Vijfhuizen: vibrant village known from EXPO Greater Amsterdam

Vijfhuizen is located between Hoofddorp and Haarlem. The only village that already existed before the reclamation of the Haarlemmermeer. Vijfhuizen has approximately 4.840 inhabitants (2021). And it has a very active village association that organizes the fun Fivehuizen Party Week every year in September. You may also know Vijfhuizen from the well-known event location EXPO Greater Amsterdam or the Fort at Vijfhuizen. Read more about this nice village in this article and be inspired to visit.
Art fort near Vijfhuizen

Iconic drawbridge  

In the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, every place of residence has its own iconic building by which you can recognize the place. You can recognize Vijfhuizen by the drawbridge. The Vijfhuizerbrug is a drawbridge over the Ringvaart and was built in 1931. The bridge connects Haarlemmermeer with the Schalkwijk district in Haarlem and is on the list of municipal monuments. 

In the past, even before the reclamation of the Haarlemmermeerpolder, the area on both sides of the bridge belonged to the former municipality of Zuid-Schalkwijk. That is why you will find the village of Vijfhuizen on one side of the bridge. And on the other side in Haarlem a road named after Vijfhuizen. You will also find the Vijfhuizer Mill here. 
 

Activities in Vijfhuizen 

An important place in Vijfhuizen is the EXPO Greater Amsterdam event location. This unique glass accommodation is the perfect place for various fairs and events. Think of Bright Day, Citromobile, the Libelle Summer Week and various flea markets. 

Another popular destination is Fort bij Vijfhuizen, part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. This historic fortress, also known as the Art fort near Vijfhuizen, has been converted into a place where visual art and military heritage come together. You can visit various exhibitions here. 
 

Recreation in Vijfhuizen 

There is plenty to discover in Vijfhuizen for nature lovers. You can enjoy a lovely walk through the Groene Weelde, a nature reserve that is part of Spaarnwoude Park. You will also find various cycling routes that lead you through the beautiful surroundings. From Vijfhuizen you can cycle straight to Amsterdam, or in the other direction towards the Kennemerduinen. 

There is also a lot to do for sports enthusiasts. For example, you can play golf at the golf course in Vijfhuizen. On the website of the Haarlemmermeerse Golf Club you will find more information about all the jobs that are available. For football and handball you can go to the sports association By Sports Relaxation Vijfhuizen. This association gives you the opportunity to play as a team, both on the field and in the hall. 
 

Five Houses Memorial Forest 

The Five Houses Memorial Forest is a peaceful walking spot and resting place where people can scatter the ashes of deceased loved ones. You can also have a tree planted here, in memory of someone who is no longer there. In this way, the memorial forest forms a place of memory and comfort. Where life goes on and is visible in nature. 
 

Restaurants in Vijfhuizen 

For a delicious meal you can dine extensively in Vijfhuizen at restaurant The Grain Warehouse. You can also have lunch here on weekends. A little further on, located on the water of the Ringvaart, you will find a restaurant The New Mooring Pole. If the weather is nice, you can also sit here comfortably by the water with a view of nature. 

Do you want to stay a little longer and explore the area at your leisure? Then you can spend the night at the Vijfhuizen campsite called Camper Park. In Spaarnwoude Park there is a larger campsite where you can also pitch your tent, at Dagcamping Haarlemmermeer. 

Feel free to drop by Vijfhuizen. And be surprised by the beautiful nature and the many special sights in this beautiful village!