The Netherlands is a country full of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its windmills and tulips to its canals and cheese, there's no place quite like it. And while there are plenty of tourist traps to avoid, there are also plenty of unique activities that are definitely worth your time. Here are 10 of the best.
1. Visit Keukenhof Gardens: Keukenhof is arguably the most famous attraction in the Netherlands. This gorgeous Park is open for only 8 weeks a year, so if you're visiting during that time, don't miss it! You'll find over 7 million tulips in Keukenhof, as well as other beautiful flowers. Tip: take a tour from Amsterdam instead of going on your own to avoid the crowds.
2. Visit Zaanse Schans: Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum where you can learn about Dutch history and see how traditional Dutch craftsmen work. There are windmills, a clog maker, a cheese farm, and more. It's the perfect place to get a taste of traditional Dutch culture!
3. Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: A canal cruise is one of the best ways to see Amsterdam. There are plenty of companies offering cruises, so make sure to shop around for the best deal. On a canal cruise, you'll see all the major highlights of Amsterdam, including Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum.
4. Go on a Bike Tour: The Netherlands is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world, so it's no surprise that a bike tour is one of the best ways to see it! There are many different companies offering bike tours in Amsterdam and other cities throughout the Netherlands. You can even do a bike tour of Keukenhof Gardens! Tip: If you're visiting Amsterdam, make sure to rent an electric bike- they make hills much easier to handle but be sure to wear a helmet!
5. Cheese Tasting in Alkmaar: Alkmaar is known for its cheese market, which has been operating since 1365! Every Friday morning from April until September, you can watch as cheese sellers carry huge wheels of cheese through the streets to be weighed and sold at the market. Afterward, make sure to try some of the delicious Dutch cheese!
6. Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk: Kinderdijk is home to 19 windmills, which have been UNESCO-listed since 1997. These windmills were once used to pump water out of the polders (low-lying areas that are prone to flooding), but now they're just tourists attractions! You can take a boat tour or walk around Kinderdijk to see these iconic symbols of the Netherlands.
7. Visit Maastricht Underground River: The underground river tour in Maastricht takes you through caverns that were formed by mining activities hundreds of years ago. Today, these caverns are home to an underground river that you can explore by boat!
8. Horseback Riding in Giethoorn: Giethoorn is often called "the Venice of Holland" because of its numerous canals and bridges. It's also incredibly picturesque, making it the perfect place for a horseback ride!
9.'t Bosje van Buren': "t Bosje van Buren" is a small forest located in Utrecht that was planted by two friends who wanted to raise awareness about deforestation. Today,'t Bosje van Buren'is home to over 100 different species of trees from all over the world!
10.'t Hoge Veluwe National Park': 't Hoge Veluwe National Park is a nature reserve located in central Netherlands. It's home to rolling hills, heathlands, forests, and sand dunes- making it the perfect place for a day hike or picnic!
There you have it- 10 unique activities that you definitely won't want to miss when visiting the Netherlands! From exploring Dutch history and culture to admiring its natural beauty, there's something for everyone on this list."Have you ever done any of these activities? Let us know in the comments below!"
