Towns of North Holland (Netherlands)
North Holland (Noord-Holland) lies in the north-west of the Netherlands and is largely a peninsula between the North Sea to the west and the IJsselmeer lake to the east. The provincial capital is Haarlem, but the largest city is Amsterdam, which is also the capital of the whole country. On this map you learn to place the towns of North Holland in the right spot — from Amsterdam and Haarlem in the south to Alkmaar, Hoorn and Den Helder in the north.
The province has wide beaches, dunes and old harbour towns on the IJsselmeer such as Hoorn, Volendam and Medemblik. The list also includes Zaanstad and Zaandam in the Zaan region, Hilversum (the media city), Purmerend, Amstelveen, Heerhugowaard and coastal places like IJmuiden and Bergen. Note the Amsterdam districts and neighbouring towns such as Amsterdam-Zuidoost, Diemen, Heemstede and Aalsmeer, famous for its flower auction.
Hop in the helicopter and find every town in North Holland at your own pace — a fun, free way for kids and grown-ups to master the map of North Holland.
▶︎ Play nowFrequently asked questions
What is the capital of the province of North Holland?
The capital of the province of North Holland is Haarlem. Haarlem lies near the coast and the dunes, west of Amsterdam, and is the administrative centre. The largest city in the province, however, is Amsterdam, which is at the same time the capital of the whole of the Netherlands.
What is the largest city in North Holland?
The largest city in the province of North Holland is Amsterdam, which is also the capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is the biggest city in the entire country, famous for its canals. The provincial capital, Haarlem, is much smaller, as are other places such as Zaanstad, Alkmaar and Hoorn.
Where is North Holland located in the Netherlands?
North Holland lies in the north-west of the Netherlands and is largely a peninsula: to the west is the North Sea with wide beaches and dunes, and to the east the IJsselmeer lake. At the very top is the harbour town of Den Helder, with the ferry to the Wadden island of Texel.
What is the most fun way to learn the towns of North Holland?
The most fun way to learn the towns of North Holland is to place them on the map while playing in Toponauts. You fly a helicopter over the province and drop cities like Amsterdam, Haarlem, Alkmaar and Hoorn onto the right spot. It is free and you go at your own pace.