Are you looking for a fun day out in the Netherlands? Whether you’re going on an outing with the whole family, friends or relatives, there is plenty to see and do in the Netherlands. Go to one of the beautiful cities, wonderful nature parks, and amusement parks or look for the lesser-known places and hidden gems.
To give you as much inspiration as possible, we have selected a few nice trips in the Netherlands for you, which we will discuss in the following; stay tuned.
Take a walk in the Hoge Veluwe National Park
A day trip to the Hoge Veluwe National Park is always a good idea. After all, it is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands and offers plenty of opportunities to relax. You can go on a beautiful walking or cycling tour in the breathtaking surroundings and spot some wild animals on the way, like red deer, deer and boars.
After all of that walking, you can visit the Kröller-Müller Museum. There you can see an extensive collection of world-famous paintings by, amongst others, Vincent van Gogh, but also by Pablo Picasso, Theo van Doesburg, Piet Mondrian, Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir.
Furthermore, a large sculpture park can be found with a collection of installations and artworks by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and Jean Dubuffet, among others.
Visiting the windmills in Kinderdijk
Visiting the UNESCO windmills in Kinderdijk is always a good idea. Kinderdijk’s iconic mill complex consists of 19 mills in the northwestern part of the Alblasserwaard region. Eighteen mills belong to the village of Kinderdijk; one mill, the ‘Blokker’, lies just outside the municipality of Alblasserdam.
The windmills of Kinderdijk were built to pump up water from the low-lying polders and are thus a typical example of Dutch water management. The windmills are the cradle of Dutch water management and have been on the Unesco World Heritage List since 1997.
Boating in Giethoorn
The village of Giethoorn is one of the jewels in the Netherlands that you must see. It is sometimes called Holland’s Venice, and with its system of canals and more than 170 bridges, it is not undeserved. A trip to Giethoorn is not complete without a cruise through the picturesque surroundings.
The village of Giethoorn is a special place where the houses still have thatched roofs. Where the local residents use the pushcart or wheelbarrow to bring things to their homes and where today there are still no cars, but boats sail. The little boats even have their own “garage here”.
A day trip to an amusement park
Is the sun shining? Then nothing is more fun than a day trip to an adventurous amusement park. With this, you guarantee fun for both young and old. There are several amusement parks in the Netherlands. Each park is worth visiting and gives you a day full of fun and adrenaline kicks.
In addition, you can purchase your tickets online in advance. So you can avoid long queues at the ticket office and get straight into the rides. Some popular amusement parks in the Netherlands are the Efteling, Plopsa Indoor Coevorden, Toverland and Madurodam.
The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe
Or visit the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe, an exceptional nature reserve for an adventurous experience. Here you will find rugged nature and especially lots of mud and gullies, yet it is a special place. It is the largest brackish water salt marsh in Europe, measuring 36 km².
It is situated in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, where the river Schelde flows into the Westerschelde. Here the freshwater meets the saltwater of the North Sea. As a result, the water is salty.
The impact of the sea is enormous in Saeftinghe
The area is flooded every time there is a tide and reappears at low tide. It’s very special to see the sea’s influence on this area. The scenery constantly changes during ebb and flow.
The tidal difference is the largest in the Netherlands. During spring tide, it is as much as 7 meters. For that reason, a large part of Saeftinghe is not freely accessible. It is simply too dangerous. So don’t forget to bring your rubber boots!
Have a nice bike ride
Of course, in the Netherlands, bicycles are the best way to go. Have you got nothing to do on a sunny day? Then explore the surroundings by bike. You could, for instance, bike to a nearby town that you often drive past but never really explored.
You will be amazed at the beautiful cycling routes already mapped out. Naturally, the magnificent nature reserves also lend themselves to beautiful cycling tours.
Spotting the Big Five in Safaripark Beekse Bergen
So you don’t like wild roller coasters or long queues at the attractions? Then a trip to Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Brabant might be better for you. You don’t necessarily have to go to beautiful Africa for an adventurous safari because you can also come face to face with wild animals in this park.
You choose a relaxing and breathtaking boat safari on the water, an adventurous safari among the wild animals, an unforgettable bus safari with a ranger or an active walking safari in the vast nature. You can also enjoy a raptor safari, and the children can climb and clamber on the playground equipment present in the park.
Spend a unique night at the Safari Park
You can also choose to extend your visit to the Safari Park and spend the night at the Safari Resort Beekse Bergen. It is highly recommended! Here you’ll experience the ultimate safari experience and sleep among the wild animals!
You’ll wake up to the roar of the lions and enjoy a delicious breakfast on the terrace while the giraffes come peeping curiously. It seems as if you are in Africa. A stay at the Safari Resort Beekse Bergen is a unique experience!
Photoshoot at the beautiful tulip fields in the Netherlands
Of course, The Netherlands is also known worldwide for its tulips. Nowadays, there are several places where you can admire the tulips in bloom every year, especially in the spring. However, please keep in mind that you are not allowed to enter the tulip fields at random.
You must show respect for the farmers, their fields and the beautiful nature. However, having so many different regions with tulip fields can make it hard to choose.
3 best tulip fields in the Netherlands
In the following, you can find 3 best tulip fields to visit and take pictures in the Netherlands.
Noordoostpolder Tulip Fields
Noordoostpolder in the north of Flevoland. Most tulip farms in the Netherlands are located here. Here you will find over 2000 hectares of bulb fields.
Bulb Region Tulip Fields
The Bulb Region is one of the most famous areas in the Netherlands to see tulips. The area starts roughly above Leiden and runs up to Haarlem, with most bulb fields located around Lisse, Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout.
