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Nature in the netherlands: 11 beautiful places you need to visit [2024].

Often when people think of the Netherlands, they think of Amsterdam  or at most The Hague .

Beyond that, the country is not widely considered by tourists.

However, there’s so much more to see, and the Netherlands have tons to offer in terms of natural spots.

This blog will walk you through the best nature in the Netherlands, and I’m certain it will convince you to add some of these spots to your travel bucket list!

1. The Veluwe Region

Located in Gelderland, this region is home to De Hoge Veluwe National Park , the largest national park in the Netherlands.

Voted by Dutch people as being the finest area of scenic beauty in the country, it makes sense to put it at the top of my list of nature in the Netherlands!

De Hoge Veluwe has all kinds of landscapes, ranging from heathlands to forests.

And the national park is best explored in the most Dutch way of them all – by bike.

A t De Hoge Veluwe National Park, keep an eye out for the ‘Dutch Big Five’, which includes foxes, badgers, roe deer, wild boar, and red deer.

You’ll also stumble across grazing Highland cattle, burrowing beavers, and much more.

If you’re looking for wildlife, you won’t be disappointed here!

If you fancy a dip on a hot summer’s day, you also have over 100 pools and lakes to choose from.

However, the Veluwe region has much more to offer outside of De Hoge Veluwe National Park.

Another great spot to find nature in the Netherlands is Veluwezoom National Park.

Half my family live in the Netherlands, so we’ve spent many a holiday there, and almost every time, we’ve stayed for a week or two in the Veluwezoom.

Expect wild boar to appear on your path, or a red deer to shoot past you in the trees.

And no trip to the Veluwezoom is complete without a walk or cycle up the Posbank.

This ninety-metre hill offers stunning views of up to 20km on a clear day!

2. The Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea is the largest coastal tidal wetland in Europe, something which has earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List .

It runs right the way from Den Helder in the Netherlands all the way to Esbjerg in Denmark, and it’s truly a unique place to visit. 

Take a trip aboard a historical sailboat to experience ‘running aground’, an incredible experience in which the sailboat purposely runs aground on a sandbank.

This allows you to take a hike across the tidal flat, making sure you make it back before the water rises again.

There’s loads of wildlife to see, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a seal!

Dotted throughout the Wadden Sea are the Wadden Islands, of which there are around fifty, with five being part of the Dutch Wadden Islands .

The islands are naturally rich, and each offers some of the best nature in the Netherlands.

Y ou’ll find expansive beaches and dunes and stunning flora and fauna in abundance.

On the islands of Texel and Schiermonnikoog, the nature is so different that they have been awarded National Park status!

Catch a ferry between the islands and try and fit in as many as you can.

3. Nieuw Land National Park

Situated in Flevoland , the youngest province in the Netherlands, this man-made park was created on the bottom of what was once the South Sea.

Nieuw Land is also home to Oostvaardersplassen, a fascinating marsh area with reed plains, grasslands, and plains aplenty.

Originally planned as an industrial zone, Oostvaardesplassen is now a complete paradise for thousands of birds, herds of heck cattle, adorable Konik horses, as well as other animals ranging from foxes to bats.

The icon of the park is the white-tailed eagle, an impressive bird with a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres.

As far as natural beauty goes, Nieuw Land has it in bucketloads. So why not plan a trip to this gorgeous and unique natural spot?

4. The Brabant Sahara

Officially known as the Dunes of Loon and Drunen, the Brabant Sahara is quite literally a piece of desert in the middle of the province of Noord-Brabant.

These amazing dunes formed over 10,000 years ago, and they cover around thirty square kilometres of land.

A stunning location for hikes and horse rides, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands.

Contrary to what you may believe of deserts, the Brabant Sahara boasts an exciting array of plants and animals, including roe deer.

Keep your camera at the ready! A particularly interesting part of the dunes is the area where pine forest and heather-covered grounds start to merge into these shapeshifting mountains of sand.

