After a few years of journeys exploring the Netherlands, I’ve found how a lot this progressive, flat nation has to supply. From quirky historic cities to Insta-worthy nationwide parks, these are the locations I’ve personally visited and advocate essentially the most…
1. Hoge Veluwe Nationwide Park
I actually having fun with visiting this naturally lovely spot – an unlimited, unspoiled nationwide park of heathlands dotted with wildflowers, drifting sand dunes, historic forests, and vast skies that after served as a royal looking floor.
In simply over an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, I checked into the fashionable 4‑star de Wever Lodge, ideally set on the park’s edge for a sluggish, restorative weekend.
I explored 40 km of trails on one of many park’s free white bikes, admired Van Gogh originals on the Kröller‑müller museum, descended into the world’s first underground nature museum, and relaxed on the serene lakeside Jachthuis Sint Hubertus — a stately nation home with timeless attraction.
My favorite highlights…
Climbing the 6 km path from the Customer Centre close to the Kröller-Müller Museum, passing pine-scented forests, heathlands, and golden sand dunes in simply two hours. The combination of sentimental earth paths and picket boardwalks made it a simple, enjoyable stroll!
2. Jordaan District, Amsterdam
I believed this historic neighbourhood in central Amsterdam was utterly charming! Relationship again to the Seventeenth century, I beloved its maze of canals lined with leaning gabled homes, blooming flower packing containers, indie boutiques, and cosy cafés. It had a bohemian, artistic vibe with a powerful group spirit that made it really feel like a quintessentially Dutch escape.
I stayed on the trendy 4‑star Resort Mercier and spent the day strolling canals, visiting the highly effective Anne Frank Home, exploring the quirky Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum), procuring at Noordermarkt, making an attempt Dutch bites at stylish eateries, discovering hidden hofjes, and looking cool galleries and designer retailers.
Location: central Amsterdam bordered by the Lijnbaansgracht canal, Prinsengracht, Brouwersgracht, and Leidsegracht.
Inhabitants measurement: round 20,000 residents
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My private highlights…
Eating on the New Dutch Amsterdam Restaurant which served up conventional Dutch delicacies served on a superbly organized platters! I particularly favored the beautiful canal views and my distinctive Watermelon Takaki dish which got here with vegan tuna and avocado cream!
3. Utrecht
One of many Netherlands’ oldest cities, Utrecht is usually dubbed the “Mini Amsterdam” — and I believed it was simply as lovely, with its leafy canals, cobbled streets, and grand historic buildings. I particularly beloved the full of life, youthful vibe because of its large pupil inhabitants, which introduced a artistic buzz, quirky cafés, indie retailers, and music venues.
I took a 30-minute direct practice from Amsterdam Central and stayed in a single day. I climbed the Dom Tower for panoramic views, explored the fairytale medieval previous city, visited the fascinating Museum Speelklok, relaxed within the Centraal Museum’s zen-like gardens, and took a novel below-street-level tour of Utrecht’s historic wharves and vibrant waterfront eating spots.
My private highlights…
I stayed on the beautiful 4-star The Anthony Resort, a former 1908 monastery with stylish styling, hovering ceilings, glowing stained-glass home windows, and a tranquil courtyard that felt like a hidden retreat.
4. Delft
I beloved this small picturesque metropolis! Based in 1246, I found charming canals, medieval structure, well-preserved historic church buildings, Seventeenth-century gabled homes, and historic market squares. It felt timeless and quaint – it positively felt like an genuine style of ‘Outdated Holland’ – but it surely additionally had an arty and full of life pupil vibe too with cute canal-side cafes, impartial boutiques, and conventional pottery workshops.
I took only a 12 minute practice journey from Rotterdam and stayed for 2 days on the distinctive and classy 4-star Resort Arsenaal . I spent it 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.
I additionally 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 via 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.
My private highlights…
Koffie&Zo was a comfy discover with mismatched classic chairs, chunky picket tables, and quirky artisan items — I beloved sipping aromatic White Peony tea and indulging in heat, cinnamon-spiced Dutch apple pie!
5. Kinderdijk
This place was very usually Dutch! Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage,I believed it was a extremely engaging 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 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 spectacular row of 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 the place I learnt all about fashionable water administration!
Location: situated within the South Holland province, round 15 kilometers east of Rotterdam and close to the city of Alblasserdam, Western a part of the nation.
