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Nature & history

Discover the environment and history
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Cycling and walking Callantsoog

The campsite is immediately adjacent to an area of forest and heath, where you can walk or cycle along a rural road to the village of Callantsoog. Callantsoog has a very pleasant centre with a wide variety of shops, terraces and restaurants. Behind the dunes is a place where you can sunbathe, play, swim, fly kites, or ride horses without being disturbed.

The colourful fields of tulips in spring and countless options for cycling are a true challenge to many.

Wildlife sanctuary ‘Het Zwanenwater’

Het Zwanenwater is a wildlife sanctuary found on the south side of Callantsoog. Het Zwanenwater is a 600 hectares with two big lakes, swampland, ponds heath land and forest. It is famous for its stork colony. There are lots of special plants like orchids, flowers and herbs. It is also breeding ground for more than 80 kinds of birds. Two walks can be made. In the period may till the beginning of August several guided field trips are being organised. This wildlife sanctuary is supervised by the organisation “Natuurmonumenten”.

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Cheese market Alkmaar

The cheese market traditionally takes place on the first Friday in April untill the last market of the season on the first Friday in September. Every Friday morning (10.00-12.30 a.m.) the Waagplein is the backdrop for this traditional cheese market. Thousands of visitors from all over the world come especially to visit the cheese market in Alkmaar. After the old fashion way of the hand clap, traders and carriers will weigh the cheeses.

On the first and second floor of the weigh house you will find the cheese museum. Visit the permanent exhibition of old tools and instruments for dairying throughout the centuries.

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Helderse Vallei

De Helders Vallei is situated in a unique location in wildlife area Mariëndal, situated on the Southside of Den Helder. At De Helderse Vallei you can find everything for an active day out: walking trails and cycling routes to discover dunes, forest and beach, special exhibits, excursions, children´s parties, climbing, canoeing and a variety of other activities. There are indoor and outdoor play facilities for young and old! At De Helderse Vallei you can meet pets and wild animals! Of course you can also visit the children’s farm, where you can pet various animals.

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Fort Kijkduin

In 1996 this beautiful restored fort and unique aquarium was officially opened by King Willem Alexander. On your visit to Kijkduin you can discover everything about how it was built and what happened on this historical site before and after Napoleon. There are guided tours but you can also visit the permanent exhibition on the history of the fortress. The construction of this aquarium is one of the most extraordinary in the world. There is an underwater tunnel of 15 metres long and different exhibitions, This Fort and aquarium is certainly worth a visit.

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Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans is situated just North of Amsterdam, There is plenty to see and do at this historic and typically Dutch location. There are several museums to visit, old traditional crafts to see such as cheese and clog making and a pewter workshop, working windmills producing paints, oil, wood and mustard, attractive little shopping streets lined with authentic green painted wooden houses.

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Rijkswerf Willemsoord

Willemsoord, the former Dutch Naval Shipyard and repair site for the fleet of warships owned by the Royal Dutch Navy: a beautiful and monumental part of Den Helder. There is plenty to do: museums, restaurants, bowling, art & culture, children’s’ play paradise and much more.

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Bataviawerf Lelystad

Bataviawerf is a traditional shipyard that offers you a fascinating journey that will take you more than 380 years back in time. Only here you see two reconstructions of the 17th century ships in one location and several fascinating exhibitions. Combine this visit and go shopping at Batavia Stad outlet shopping.

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