The Netherlands is more than just Amsterdam and tulips. This charming country is brimming with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From picturesque villages to stunning natural landscapes, here are 15 hidden gems in the Netherlands that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
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1. Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a fairytale-like village often called the “Venice of the North.” This car-free haven is crisscrossed by canals and connected by over 180 bridges. The only way to explore is by foot, bike, or traditional punt boat.
Thatched-roof cottages line the waterways, creating a postcard-perfect scene. The village’s charm lies in its tranquility and natural beauty. Visitors can rent a boat to navigate the canals or simply stroll along the footpaths.
Giethoorn is home to several museums, including the ‘t Olde Maat Uus Museum, which offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties at one of the waterside restaurants.
2. Texel
Texel, the largest of the Wadden Islands, is a hidden gem off the coast of North Holland. This island boasts diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to lush forests and rolling dunes.
The island is famous for its sheep and wool products. Visitors can explore the Ecomare, a nature museum and seal sanctuary. Texel’s lighthouse, located at the northernmost tip, offers panoramic views of the North Sea.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the numerous hiking and cycling trails. The island’s microclimate makes it perfect for growing grapes, and you can visit the Texelse Bierbrouwerij for a taste of local beer.
3. Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Dutch life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Located just outside Amsterdam, this village is home to well-preserved windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops.
Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like cheese-making, clog carving, and pewter casting. The iconic green wooden houses and functioning windmills create a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Don’t miss the chance to climb inside a windmill for a unique perspective. The Zaans Museum offers further insights into the area’s rich industrial heritage.
4. Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a network of 19 windmills dating back to the 18th century. These windmills were built to keep the low-lying polder dry and are a testament to Dutch water management.
Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, learning about the history and function of these iconic structures. Two of the windmills are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the life of a miller.
The visitor center provides interactive exhibits and a film about the site’s history. For a unique perspective, take a boat tour along the canals to see the windmills from the water.
5. Thorn
Thorn, known as the “white village,” is a small town in Limburg province with a unique history. Its whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets create a charming atmosphere that feels frozen in time.
The town’s white facades date back to the late 18th century when French occupiers imposed a window tax. Poor residents bricked up their windows and whitewashed the walls to hide the patches.
Visitors can explore the Abbey Church, which houses a treasure trove of religious art. The town’s narrow streets are perfect for leisurely strolls, with plenty of cafes and shops to discover.
6. De Hoge Veluwe National Park
De Hoge Veluwe National Park is a sprawling nature reserve that offers a diverse landscape of forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. It’s one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands.
The park is famous for its free white bicycles, allowing visitors to explore its 5,400 hectares easily. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot red deer, wild boars, and mouflon sheep.
The park is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings and a sculpture garden. Don’t miss the chance to climb the Uitkijktoren for panoramic views of the park.
7. Bourtange
Bourtange is a perfectly preserved 16th-century star fort in the province of Groningen. This unique village was built during the Eighty Years’ War and has been meticulously restored to its 1742 appearance.
Visitors can walk along the fortress walls, explore the historic buildings, and learn about military life in the 18th century. The village square, surrounded by lime trees, is particularly charming.
Don’t miss the Terra Mora Museum, which showcases the fort’s history. For a truly immersive experience, stay overnight in one of the historic buildings converted into guesthouses.
8. Vaalserberg
Vaalserberg, the highest point in the Netherlands, is unique for being the meeting point of three countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. This tri-border area offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Visitors can climb the Wilhelmina Tower for even more impressive vistas. The area features several hiking trails, including a labyrinth and a treetop walkway.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stand in three countries at once at the official marker. The nearby Drielandenpunt visitor center offers interactive exhibits about the region’s geography and history.
9. Schokland
Schokland is a former island in the Zuiderzee that became landlocked after the area was reclaimed from the sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique glimpse into the Netherlands’ ongoing battle with water.
Visitors can explore the Museum Schokland to learn about the island’s history and the people who once lived there. The landscape features visible remnants of medieval settlements and dikes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to walk along the former coastline and see the difference in elevation between the old seabed and the surrounding polder land.
10. Naarden
Naarden is a well-preserved fortified town near Amsterdam, known for its unique star-shaped layout. The town’s fortifications, complete with moats and bastions, are among the best-preserved in Europe.
Visitors can walk along the ramparts for impressive views of the town and surrounding countryside. The Spanish House, now a museum, offers insights into the town’s history and fortification system.
Don’t miss the stunning St. Vitus Church, known for its beautiful vaulted ceilings and impressive organ. The town also hosts a biennial photo festival that attracts photographers from around the world.
11. Lauwersmeer National Park
Lauwersmeer National Park, located in the provinces of Groningen and Friesland, is a haven for nature lovers and stargazers. This former bay was closed off from the Wadden Sea in 1969, creating a unique freshwater ecosystem.
The park is renowned for its dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. It’s home to diverse wildlife, including many bird species, making it popular among birdwatchers.
Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or by boat. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the landscape.
12. Biesbosch National Park
Biesbosch National Park is among the largest national parks in the Netherlands and one of the last large freshwater tidal wetlands in Northwestern Europe. This maze of rivers and small islands is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore the park by boat, canoe, or on foot. The park is home to beavers, deer, and numerous bird species. The Biesbosch Museum Island offers interactive exhibits about the park’s ecology and history.
Don’t miss the chance to stay overnight in one of the park’s unique accommodations, including floating cabins and treehouses.
13. Terschelling
Terschelling, one of the West Frisian Islands, offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and diverse landscapes, it’s a hidden paradise for nature lovers.
The island is famous for its cranberry fields, which were introduced in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the island by bike, following well-marked cycling routes that wind through dunes, forests, and picturesque villages.
Don’t miss the chance to climb the island’s lighthouse, Brandaris, the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands. The annual Oerol Festival transforms the entire island into a stage for theater, dance, and art performances.
14. Kasteel de Haar
Kasteel de Haar, located near Utrecht, is the largest castle in the Netherlands and looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. This neo-gothic masterpiece was extensively restored in the late 19th century.
Visitors can explore the castle’s lavishly decorated rooms, filled with antiques and art. The surrounding park and gardens, designed in the English landscape style, are equally impressive.
Don’t miss the annual Elfia fantasy fair held in the castle grounds, attracting cosplayers and fantasy enthusiasts from around Europe.
15. Broek in Waterland
Broek in Waterland is a picturesque village just north of Amsterdam that seems frozen in time. Known for its perfectly preserved wooden houses painted in soft pastel colors, it’s a photographer’s dream.
The village’s tranquil canals and bridges add to its charm. Visitors can explore the village on foot or by bike, stopping at the 15th-century church in the center.
Don’t miss the chance to try local Dutch pancakes at one of the village’s cozy cafes. The nearby Waterland region offers plenty of opportunities for cycling and boating in the countryside.