5. Zeeland Beaches

The beautiful province of Zeeland has a stretching coastline of 650km, offering some truly stunning beaches.

The natural beaches you’ll find here offer nature lovers interesting flora such as sea holly and sea fennel.

Lucky hikers will also spot nightingales and highland cattle dotted around the landscape.

If you fancy a bit of seal spotting, then head to Ouddorp, one of the family-friendly beaches that Zeeland is famous for.

At low tide, it’s not uncommon to spot a seal bobbing near the coastline.

If you’re a keen water-sporter, then Zeeland’s beaches can offer you everything from surfing to kitesurfing.

Some of the best beaches for water sports are Domburg, which is known for its large waves, Watergate, which is particularly good for power kitesurfing, and Duinstrand, where sailing and motorboats are also allowed.

If you’re craving an adrenaline rush after a bit of animal spotting, then these are the beaches for you.

6. South Limburg Hills

The Netherlands isn’t known for having a lot of hills.

But by Dutch standards, South Limburg has them in abundance.

For those whose hearts are in the hills, this will be one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands for you.

Here you will find beautiful green countryside, mixed in with babbling streams, gushing rivers and fascinating forest areas.

Additionally, this is the perfect trip for those of you who like a more active holiday, as there are many beautiful hikes and bike tours available across the rolling countryside.

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, why not time your trip around the annual Amstel Gold Race ?

Another great reason to visit the hills of Limburg is the grapes which are now commonly found on some of the hills, which produce Limburg’s own wine!

Certain hiking trails in the region will take you past vineyards, so wine lovers, this one is for you.

7. Weerribben-Wieden National Park

This beautiful fen is the largest in North-West Europe and is made up of lakes, ponds, and canals, intermingled with peatlands, forests, and reed beds.

One of the best ways to experience these gorgeous swamps is by canoe or electric boat.

These allow you to really take in the natural beauty around you as you float along the water; lucky visitors may even spot an otter among the vegetation.

Every season is different in Weerribben-Wieden , so don’t limit yourself to just one trip!

A particular attraction to the Weerribben-Wieden National Park is Giethoorn .

This lovely little village is often referred to as the Dutch Venice.

Thatched farms sit on peat islands in this quaint village, with over 170 wooden bridges joining the islands together for ease of access.

A boat tour will take you slowly along the water surface, showing you the best of the 18 th and 19th-century farmhouses that Giethoorn has to offer. 

8. Lauwersmeer National Park

A mix of forests, water, and grasslands, Lauwersmeer is a birding hotspot.

During the bird migration between spring and autumn, this is an absolute must-visit for bird enthusiasts. Stilts, spoonbills and even sea eagles have been spotted here.

So if you’re hoping to see some exciting wildlife, then Lauwersmeer might be just right for you!

The park offers some amazing hiking opportunities to its visitors, with bird watching huts found along the way, of course.

With little light pollution, Lauwersmeer is a Dark Sky Park, meaning it’s an incredible spot for you to look out on the starry sky.

It borders the Wadden Sea, so if you want to take a trip here, consider tying in both of these amazing natural locations.

9. De Biesbosch National Park

De Biesbosch is a distinctive freshwater tidal area, one of the few freshwater tidal areas that exist in the world.

Walk, cycle or canoe through a maze of waterworks, while keeping an eye out for beavers, who are the most popular animal in De Biesbosch.

Nearby lie the windmills of Kinderdijk , where nineteen windmills stand out against the wetlands, joining together to form a postcard-perfect Dutch scene.

A fun way to see the windmills is, of course, by boat.

You’ll love floating through this iconic landscape, taking in the sheer beauty of everything around you.

10. De Maasduinen National Park

The longest river dunes belt in the Netherlands, De Maasduinen , offer unparalleled views of shifting sands and stunning heathlands.

This area is a true haven for wildlife. You’ll find beavers, toads, lizards, snakes, galloways, sheep and goats, among countless other species.

If you want to get the full Dutch experience, make sure to hop on a bike!

