If you travel to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, you are spoilt for choice: exciting cities, fine sandy beaches, picturesque nature and multifaceted gastronomy. It is not for nothing that several thousand holidaymakers visit the neighbouring country in western Germany every year. The most popular holiday destinations are often only a few hours’ drive away from each other. Combining several excursion destinations is very easy in the most densely populated country in the EU. So now it’s just a matter of packing your bags and choosing one or more of the most popular holiday destinations in the Netherlands.
Feel the vastness of the sea
Beach lovers will get their money’s worth in Bergen aan Zee, on the island of Texel or in the seaside resort of Domburg, among other places. On the beautiful beaches there are different ways to enjoy the holiday season. Whether it’s a walk along the beach promenade, a hike through the dunes, a swim or a visit to museums or aquariums. A stay by the sea is also ideal for a relaxing holiday with your dog.
Bergen aan Zee is located in the province of North Holland and consists of two districts: Bergen and Bergen aan Zee. The place is known for its beautiful beaches and enchants visitors with artistic charm. Since the beginning of 1900, Bergen has been considered an artists’ village. In the summer months, arts and crafts markets take place there. In addition, the highest and widest dunes in Holland extend around Bergen aan Zee.
On the island of Texel, the largest and most versatile Wadden island in North Holland, visitors can expect unique nature areas, a 30-kilometre-long sandy beach and exciting activities. There are a total of seven villages on Texel, each of which is more magnificent than the last. While the bright red lighthouse in the north of Texel looks out to sea on three sides, treasures of beachcombers (Oudeschild), mudflat walks, the Ecomare Natural History Museum (De Koog) and other sights are waiting to be discovered and admired.
Domburg has the title “Healing seaside resort of Holland” and is considered the oldest seaside resort in the province of Zeeland. Those who spend their holidays there will be amazed by the wide, clean beaches, the healing sea water and the clean sea air. Domburg is also perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The beaches Badpaviljoen, Badstraat, Hoogduin and Noordduin offer optimal conditions for windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing.
Combining culture and enjoyment
An unforgettable city trip awaits holidaymakers in Amsterdam, The Hague or Utrecht . In these places, city excursions can be combined well with nature, culture and shopping.
In Amsterdam, urban flair meets international charm. Historic buildings, narrow canals, famous museums and an exciting nightlife make the city one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands. Whether by bike or on foot, whether from the observation deck (A’DAM Lookout) or on a canal cruise – the first impression of Amsterdam makes you want more. The cultural offerings range from the Van Gogh Museum to the Vondelpark, from the Royal Palace to the Hermitage Amsterdam and the Anne Frank House. Over 8000 buildings are listed in Amsterdam and give the city its special atmosphere. After a walk in the city centre, the food halls in Amsterdam’s west invite you to take a break. In the evening, numerous restaurants open their doors with international cuisine. Countless shopping opportunities round off your stay. In Amsterdam, visitors will find something for every taste, from rare antiques to extravagant clothing.
The historic city of The Hague is located in South Holland, just six kilometres from the North Sea coast. This is where the royal family resides. The seat of parliament and government of the Netherlands is also located in The Hague. The city is home to magnificent art museums, royal palaces and architectural monuments, offers its visitors exclusive shopping experiences and even freshly caught fish from the North Sea. By tram, holidaymakers can reach Scheveningen or Kijkduin by the sea in just 20 minutes.
The student city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. In the heart of Utrecht is the cathedral with its 112-metre-high tower. The city has arisen around it. Utrecht has a car-free city centre. This is particularly suitable for relaxed walks, boat or kayak tours as well as shopping. The largest shopping arcade in Holland, Hoog Catharijne, is characterised by a wide variety of shops. In the streets “Lijnmarkt”, “Oude Gracht”, “Choorstraat”, “Oudkerkhof” and “Korte Minrebroederstraat”, shopping enthusiasts will also find a variety of shops for fashion, home or delicatessen.
Go on a journey through time
Holidaymakers can get an insight into the past in Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn.
In Zaanse Schans, pure idyll reigns. Anyone who arrives there feels like they are on a journey through time. An authentic village with small, typical Dutch houses, mills, a tin factory, a cheese and dairy farm and other craft guilds gives a good impression of life in the 17. and 18th century. Surrounded by blooming fields and curved bridges, the picturesque village invites its visitors to explore by boat. Zaanse Schans is located on the banks of the river Zaan.
The water village of Giethoorn is located in the Weerribben-Wieden National Park and is considered the Dutch Venice. There are no roads or cars in this place, but small waterways and over 170 wooden bridges. Giethoorn emerged from a peat cutter settlement. Peat extraction has led to the creation of ponds and lakes, while houses have been built on the islands in between. A round trip on a typical Giethoorn boat, the so-called “punter”, gives travelers a wonderful view of the beautiful farms from the 18. and 19th century.
