Purmerend Travel Guide

Explore the historic Dutch city of Purmerend with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the best places to visit, hike, dine, stay, and more.


Introduction to Purmerend

Purmerend is a charming city located in the Zaanstreek-Waterland region of North Holland, Western Netherlands. The city boasts a rich history dating back to the 14th century and is filled with stunning architecture, natural parks, and an array of culture and arts that make it a popular tourist destination. With easy access to Amsterdam, Purmerend is an ideal location for travelers looking for a peaceful getaway while still being in close proximity to the bustling city.

List of Places to Visit in Purmerend

No visit to Purmerend is complete without visiting some of the city’s top attractions. The city offers an array of indoor and outdoor activities, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Purmerends Museum: This museum showcases a fascinating collection of objects and artifacts related to Purmerend’s rich history, including traditional costumes and arts.
  • Stadspartk De Vurige Staart: This park was officially established in 2011 and features a stunning water fountain, playground, and an outdoor theater.
  • WhereX Factory: This local art and cultural space is home to a variety of galleries, studios, and exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Purmerend: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Purmerbos: This vast forest is perfect for long walks, picnics, or cycling activities.
  • Beemster Polder: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area features unique greenery, wildlife, and rolling landscapes.
  • Zoomeer: An excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Purmerend

Purmerend is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Netherlands and hiking and biking enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. Some of the best hiking and biking routes to explore include:

  • The Dutch Lake Tour: A 40 km route that takes you through the stunning Dutch countryside landscape, along lakes and through charming villages.
  • The Waterland Route: A 25 km cycling route that takes you through small villages, canals, and pastures.

Best Things to Do in Purmerend: Activities and Tours

Purmerend offers a host of activities for visitors of all ages. Some popular activities include:

  • Boat tour to Monnickendam: Take a boat ride from Purmerend to Monnickendam, a charming village known for its traditional Dutch architecture.
  • Purmerend City Walking Tour: A guided tour through the city’s center provides visitors with an overview of the city’s history and culture.
  • Escape Room: Visit an exciting escape room where you’ll solve puzzles and mysteries to win the game.

Week-Long Itinerary for Purmerend

Here’s a week-long itinerary for visitors who want to make the most of their time in Purmerend:

Day 1: Arrival and Purmerend City Walking Tour Day 2: Monnickendam boat tour Day 3: Beemster Polder and Stadspartk De Vurige Staart Day 4: Visit the WhereX Factory and Purmerends Museum Day 5: Dutch Lake Tour Day 6: Explore Zoomeer and outdoor activities Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Purmerend

Purmerend’s food scene is diverse, offering traditional Dutch fare to international cuisine. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot: A Dutch winter dish made from mashed potatoes, vegetables, and meat or sausage.
  • Kroket: Deep-fried croquettes filled with beef, veal, or shrimp.
  • Bitterballen: Another Dutch snack, made from battered and deep-fried meatballs filled with ragout.

Local Beverages

  • Jenever: A traditional Dutch spirit, similar to gin, distilled from malted grain, and flavored with juniper berries.

Where to Stay in Purmerend: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors can find a variety of accommodation options when staying in Purmerend, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best options:

  • Laag Holland Hotel: A beautiful, eco-friendly hotel located in the heart of Purmerend.
  • Hotel Purmerend: A modern hotel located in the city center, with easy access to public transport.
  • Stayokay Hostel: A budget-friendly option located just outside Purmerend city, offering a variety of rooms and dorms.

What to Buy in Purmerend: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Souvenir shopping in Purmerend is a must, with an exclusive range of local specialties and handcrafted products available. Some recommended souvenirs include:

  • Traditional Delft Blue souvenirs: Delftware is a typical type of ceramics made in the Netherlands.
  • Purmerend cheese: A local cheese that is made in the area surrounding Purmerend.

Local Culture and Customs of Purmerend

Purmerend is steeped in tradition and culture, and visitors should take some time to learn about the city’s customs and practices. Carnaval de Purmerend is a traditional carnival festival, celebrated every year, known for its elaborate parades and colorful costumes.

Best Time to Visit Purmerend

The best time to visit Purmerend is in the months of April through September when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can also explore the city in December during the festive season, where the city’s Christmas market comes alive.

Do’s and Don’ts of Purmerend

Do:

  • Explore the local Dutch cuisine: Sample traditional dishes and beverages like Jenever
  • Take a walk: Purmerend has a beautiful countryside landscape perfect for long walks, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
  • Visit during carnival season: Experience the lively Sinterklaas arrival and the colorful Carnival of Purmerend.

Don’t:

  • Do not be loud: Dutch people are generally friendly and laid back but tend to be soft-spoken.
  • No littering: Dutch people place an exceptional value on cleanliness and environmental preservation.

Safety and Health

A safe city with low levels of crime and excellent health facilities, Purmerend is a welcoming destination for travelers. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Purmerend

  • Be aware of cycling traffic: Dutch people love to cycle and there are designated lanes for cycling. Be cautious while crossing the road or taking a walk.

Health in Purmerend

  • Tap water is safe to drink: Tap water in Purmerend is safe and clean.
  • Get travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip.

Getting to Purmerend: Transportation Options and Logistics

Purmerend is easily accessible via various modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Purmerend

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: The most convenient airport to Purmerend, located just 32 km away.

Bus Stations Near Purmerend

  • Purmerend Tramplein Bus Station: Located in the city center, this station connects Purmerend by bus to other key destinations in the Netherlands.

Other Options

  • Train: Purmerend has its train station and is well-connected to other major cities in the Netherlands.

How to Get Around in Purmerend

Purmerend is an excellent city to explore on foot. Visitors can also use public transport, including buses and trains, or hire bicycles.

Where to Go Next from Purmerend: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Purmerend is a fantastic base to explore many other charming Dutch destinations.

  • Amsterdam: The capital of the Netherlands is located just 25 minutes away by train from Purmerend.
  • Volendam: A picturesque dutch village located just 15 km north of Purmerend, known for its traditional clothing and wooden shoes.

Conclusion

Purmerend is a beautiful city that offers a range of exciting activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in scenic natural parks, hiking and cycling, or culture and arts, Purmerend is a charming destination that will leave you with some unforgettable memories.

The Purmerend Museum is housed in the former town hall. The Purmerend Museum is housed in the former town hall.