Spaarndam: picturesque village on the Spaarne

Right next to Haarlem is the green Spaarndam. This picturesque village originated around a dam on the spot where the river Spaarne entered the IJ, built by Count Floris V of Holland in 1285. Nowadays Spaarndam is a commuter town with a lot of tourism thanks to the beautiful Spaarnwoude Park. Spaarndam has about 3180 inhabitants (2021) and is bustling with activities. Discover quickly what there is to experience in this beautiful town in Haarlemmermeer, full of great places to discover - from café de Toerist to restaurant De Kolk.
The beautiful polder landscape of Spaarndam with a cyclist and cows.

Fishing in the coat of arms of Spaarndam 

In the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, every place of residence has its own iconic building by which you can recognize the place. You can recognize Spaarndam by three fish. These fish are reflected in the coat of arms of Spaarndam. The origin of the weapon is unclear. It probably has to do with the local fishing, which used to be the main source of income for the village. 
 

Restaurants in Spaarndam 

There are plenty of restaurants in this beautiful village where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. For example at a restaurant The Kolk, with a view over the water of the Kolksluis. With good weather you can sit comfortably outside on the spacious terrace. Or at a restaurant Grain for Fish, located in the Spaarnwoude Golf Club complex. In addition to golfers, cyclists and walkers are also very welcome to come here for a bite to eat. 

Do you feel like having a nice drink? Then you are at cafe The tourist at the Spaarndammerdijk at the right place. You can also go here for an extensive lunch or dinner.  
 

Recreation in Spaarndam 

There is much to experience in Spaarndam. Thanks to the green surroundings and its location close to Spaarnwoude Park, it is an ideal place for a bike ride or a nice walk. Do you like to sail? At marina The Rietpol in Spaarndam you can moor your boat. When it is a bit colder, in the period from September to March, you can also skate on the ice rink in Spaarndam, at Ice club Nova Zembla
 

Forts in Spaarndam 

In Spaarndam you will find two different historical fortresses. They are also called the bunkers of Spaarndam, but bunkers are often smaller than a fort. These forts are part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, a defense line that was set up between 1880 and 1920. The entire Stelling van Amsterdam consists of 46 forts and batteries.  

Spaarndam has the Fort north of Spaarndam on Zijkanaal B, which is still in its original state. You can also discover the Fort Zuid in Spaarndam – also known as the Fort south of Spaarndam. Bee Café Terrace Fort South you can enjoy the view over the water of De Mooi Nel. 
 

Spend the night in Spaarndam 

Are you planning to stay longer in Spaarndam to discover the area at your leisure? Then you can spend the night at a campsite in Spaarndam, for example at campsite Blauhek. This camping farm is located on the grounds of farm Blauhek. You really camp here between the cows, a unique experience! 

As you can see, there is an endless amount to discover in Spaarnwoude! Explore the green surroundings of this beautiful village in Haarlemmermeer or join in the festivities during the special village festival in Spaardam.