Places by interest
The Netherlands is a country full of diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty. While many visitors explore its vibrant cities, there’s so much more to see beyond the urban areas. From quaint villages and endless tulip fields to stunning coastlines and medieval castles, the Netherlands offers unique experiences for every type of traveler.
👉 Looking for city destinations? Check out our Cities to Visit for a complete guide to Dutch urban hotspots.
Now, let’s dive into the top attractions beyond the cities!
Fairytale Villages & Hidden Gems
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the Netherlands is home to storybook-like villages filled with history and charm.
Delft – A charming town known for its Delft Blue pottery, beautiful canals, and historic landmarks
Giethoorn – Often called the “Dutch Venice”, this car-free village is famous for its thatched-roof cottages, canals, and boat tours.
Marken & Volendam – Traditional fishing villages showcasing wooden houses, historic harbors, and local Dutch culture.
Tulip Fields & Flower Gardens
The Netherlands is world-famous for its tulips, attracting visitors from all over the world during spring.
- Keukenhof Gardens – The most famous tulip garden in the world, featuring over 7 million flowers in breathtaking colors.
- Bollenstreek & Lisse – Endless cycling routes through vibrant tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth fields.
- Noordoostpolder – A lesser-known region with spectacular tulip farms and fewer crowds.
Windmills & Dutch Heritage Sites
Experience authentic Dutch history by visiting the country’s iconic windmills and cultural landmarks.
Schokland – A mysterious former island, now a UNESCO site showcasing Dutch water management history.
Zaanse Schans – A living open-air museum with working windmills, wooden houses, and traditional Dutch crafts.
Kinderdijk – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 19 historic windmills that have protected the Netherlands from flooding since the 18th century.
Dutch Beaches & Coastal Escapes
The Netherlands is home to beautiful North Sea beaches, relaxing coastal towns, and hidden island getaways.
- Scheveningen – The country’s most famous beach, featuring a vibrant pier, Ferris wheel, and surf spots.
- Texel & the Wadden Islands – Unspoiled natural landscapes, secluded beaches, and excellent cycling trails.
- Zandvoort & Bloemendaal – Popular with both locals and tourists, these beaches offer a relaxed atmosphere, trendy beach clubs, and sand dunes.
🌳 National Parks & Outdoor Adventures
For nature lovers and outdoor explorers, the Netherlands offers diverse landscapes ranging from forests to wetlands.
- Hoge Veluwe National Park – The country’s largest national park, with dense forests, sand dunes, and the famous Kröller-Müller Museum.
- Biesbosch National Park – A stunning wetland paradise, perfect for canoeing, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
- Oostvaardersplassen – A unique wildlife reserve where visitors can see wild horses, deer, and rare bird species.
📍 Discover Dutch Nature →
🏰 Castles & Royal Palaces
Step back in time and explore majestic Dutch castles that have stood for centuries.
- Muiderslot Castle – A medieval fortress near Amsterdam with a moat, historical interiors, and interactive exhibits.
- De Haar Castle – The largest castle in the Netherlands, boasting extravagant architecture and stunning gardens.
- Paleis Het Loo – A former royal palace with beautifully restored rooms and breathtaking gardens.
🚀 Plan Your Perfect Trip with Edo the Dutch Explorer!
The Netherlands is more than just its cities—it’s a country full of unforgettable experiences, from tulip fields and windmills to beaches and fairytale villages.
👀 Want to explore Dutch cities? Visit our Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands for a complete guide to the country’s most exciting urban destinations.