Just follow one of the mountain bike trails that stretch for miles through the countryside.

11. Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park

Last but by no means least, here you will find meadows interspersed with castles, and forests laced with routes for visitors to follow.

This national park is a true oasis.

So if you’re looking to spend some time relaxing in nature in the Netherlands, then Utrechtse Heuvelrug would be a good choice for you.

There’s a reason that the wealthy people of the past chose to build their country estates and castles here.

And I’m pretty sure the fact that it’s one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands has a lot to do with it.

Utrecht ‘s only national park is said to have been formed during an ice age over 100,000 years ago when the ice forced the ground upwards, creating a large ridge that is still visible today.

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some of the best nature in the Netherlands!

Far from just being a land of tulips and windmills (although it does have plenty of both!), the country is full of beautiful landscapes that everyone can enjoy.

Next time you’re considering a trip abroad to enjoy nature, the Netherlands should be top of your list.

The wide variety of breathtaking and beautiful places in the Netherlands will make this one of your most memorable trips yet!

The Most Naturally Beautiful Destinations in the Netherlands

There are hundreds of wooded trails and rural cycle paths waiting to be explored in the Netherlands – most of which are easily accessible from the country’s major cities. These wonderful forests, dunes and heaths are among the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe and many have existed for thousands of years.

De maasduinen national park.

De Maasduinen National Park is located in Limburg, a Dutch province that trails into Belgium . The park follows the river Meuse along the German border and covers several different terrains. Its drifting sand dunes, craggy woodlands and waterlogged fens form a unique landscape that is inhabited by a number of rare reptiles and amphibians. Apart from these scaly creatures, the park is also home to several colonies of Eurasian beavers, which were reintroduced to the Netherlands during the late 1980s.

📍 De Maasduinen National Park, Bergen, The Netherlands

The river that flows through Lauwersmeer National Park separates the northern Dutch provinces of Groningen and Friesland, and feeds into several smaller estuaries that form a biologically rich delta. Hundreds of rare birds migrate to Lauwersmeer every season and wild Konik horses graze on its open landscapes. Many parts of Lauwersmeer are actually inaccessible by foot and can only be reached by boat.

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📍 Lauwersmeer National Park, The Netherlands

De Grote Peel

During the Middle Ages, the Dutch began excavating hundreds of peat bogs throughout the Low Countries. While this was necessary for a number of reasons, it also meant that most of these natural marshlands were eventually spoiled. Fortunately, De Grote Peel escaped this fate and has remained almost untouched for centuries. Today, it is recognized as one of the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands and is among the best places in Europe for bird-watching.

📍 De Grote Peel National Park, Moostdijk, The Netherlands

De Biesbosch

De Biesbosch is one the last remaining freshwater tidal wetlands in western Europe and hundreds of aquatic and amphibious species thrive on the banks of its creek or underneath its winding rivers. These beautiful waterways are draped with willow trees, and other foliage that provides cover for waterfowl. Although de Biesbosch appears ancient, it is actually less than 600 years old and was formed after the Dutch began reclaiming land around Dordrecht .

📍 De Biesbosch National Park, Drimmelen, The Netherlands

Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park

According to geographers, the province of Utrecht’s only national park was formed during an ice age that occurred over 100,000 years ago. This glacial period forced the earth upwards and created a large ridge that is still present in the park today. Utrechtse Heuvelrug is the second largest forest in the Netherlands and is spread over a long tract of land that reaches from the city of Utrecht to Veenendaal.

📍 Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, Doorn, The Netherlands

The Dunes of Texel

Texel is the largest Dutch island in the Wadden Sea and is only a few kilometers away from North Holland’s mainland. Its entire western shore is covered by windswept dunes and thick woodlands that look onto the rugged North Sea. The island’s unique terrain is populated by a rich variety of fauna, including Eurasian spoonbills, brent geese and earless seals. As Texel is relatively small, its dunes can be traversed on foot or by bicycle, making the park perfect for adventurous travelers.

