Most people travel to Holland to head to the capital of Amsterdam (for good reason too); however, there are some absolutely amazing places in the countryside as well. These little Gems outside Amsterdam are only about 30mins away from the city; so you can just make a day trip out of it.
Traditional Cheese and Clogs Experience – Irene Hoeve
The first Gem outside Amsterdam that you need to visit is the Irene Hoeve which is located about 30 mins out of the city of Amsterdam; you can jump on a bus from Amsterdam Central station (110,118,314 or 316) to Katwoude, Lagedijk (towards Volendam-Edam)
The shop has always been a cheese farm, but now you have the opportunity to learn all about the cheese; and how it is made. Then you get to try the cheese, So much cheese you can try them all; it is a fantastic way to taste the different flavours; we all love to try before we buy.
The Clog-making demonstration is fantastic, entertaining, fun, and engaging. It gives you an insight into the historic footwear; and how impressive it is to carve it out of a piece of wood.
Their shop is fantastic; you can get all of your Dutch souvenirs in one spot. Souvenir clogs in every shape or form, Tulip bulbs, Trinkets, and best of all Cheese!!!!! It is all reasonably priced and supports the local community.
Out the front there is a huge wooden clog that you can get in for a bit of a photo opportunity; don’t forget to say hello to the giant pig Charlotte.
The Irene Hoeve is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the year. From 1st of October to 31st of March the farm is open only on reservation.
Edam
The Second little Gem outside Amsterdam is a 
stunning little piece of Paradise in the Dutch province of Noord-Holland. Edam is famous for Edam cheese as their name suggests. Edam was a major trade route of cheese export throughout the major cities in Holland during the 16th Century; then Edam was given the rights to host a Cheese market; three times a year which was a huge boost for their economy; shaping the town for what we see today. Edam is a quaint little breathtaking town; my first visit I was in owe of the beauty and serenity; that was so close and different to the city of Amsterdam. No trip to The Netherlands is complete without seeing the gorgeous countryside; so take a bus from the city and head to Edam take a look around the picturesque town, and do a Dutch bike ride.
There is a company there called Bike A Dijk, it is owned and operated by Claudia and her family. Claudia runs most of the tours herself and she is amazing; you jump on an old-school cruiser and she takes you through town; alongside residential houses, canals stops at a Dijk for a photo opportunity, and then fishes as a traditional windmill. She is interactive; hilarious and a beautiful person; who you will love, although if you choose just to hire a bike; and do it yourself that is fine also
Edam is a little further on than the Cheese and Clogs farm; so you could do it all in a day. If you are going from Amsterdam Central to Edam; you can jump on a bus the 316 will take you directly to Edam in about 35 mins; there are other services but you will have to change buses.
It will take you around 10 mins to walk from the Bus Station to Bika A Dijk
Volendam
The third gem outside Amsterdam is Volendam which looks like something out of a fairy tale book, a beautiful fishing village set along the water. Taking a stroll along the main street is very special; the small houses, gabled roofs, old fishing boats, and of course; the beautiful traditional costumes were still worn by some local residents make this village very popular amongst tourists. People come from all over the world to experience and see the local history; culture and tradition of the Dutch fishing village. Take some time out and enjoy the quaint little town; walk along the main street/river pick yourself up some beautiful hand-crafted souvenirs; stop in one of the many cafes or enjoy some lunch overlooking the water and old boats sailing past.
About halfway along the, there is a little store that sells THE BEST Poffertjes; the little mini Dutch Pancakes, you can get them with all sorts of toppings. The traditional icing sugar, chocolate, strawberry, or fresh fruit are beautiful.
I would also recommend taking a trip to visit the Cheese Factory Volendam; this is a relatively new addition to Volendam but it is well worth it. You can take a tour through the Factory with a cheese tasting, who does like tasting cheese!! Bookings aren’t essential but are recommended through the summer season so you don’t miss out.
Marken Express
Take a trip on the Volendam Marken Express ferry; the ferry takes you from the main pier in Volendam across to the unspoiled beauty of Marken. The return ferry trip will cost you around 13 Euros per person and takes about 30 mins each way. Marken is an insight into rural and traditional living as well as a number of tourist souvenir shops. If you feel like getting a bit of fresh air; the Paard Van Marken lighthouse is about 30mins walk from the town.
