19 Enchanting Locations To Discover In The Netherlands

2. Jordaan District, Amsterdam

I believed this historic neighborhood was fully charming! I additionally thought it was exceptionally stunning with a labyrinth of slim canals lined by tilting gabled buildings, blooming flower bins, and the fashionable boutiques and comfortable cafes. I actually appreciated 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 liked that it was initially a working-class neighborhood I liked that it’s developed into one in all 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.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (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 liked the beautiful canal views and my distinctive Watermelon Takaki dish which got here with vegan tuna and avocado cream! 

3. Utrecht

This metropolis is usually 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 liked its vibe although, it had a full of life cultural scene and youthful vitality on account of its massive scholar inhabitants so I additionally discovered a great deal of quirky cafes, fascinating unbiased shops, music venues, and classy outlets. 

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring (to get pleasure from canal-side cafés and town’s charming streets in bloom).
• Actions on supply: Canal excursions, visiting Dom Tower, exploring museums, and strolling by the medieval metropolis middle.
• Lodging: Mom Goose Lodge, Eye Lodge, and Grand Lodge Karel V.
• Map Location and Instructions

4. Keukenhof Gardens

That is typically 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 liked 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 thousands and 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 had been scattered all through the park. 

• Customer Heart Handle: Stationsweg 166 A, 2161 AM Lisse
• Finest 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 beautiful 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 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!

• Location: Western a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (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 sometimes Dutch! I believed it was a very engaging 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 liked 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 stop flooding. 

I took an 1.5 hour journey from Amsterdam the place I took a prepare 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 stay and work, and. visited the Wisboom Pumping Station to study trendy water administration.

• Location: Western a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (to discover the long-lasting windmills and picturesque landscapes in delicate 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 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 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 chook’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 discovered it was established in 1994 and lined round 90 sq. kilometers and is one in all 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. 

• Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Summer time (for kayaking, climbing, and recognizing various wildlife within the park’s wetlands).
• Actions on supply: Canoeing, birdwatching, climbing, 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 beautiful 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 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 a fantastic 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.
• Finest time to go to: Summer time (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… 

• Occurring a historic boat journey which was a former clipper – it was wonderful to see the creaking wood 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 liked 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 positively felt like an genuine style of ‘Outdated Holland’ – but it surely additionally had an arty and full of life scholar vibe too with cute canal-side cafes, charming boutiques, and conventional pottery workshops.

It was situated within the South Holland province, between Rotterdam and The Hague and it was based in 1246 however I liked that it’s really one of the crucial 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 prepare trip from Rotterdam and stayed for a day. I spent a very beautiful 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.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (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 sequence of islands that stretch from the Netherlands to Denmark! I personally thought they had 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 towards the wild great thing about the Wadden Sea. It felt wild, unspoilt and tranquil. 

I found them nestled within the Wadden Sea, and so they 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 Record and traditionally serving as fishing and buying and selling hubs and now have a inhabitants of round 90,000 folks throughout the Dutch islands, the biggest being Texel.

I took a 20 minute ferry trip 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 putting 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 time (for seaside 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

I used to be fully charmed by this vibrant college metropolis! I believed it was a really engaging place with putting medieval buildings, Renaissance homes, picturesque slim streets, scenic canals and handful of progressive and futuristic model buildings. As I walked round I discovered it had a youthful and dynamic vibe, which I noticed was principally right down to its massive scholar 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 relationship again to 1040, is the biggest metropolis in northern Netherlands and has a inhabitants of round 230,000 folks.

I took a two hour prepare journey from Amsterdam and stayed for a day. I climbed the historic Martinitoren for panoramic metropolis views, explored the cutting-edge exhibition on the ultra-message 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 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

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 putting purple heather (which bloomed in late summer season). To me, it was a really peaceable escape into nature from town. 

It was situated within the jap a part of the nation, close to the city of Rheden within the province of Gelderland, simply north of town of Arnhem. I discovered that it was established in 1930, covers round 5,000 hectares, is a part of the bigger Veluwe area is residence to pink deer, wild boars, foxes, badgers, and numerous chook species.

I took an hour and half drive from Amsterdam and spent a day right here. I hiked and cycled the intensive trails by the beautiful forests and open heathlands, loved excellent panoramic views from the Posbank and explored the wonderful historic Kasteel Rosendael.

