This famously progressive and flat European nation borders Belgium and Germany. Typically overshadowed by Amsterdam, it boasts gorgeous pure magnificence. From canal-laced cities to nationwide parks of historic inexperienced forests, listed below are the highlights I’d like to share..
1. Hoge Veluwe Nationwide Park
This is without doubt one of the Netherlands’ largest nationwide parks! I discovered it was a spot stuffed with pure magnificence with enormous areas of heathlands, dense historic woodlands, shifting sand dunes and fairly wildflowers. I beloved how tranquil and unspoilt it felt.
Positioned 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 without doubt one of the Netherlands’ largest nationwide parks which as soon as served as a royal looking floor. I discovered that the wildlife right here included pink deer, wild boar, mouflon (a kind of untamed sheep), and plenty of fowl 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 mountain climbing and wildlife recognizing amidst blooming landscapes and gentle climate).
- Actions on provide: Mountaineering, biking, wildlife watching, exploring sand dunes, and visiting the Kröller-Müller Museum.
- Lodging: Resort de Sterrenberg, Fletcher Resort-Restaurant De Buunderkamp, and Resort 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 bins, and the stylish boutiques and comfortable cafes. I actually preferred its arty and bohemian vibe and sense of neighborhood and inventive 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 developed into one among 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 shifting Anne Frank Home, exploring the eclectic Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum), procuring on the bustling Noordermarkt, discovering conventional Dutch meals on the hip little native eateries, discovering the hidden courtyards referred to as ‘hofjes’, gazing at artwork galleries and procuring at fantastic 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 provide: Strolling excursions, exploring canals, visiting museums and galleries, and eating at native cafés.
- Lodging: The Dylan Amsterdam, Canal Home Resort, 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 referred to 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 power on account of its massive scholar inhabitants so I additionally discovered a great deal of quirky cafes, fascinating unbiased shops, music venues, and stylish outlets.
I found it centrally situated 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 outdated 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 get pleasure from canal-side cafés and town’s charming streets in bloom).
- Actions on provide: Canal excursions, visiting Dom Tower, exploring museums, and strolling by way of the medieval metropolis middle.
- Lodging: Mom Goose Resort, Eye Resort, and Grand Resort Karel V.
- Map Location and Instructions
4. Keukenhof Gardens
That is typically 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 situated 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 dwell flower arranging demonstration, explored the Japanese Themed Backyard and the Pure Backyard, and loved artwork installations and sculptures which had been scattered all through the park.
- Customer Heart Deal with: Stationsweg 166 A, 2161 AM Lisse
- Greatest time to go to: Spring (for the world-famous tulip shows in full bloom).
- Actions on provide: Tulip viewing, pictures, guided backyard excursions, and picnicking.
- Lodging: Resort 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 middle 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 situated 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 way of the botanical gardens the place the primary tulips within the Netherlands had been planted, marveled at Dutch masterpieces within the Leiden Museum of Wonderful 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 provide: Museum visits, strolling excursions of historic websites, canal boat rides, and exploring botanical gardens.
- Lodging: Boutique Resort d’Oude Morsch, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, and Van der Valk Resort Leiden.
- Map Location and Instructions
6. Kinderdijk
This place was very sometimes Dutch! I believed it was a extremely enticing place with breathtaking an iconic row of 19 18th-century windmills set towards 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 situated 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 web site since 1997, was constructed within the 18th century as a part of an progressive 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 web site 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 dwell and work, and. visited the Wisboom Pumping Station to find out about trendy 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 provide: Visiting windmills, biking alongside canals, boat excursions, and studying about Dutch water administration historical past.
- Lodging: Resort Kinderdijk, Fletcher Resort-Restaurant De Witte Brug, and Bastion Resort Barendrecht.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- Seeing the gorgeous reflections of the Overwaard and Nederwaard windmill rows – that is the place the waterways had been at their widest and the reflections had been so crisp and undisturbed that they shaped near-perfect symmetrical mirror pictures!