📍 The Dunes of Texel National Park, Texel, The Netherlands

De Hoge Veluwe

Wild deer and boar roam freely around de Hoge Veluwe National Park , and this enormous, ancient forest features several diverse natural terrains, including heaths, dunes and woodlands. Apart from its natural beauty, de Hoge Veluwe also contains the Kröller-Müller Museum , which is renowned for its outstanding Van Gogh collection. Cycling is the preferred mode of transport in Hoge Veluwe and visitors can pick up a bicycle, free of charge, at numerous locations throughout the park.

📍 Hoge Veluwe National Park, Otterlo, The Netherlands

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

These weathered dune lands are just beyond Haarlem and roll onto the western Dutch coastline . Aside for its sandy hill, Zuid-Kennemerland is also known for its thick, luscious woodlands and is home to several large mammals, such as Fallow deer, Highlands cattle and Shetland ponies. Large parts of North Holland are visible from the park’s higher inclines and, on clearer days, it is possible to make out western Amsterdam.

📍 Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, The Netherlands

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A guide to 11 beautiful national parks in the Netherlands

Craving some nature? 🌳

Are you an avid walker looking for somewhere in the Netherlands to enjoy the great outdoors? Here’s a list of 11 great national parks that can help you get closer to nature.  🌳

The Netherlands may not have any mountains (or any hills for that matter), but the landscape is still beautiful and peaceful.

To start, here are 11 national parks in the Netherlands to add to your visit list.

1. De Biesbosch

De Biesbosch is a popular national park and one of the largest in the country. The main attraction is the number of activities on offer—there is no shortage of things to do.

You can go bird-spotting, walking, fishing, spend the night in a fishing hut in the park, rent canoes, cycle, and go on special walking tours with foresters. You can even dine in the national park!

De Biesbosch has a wild yet beautiful landscape, making it the perfect escape from the city. They hold informative school programs and are heavily involved with educating the public and preserving the landscape and its inhabitants. 🦢

📍 Havenkade 25, 4924 BC Drimmelen (takes you to the nearby shops/rentals)

2. De Maasduinen National Park

De Maasduinen is a beautiful national park located in the province of Limburg. The park was created by, well, people, but also wind and water. It actually forms the longest river dune belt in the whole of the Netherlands. 🌊

READ MORE | Why the Netherlands isn’t under water (VIDEO INSIDE)

There are also many different rare species of plants and animals in De Maasduinen, including snakes, sand lizards, cranes, buzzards, bats, beavers and butterflies. 🦋

De Maasduinen National Park is the perfect place to go for a walk, horse riding, a leisurely bike ride, or go on a mountain bike trail. Field trips are also held there, and it’s perfect for a fun little school trip. Overall, it’s a charming place to go for the day.

📍 Bezoekerscentrum De Maasduinen, Bosserheide 3E, 5855 EA Well

3. Texel National Park

If you are looking for something a little further afield but with most of the familiarities of your Dutch home, then look no further than Texel.

Texel is an island located just five kilometres north of Den Helder, across the Wadden Sea . 🌊

Over a quarter of the island is made up of the Dunes of Texel National Park, complete with cycle paths (of course) and the sea.

It’s basically everything you could want from a weekend walk or cycle. Or on horseback, if that’s your preferred method of travel!

Texel National Park’s landscape is made up of dunes, valleys, woodland and marshes. All are complete with a variety of animals, rare species of plants and protected birds. 🐤

📍 Ruijslaan 92, 1796 AZ De Koog

4. National Park Lauwersmeer

Lauwersmeer National Park is found in the providence of Groningen and Friesland. It is a product of flooding prevention when a dam was built there in 1969, so it’s now a freshwater lake.