• Customer Heart Handle: Heuvenseweg 5A, 6991 JE Rheden
• Finest time to go to: Fall (for climbing 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

My favorite highlights… 

• Visiting the close by 14th-century fortress Kasteel en Park Rosendael – I liked how superbly preserved it was, the romantic vibe it had, the normal kitchen and its stunning backyard which was stuffed with distinctive ‘bedriegertjes’ (deceivers), playful water jets hidden within the courtyard that fully shocked me as I walked previous!

13. Rotterdam

I actually liked funky metropolis! I believed it was additionally actually engaging in a really distinctive form of means with a mixture of functionalist designs of the post-war period to the cutting-edge, experimental constructions and progressive designs all set towards the backdrop of one of many world’s busiest ports. I actually appreciated 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 Netherlands and one of many largest port cities on the planet.

I took an hour’s direct prepare journey from Amsterdam and spent a enjoyable weekend right here. I found the progressive 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 fashionable 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 time (for architectural excursions, museums, and out of doors festivals).
• Actions on supply: Exploring trendy 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 Citadel

That is the biggest and most luxurious fortress within the nation! I believed it was a rare 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 adorned interiors stuffed with wealthy tapestries, ornate wooden carvings, stained glass home windows and interval furnishings. I additionally wandered by the superbly landscaped gardens and explored the fascinating chapel. I particularly liked The Girl’s Boudoir which hand-painted floral motifs, heavy silk curtains and delicate porcelain.

• Customer Heart Handle: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (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

My private highlights… 

• Seeing the distinctive service coach generally known as norimono – I liked 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!

15. Scheveningen

I actually loved this well-liked seaside resort! I believed it was a beautiful spot with expansive sandy seaside and grand esplanade, a contemporary pier, a historic lighthouse, a grand resort and gorgeous views of the North Sea!

I liked the way it felt each full of life and refreshing it felt like each a small seaside city and a bustling resort on the identical time with waterfront cafes, busy seafood eating places and the elegant Grand Lodge 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 middle. It was initially a fishing village talked about as early because the thirteenth century however now it’s well-liked with each vacationers and locals. 

I took a tram from central Hague which solely took 20 minutes and spent a day right here. I loved the sights on the pier such because the Ferris wheel and bungee leaping, took excessive tea on the iconic Grand Lodge 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 time (for seaside actions, water sports activities, and seaside eating).
• Actions on supply: Seashore actions, browsing, pier walks, windsurfing, kitesurfing
• Lodging: Grand Lodge Amrâth Kurhaus, Carlton Seashore Lodge, and Boulevard Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

16. Middelburg

That is the capital and largest metropolis of the province of Zeeland! I believed town was stunning with its well-preserved medieval structure, an ornate City Corridor and a towering Abbey, all set towards a backdrop of tranquil canals and quaint cobblestone streets. I liked wandering round absorbing its peaceable but historic vibe, it had a relaxed small-town attraction however with a wealthy maritime previous. 

I additionally liked its vibrant arts scene with galleries, music venues, and literary occasions and I discovered from locals that its been residence to quite a few painters, musicians, writers, and actors over the centuries. In the course of the Dutch Golden Age, it was an essential creative and mental hub! 

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 by way of 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 folks.

I took a one and a half hour prepare journey from Rotterdam and spent a day right here. I climbed the 90-meter-high Lange Jan tower and noticed excellent 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 time (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

It is a historic authorities complicated in The Hague! I personally thought it was significantly gorgeous with medieval structure, the putting Ridderzaal (Corridor of Knights) with its twin towers, the serene Hofvijver lake reflecting its historic facades, and the grand authorities buildings that showcase centuries of Dutch political historical past.

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 unlimited courtyard within the entrance, a Gothic fountain, and some statues, together with one in all 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 Handle: 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 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 situated 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 take a look at and revel in.

A few of its many sights embrace birds reminiscent of godwits, pheasants, spoonbills, geese, gulls, and terns, amongst many others, in addition to rabbits, hedgehogs, hares, and water mammals that embrace porpoises and seals.

In the event you’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.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for birdwatching, seaside 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 are previous however very well-preserved—virtually like a fantastic 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 embrace sawmills, oil mills, a mustard mill, and a dye mill.

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (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 Resorts Amsterdam Zaandam, Zaan Lodge, and Heerlijck Slaapen op de Zaanse Schans.
• Map Location and Instructions

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