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My private highlights…
Seeing the gorgeous 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!
6. Leiden
I believed this historic metropolis was a underrated gem! I found beautiful surroundings with a community of serene canals framed by leafy paths, conventional Dutch structure, cute cafes, impartial boutiques, fascinating museums, a well-preserved medieval heart with slim 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!
It dates again to Roman instances, is the birthplace of Rembrandt and has a inhabitants of round 125,000 residents.
Location: In South Holland, about 40 km southwest of Amsterdam and 15 km northeast of The Hague within the west of the nation.
Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
Eating on the stylish luxurious brasserie Café Visscher – I beloved the quirky-chic interiors which got here with pink velvet, marble, and copper, the super-friendly workers and vibe and my artistic dish of Gnocchetti Sardi with truffles and which I washed down with a divine Espresso Martini.
7. Rotterdam
I actually beloved funky metropolis! I believed it was additionally actually engaging in a really distinctive type of method with a mixture of functionalist designs of the post-war period to the cutting-edge, experimental constructions and revolutionary designs all set in opposition to the backdrop of one of many world’s busiest ports. I actually favored its apparent cool and up to date vibe, in addition to its very full of life cultural scene that centered on artwork, vogue, and music.
I discovered it situated within the western a part of the nation, within the province of South Holland, located alongside the Nieuwe Maas, a department of the Rhine River that flows into the North Sea. It dates again to 1270 with a inhabitants of round 650,000, is the second-largest metropolis within the nation and one of many largest port cities on the planet.
I took an hour’s direct practice journey from Amsterdam and spent a enjoyable weekend right here. I found the revolutionary structure on the Dice Homes, noticed unimaginable metropolis views from the Euromast, visited the busy Markthal and sampled all kinds of native delicacies, noticed world-class artwork within the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, strolled alongside the stylish road Witte de Withstraat and downed craft beer at De Witte Aap.
Location: Western a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for architectural excursions, museums, and outside festivals).
Actions on provide: Exploring fashionable structure, visiting museums, boat excursions of the harbor, and procuring.
Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
Staying on the funky 4-star nhow Rotterdam – I actually favored the stylish styling, the floor-to-ceiling home windows in my visitor room, the views of the Maas River, the enjoyable stay DJ nights and the rooftop bar the place I sipped on a potent Rotterdam Mule whereas gazing on the metropolis skyline!
8. Keukenhof Gardens
That is generally often known as the Backyard of Europe! I believed it was very engaging with a beautiful 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 stay flower arranging demonstration, explored the Japanese Themed Backyard and the Pure Backyard, and loved the artwork installations and sculptures which have been scattered all through the park.
Customer Heart Tackle: Stationsweg 166 A, 2161 AM Lisse
Finest 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.
Map Location and Instructions
My highlights…
I believed the Japanese Themed Backyard was super-cute with its koi ponds, mild waterfalls, the gorgeous cherry blossoms (sakura), the stone lanterns, the raked gravel and the zen-like vibe!
9. Groningen
I used to be utterly charmed by this vibrant college metropolis! I believed it was a really engaging place with hanging medieval buildings, Renaissance homes, picturesque slim streets, scenic canals and handful of revolutionary and futuristic model buildings. As I walked round I discovered it had a youthful and dynamic vibe, which I noticed was largely right down to its massive pupil inhabitants, which fuelled a bustling nightlife, eclectic cafes, and a artistic, forward-thinking ambiance.
I found it was situated within the northern a part of the nation round 200 kilometers northeast of Amsterdam. Groningen, a metropolis with a wealthy historical past courting again to 1040, is the biggest metropolis in northern Netherlands and has a inhabitants of round 230,000 individuals.
I took a two hour practice journey from Amsterdam and stayed for 2 nights the the very distinctive and classy 4-star Resort Watertoren West. I climbed the historic Martinitoren for panoramic metropolis views, explored the cutting-edge exhibition on the Groninger Museum, sampled the bustling nightlife in Grote Markt, went for a serene Noorderplantsoen park, and watched a stay band on the cool music venue Vera.
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Finest 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.
Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
Eating on the stylish Mr. Mofongo Restaurant – I actually favored the very attentive workers, the in-house glass-walled distillery, the enjoyable robotic arm that assisted the distilling course of and my dish of Coconut Noodle and Indonesian Serundeng and spring onions. and my Tiger Warmth Martini cocktail which had a spicy kick to it!