READ MORE | The 18 most magnificent lakes in the Netherlands (near Amsterdam and beyond)

Over 100 bird species breed there, along with thousands of geese. You can also find spoonbills, stilt-claws, sea eagles and grey fringes. It’s literally the perfect place to be at one with nature or to observe the birds. 🦅

Starlings flock over Lauwersmeer National Park, Netherlands 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/60EEZ6Xrvp — Fred Barnhill (@fredbarnhill) October 22, 2020

If bird-watching isn’t really your thing, how about swapping starlings for stars? ⭐️

The National Park has been named “Dark Sky Park” for years because there is a special area preserved for visitors to see the sky without any light pollution. Echt cool!

📍 Lauwersmeer, 9976 VT

5. National Park Oosterschelde

Oosterschelde National Park lies in the province of Zeeland and is the LARGEST national park in the whole country.

Most of the park is water, and because of the tide, it changes the landscape often, making it an interesting place to keep visiting. 🌾

There is an array of different plants and animals living here mainly because the salt marshes have created different ecosystems.

It is also home to the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier, which protects the Netherlands from severe flooding. There is a museum there where you can learn about the 1953 flood , which is the reason that the storm surge barrier is here today. 🌊

📍 Oosterschelde, 4675 RB

6. De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide

The Zoom-Kalmhoutse Heide is on the border of the Netherlands and Flanders. When they became separate countries, it was divided.

What makes this place unique is that it is entirely man-made — even the bogs.

The landscape is varied with forests, dunes, heather, parks, polders and pastures. There is also a heavily wooded area originally planted to provide fuel for factories back in the 19th century.

Nature protection was not always a priority in this area, especially as it was across borders.

Now, there is a wide variety of endangered or vulnerable plant and animal species that are protected there. 🩹

Both nature and the landscape are preserved, making it a beautiful place to be for tourists and animals alike. 🦌

📍 Putsesteenweg 129, Kalmthout 2920, Belgium (and NL)

7. Schiermonnikoog

This National Park can be found on Schiermonnikoog island, one of the six Wadden Islands. This small area is packed with so many different landscapes and plenty of nature. The national park has dunes, forests, mudflats, polders and more. 🪵

Due to the huge variety of landscapes on one island, over 300 bird species visit Schiermonnikoog every year. A large variety of rare plants also grow in Schiermonnikoog.

Only local residents are allowed to have vehicles on the island, but the area has a variety of cycling paths and walking routes, so it’s easily accessible. Or if you’re not feeling too active, then taking the bus is also an option.

📍 Ferry port – Zeedijk 9, 9976 VM Lauwersoog

8. Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

This National Park is close to Amsterdam , making it the perfect escape from the busy and sometimes stressful city life. The national park is mainly made up of beaches and sand dunes.

There is plenty to do in Zuid-Kennemerduinen, such as hiking, biking, swimming, horse riding, bison spotting, and walking along the dunes.

The park’s website provides a lot of information about the park and its activities for both adults and children.

READ MORE | Hiking in Amsterdam: top 7 places for wandelen near the city

There are also beautiful country estates at Zuid-Kennemerduinen (some with formal gardens), along with a beautiful wild dune landscape and plenty of different plant and animal species. Lots to see and do!

📍  Zeeweg 12, 2051 EC Overveen

9. Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is located in Gelderland and something for everyone. It’s known for its beautiful landscape, nature and also houses the Kröller-Müller museum.

The museum gets its name from a couple who once owned the area. There’s a lot of history to this national park, where the museum and the park closely work together, just as the couple did. 🤝

📍  Apeldoornseweg 250, 7351 TA Hoenderloo

10. De Groote Peel National Park

De Groote Peel National Park is a beautiful vast area, perfect for walkers and bird watchers. It has a wide range of landscapes including marshes, ponds, forests and open countryside. 🌿

This national park is the perfect place if you’re after peace and tranquillity; it’s quiet and is out of sight and the sound of any main roads or houses.

In fact, you can’t see any form of structure for miles. It’s a blissful no man’s land!

There are around 25 species of mammals that roam the grounds (such as wild boar, deer, polecat etc), and if you’re a bird lover, you’re in luck too. The crane, cormorant and reed goose can be spotted around De Groote Peel National Park, along with a range of other domestic birds.