Keukenhof Tulip Fields
And, of course, the Keukenhof near Lisse. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Netherlands. Each year thousands of visitors come from all over the world to admire the millions of tulips and other flowers.
Greet the Dutch Coast
Holland has a very long coastline along the North Sea, with around 30 different seaside resorts, plus several beautiful islands in the Wadden Sea. Beaches are visited all year round, and you can get a good breath of fresh air on the beach, stroll through the dunes or sunbathe by the water.
Visiting the most beautiful castles in the Netherlands
Are you a real castle lover? Visit the special castles and fortresses in the Netherlands. Mostly you have the advantage that not only the castle is a feast for the eyes but also the natural environment in which they are located. Scattered throughout the country, you will find about 700 castles which date back to the middle ages.
If you visit a castle or two or three, you will easily be busy for a day. If you are a castle lover, you will surely enjoy it. Every castle has its charm and its own story.
4 best castles to visit in the Netherlands
Here, we will take a look at three best castles you can visit in Netherlands.
De Haar Castle
In Haarzuilens, close to Utrecht, you will find the monumental 19th-century castle, De Haar. It is the largest castle in the Netherlands. Designed by renowned Dutch architect PJH Cuypers, this neo-Gothic structure was built on the ruins of an older castle.
Heeswijk Castle
Heeswijk Castle is more than a thousand years old, which makes it one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands. Today, the castle is home to a museum which shows how the noble families used to live in the house.
Duurstede Castle
Duurstede Castle is located on a fairytale castle island and is surrounded by a pleasant park. Just the drawbridge over the moat at the entrance gives you that real castle feeling.
Huis Bergh Castle
Have you always wanted to spend the night in a castle? In Kasteel Huis Bergh, it is possible! Kasteel Huis Bergh’s suites are located in two old towers on the castle’s outer wall. More info and booking!
Walk through the beautiful greenery of the Netherlands
Put on your best walking shoes and search for the beautiful natural beauty that the Netherlands has to offer. You do not necessarily have to travel far to enjoy beautiful landscapes. Because in the Netherlands, there are also several beautiful nature parks where you can spot stunning views and unique fauna and flora.
3 best places with the most beautiful nature spots in the Netherlands
Here, we are going to introduce some of the best places for walking and enjoying the nature in Netherlands.
Utrecht Ridge
The Utrecht Ridge between Utrecht and Veenendaal, Threebergen-Zeist and Rhenen. This natural area offers an oasis of calm next to the busy Randstad area. Measuring some 10,000 hectares, this is one of the largest national parks in the Netherlands. The Utrecht Ridge has an extensive network of bicycle and hiking trails.
Nationaal Park Loonse en Drunense Duinen
The National Park of the Loonse en Drunense Duinen in North Brabant is another perfect choice. This park is also called the Brabant Sahara and is 1 of the largest shifting sand areas in Europe. The whole park is over 3500 hectares, of which about 465 hectares are shifting sand.
Biesbosch National Park
Biesbosch is not to be missed! The National Park Biesbosch is located about 5 kilometers from Dordrecht and is easily accessible by bicycle, car, or water bus! This extensive nature reserve consists of the 3 smaller areas of the Sliedrechtse Biesbosch, the Holland Biesbosch and the Brabant Biesbosch.
Together they form the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe. Since the best way to get to know the Biesbosch is by water, you can rent a canoe or sail around in a whisper boat. Several rental companies can be found around Drimmelen and Dordrecht.
Enjoy Christmas at one of the loveliest Christmas markets
We can recommend one thing during the Christmas period: visiting one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Netherlands. During this time, cities are fully decorated and illuminated, providing an extra fun atmosphere.
You walk along with the many picturesque stalls with lots of nice souvenirs. You taste the many delicacies such as mulled wine and delicious waffles. There is nothing more enjoyable than a trip to the Christmas market!
City trips in Netherlands
You can always take a day trip to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. There are plenty of nice cities to spend a day or weekend in. Every city has its charm, and it’s time to discover it.
Of course, day trips to the bustling capital Amsterdam or modern Rotterdam are very popular, but what about visiting a city you wouldn’t immediately think of? Cities such as Maastricht, Eindhoven and Tilburg, for instance, will also be able to surprise you positively.
3 surprisingly beautiful cities in the Netherlands
In the following, we will introduce some nice cities you could visit in the Netherlands.
Breda
The city of Breda is very lively and has numerous historical monuments. Go on a fun, accompanied bicycle tour of Breda and explore the city by bike!
Utrecht
The city of Utrecht is the beating and bustling heart of the Netherlands and is worth a visit! This ancient university town was built around the Dom tower. Experience the picturesque canals with their special wharf cellars full of cafés and terraces by the water. Alternatively, you can visit one of the fascinating museums in the old town.
Den Bosch
Among the most beautiful and pleasant fortified cities in the Netherlands is Den Bosch (also known as Hertogenbosch). It is a lovely city full of beautiful ancient monuments and fine museums. Besides, the historical city center offers many nice stores, and Den Bosch is also known for its cozy cafes, outdoor cafes and restaurants. Make sure you try a Bossche Bol during your visit to this city.
Marvel at the windmills of the Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans is located in Zaandam, a region north of Amsterdam. It is a beautiful region that takes you back to the 17th and 18th centuries. In the area of the Zaanse Schans, more than 600 mills were built, several of which you can visit. Some regions consist of special mills, historical buildings and fascinating museums that give a glimpse of life in the 1600-1700s. This is where history comes back to life.
You can discover the Zaanse Schans by boat as well. This brings an extra added value to your visit. You step onto the ‘cow boat’, which, as its name suggests, was used for transporting cows across the water.