10. De Haar Citadel 
That is the biggest and most luxurious fortress within the nation! I believed it was a unprecedented gem with grand Gothic Revival structure, ornate towers, picturesque moats, and sprawling, meticulously maintained landscaped gardens which all got here collectively to make it very fairy-tale like! To me, it felt enchanting, regal and really romantic the place I felt like I’d be transported again to a really totally different period!
I found it situated within the small village of Haarzuilens, close to Utrecht, within the central a part of the nation. It was constructed within the 14th century however extensively rebuilt within the late Nineteenth century,
I took a 30-minute drive from Utrecht and I took a guided tour across the lavishly embellished interiors crammed with wealthy tapestries, ornate wooden carvings, stained glass home windows and interval furnishings. I additionally wandered via the superbly landscaped gardens and explored the fascinating chapel. I particularly beloved The Woman’s Boudoir which hand-painted floral motifs, heavy silk curtains and delicate porcelain.
Customer Heart Tackle: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht
Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for fortress excursions and strolling via the gardens in bloom).
Actions on provide: Guided fortress excursions, strolling via gardens, and attending seasonal occasions.
Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
Seeing the distinctive provider coach often known as norimono – I beloved the gorgeous lacquer work and ornate design in addition to discovering out from the information the one different one which existed on the planet was situated in Tokyo!
11. Scheveningen
I actually loved this common seaside resort! I believed it was a beautiful spot with an expansive sandy seashore, an esplanade, a contemporary pier, a historic lighthouse, a grand lodge and gorgeous views of the North Sea!
I beloved the way it felt each full of life and refreshing it felt like each a small seashore city and a bustling resort on the identical time with waterfront cafes, busy seafood eating places and the fantastic Grand Resort Amrâth Kurhaus.
It was situated within the coastal a part of The Hague, on the North Beach of the western a part of the nation round 5 kilometers northwest of The Hague’s metropolis heart. It was initially a fishing village talked about as early because the Thirteenth century however now it’s common with each vacationers and locals.
I took a tram from central Hague which solely took 20 minutes and spent an extended weekend on the cool and distinctive 4-star Inntel Inns Den Haag Marina Seashore.
I loved the sights on the pier (the Ferris wheel and bungee leaping have been loads of enjoyable!), took excessive tea on the iconic Grand Resort Amrâth Kurhaus, sampled the eating places alongside the promenade, and noticed distinctive sculptures at Museum Beelden aan Zee.
Location: Western a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for seashore actions, water sports activities, and seaside eating).
Actions on provide: Seashore actions, browsing, pier walks, windsurfing, kitesurfing
Map Location and Instructions
My highlights…
Going for Excessive Tea at Grand Resort Amrâth Kurhaus – I beloved that it was served within the grand live performance corridor which had gorgeous excessive ceilings, chandeliers, and large home windows with sea views, that the workers wearing conventional uniforms, the lovable little truffles and the piano music within the background!
12. Zaanse Schans
This was a really spectacular open-air museum and historic village! It thought it was gorgeous with its scenic riverside setting, iconic 18th- and Nineteenth-century windmills, charming inexperienced picket homes, and conventional Dutch barns. I used to be completely charmed by its old-world and timeless ambiance which gave me a glimpse into conventional Dutch life.
I discovered it situated within the province of North Holland, about 15 km (9 miles) northwest of Amsterdam, alongside the Zaan River close to the city of Zaandam. It was established as a heritage web site within the Nineteen Sixties to protect historic Dutch windmills and homes from the 18th and Nineteenth centuries, is a part of Zaandam. It’s common vacationer attraction with seven museums and eight historic windmills, some courting again to the mid-1500s, together with sawmills, oil mills, a mustard mill, and a dye mill.
I took a 20 minute practice journey from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station and spent a day exploring. I noticed the working windmills like De Kat and De Zoeker, watch conventional clog-making demonstrations, visited the Zaans Museum and learnt concerning the area’s industrial previous, strolled alongside the scenic Zaan River, and explored inside preserved 18th-century picket homes and noticed a glimpse of conventional Dutch village life.
Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
Finest 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.
