From Amsterdam: Real Holland visit Dunes, Submarine and fortress

Amsterdam , Netherlands

From Amsterdam: Real Holland visit Dunes, Submarine and fortress

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About this experience

On this tour, you’ll leave Amsterdam, but get to know the real Netherlands.

Travel through the famously flat Dutch countryside and experience a rich mix of nature, history, and culture.

Stand on a dike and see with your own eyes how the land lies below sea level, a striking sight.

Looking for something unique? Step inside a real Cold War submarine, located at a former Dutch navy base. History lovers can explore Napoleonic fortresses and WWII remains, while nature lovers can enjoy a gentle hike through sand dunes, forests, and beaches.
Along the way, you’ll see windmills up close and discover architecture unique to this region, all guided by a professional who shares fun, insightful local stories.

Available options

Standard tour no entry tickets

Include submarine navy museum

What's included

Huisduinen

Rijkswerf Willemsoord

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Leave the city behind and journey into Noord-Holland, where vast polder landscapes stretch endlessly—land reclaimed from the sea.
Follow the Noordhollandsch Kanaal, a remarkable 80-km canal, hand-dug nearly 200 years ago.
Spot traditional windmills, historic farmhouses, and the distinct architecture of this unique region

A traditional windmill, nearly 400 years old and still in operation. This is a great chance to see a historic Dutch windmill up close and capture a classic photo of the Netherlands.

An opportunity to meet a real bulb farmer and visit an active flower bulb farm.
What you’ll experience depends on the season. From February to mid-April, flowers bloom inside the greenhouses. From mid-April to mid-May, the fields come alive with tulips and other blooms in full color.

Not spring? Not a problem. The farmer will give you a peek into real farm life, showing how bulbs are planted, harvested, peeled, and prepared for export. Even without flowers, the wide fields stretching for kilometers offer a rare and honest look at Dutch agricultural life.

Stand or cycle on the dike to see the striking contrast between land and sea. Explore the dunes, beach, and forest, or enter a Napoleonic fortress and get up close with Second World War bunkers. Get creative and find the best angle to photograph the iconic red lighthouse. The options are extensive and suitable for all interests and activity levels. Your guide will help by pointing you in the right direction.

Step into former navy terrain that was active until 1992, and explore one of the most fascinating historical sites in the Netherlands.

Willemsoord in Den Helder is a unique mix of Napoleonic-era engineering, World War II remnants, and modern naval history. From cannons and torpedoes to cozy cafés and maritime museums, this area packs in more than you'd expect
Willemsoord in Den Helder is a unique mix of Napoleonic-era engineering, World War II remnants, and modern naval history. Stroll past massive dry docks where warships were once repaired,
From cannons and torpedoes to cozy cafés and maritime museums, this area packs in more than you'd expect.

Optional, Enter the submarine that is located at Willemsoord. and is part of the navy museum.

What's not included

Food & Drinks

Souvenirs

Fort Kijkduin - Bike Rental - This is optional tickets will be bought locally

Submarine / Navy museum - (Optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Most parts are Wheelchair and stroller accessible with exception of the submarine, please reach out for questions

Meeting point

Easy to reach, next to the central station Amsterdam. Note there are different busses parked here. Look for the Tour guide holding a paper that says Maresia.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Museum 2-3 hours €20

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.

Museum 1.5-2 hours €20

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.

Historical 1 hour €16

Dam Square

Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.

Historical 1 hour Free

Jordaan

Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.

Neighborhood A few hours to explore Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stroopwafel

A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar

Bitterballen

Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal

Snack Contains meat, gluten, and dairy

Haring

Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth

Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians

Poffertjes

Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy

Popular Activities

Canal kayaking Bike tours Escape rooms Canal cruises Visiting parks and gardens Spa and wellness treatments Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German, French
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center

By train

Amsterdam Centraal

By bus

Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Getting around

Public transport

Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jordaan De Pijp De Wallen (Red Light District) Museumplein Amsterdam-Noord

Day trips

Zaanse Schans

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.

Haarlem

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.

Utrecht

50 km from Amsterdam • Full day

A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.

Festivals

King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday) Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October

Pro tips

Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes