn’t dry out. An unpaved 3.3-kilometre loop takes you past wet grassland and water. Between November and April it’s often very wet, so wear boots.

The perfect alternative while the Zwanenwater is closed, and a quiet loop after that too.

Camperduin · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

De Putten

What’s on offer: Walking

Behind the dike at Camperduin lies De Putten, a small lake once dug for clay for the sea defences and now a haven for birds. Sandwich terns, among others, nest on its three shell islands. A 3.3-kilometre loop takes you past the Harger Molen windmill of 1804, and the bird hide lets you watch through binoculars out of the wind.

A quiet birdwatching walk that pairs nicely with the Hondsbossche Duinen.

Callantsoog · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Zwanenwater

Behind the dunes at Callantsoog lie two large natural dune lakes, surrounded by damp dune valleys and heathland. Two walks of 2.5 or 5.8 kilometres take you past herons, spoonbills and singing bluethroats.

One of the quietest corners of the region, with exactly the calm you came to Poldergeluk for.

Season Closed from 1 October 2026 until February 2027 for nature restoration. Orchids flower from May to July, and the heather turns purple in August.

Alkmaar · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Grachtenrondvaart Alkmaar

With a skipper and a guide you spend three quarters of an hour cruising Alkmaar's canals, setting off from the Mient by the Waagplein. Along the way you pass under some twenty bridges, ducking your head each time. A relaxed way to get to know the town, children included.

Pair it with a stroll through the old town or a visit to the cheese market.

Season Sailing times depend on the season and the weather; check rondvaartalkmaar.nl before you go.

Alkmaar · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Kaasmarkt Alkmaar

For centuries cheese has been traded on the Waagplein in the traditional way, with porters, wooden barrows and a handshake to seal the deal. Afterwards, wander through the historic centre with its canals and lanes.

A classic Dutch outing that delights all ages.

Season Friday mornings from late March into September, 10:00 to 13:00, with extra Tuesday evening markets in July and August. The next market is on Friday 26 March 2027.

Alkmaar · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Hollands Kaasmuseum

On Alkmaar's Waagplein you learn how Dutch cheese is made, where the different flavours come from and how the cheese trade used to work. Children follow a treasure trail and play with touchscreens, films and games. A nice way to experience this part of Alkmaar outside the cheese market season too.

A tasty slice of North Holland, even in winter.

Alkmaar · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar

What’s on offer: Museum

On the Canadaplein in Alkmaar, the Stedelijk Museum tells the story of the town, with many works by the Bergen School. ‘Van water naar land’, about how the Dutch landscape emerged from the water, runs until February 2027, and from 27 November 2026 you can see work by Charley Toorop and Edgar Fernhout.

A good plan for a day in Alkmaar outside cheese-market season, or when it rains.

Bergen · North HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Museum Kranenburgh

What’s on offer: Museum

In the leafy artists’ village of Bergen, Museum Kranenburgh shows modern and contemporary art. Combine a visit with a walk through the village and the surrounding woods.

A calm, cultural day between woods and dunes, on the way to the coast.

Den Helder · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 25 km as the crow flies^*

Marinemuseum

On the old Willemsoord naval dockyard you can climb through the hatch of the submarine Tonijn and look through its periscope. Step aboard HNLMS De Ruyter and discover five centuries of naval history indoors.

An adventure for children, and grown-ups, when the weather turns.

Enkhuizen · West FrieslandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 30 km as the crow flies^*

Zuiderzeemuseum

In Enkhuizen you can experience what life on the old Zuiderzee was like. The open-air museum is a recreated fishing village reached by museum boat, while the Schathuys displays the collection indoors.

A full day of waterside history that children enjoy too.

Season The open-air village ('t Zuiderzeedorp) is open from late March to late October; in winter only the indoor Schathuys is open. The museum ferry resumes on 26 March 2027.

Sint Maartenszee · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Strand Sint Maartenszee

A short walk through the dunes brings you to the wide beach at Sint Maartenszee. It’s quieter than the big resorts, and outside the summer months dogs can run off the lead here. The beach pavilions aren’t always open in winter, so check ahead if you’re counting on coffee by the sea.

One of the closest beaches to Poldergeluk, lovely for a brisk winter walk.

Petten · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 15 km as the crow flies^*

Hondsbossche Duinen

Where the Hondsbossche sea wall once held back the sea, a new dune landscape now stretches between Petten and Camperduin, with a wide and uncrowded beach. The old 5.5-kilometre dike is still there to walk along.

Plenty of space and few crowds: a beach for properly switching off.

Callantsoog · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 20 km as the crow flies^*

Badstrand Callantsoog

A clean, wide family beach with good facilities and lifeguard cover. The dunes begin right behind it, so a beach walk here easily turns into a nature walk.

An easy stretch of North Sea coast for a bracing walk or a full day by the sea.

Groote Keeten · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 20 km as the crow flies^*

Badstrand Groote Keeten

A clean, wide sandy beach north of Callantsoog, with lifeguards on duty in season. It's one of the quieter beaches in North Holland. The little village itself is built on the remains of the drowned island of 't Oghe.

For a beach day with room to breathe, even on busy summer days.

Julianadorp · Kop van Noord-HollandDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 20 km as the crow flies^*

Strand Julianadorp aan Zee

A wide, well-organised Blue Flag beach with a new lifeguard post, first aid, toilets and a beach wheelchair. It has ranked among the best beaches in the Netherlands for years and is a favourite with families.

The easy choice for a beach day with children.

Den Helder / Texel · TexelDistances are measured as the crow flies from the cabin and give a rough idea; by road it is always a little further.: approx. 25 km as the crow flies^*

Dagtocht Texel met TESO

From Den Helder you board the TESO ferry to the largest of the Wadden Islands. Explore the dunes, the beaches and the lighthouse, on foot or by bike, at the island's northern tip. VVV Texel can help with maps and tips.

A proper island day out, and back in the peace of the polder by evening.