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 fowl’s singing!
Positioned 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 among Europe’s few freshwater tidal wetlands, traditionally formed by the St. Elizabeth’s Flood of 1421. It’s additionally house to Europe’s inhabitants of beavers, uncommon white-tailed eagles, kingfishers and a lot of waterfowl.
I took a 1.5 hour drive from Amsterdam and spent a day right here exploring, I kayaked by way of 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 way of wetlands and reed beds, and skilled the surreal fantastic thing about the Drijvend Paviljoen, a floating and really trendy trying nature commentary platform!
- Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for kayaking, mountain climbing, and recognizing numerous wildlife within the park’s wetlands).
- Actions on provide: Canoeing, birdwatching, mountain climbing, and guided nature excursions.
- Lodging: Stayokay Dordrecht, Van der Valk Resort Dordrecht, and Resort de Brabantse Biesbosch.
- Map Location and Instructions
- Biesbosch Nationwide Park Web site
8. Ijsselmeer
I actually loved visiting this huge, 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, outdated 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 situated 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 serious 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 amazing day journey. I took a ship journey on the gorgeous lake, discover the quaint harbor cities of Hoorn and Enkhuizen, visited the Zuiderzee Museum and learnt what life at a standard Dutch fishing village was like.
I additionally cycled alongside the spectacular dam, admired the putting 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 provide: Crusing, windsurfing, swimming, and visiting close by historic fishing villages.
- Lodging: Resort van Dijk in Kampen, Seaside Resort de Vigilante, and Resort Medemblik.
- Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
- Occurring a historic boat journey which was a former clipper – it was superb 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! It was stuffed with charming canals, medieval structure, and iconic Delft Blue pottery, in addition to its sturdy ties to the royal Home of Orange and the painter Johannes Vermeer.
Positioned on the south foot, and I personally suppose it’s an actual gem! It’s one of many nation’s most well-preserved historic cities the place you’ll be able to wander by way of tranquil walkways and previous stunning canals, supplying you with a style of ‘Previous Holland’.
It is best to embody a go to to the Previous Church (Oude Kerk), and artwork fanatics shouldn’t miss the spectacular Dutch ornamental artwork assortment on the wonderful .
- 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 provide: Visiting the Royal Delft manufacturing unit, strolling excursions, canal cruises, and exploring historic websites.
- Lodging: Resort Johannes Vermeer, WestCord Resort Delft, and Resort De Koophandel.
- Map Location and Instructions
- Stedelijk Museum het Prinsenhof
10. Frisian Islands
The Frisian Islands are a sequence of islands that stretch from the Netherlands to Denmark. In 2009, they lastly made the UNESCO World Heritage Record. The islands are gorgeous, with villages steeped in historical past and clusters of dune-swept inland.
Island highlights embody fantastic sandy seashores, lush inexperienced surroundings with black and white cattle, and delightful, unspoiled landscapes. Individuals go to the islands to stroll, cycle, relax, and benefit from the surroundings.
- 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 provide: Seaside walks, birdwatching, biking, and seal watching excursions.
- Lodging: WestCord Resort Noordsee (Ameland), Grand Resort Opduin (Texel), and Resort 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 situated within the northern a part of the nation. Additionally it is an historic metropolis—roughly 950 years outdated, to be actual.
Like most massive trendy cities, this one affords one thing for everybody, together with many museums, eating places, procuring locations, sports activities actions, theaters, and improbable 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 provide: Exploring museums, attending cultural occasions, biking excursions, and visiting historic buildings.
- Lodging: Resort Prinsenhof, NH Groningen Resort de Ville, and The Pupil Resort Groningen.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. Veluwezoom Nationwide Park
It is a non-public nationwide park and the oldest park within the nation. It’s roughly 360 toes above sea stage, and its panorama contains forests and heathland house to animals equivalent to cattle, wild boars, and badgers, amongst others. It is without doubt one of the finest locations to discover within the nation.