📍 Moostdijk 15, 6035 RB Ospel

11. Sallandse Heuvelrug

This gorgeous national park is located in the eastern Dutch province of Overijssel and takes about two hours to get there from Amsterdam by car. Perfect for a mini road trip! 🚙

The park’s landscape dates all the way back to the ice age! ❄️

More than 150,000 years ago, heavy ice caps pushed thousands of rocks in their path and compressed them to form today’s smooth surface.

The national park’s website shows all the activities on offer here: hiking, scenic cycling, mountain biking, and horse riding!

The park also organises tours and excursions with different outdoor activities such as water safaris (or just kayaking), and petting farms for your kids (or for you, no judgment here 😉).

There’s also has so many things to see! Ranging from flora and fauna-rich forests and marshes to the permanent flock of Twilhaar’s sheep and the rare black grouse bird which roams the heathland.

Sounds like a fantasy film, doesn’t it? 😆

📍 Grotestraat 281, 7441 GS Nijverdal

So there we have it—11 wonderful national parks in the Netherlands that you must visit! So put on your hiking boots and rally your friends—it’s time to return to nature!

What are your favourite national parks in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Liked it? Try these on for size:

13 unmissable world heritage sites in the netherlands to visit, 33 unmissable things to do in rotterdam in 2024, hikes and walks in rotterdam: 12 places for the perfect nature escape, what do you think.

[…] So if you’re not working, go out and do some outdoor activities like going to one of Holland’s national parks. Enjoy the lingering summer warmth while you still can, because you sure will regret it in […]

[…] get around. If you’re after somewhere to go for a walk for a day out then there are plenty of national parks (20 to be exact) where there is ample opportunity to go for a long walk. If beach walks are your […]

[…] for something a bit different to do on your weekends off? Here’s a guide to 10 different national parks to visit instead! Oh, and theme parks in the Netherlands […]

Meijendel is a national park between The Hague and Wassenaar (water supply area). Great nature park with several parkings, playground for children, self service restaurant, horse riding, bicycle and walking routes, dunes, ponds, pine forest, many different birds and a nice wide beach. There are different birds, wild horses, buffalos, fox. Perfect place for families with children during the weekend. From the beach at the south side is well visible the Pier of Scheveningen (the beach area of The Hague) and at the north side – Katwijk, Nordwijk and sometimes also Zandvoort (33 km). My youtube videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTeeoy6EQblhGlfvjCNDLaQSpe_ic8GwH

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Discover True Netherlands | Travel with a Local Couple!

Your Personal Offbeat Travel Guide in the Netherlands | Destinations, Travel Tips and Inspiration

The Most Beautiful Nature Areas in The Netherlands

Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland

Try to spot European bisons here if you are lucky!

The Netherlands is full of beautiful nature places for a peaceful walk or a refreshing hike, to admire flowers, and search for mushrooms or birds. National parks, forests, estates, lakes, and dunes – the possibilities are endless. Nature surrounds us and is waiting to be discovered. Below are our top nature trips in the Netherlands. We had a great time visiting all these places. Enjoy! Photos are made by us .

Nationaal Park Dwingelderveld

Europe’s largest wet moorland area is located in the Drenthe province. Meet the sunset with a herd of sheep here.

Posbank in Veluwezoom

One of the best places to see purple heather fields and hike in the hills and forests inside a famous national park.

Around Epen in Limburg

The unforgettable landscapes and views to remember are situated around Epen in the Zuid Limburg province.

Escape Amsterdam and enjoy a fresh walk or a bbq among the bulls, lakes, and forests in Het Twiske.

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the turquoise water of Zandenplas after a long hike through its surrounding forests.

Elspeetsche Heide

A cool place for family or dog walks on weekends to get closer to nature without being disturbed by crowds of people.

Kinderdijk – a Unesco World Heritage Site

19 charming windmills are waiting for you here.

