This famously progressive and flat European nation borders Belgium and Germany. Typically overshadowed by Amsterdam, it boasts beautiful pure magnificence. From canal-laced cities to nationwide parks of historical inexperienced forests, listed here are the highlights I’d like to share..
1. Hoge Veluwe Nationwide Park
This is likely one of the Netherlands’ largest nationwide parks! I discovered it was a spot full of pure magnificence with big areas of heathlands, dense historical woodlands, shifting sand dunes and fairly wildflowers. I beloved how tranquil and unspoilt it felt.
Situated within the Gelderland province between the cities of Arnhem, Ede, and Apeldoorn it was established in 1935, and it spanned 5,400 hectares and is likely one of the Netherlands’ largest nationwide parks which as soon as served as a royal searching floor. I discovered that the wildlife right here included purple deer, wild boar, mouflon (a sort of untamed sheep), and many hen species together with the European honey buzzard and the black woodpecker.
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for mountaineering and wildlife recognizing amidst blooming landscapes and gentle climate).
- Actions on supply: Climbing, biking, wildlife watching, exploring sand dunes, and visiting the Kröller-Müller Museum.
- Lodging: Lodge de Sterrenberg, Fletcher Lodge-Restaurant De Buunderkamp, and Lodge Kruller.
- Map Location and Instructions
- Hoge Veluwe Nationwide Park Web site
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2. Jordaan District, Amsterdam
I believed this historic neighborhood was utterly charming! I additionally thought it was exceptionally stunning with a labyrinth of slender canals lined by tilting gabled buildings, blooming flower packing containers, and the fashionable boutiques and comfortable cafes. I actually appreciated its arty and bohemian vibe and sense of group and artistic spirit – all of it joined completely to create a quintessentially Dutch city panorama!
I discovered it central Amsterdam, bordered by the Lijnbaansgracht canal to the west, Prinsengracht to the east, Brouwersgracht to the north, and Leidsegracht to the south. Established within the Seventeenth century, I beloved that it was initially a working-class neighborhood I beloved that it’s advanced into one in every of Amsterdam’s most fascinating quarters, with a inhabitants of round 20,000 residents.
I spent a day right here strolling alongside the postcard-pretty canals, visiting the very transferring Anne Frank Home, exploring the eclectic Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum), purchasing on the bustling Noordermarkt, discovering conventional Dutch meals on the hip little native eateries, discovering the hidden courtyards generally known as ‘hofjes’, gazing at artwork galleries and purchasing at wonderful boutiques!
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for canal excursions and strolling excursions in nice climate).
- Actions on supply: Strolling excursions, exploring canals, visiting museums and galleries, and eating at native cafés.
- Lodging: The Dylan Amsterdam, Canal Home Lodge, and Pulitzer Amsterdam.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- Eating on the New Dutch Amsterdam Restaurant which served up conventional Dutch delicacies served on a superbly organized platters! I particularly beloved the attractive canal views and my distinctive Watermelon Takaki dish which got here with vegan tuna and avocado cream!
3. Utrecht
This metropolis is commonly generally known as the “Mini Amsterdam!” I believed it was strikingly stunning with its intertwining canals flanked by tree-lined paths, cobbled streets and stately historic buildings. I particularly beloved its vibe although, it had a vigorous cultural scene and youthful vitality as a result of its massive scholar inhabitants so I additionally discovered a great deal of quirky cafes, fascinating unbiased shops, music venues, and classy retailers.
I found it centrally positioned within the nation round 40 kilometers south of Amsterdam. I came upon that its one of many Netherlands’ oldest cities it has a historical past relationship again to Roman instances.
I took a direct practice from Amsterdam Central which took half-hour and stayed in a single day. I squeezed in climbing the Dom Tower and noticed attractive metropolis views, explored the very fairly medieval previous city, visited the intriguing Museum Speelklok and noticed assortment of mechanically taking part in musical devices, relaxed within the zen-like gardens of the Centraal Museum, and took a novel below-street-level canal tour to find the historic wharves and superior waterfront eating spots!
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring (to take pleasure in canal-side cafés and the town’s charming streets in bloom).
- Actions on supply: Canal excursions, visiting Dom Tower, exploring museums, and strolling by the medieval metropolis heart.
- Lodging: Mom Goose Lodge, Eye Lodge, and Grand Lodge Karel V.
