Ijmuiden, Netherlands (for Amsterdam)

?muiden is a port city in the Dutch province of North Holland, and is the main town of the municipality of Velsen. It is located at the start of the North Sea Canal to Amsterdam, and is approximately 45 minutes from Amsterdam.

IJmuiden is best known for its ports, piers and the huge complex sea locks. There is the old fishing port, the modern Marina Seaport Marina IJmuiden, an industrial port and a terminal for passenger ships and cruise ships. The fish auction is definitely worth a visit. At the head of the port to the large North sea lock, you can enjoy the beach.

Things to See & Do

* Municipal Hall
* North Sea locks
* Ijmuiden lighthouse
* Fish auction at the Halkade

General Information

Cruise Season – March - Dec
Currency – Euro (EUR)
Language – Dutch
Land Area – 2,670 km2 (North Holland)
Population – 50,000 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style.
Time – UTC plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code – + 31

Travel Links - Ijmuiden is accessible from Amsterdam by bus, car and boat. Fast Flying Ferries operates a half hour service which arrives at the Amsterdam side of Ijmuiden. From there you have to walk or arrange alternative ways of transport (p.e. bus)

There's no railroad connection to IJmuiden, but the Connexxion bus service is a good alternative. It operates twice per hour from the central bus station at the Marnixstraat in Amsterdam and also stops at Sloterdijk station. They also run a service from the district capital Haarlem.