Netherlands Guide
Noord-Holland
Stretching north from Amsterdam to the island of Texel, the province of Noord-Holland (www.noord-holland-tourist.nl) remains largely rural, its polder landscapes of green, pancake-flat fields intercepted by hundreds of drainage canals and ditches, its wide horizons only interrupted by the odd farmhouse or windmill. The province's westcoast is defended from the ocean by a long belt of sand dunes, which is itself shielded by long and broad sandy beaches and it's these that attract holidaying Netherlanders in their hundreds. Very different is the east coast, much of which has been reclaimed from what was once the saltwater Zuider Zee and is now, after the construction of two complementary dykes, the freshwater Markermeer and IJsselmeer.
Highlights
1 Haarlem This good-looking old town is home to the outstanding Frans Hals Museum.
2 Edam Archetypal Dutch country town of narrow canals and antique cottages that was once famous for its mermaids.
3 Enkhuizen Handsome, former Zuider Zee port of slender waterways and old brick houses with a brace of outstanding restaurants thrown in for good measure.
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