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My highlights…
The fascinating Zaans Museum – I particularly favored the recreated early Twentieth-century chocolate and biscuit manufacturing unit! I noticed the method of constructing Verkade merchandise, full with authentic machines that have been nonetheless working and truly making the biscuits!
13. Veluwezoom Nationwide Park
That is the nation’s oldest nationwide park! I used to be in awe of its very unspoilt pure magnificence which consisted of sprawling heathlands, thick historic forests, rolling sand dunes and hanging purple heather (which bloomed in late summer season). To me, it was a really peaceable escape from town.
It was situated within the japanese a part of the nation, close to the city of Rheden within the province of Gelderland, simply north of town of Arnhem. I came upon that it was established in 1930, covers round 5,000 hectares, is a part of the bigger Veluwe area is house to pink deer, wild boars, foxes, badgers, and numerous fowl species.
I took an hour and half drive from Amsterdam and spent a day right here. I hiked and cycled the intensive trails via the beautiful forests and open heathlands, loved very good panoramic views from the Posbank and explored the fantastic historic Kasteel Rosendael.
Customer Heart Tackle: Heuvenseweg 5A, 6991 JE Rheden
Finest time to go to: Fall (for mountaineering amongst colourful forests and having fun with wildlife recognizing).
Actions on provide: Climbing, biking, wildlife viewing, and having fun with panoramic views from Posbank.
Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
Visiting the close by 14th-century fortress Kasteel en Park Rosendael – I beloved how superbly preserved it was, the romantic vibe it had, the normal kitchen and its lovely backyard which was crammed with distinctive ‘bedriegertjes’ (deceivers), playful water jets hidden within the courtyard that utterly stunned (and soaked) me as I walked previous!
14. Middelburg
That is the capital and largest metropolis of the province of Zeeland! I believed town was lovely with its well-preserved medieval structure, ornate City Corridor and towering Abbey, all set in opposition to a backdrop of tranquil canals and quaint cobblestone streets. I beloved simply wandering round absorbing its peaceable but historic vibe, it had a relaxed small-town attraction however with a wealthy maritime previous.
I additionally found a vibrant arts scene with galleries, music venues, and literary occasions and it’s additionally been house to quite a few painters, musicians, writers, and actors over the centuries. In the course of the Dutch Golden Age, it was a vital heart for creative and mental exercise!
I discovered it situated within the southwestern a part of the nation, within the province of Zeeland, located on the Walcheren peninsula and linked to the North Sea through canals and waterways. It was based within the ninth century as a defensive settlement and later a key buying and selling hub for the Dutch East India Firm, is now the capital of Zeeland with a inhabitants of round 48,000 individuals.
I took a one and a half hour practice journey from Rotterdam and spent a weekend on the distinctive and Insta-worthy 4-star Resort St Joris I Kloeg Assortment.
I climbed the 90-meter-high Lange Jan tower and noticed very good metropolis views, explored the gorgeous Gothic-style City Corridor, visited the historic Middelburg Abbey and its Zeeuws Museum, strolled alongside the scenic canals lined with engaging Seventeenth-century service provider homes, people-watched within the the full of life Markt sq., and took a scenic boat tour to see town from the water.
Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
Finest 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.
Map Location and Instructions
My highlights…
Occurring an superior canal cruise which had a information telling us all concerning the historical past of what we have been seeing – we noticed town’s iconic 90.5-meter-tall tower, the very spectacular and historic VOC constructing, the Baroque structure of Oostkerk, and the Medieval Fortress, Kloveniersdoelen.
15. Biesbosch Nationwide Park
This can be 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 really 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 in addition to 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 in every of 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 numerous waterfowl.
My highlights…
Climbing the Griendmuseumpad path which began at Biesbosch MuseumEiland and was a simple 3.5 kilometre spherical journey which took me via pretty surroundings together with previous willow flood forests, reed marshes and sprawling wetlands.
16. Frisian Islands
The Frisian Islands are a gaggle of islands that reach from Holland to Denmark! I personally thought they have been gorgeous 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 really tranquil!
I discovered them nestled within the Wadden Sea, stretching alongside the northern coasts of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. The Dutch islands, together with Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog, are located simply off the northern Dutch coast. In 2009, they lastly made the UNESCO World Heritage Listing as a part of the Wadden Sea protected space 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 biggest 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 via the heathlands of Terschelling, visited the hanging pink lighthouse of Ameland, hiked the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea UNESCO web site, 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.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for seashore actions, biking, and wildlife viewing on the islands).