- Map Location and Instructions
4. Keukenhof Gardens
That is usually known as the Backyard of Europe! I believed it was very enticing with a stunning show of over 7 million flowering bulbs, together with tulips and daffodils, set amongst superbly landscaped gardens, serene ponds, and picturesque pavilions! I additionally beloved its peaceable however artistic vibe!
I found it positioned in Lisse round midway between Amsterdam and The Hague within the coronary heart of the bulb area. It was established in 1949 to showcase Dutch flower growers’ bulbs and it spans 32 hectares.
I took a direct bus from Amsterdam which solely took 45 minutes and spent a day strolling across the spectacular floral shows. I noticed what felt like hundreds of thousands of tulips, attended a stay flower arranging demonstration, explored the Japanese Themed Backyard and the Pure Backyard, and loved artwork installations and sculptures which have been scattered all through the park.
- Customer Heart Tackle: Stationsweg 166 A, 2161 AM Lisse
- Greatest time to go to: Spring (for the world-famous tulip shows in full bloom).
- Actions on supply: Tulip viewing, pictures, guided backyard excursions, and picnicking.
- Lodging: Lodge Restaurant de Nachtegaal, NH Noordwijk Convention Centre Leeuwenhorst, and Boutique Suites Lisse.
- Map Location and Instructions
5. Leiden
I believed this historic metropolis was a underrated gem! I found attractive surroundings with a community of serene canals framed by leafy paths, conventional Dutch structure, cute cafes, unbiased boutiques, fascinating museums, a well-preserved medieval heart with slender streets and the oldest college within the nation. I used to be additionally very take with its scholarly, laid-back vibe and buzzing cultural scene!
I discovered it positioned within the South Holland province of the Netherlands, round 40 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam and simply 15 kilometers northeast of The Hague. It dates again to Roman instances, is the birthplace of Rembrandt and has a inhabitants of round 125,000 residents.
A took a direct practice from Amsterdam Central Station to Leiden Central Station which took 35 minutes and spent a day right here. I explored the historic Leiden College, visited the very instructional Naturalis Biodiversity Heart, wandered by the botanical gardens the place the primary tulips within the Netherlands have been planted, marveled at Dutch masterpieces within the Leiden Museum of Superb Artwork, and went on an superior canal boat tour.
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for canal cruises and visiting botanical gardens).
- Actions on supply: Museum visits, strolling excursions of historic websites, canal boat rides, and exploring botanical gardens.
- Lodging: Boutique Lodge d’Oude Morsch, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, and Van der Valk Lodge Leiden.
- Map Location and Instructions
6. Kinderdijk
This place was very usually Dutch! I believed it was a extremely enticing place with breathtaking an iconic row of 19 18th-century windmills set in opposition to a backdrop of huge, open skies, reflective waterways, and plush inexperienced fields and I beloved the way it all got here collectively to create a quintessentially Dutch panorama. To me, it felt each peaceable and timeless.
I found it positioned within the South Holland province of the nation, round 15 kilometers east of Rotterdam and close to the city of Alblasserdam, in a low-lying polder panorama alongside the Lek River. It’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage website since 1997, was constructed within the 18th century as a part of an modern water administration system to forestall flooding.
I took an 1.5 hour journey from Amsterdam the place I took a practice to Rotterdam after which took a water-bus. I cycled alongside the scenic dykes to see the very Insta-worthy website of the lined up windmills, took a ship tour for a novel water-level perspective, explored the Museum Windmills Nederwaard and Blokweer to see how the millers used to stay and work, and. visited the Wisboom Pumping Station to study fashionable water administration.
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (to discover the long-lasting windmills and picturesque landscapes in gentle climate).
- Actions on supply: Visiting windmills, biking alongside canals, boat excursions, and studying about Dutch water administration historical past.
- Lodging: Lodge Kinderdijk, Fletcher Lodge-Restaurant De Witte Brug, and Bastion Lodge Barendrecht.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- Seeing the beautiful reflections of the Overwaard and Nederwaard windmill rows – that is the place the waterways have been at their widest and the reflections have been so crisp and undisturbed that they fashioned near-perfect symmetrical mirror photographs!
7. Biesbosch Nationwide Park
It is a huge and really spectacular freshwater tidal wetland! I believed it was a novel magnificence spot with a labyrinth of winding waterways, lush willow forests, and serene wetlands. I like how peaceable and much faraway from metropolis life it felt – like a real off-the-beaten-path journey, the place there wasn’t a lot sound apart from the rustling of reeds and the hen’s singing!
Situated within the southwest of the nation, it spans the provinces of North Brabant and South Holland, close to the cities of Dordrecht and Breda, the place the rivers Maas and Waal meet. I came upon it was established in 1994 and coated round 90 sq. kilometers and is one in every of Europe’s few freshwater tidal wetlands, traditionally formed by the St. Elizabeth’s Flood of 1421. It’s additionally residence to Europe’s inhabitants of beavers, uncommon white-tailed eagles, kingfishers and numerous waterfowl.
I took a 1.5 hour drive from Amsterdam and spent a day right here exploring, I kayaked by its maze of rivers and creeks, noticed the big quantity of birds, visited Biesbosch MuseumEiland and learnt concerning the space’s water administration historical past, hiked the scenic De Pannekoek Path by wetlands and reed beds, and skilled the surreal great thing about the Drijvend Paviljoen, a floating and really fashionable wanting nature statement platform!
- Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for kayaking, mountaineering, and recognizing numerous wildlife within the park’s wetlands).
- Actions on supply: Canoeing, birdwatching, mountaineering, and guided nature excursions.
- Lodging: Stayokay Dordrecht, Van der Valk Lodge Dordrecht, and Lodge de Brabantse Biesbosch.
- Map Location and Instructions
- Biesbosch Nationwide Park Web site
8. Ijsselmeer
I actually loved visiting this massive, shallow freshwater lake! I believed it was a stunning spot with its huge open waters dotted with charming old-world harbor cities with historic gabled homes, previous lighthouses, and picturesque marinas. I like how atmospheric it was, I visited on a chilly winter’s day and it had haunting magnificence shrouded in mist!
I discovered it positioned within the north-central a part of the nation bordered by the provinces of North Holland, Friesland, and Flevoland, and is separated from the Wadden Sea by the Afsluitdijk, a significant dam and causeway which was an enormous Dutch engineering achievement.
I drove from Amsterdam to Hoorn which took simply 40 minutes and it made an ideal day journey. I took a ship journey on the beautiful lake, discover the quaint harbor cities of Hoorn and Enkhuizen, visited the Zuiderzee Museum and learnt what life at a conventional Dutch fishing village was like.
I additionally cycled alongside the spectacular dam, admired the hanging Houtribdijk dam which separated IJsselmeer from Markermeer, and strolled alongside the scenic shores of Medemblik and Lelystad.
- Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for crusing and watersports on the expansive freshwater lake).
- Actions on supply: Crusing, windsurfing, swimming, and visiting close by historic fishing villages.
- Lodging: Lodge van Dijk in Kampen, Seashore Lodge de Vigilante, and Lodge Medemblik.
- Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
- Happening a historic boat journey which was a former clipper – it was wonderful to see the creaking picket masts, see the wind fill the billowing sails, and watch the devoted crew hoist the rigging! All of it felt actually genuine!
9. Delft
I beloved this small picturesque metropolis! I found charming canals, medieval structure, charming canals, well-preserved historic church buildings, Seventeenth-century gabled homes, and historic market squares. It felt timeless and quaint – it undoubtedly felt like an genuine style of ‘Outdated Holland’ – but it surely additionally had an arty and vigorous scholar vibe too with cute canal-side cafes, charming boutiques, and conventional pottery workshops.
It was positioned within the South Holland province, between Rotterdam and The Hague and it was based in 1246 however I beloved that it’s really one of the vital well-preserved historic cities. It was additionally the birthplace of Delft Blue pottery and the painter Johannes Vermeer, and has a inhabitants of round 105,000.
I took only a 12 minute practice journey from Rotterdam and stayed for a day. I spent a extremely pretty day wandering alongside Delft’s fairly canals, visiting the Royal Delft Manufacturing facility the place I noticed conventional Delft Blue pottery being made, climbed the Nieuwe Kerk and noticed panoramic metropolis views, found the Oude Kerk the place the artist Vermeer was buried (and it additionally had a leaning tower), admired the ornate Stadhuis (Metropolis Corridor), strolled by the Beestenmarkt and checked out all of the quirky little cafes, and found Dutch historical past on the Prinsenhof Museum, the place William of Orange was assassinated.
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for exploring the historic city and visiting the Delftware factories).
- Actions on supply: Visiting the Royal Delft manufacturing unit, strolling excursions, canal cruises, and exploring historic websites.
- Lodging: Lodge Johannes Vermeer, WestCord Lodge Delft, and Lodge De Koophandel.
- Map Location and Instructions
- Stedelijk Museum het Prinsenhof
10. Frisian Islands
The Frisian Islands are a series of islands that stretch from the Netherlands to Denmark! I personally thought they have been beautiful with their huge sandy seashores, rolling dunes, and untouched wetlands, charming villages, historic lighthouses, conventional thatched-roof cottages, and quaint harbors, all set in opposition to the wild great thing about the Wadden Sea. It felt wild, unspoilt and tranquil.
I found them nestled within the Wadden Sea, they usually stretched alongside the northern coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, with the Dutch islands – together with Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog – mendacity simply off the northern coast of the Netherlands. In 2009, they lastly made the UNESCO World Heritage Listing and traditionally serving as fishing and buying and selling hubs and now have a inhabitants of round 90,000 individuals throughout the Dutch islands, the most important being Texel.
I took a 20 minute ferry journey from Den Helder on the mainland to Texel, and found the pristine seashores and dunes of Texel island, cycled by the heathlands of Terschelling, visited the hanging purple lighthouse of Ameland, hiked the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea UNESCO website, noticed seals on a ship tour from Vlieland, and skilled the car-free tranquility of the unspoilt island of Schiermonnikoog.
- Location: Northern a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for seashore actions, biking, and wildlife viewing on the islands).
- Actions on supply: Seashore walks, birdwatching, biking, and seal watching excursions.
- Lodging: WestCord Lodge Noordsee (Ameland), Grand Lodge Opduin (Texel), and Lodge Nes (Ameland).
- Map Location and Instructions
11. Groningen
Groningen is a big metropolis. The Groningen-Assen metropolitan space has roughly 500,000 residents and is positioned within the northern a part of the nation. It is usually an historical metropolis—roughly 950 years previous, to be actual.
Like most massive fashionable cities, this one provides one thing for everybody, together with many museums, eating places, purchasing locations, sports activities actions, theaters, and unbelievable nightlife. No matter what month you’re there, you’ll discover loads of issues to do, I promise!
- Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for vibrant college city life and cultural occasions).
- Actions on supply: Exploring museums, attending cultural occasions, biking excursions, and visiting historic buildings.
- Lodging: Lodge Prinsenhof, NH Groningen Lodge de Ville, and The Scholar Lodge Groningen.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. Veluwezoom Nationwide Park
It is a personal nationwide park and the oldest park within the nation. It’s roughly 360 ft above sea stage, and its panorama consists of forests and heathland residence to animals akin to cattle, wild boars, and badgers, amongst others. It is likely one of the finest locations to discover within the nation.
Though it covers solely 19 sq. miles, it’s full of totally different animals and vegetation. For those who’re a nature lover, this park needs to be in your to-do record, whether or not you’re there to have a look at the sand drifts, the purple deer, or the rest it provides.
- Customer Heart Tackle: Heuvenseweg 5A, 6991 JE Rheden
- Greatest time to go to: Fall (for mountaineering amongst colourful forests and having fun with wildlife recognizing).
- Actions on supply: Climbing, biking, wildlife viewing, and having fun with panoramic views from Posbank.
- Lodging: Sandton Lodge De Roskam, Landgoed Rhederoord, and Fletcher Landgoed Lodge Avegoor.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Rotterdam
I might say don’t miss Rotterdam! Rotterdam is a giant and enjoyable metropolis with greater than 650,000 residents, making it the second-largest metropolis within the nation.
It homes an impressive college and boasts skyscrapers, a riverside setting, and second-to-none cultural choices.
Town was destroyed throughout World Battle II however is now residence to some extraordinary structure, making it one in every of Holland’s magnificence spots.
You possibly can take pleasure in many sporting actions, purchasing, museums, and a whole bunch of buildings with historic and architectural significance.
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for architectural excursions, museums, and out of doors festivals).
- Actions on supply: Exploring fashionable structure, visiting museums, boat excursions of the harbor, and purchasing.
- Lodging: Mainport Lodge, Lodge New York, and The James Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. De Haar Fortress
This magnificent fortress has existed since 1391 and makes a unbelievable day journey. Its structure and total design are spectacular, and also you’ll be amazed at every thing it provides. For those who love previous castles, then undoubtedly don’t miss this one!
It has been destroyed and renovated quite a few instances all through the centuries, and proper now, it consists of a park and a ravishing backyard space.
You’ll discover very ornate carvings, tapestries and work, and delightful previous porcelain that you simply gained’t quickly neglect. It is usually residence to one in every of solely two service coaches of the spouse of a Japanese shogun—the opposite one is in Tokyo!
- Customer Heart Tackle: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for fortress excursions and strolling by the gardens in bloom).
- Actions on supply: Guided fortress excursions, strolling by gardens, and attending seasonal occasions.
- Lodging: Van der Valk Lodge Breukelen, Carlton President Lodge, and Boutique Lodge ZIES.
- Map Location and Instructions
15. Scheveningen
One of many eight districts of The Hague, Scheveningen is a contemporary seaside resort that features a stunning seashore, an esplanade, a lighthouse, and a pier.
Whether or not you’re there for windsurfing or kiteboarding, I counsel strolling by the world and seeing its stunning sights!
Just a few of the actions that make the town particular embody a New 12 months’s Day winter swim, a fireworks show all through the summer season months, and a flags day in spring when the primary new herring of the yr is auctioned. You can even take pleasure in seashores, museums, and previous church buildings whilst you’re there.
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for seashore actions, water sports activities, and seaside eating).
- Actions on supply: Seashore actions, browsing, pier walks, and visiting the SEA LIFE aquarium.
- Lodging: Grand Lodge Amrâth Kurhaus, Carlton Seashore Lodge, and Boulevard Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
16. Middelburg
Situated within the nation’s southwestern half, Middelburg has sports activities groups, theaters, live performance halls, and lots of sightseeing alternatives.
The previous metropolis corridor is price a go to, and different sights embody buildings and church buildings with spiritual and architectural significance.
Middelburg has been residence to dozens of painters, musicians, writers, actors, and actresses since 1575. For those who love historical past and pure magnificence, that is one metropolis you shouldn’t miss!
- Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for exploring historic websites and cultural festivals).
- Actions on supply: Strolling excursions of historic websites, visiting museums, and exploring conventional Dutch structure.
- Lodging: Boutique Lodge The Roosevelt, Lodge Middelburg, and Van der Valk Lodge Middelburg.
- Map Location and Instructions
17. Binnenhof Palace, Hague
The Binnenhof in Hague is a posh of buildings in the midst of The Hague. The historical past of the buildings just isn’t well-known, however we all know that the principle constructing was constructed as a ballroom at first.
The constructing has an enormous courtyard within the entrance, a Gothic fountain, and some statues, together with one in every of King William II.
The Home of Representatives and Senate maintain their classes in a single space of the constructing, which is beautiful each inside and exterior, making it an ideal sight for anybody who loves historical past or structure.
- Customer Heart Tackle: 2513 AA The Hague
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for strolling excursions and studying about Dutch historical past in nice climate).
- Actions on supply: Guided excursions of the parliament buildings, exploring close by museums, and strolling by Hofvijver Lake.
- Lodging: Lodge Des Indes, Hilton The Hague, and Park Lodge Den Haag.
- Map Location and Instructions
18. Dunes of Texel Nationwide Park
This extraordinary park is positioned on the island of Texel within the western a part of Holland and is sort of massive. It boasts a number of totally different areas so that you can have a look at and revel in.
A few of its many sights embody birds akin to godwits, pheasants, spoonbills, geese, gulls, and terns, amongst many others, in addition to rabbits, hedgehogs, hares, and water mammals that embody porpoises and seals.
For those who’re an animal lover, then I extremely advocate a go to. It’s roughly 17 sq. miles—sufficient to supply one thing for everybody!
- Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for birdwatching, seashore walks, and biking by the dunes).
- Actions on supply: Climbing, biking, birdwatching, and exploring sand dunes.
- Lodging: Grand Lodge Opduin, Lodge Kogerstaete Texel, and Strandhotel Noordzee.
- Map Location and Instructions
19. Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a small neighbourhood in Zaandam. It’s primarily well-known as a result of it has many historic windmills and homes which can be previous however very well-preserved—nearly like a ravishing open-air museum.
The neighbourhood is a well-liked vacationer attraction and residential to seven museums and roughly eight windmills, some relationship again to the mid-1500s. These embody sawmills, oil mills, a mustard mill, and a dye mill.
- Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for exploring the windmills and conventional Dutch homes in scenic climate).
- Actions on supply: Visiting windmills, exploring conventional Dutch homes, boat excursions, and studying about native crafts.
- Lodging: Inntel Motels Amsterdam Zaandam, Zaan Lodge, and Heerlijck Slaapen op de Zaanse Schans.
- Map Location and Instructions