Purmerend
Introduction
Located in the western region of North Holland, Purmerend sits surrounded by expansive polders including the Purmer, Beemster, and Wormer. As part of the Randstad, you will find this city serves as a bustling commuter hub where many residents travel to Amsterdam for work, education, and leisure.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by familiarizing yourself with the local context and expectations of the region.
Getting there
You can reach Purmerend by car via the A7, which serves as the primary road connecting the area to Amsterdam. While improvements have eased some congestion, this highway remains busy during rush hour. Alternatively, you can take the N235 for a shorter route toward North-Amsterdam or use the N244 to connect with nearby Volendam and Alkmaar.
Trains offer a convenient way to travel, providing direct connections to Zaandam, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, and Schiphol. If you need to reach Amsterdam Central station, you can do so with a transfer at any of these stops, though the transition at Zaandam is particularly quick. While there are three train stations in the area, the central Purmerend station is the most convenient for your visit. For regional bus travel, connections to Edam, Volendam, and Monnickendam are available from the station located at Beatrixplein.
Getting around
You can explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle, starting your journey directly from the Purmerend train station. From there, you can follow the Volendam Cycle Route to experience the polders and fishing villages along the Zuiderzee coast.
Where to stay
You can find a cozy stay at Hendrickje, a small and simple bed & breakfast that offers a pleasant atmosphere. The space feels like staying in a friend's guest room, providing a homely and clean environment with friendly service.
- Hendrickje provides basic internet access for your stay.
Food & drink
Information regarding local dining and beverage options is currently unavailable.
What to see and do
Explore the town centre of this former market town, where you can discover a collection of monuments including houses dating back to the 19th century and older structures. You can visit the Lutherse Kerk on Hoogstraat, a building from 1880 that hosts special celebrations and exhibitions. Nearby, you can explore Purmerends Museum, which is housed in a 1912 former town hall located at the Kaasmarkt; here, you can view historic pieces and a collection of Jugendstil earthenware.
Other notable locations to visit include De Kapel, Hersteld Apostolische Zendinggemeenten, Het Apostolisch Genootschap, Multi Cultureel Centrum Waterland, and Taâluf.
Three days in Purmerend
Day one, you can explore the historic heart of Purmerend. Wander through the Hoogstraat to admire the architecture and visit the local landmarks like the Lutherse Kerk.
Day two, you can head toward the nearby areas to experience different atmospheres. You might choose to see the sights in Beemster or Wormer as you travel through North Holland.
Day three, you can take a trip further afield into the Randstad region. From here, you can reach destinations such as Alkmaar, Edam, or Volendam to experience the local culture.