IJmuiden: Getting there & around

It's a thrill taking the hydrofoil (020 639 22 47; www.fastflyingferries.nl) from behind Amsterdam Centraal Station (25min, hourly) along the North Sea Canal to Velsen, 3km (1.9mi) short of IJmuiden, where you can catch Connexxion bus 82 or 83 into town. If you're travelling by car from Haarlem, The Hague or Amsterdam take the A9, then the A22. The road is well signposted.

The best way to get around IJmuiden is by bicycle. You can cycle from Velsen along the dyke towards the locks and go across the 'small' and 'middle' locks to the big lock on the far side. There are also buses that travel in and out of town. The few taxis that are around are expensive. Car is the only other means of getting around, but watch your speed as there's frequent speed controls. If you travel by road along the North Sea Canal, you'll have the surreal experience of passing huge, ocean-going ships that float well above road level.