Too often, travelers only think of Amsterdam when they think of the Netherlands, but beyond the popular Dutch city, there are exciting places to explore.
From its Golden Age to the modern era, from its laid-back atmosphere to understated natural beauty, ample places to visit in the Netherlands (a.k.a. Holland) make it an all-encompassing European holiday destination. Sandwiched between the North Sea and Germany, foreign travelers may initially overlook this northwestern European country of just over 17 million inhabitants. However, the truth is that the Netherlands is anything but bland, boasting national parks, art and culture, museums, and over 180 vineyards. (Yes, the Netherlands does produce wine!) That brings us to the question: “What is the Netherlands known for, anyways?” While it may be a small country geographically, the Netherlands is known for its cheese markets and windmills, its masterpieces of Old Masters, and its millions of bicycles.
And while we all know Amsterdam—that buzzy capital interlaced with coffee shops and canals–is often the first (and let’s be honest: sometimes only) stop for visitors in the Netherlands, there are bountiful less-touristy places in the country beyond the picturesque capital that deserve a visit. Getting around this country about the size of Maryland is a breeze: trains are very reliable and easy to find in the Netherlands. The country is also the optimal road trip destination, with a host of Dutch delights within a few hours’ drive of Amsterdam. Or, if you’re really intent on living like a local, bike some of the 32,000 kilometers worth of cycling paths to these accessible Netherlands tourist attractions. For such a compact country, travelers will be baffled at how diverse the landscapes in the Netherlands are. While about a third of the country is below sea level, the southern and eastern regions of the Netherlands have vast, rolling hills. The highest peak in the Netherlands, the Mount of Vaals (or “Vaalserberg”), is 323 meters high!
Now it’s time to dust off your favorite pair of Dutch clogs and travel beyond Amsterdam into the most charming of Netherlands destinations. Because the truth is, from small towns and sprawling beaches to iconic windmills and tulip fields, the sheer number of places to visit in the Netherlands far surpasses the country’s variety of cheeses. And–Holy dairy cow!–that’s saying something.
Plan Your Trip: Fodor’s Netherlands Travel Guide