Though it covers solely 19 sq. miles, it’s stuffed with completely different animals and vegetation. When you’re a nature lover, this park needs to be in your to-do checklist, whether or not you’re there to have a look at the sand drifts, the pink deer, or anything it affords.
- Customer Heart Deal with: Heuvenseweg 5A, 6991 JE Rheden
- Greatest time to go to: Fall (for mountain climbing amongst colourful forests and having fun with wildlife recognizing).
- Actions on provide: Mountaineering, biking, wildlife viewing, and having fun with panoramic views from Posbank.
- Lodging: Sandton Resort De Roskam, Landgoed Rhederoord, and Fletcher Landgoed Resort Avegoor.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Rotterdam
I might say don’t miss Rotterdam! Rotterdam is an enormous 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.
The town was destroyed throughout World Conflict II however is now house to some extraordinary structure, making it one among Holland’s magnificence spots.
You’ll be able to get pleasure from many sporting actions, procuring, museums, and a whole lot 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 provide: Exploring trendy structure, visiting museums, boat excursions of the harbor, and procuring.
- Lodging: Mainport Resort, Resort New York, and The James Resort.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. De Haar Fort
This magnificent fort has existed since 1391 and makes a improbable day journey. Its structure and general design are spectacular, and also you’ll be amazed at all the things it affords. When you love outdated 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 an exquisite backyard space.
You’ll discover very ornate carvings, tapestries and work, and delightful outdated porcelain that you simply gained’t quickly overlook. Additionally it is house to one among solely two service coaches of the spouse of a Japanese shogun—the opposite one is in Tokyo!
- Customer Heart Deal with: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for fort excursions and strolling by way of the gardens in bloom).
- Actions on provide: Guided fort excursions, strolling by way of gardens, and attending seasonal occasions.
- Lodging: Van der Valk Resort Breukelen, Carlton President Resort, and Boutique Resort 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 recommend strolling by way of the realm and seeing its stunning sights!
A number of of the actions that make town particular embody a New Yr’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 too can get pleasure from seashores, museums, and outdated church buildings when 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 provide: Seaside actions, browsing, pier walks, and visiting the SEA LIFE aquarium.
- Lodging: Grand Resort Amrâth Kurhaus, Carlton Seaside Resort, and Boulevard Resort.
- Map Location and Instructions
16. Middelburg
Positioned within the nation’s southwestern half, Middelburg has sports activities groups, theaters, live performance halls, and plenty of sightseeing alternatives.
The previous metropolis corridor is price a go to, and different points of interest embody buildings and church buildings with non secular and architectural significance.
Middelburg has been house to dozens of painters, musicians, writers, actors, and actresses since 1575. When you 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 provide: Strolling excursions of historic websites, visiting museums, and exploring conventional Dutch structure.
- Lodging: Boutique Resort The Roosevelt, Resort Middelburg, and Van der Valk Resort 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 is just not 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 among King William II.
The Home of Representatives and Senate maintain their periods 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 Deal with: 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 provide: Guided excursions of the parliament buildings, exploring close by museums, and strolling by way of Hofvijver Lake.
- Lodging: Resort Des Indes, Hilton The Hague, and Park Resort Den Haag.
- Map Location and Instructions
18. Dunes of Texel Nationwide Park
This extraordinary park is situated on the island of Texel within the western a part of Holland and is sort of massive. It boasts a number of completely different areas so that you can take a look at and luxuriate in.
A few of its many points of interest embody birds equivalent 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.
When you’re an animal lover, then I extremely suggest 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 way of the dunes).
- Actions on provide: Mountaineering, biking, birdwatching, and exploring sand dunes.
- Lodging: Grand Resort Opduin, Resort 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 might be outdated however very well-preserved—nearly like an exquisite 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 provide: Visiting windmills, exploring conventional Dutch homes, boat excursions, and studying about native crafts.
- Lodging: Inntel Inns Amsterdam Zaandam, Zaan Resort, and Heerlijck Slaapen op de Zaanse Schans.
- Map Location and Instructions
