Hoofddorp
Introduction
You will find Hoofddorp situated in the province of North Holland as the main town of the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. Established in the mid-19th century following the drainage of the local lake, the area offers a sense of history rooted in its post-drainage origins.
Before you go
Before you arrive, you can appreciate the local history of Hoofddorp, whose name translates to Head Village or Main Village. You will find that its identity is rooted in its location as the primary settlement within the former lake known as Haarlemmermeer, which was transformed into a polder through land reclamation.
Getting there
You can reach this destination quickly from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is located just a short distance away. A train ride from the airport brings you to the city in only one stop.
If you are traveling from Amsterdam Centraal, the journey takes approximately 25 minutes by train.
Getting around
You can navigate Hoofddorp primarily by car or bicycle. For those preferring public transit, Connexxion buses provide a convenient way to travel through the area.
The bus network offers frequent routes connecting you to and from Haarlem, with several lines passing near the Hoofddorp train station, the Spaarne hospital, and the Burgemeester van Stamplein in the center of town.
Where to stay
You will find a variety of hotels in the surrounding area due to the proximity of Schiphol Airport. If you prefer to stay within the city centre, there is only one hotel available.
Food & drink
You can find dining options in the form of local restaurants, though these typically close in the evening. For a quick meal outside the city center near the highway, you can visit the McDonald's, which serves a diverse crowd including travelers from Schiphol, families, and professionals.
The town features several bars that are particularly busy with young people on Fridays. If you are looking for nightlife, there is a large discothèque open on Friday and Saturday nights. You can also experience the Relatieplanet, a large party held monthly on a Friday evening specifically for singles.
What to see and do
You can visit Molen De Eersteling, a windmill set in a picturesque landscape where you can see it grinding corn. The mill store also offers its products for sale.
Depending on the season, you can experience various local events throughout the town center and surrounding areas:
- In the spring, enjoy jazz performances by bigbands and other acts at Raadhuisplein.
- During the summer, witness horse-jumping at Concours Hippique in the nearby forest or visit the Mystery Land festival for electronic music. You can also experience local Dutch acts at Meerlive or sample regional specialties during Hoofddorp Culinair.
- In the winter, you can enjoy an ice skating rink and fair-like attractions at the Dik Trom square during the Winterland festival.
Three days in Hoofddorp
Day one, you can begin your stay in the heart of the village. Explore the local atmosphere and find your way to Raadhuisplein or visit the nearby Molen De Eersteling.
Day two, venture out to experience different surroundings. You can spend time at Concours Hippique or enjoy the sights of the surrounding area.
Day three, you can explore more of the region before your departure. Visit local spots like Dik Trom or Winterland to round out your stay in North Holland.