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10 Places You Won't Believe Are In The Netherlands

Places In Netherland To Visit

By The List FolioPublished 2 years ago 4 min read
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The Netherlands is full of little gems that are just waiting to be discovered by you. From beautiful beaches to hidden cities, there's so much more to this beautiful country than just Amsterdam, tulips and windmills! Take a look at some of these amazing places in the Netherlands that are still off the beaten path.

1) Biesbosch National Park

Home to Europe’s largest nature reserve, where plants and animals have evolved independently of much of the outside world. If you want to experience a slice of untouched natural wonder, explore Biesbosch’s endless marshes and beautiful landscapes. It's also home to hundreds of bird species, making it one of Europe's most important ornithological regions.

2) Amsterdam's Rembrandt House Museum

Named after one of Amsterdam's most famous native sons, Rembrandt House Museum offers visitors a chance to walk through Rembrandt's former home. It isn't your typical art museum, but rather an exhibition place that gives you insight into what life was like for Rembrandt and his family. Although it's not possible to see many of his actual paintings here, you can admire pieces that were actually used by him.

3) Marken Island

Marken Island is one of my favorite places in Amsterdam. It's only accessible by ferry, which makes it feel like you're getting away from it all when you get there. On Marken Island there are small cottages, cows grazing freely, nature trails to walk on and lovely cobblestone streets to take you back in time!

4) Kinderdijk Windmills

No Dutch tour is complete without a stop in at one of Amsterdam’s most famous museums. Mauritshuis holds some of Europe’s most influential paintings, including Rembrandt van Rijn’s The Prodigal Son in the Tavern, and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. And if you find yourself wandering around The Hague during your trip to Amsterdam, be sure to stop by; it will be worth your while.

5) Mauritshuis Art Museum in The Hague

Nestled in a small town in South Holland, you’ll find one of most important art museums in Europe. This 17th-century home is stacked with thousands of works by Rembrandt and Vermeer—among others. While most visitors come for the paintings, don’t miss out on some of its world-class sculptures and drawings. Chances are you won’t see these anywhere else outside of Europe!

6) Deltapark Neeltje Jans

When you think of Holland, chances are you're picturing tulips, windmills and dikes. And while that's all very true (and beautiful), there's more to Holland than just its landscape. For starters, one of the best family-friendly theme parks in Europe is nestled among apple orchards in West Friesland. At Deltapark Neeltje Jans , kids can drive mini cars through a network of roads made from recycled plastic bottles.

7) Efteling Theme Park

Some seven million tulips bloom each year in these botanical gardens. There are more than 7,000 different species and 50,000 bulbs of over 100 varieties planted throughout eight display gardens. At its peak in May and early June, Keukenhof is one of most spectacular sights in all of Europe and worth a visit even if you’re not a gardening enthusiast!

8) Keukenhof Gardens

Near Amsterdam, Keukenhof Gardens are bursting with tulips, daffodils and other beautiful blossoms. Because these gardens are in bloom for less than two months each year, you’ll want to be sure to include them on your itinerary. An array of events, including concerts and garden walks are hosted here throughout May, so there’s something to do every day during your visit.

9) Keukenhof Gardens Tulip Fields in Lisse

Each spring, visitors descend on Lisse in droves to admire its flower-filled gardens. Even if you aren’t a gardening enthusiast, it’s hard not to be impressed by Keukenhof Gardens. There are more than 700 varieties of tulips here, which burst into full bloom over 20 acres of canals and ponds. It is truly one of nature’s wonders that it is worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime.

10) Oudorp Medieval Castle Ruins

It’s not often that you get to experience something truly medieval, but here in Holland you can do just that. To visit Oudorp Castle Ruins, located north of Amsterdam in Zuid-Holland, is to travel back in time. Just driving up to it will give you an idea of what life was like hundreds of years ago. Once inside, don’t forget to bring your camera because these ruins are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Conclusion

There are so many breathtaking places to visit in Europe, but sometimes you just need a change of scenery. And while it’s easy to get wrapped up in old world charm and tourist-friendly destinations, there are many breathtaking areas across Western Europe that are less traveled. If you’re ready for a change of scenery, here are 10 places that might not be top of mind when planning your next European vacation.

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