10 beautiful hidden gems in the Netherlands

The Canals of Amsterdam, Van Gogh Museum, Keukenhof Spring Gardens—all of these are beautiful and fascinating attractions in the Netherlands, but the country has so much more to offer. Dodge the tourist traps and discover unique tours, activities, and sights with our guide the best hidden gems in the Netherlands. We’ve collected several lesser-known destinations that enchanted us, and we’re sure you will fall in love with them, too.

1. Zaanse Schans

Relive life in the 18th century with windmills as far as the eye can see in Zaanse Schans. History is not only wrapped up in these beautiful windmills, but it can be seen all over the town. Discover various traditional Dutch creations at artisanal local craft shops. Visit the cheesemakers, learn all about the practice and (perhaps even more importantly) taste the delicacies. Head to the Zaans Museum to see regional costumes, model windmills and interactive exhibits on chocolate making.

Highlights

The best way to experience the windmills is to take a boat tour through this historic windmill village. You will be guided past some of the most picturesque scenery in the whole of the Netherlands.

2. Hoge Veluwe National Park

The Hoge Veluwe National Park is known as one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands—and with good reason. Just one hour from Amsterdam, this gorgeous national park is home to sand dunes and forests, which are perfect for walking, cycling, and spending time in nature.

Highlights

However, the Hoge Veluwe has more to offer than its natural beauty. In the heart of the forest, you will find the Kröller Müller Museum, with the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world.

3. Kinderdijk

Not far from Rotterdam, you'll find Kinderdijk, one of the Netherlands' ten UNESCO World Heritage sites. The best way to explore this village is by boat. You'll not only explore the waters of Kinderdijk but also the preserved windmills built around 1740. You can even learn about this centuries-old Dutch tradition directly from the millers.

Highlights

Our tip: Come early and bring your camera! This enchanting landscape with its 19 mills and three pumping stations, makes Kinderdijk perhaps the most photogenic place in the Netherlands.

4. Zeeland

Come rain or shine, the Dutch province of Zeeland will not disappoint. Here you can explore one of the seven wonders of the modern world: the Delta Works. Get to know the ins and outs of this impressive flood protection system with a day trip from Amsterdam. In addition, two hidden gems in the region are the towns of Zierikzee and Veere.

Highlights

Zeeland's nature reserves are particularly varied. From beautiful forests to dunes, and the Zeeland Riviera near Zoutelande. Discover Zeeland's coast and its inhabitants by boat. Seals are easy to spot on the dry banks, and with a bit of luck, the curious creatures will come and say hello!

5. Sallandse Heuvelrug

Probably one of the best hidden national parks of the Netherlands can be found in the heart of Overijssel. Between Holten and Nijverdal lies the Sallandse Heuvelrug. The 150,000-year-old moorland is now one of the most beautiful parks in the Netherlands. If you're in the Netherlands with kids, then Nijverdal serves as an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

One of the most beautiful things about Sallandse Heuvelrug is the abundance of beautiful purple heather that makes the landscape look particular magical.

6. Leeuwarden

Italy has the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Netherlands has the Oldehove. Unknown to many, Leeuwarden offers a uasnique chance to visit the Leaning Tower of Oldehove. After climbing a total of 183 steps, gaze at the beautiful view over the skyline. The capital of Friesland also has an impressive canal network and a historic center.

Highlights

Leeuwarden is a great destination for a romantic weekend in the Netherlands. With plenty of bars and restaurants, plus several museums and cultural hotspots, it's easy to feel like a local in this beautiful town.

7. Weerribben-Wieden

Weerribben-Wieden is a beautiful national park in the Netherlands that you can explore entirely from the water. You are probably familiar with Giethoorn, but the park where this iconic village is located is much less well known. National Park Weerribben-Wieden is the largest bog swamp in Europe and can be entirely explored by boat. While you're enjoying the natural beauty, another hidden gem worth checking out is Strijbeekse Heide, which can be explored on foot.

Highlights

The rest of the national park contrasts sharply with the popular village. It is an oasis of peace for both humans and animals. While kayaking, discover how open water slowly changes to land. Beautiful butterflies, marsh birds, and otters are abundant here. That says something about the water quality: It is excellent, so pack your swimwear.

8. Delft

Delft is known for its Delft Blue (blue and white pottery), but in the Middle Ages, it was famous for its beer thanks to the great water quality in the canals. This later also contributed to the city's expansion. Sights include Oude Kerk (Old Church), constructed between 1246 and 1350 and Heilige Geestkerkhof, the oldest known brewery in The Netherlands dating back to 1210.

Highlights

Royal Delft is the last factory that still makes Delftware according to the centuries-old tradition. The clay is poured into handmade shapes, after which the paintbrushes apply the well-known blue paint to the porcelain. Admire the complete collection, and take a closer look at the authentic production process.

9. Leiden

Leiden, Rembrandt's hometown, is full of culture. Both the oldest theater and the oldest university in the Netherlands are located here. The university was donated to the city by William of Orange and has produced many famous alumni, such as the reigning King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. The city’s historic canals are the perfect place to experience Leiden’s vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights

You can explore the historic center, including Rembrandt's birthplace and the beautiful canals at your leisure with a walking and boat tour. Not far from the city is the Kasteel de Haar—another hidden gem of the Netherlands.

10. Limburgs Heuvelland

The southernmost point of the country shouldn't be missing from your list! The landscape south of Limburg is uncharacteristically Dutch. Caves and castles can be found on vast green hills. It is very popular among hikers and people seeking peace and quiet at the weekend. Walking makes you hungry—refuel after your hike with a bite of the delicious Limburg flan.

Highlights

Beer lovers, this is for you! Gulpen hosts the most sustainable beer brewery in Europe. Gulpener Brewery uses exclusively regional ingredients, and the barley only comes directly from farmers in the region. Take a tour, taste the beer, or try brewing for yourself.

FAQs

What are the best hidden gems in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is packed with hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations that the Dutch don’t want you to know about. Spend the day exploring the stunning Purple Hills of the national parks of Gelderland, or head south to the pretty province of Limburg, wedged between Germany and Belgium. For a taste of Dutch history, look no further than the 18th century windmills of Zaanse Schans.

What is the most underrated city in the Netherlands?

While most visitors to the Netherlands head straight for Amsterdam, there are many other fantastic and underrated Dutch cities which are begging to be explored. Rotterdam is just a short train ride from the capital, and is home to great nightlife and an impressive harbor. For some peace and quiet, spend a weekend in Delft for history or Nijmegen for its access to nature. There are many beautiful places in the Netherlands just waiting to be explored.

What is the number one tourist attraction in the Netherlands?

What comes as no surprise, the number one tourist attraction is Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Located in the heart of the city, the Rijksmuseum is home to thousands of artefacts from Dutch history, and original art works from some of the world’s most important artists.

Which destinations in the Netherlands are good for families with kids?

The Netherlands is perfect for families. Take a boat ride along the canals in Amsterdam, or visit the national parks in Gelderland. Memories will be made when you visit the colorful 18th century windmills, and in summer you can even enjoy the beaches in Zandvoort Aan Zee and Scheveningen.