Actions on provide: Seashore walks, birdwatching, biking, and seal watching excursions.
Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the 4-star stylish Boutique Resort Texel – I used to be actually impressed with its up to date structure and decor, the Finnish sauna, the onsite yoga classes, and its distinctive spa the place they provided remedies utilizing sheep’s wool from Texel’s personal sheep, the ‘wool bathtub’ was a really uncommon expertise!
17. Binnenhof Palace, The Hague
This was a formidable historic authorities complicated in The Hague! I personally thought it was critically gorgeous with spectacular medieval structure, cobbled courtyards, grand halls, an ornate, neo-Gothic fountain, serene canals, the hanging Ridderzaal (Corridor of Knights) with its twin towers, the serene Hofvijver lake and the grand authorities buildings that showcased centuries of Dutch political historical past. I beloved strolling round and absorbing its stately and historic vibes!
Positioned within the coronary heart of The Hague, subsequent to the Hofvijver lake, serving because the nation’s political hub and housing the Dutch Parliament. Initially constructed as a Thirteenth-century fortress, it’s served because the political heart of the Netherlands for hundreds of years and stays one of many oldest lively authorities complexes on the planet.
I took 50 minutes by practice Amsterdam and spent a weekend exploring on the spectacular and fashionable 4-star voco The Hague by IHG.
I admired the medieval Ridderzaal (Corridor of Knights) the place royal ceremonies happen, explored the historic Dutch Parliament buildings, strolled alongside the scenic Hofvijver lake and noticed beautiful views of the complicated, visited the Prime Minister’s workplace on the Torentje, took a guided tour to be taught concerning the wealthy political historical past of the nation after which explored the remainder of the intriguing and refined metropolis!
Customer Heart Tackle: 2513 AA The Hague
Finest 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 via Hofvijver Lake.
Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
Seeing the very properly preserved Corridor of Knights which was crammed with vintage work, candelabras and a novel timber roof which the information advised me was designed to resemble the inverted keel of a ship.
18. Dunes of Texel Nationwide Park
I believed this protected coastal nature reserve was extraordinary! I believed it was an unspoilt magnificence spot with its huge, rolling sand dunes, rugged coastal landscapes, peaceable forests and a hanging pink lighthouse. I adored its wild but tranquil vibe – I used to be actually fortunately immersed in nature!
I discovered it situated on Texel which is the biggest of the Dutch Wadden Islands, within the northern a part of the nation, stretching alongside the island’s western coast and protecting round 43 sq. kilometers (16.6 sq. miles) which is sort of a 3rd of its land space. I additionally discovered it was house to seals alongside the coast, Highland cattle grazing within the dunes, and a wealthy number of fowl species corresponding to spoonbills, oystercatchers, and marsh harriers.
I drove 1.5 hours from Amsterdam to Den Helder and I took a 20 minute ferry journey to Texel Island and spent two days exploring staying on the stylish and fashionable 4-star Boutique Resort Texel.
I hiked via the rolling dunes and wetlands of De Slufter, noticed seals and seabirds at Ecomare wildlife sanctuary, cycled alongside scenic coastal trails, climbed the Eierland Lighthouse and noticed breathtaking island views, discover the pristine and various landscapes of De Geul and De Muy nature reserves, and relaxed on Texel’s huge, unspoiled seashores.
Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for birdwatching, seashore walks, and biking via the dunes).
Actions on provide: Climbing, biking, birdwatching, and exploring sand dunes.
Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
Biking the”Thijsse’s Hof” Loop which was a 17 kilometer spherical journey and took me two hours – I rented a motorbike in De Koog and went previous lovely dune landscapes and forested areas and I took a fast cease on the seashore too!
19. Ijsselmeer
I actually loved visiting this massive, shallow freshwater lake! I believed it was a beautiful spot with its huge open waters dotted with charming old-world harbor cities with historic gabled homes, previous lighthouses, and picturesque marinas. I really 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 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 important weekend break staying on the super-gorgeous boutique B&B Fortuna Spinoza.
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 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.
Finest 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.
Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
Occurring 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 very authentically historic!
The place is The Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a small, low-lying nation in Northwestern Europe, bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the north and west.