Publication date: 10/24/2025
Two premium marinas near Amsterdam: Jachthaven Naarden & Marina Muiderzand
Jachthaven Naarden: a first-class marina near Amsterdam
Located just 25 minutes from Amsterdam, Jachthaven Naarden is a modern, welcoming marina offering over 1,000 berths. As a true haven for sailors, it provides every comfort for a perfect stopover and is the ideal starting point for exploring some of the Netherlands’ most beautiful waterways: the Gooimeer, IJmeer, and Randmeren.
Must-see nearby:
- Naarden, a stunning star-shaped fortified town
- Muiden and its medieval castle, Muiderslot
- Forteiland Pampus, a historic island in the Markermeer
- Amsterdam and Utrecht, for an unforgettable cultural break
Marina Muiderzand: a sailor’s paradise on the IJmeer
Facing Naarden, Marina Muiderzand delights boaters with its 850 water berths and 550 dry storage spaces. Located in Almere, it offers direct access to the IJmeer, Markermeer, and IJsselmeer, natural gems that attract enthusiasts of sailing, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing alike.
Nearby attractions:
- The fishing villages of Volendam and Monnickendam
- The historic windmills of Zaandam
- The island of Marken, famous for its traditional wooden houses
Dutch cuisine: tradition and authenticity
Sailing on the Gooimeer and Markermeer lakes is also a wonderful way to explore the flavours of Dutch gastronomy. Simple, hearty, and generous, Dutch cuisine celebrates local ingredients, from cheese and fish to potatoes and sweet pastries.
Among the must-tries:
- Stamppot, mashed potatoes and vegetables, served with smoked sausage
- Herring (Hollandse Nieuwe), eaten raw with onions and pickles
- Bitterballen, crunchy meat ragout croquettes, a bar favourite
- And of course, Dutch cheeses, especially Gouda, the star of today’s recipes
Gooische Pikante: a characterful Gouda
Hailing from the Gooi region, Gooische Pikante is an aged Gouda matured for 18 to 24 months. Its firm texture and deep caramel, nut, and spice notes make it a cheese of exceptional character, slightly tangy, rich in umami, and highly prized by cheese lovers.
💡 Did you know?
Umami is the fifth basic taste, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
The word comes from Japanese — “umai” (delicious) and “mi” (taste).
It’s often described as a savoury, rounded, and lingering flavour found naturally in aged cheeses such as Parmesan or mature Gouda.
Creamy Gouda spread: pure Dutch indulgence
Smooth and spreadable, Gouda cream adds richness to grilled meats and sandwiches alike. Flavoured with mustard or nutmeg, it perfectly embodies the warm and generous spirit of Dutch home cooking.
➡️ Where to buy cheese near Jachthaven Naarden and Marina Muiderzand:
- Lecker kass, noten en delicatessen, Bussum
- Cheesery No. 13, Naarden
- De Kaasmakerij, Almere
- Alexanderhoeve Almere Buiten, Almere
Recipe: Gouda Club Sandwich
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 12 slices of rustic bread or brioche sandwich loaf
- 200 g Gooische Pikante Oude Kaas, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp Gouda cream
- 200 g cooked chicken breast, sliced
- 4 slices smoked bacon or pancetta
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- A handful of rocket or lettuce leaves
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 drizzle of honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Butter or olive oil for toasting
Equipment
- Frying pan or grill
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Toaster or oven
- Spatula
- Skewers or cocktail sticks
Preparation
- Cook the bacon: Fry until crisp, then drain on kitchen paper.
- Make the sauce: Combine mayonnaise, mustard, and honey.
- Toast the bread: Lightly grill the slices until golden.
- Assemble the sandwich:
- Spread Gouda cream on the first slice.
- Add chicken, Gouda, bacon, and rocket.
- Place a second slice, spread with the sauce, and add tomato and avocado.
- Finish with a final slice of bread.
- Press and serve: Lightly press, secure with a skewer, cut into triangles, and enjoy with homemade fries or a crisp salad.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and walnuts.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of Espelette pepper to the Gouda cream.
- Gourmet: Add Parma ham and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Recipe: Dudok Apple Pie
A true icon of Dutch pastry, Dudok’s Apple Pie is a café classic across the Netherlands. Rich, fragrant, and filled with cinnamon-spiced apples; it’s best served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 shortcrust pastry
- 5 Belle de Boskoop apples, peeled and diced
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 50 g raisins (optional)
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs or ground almonds (to absorb moisture)
- 1 beaten egg (for glazing)
Equipment
- 24 cm pie tin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Preparation
- Prepare the filling: Mix apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and raisins.
- Line the tin: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or ground almonds over the base.
- Assemble: Roll out the pastry, line the tin, and fill with the apple mixture.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C and bake for 50–60 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
For an extra indulgent version, add a crumble topping before baking:
Ingredients
- 80 g flour
- 50 g ground almonds
- 80 g cold butter
- 80 g brown sugar
Preparation
Mix flour, almonds, and sugar. Rub in the butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over the apples before baking.
Whether with or without crumble, this apple pie is always a treat!
If you try these recipes, whether ashore or aboard, share your photos with the hashtag #GalleyRecipes!
