Netherlands 💖

Once a significant naval power, the famously friendly Netherlands (or Holland) is now one of the most densely populated nations on earth, with over 15 million people calling this relatively small country home. Almost half of its pancake-flat land was once underwater and today still most of the country lies at or below sea level. It’s often overlooked as a scenic destination but there are many pockets of real beauty, you just have to know where to find them. From cities crisscrossed with canals and to national parks filled with dark green forests here are 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands…

Hoge Veluwe National Park

The Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national park in the Netherlands and is home to some of the most naturally beautiful landscapes in the country. Dotted with deer, wild boar and thick areas of forest, the park is both tranquil and an excellent area for wildlife watching. Here you can walk along the heath fields or in true Dutch style take the free bikes available to cycle over the meandering trails.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel Landgoed Groot Warnsborn – A unique luxurious hotel housed in an elegant historic property not too far from the park €90pn
• Mode Design Hotel Modez – A cool design mid range hotel with an extraordinary design from €60pn
• Drijfpaleis – Uniquely themed accommodation set on a boat from €50pn

Jordaan District, Amsterdam

Although the country’s carefree capital is arguably most famous for its coffee shops, the city has another side. To find Amsterdam’s real beauty head for the peaceful Jordaan district. Once a working class district the area has risen through the ranks to become one of the most exclusive areas of the city. Expect maze-like streets lined with bohemian cafes, art galleries and design stores boutique stores selling the latest trends. Although the real draw of this part of town is the narrow canals which are gorgeously flanked by the tall and colourful traditional gabled houses.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel de Filosoof – An unique three star boutique hotel where each room is dedicated to a famous philosopher or writer from €65pn
• Lloyd Hotel – A fabulously extraordinary hotel which is a showcase for original design from €75pn
• Hotel Arena – A charming historic hotel with combines contemporary dutch design and historical character features from €70pn

Utrecht

Utrecht is the oldest city in the Netherlands; it’s also one of their most attractive and welcoming cities. With a beautiful medieval quarter and a profusion of gothic elements adding an artistic touch to the city roundabouts and tourist sites, this city was always going to makes the list. Make sure you include a visit to The Domtoren (the highest tower-like gothic church in the Netherlands) and its adjoining attractive Cloister gardens.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Mary K Hotel – Fabulously funky bed and breakfast hotel with unique rooms from €55pn
• Nh Centre Utrecht Hotel – Hip and elegantly decorated mid range hotel from €65pn
• Mother Goose – Stunning and unique four star accommodation in great location from €70pn

Keukenhof Gardens

No visitor should leave the Netherlands without seeing a tulip. If you time your visit around springtime you’ll get to see some of the country’s best blooms at Keukenhof Gardens, located near the town of Lisse (the bulb region of the Netherlands). Also known as the Garden of Europe, it’s the world’s largest flower garden and definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands. Expect wavy rivers of violet and yellow flowers and banks of red tulips, making every photo look pretty spectacular!

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel De Duif – A well presented mid range hotel with some unique features from €65pn
• De Zonnehoed – A reasonably priced bed and breakfast with English country-style décor and picturesque views in a peaceful setting from €40pn

Leiden

Located around 25 miles from Amsterdam, this small but beautiful city is famous for having the oldest university in the country and being the birthplace of Rembrandt. The large student population gives the place a youthful vibe but the scenery here is still very traditional – expect peaceful canals, important museums and a beautiful old town filled with centuries old architecture. 

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Residence 102 – A well presented Bed & Breakfast located in the historic centre and housed in a former warehouse on the canal from €50pn
• Van der Valk Hotel – A contemporary four star hotel which offers spacious rooms in a peaceful setting next to the Old Rhine River from €60pn

Kinderdijk

Only 16 km from Rotterdam, Kinderdijk is the village where you’ll find nineteen windmills dating back from the late Medieval Age and onwards. It’s an enchanting place and one of the most important Dutch tourist sites – in 1997 it was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Time your visit around 2-7th September to coincide with “Mills in Floodlight” a popular and free event where the windmills are spectacularly illuminated at night.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant de Witte Brug – Charming hotel built in a quaint farmhouse style located not far from Kinderdijk from €60pn
• Suitehotel Pincoffs Hotel aan de Maas – An exceptional luxury hotel housed in an elegant building in nearby Rotterdam from €75pn

Biesbosch National Park

The Netherlands answer to the Everglades, Biesbosch National Park is last remaining fresh water tidal area in Europe. It is the result of several rivers meeting and shaping an interesting delta, where unique fauna and flora thrives. A picturesque network of narrow and wide creeks, it’s the place where you can do practically everything, from hiking and biking to horse riding and canoeing, and everything else in between!

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Villa Augustus – Unique luxury hotel housed in a former water tower surrounded by decorative gardens, really has the wow factor (near the National Park) – from €75pn
• Hotel Dordrecht – A well presented restored historic mansion with an intimate terrace not far from the National Park €60pn

Ijsselmeer

This vast, shallow freshwater lake, formed by the building of a dam is the largest lake in the country. It’s an atmospheric place with a haunting beauty, especially on cold and misty days. The natural reserve has plenty of activities to offer including surfing, swimming and of course sailing, Expect to see catamarans, clippers and even a handful of historic sailing vessels, which will take you back to a different era.

Delft

Delft is a small picturesque city located on the south feet of the Netherlands. It’s one of the country’s most well-preserved historic towns where you can wander through tranquil walkways and past beautiful canals, giving you a taste of ‘Old Holland’. You should definitely include a visit to the Old Church (Oude Kerk) and art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the impressive Dutch decorative arts collection residing in the excellent Stedelijk Museum het Prinsenhof.

Frisian Islands

The Frisian Islands are a chain of islands that stretch all the way from the Netherlands to Denmark and in 2009 they finally made the UNESCO World Heritage List. With villages steeped in history and clusters of dune-swept inlands the islands are truly beautiful. Island highlights include fine sandy beaches and acres of lush green scenery dotted with black and white cattle. People visit the islands to walk, cycle or just kick back and enjoy the beautiful unspoilt landscapes.