Schoorlse Duinen Dunes

The highest dunes of the Netherlands together with a forest, beach, and heather fields. Visit any season to enjoy.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

Veluwe National Park is our secret place to rent a bike and escape the Amsterdam reality. A good mood is guaranteed here.

Sallandse Heuvelrug

This national park in Overijssel province is a perfect destination for mushroom hunt and picturesque hiking routes.

Horsterwold

Where could you better enjoy peace and space than in this forest near Zeewolde? Wild horses and bulls are everywhere.

Ermelosche Heide

380 ha of nature with dozens of walking paths. Buy heather honey on a sheep farm in the middle of the fields.

Gooi en Vechtstreek

This region boasts of beautiful nature and small rich towns where you can always find an ice cream or a good steak.

Oud Groevenbeek

A small estate with a hidden old villa to overnight in nature – a perfect location for a family weekend.

Sint Hubertus

Hidden in the depth of the Veluwe National Park – this extravagant villa is a must-see attraction while hiking there.

De Vuursche

Hike and bike in the forest with a castle where the former Queen Beatrix is still living. Then visit Lage vuursche town.

Sint-Pietersberg near Maastricht

Besides nature and a 300-year-old fortress, enjoy a stunning view over Maastricht city in Limburg province. 

Het Goois Natuurreservaat

The walking network in this region counts around 475 km of walking paths. Enough space to hike & (mountain)bike.

Natuurpark Ingendael

Exercise your strong mussels in the rubber shoes through the muds of Ingendael nearby Valkenburg.

Climbing Forest Gooi-Eemland

A bit of adrenaline for young and old – an awesome place to experience with friends.

Japanese Garden Den Haag

Tiny and beautiful – experience small Japan in the middle of Den Haag city.

Het Henschotermeer

It is an absolutely beautiful lake for an evening walk with your beloved one.

Landgoed Schovenhorst

See the collection of pine trees from all over the world & a giant mammoth pine.

Hollands Duin – Noordwijk

A quiet area with dense forests, sandy dunes, wide beaches, and a golf course.

Landgoed Beukenburg

A wonderful place for a walk or a bike tour to discover nice organic farms.

The Gardens of Appeltern

Relax, walk, enjoy flowers’ diversity, and be inspired by sustainable garden ideas.

Pyramide van Austerlitz

Built by Napoleon’s soldiers, it’s one of the highest points of the Utrecht Ridge.

The Hidden Village in Veluwe

Nine huts in Veluwe National Park were refugees once sheltered during WWII.

Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt

For a wonderful day walk with friends or partner in this charming old estate.

Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen

A varied forest area with atmospheric fens and hidden heathlands.

Oud Valkenburg

Have a wonderful walk in Oud Valkenburg around Schaloen Castle while on vacation in Limburg.

Three Country Point

This is a unique place and forest where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet.

An old forest where while walking, you will notice many birds attracted by the unique forest vegetation.

Kaapse Bossen

Discover the Kaapse Bossen in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, with varied routes, watchtower, teahouse.

Oostvaaardersplassen in Flevoland

One of the best places to watch wild horses.

Nationaal Park Drents-Friese Wold

One of the largest natural further areas in the Netherlands with changing landscapes and view towers.

Westerheide nearby Laren

One of the most beautiful areas to see heather fields and enjoy a fresh walk with your partner, dog, friends, or kids.

Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

Find here your peace of mind and many cute deer. These dunes purify drinking water for Amsterdam in a natural way.

Amsterdamse Bos

This place has a wonderful collection of cherry blossom trees to see in spring.

Landgoed Tongeren

Our most precious winter walk from the 2021 winter season happened here.

Het Veluwemeer

There is no better place to ice skate than on Het Veluwemeer – 30 squre km!

Estate Neijenburg

Diefdijk & De Oude Horn

While cycling on Dief dike, discover this charming Sluis De Oude Horn.

Estate Heidestein-Bornia

Two estates offer unique landscapes and routes with a teahouse hidden in a forest.

Estate Beeckestijn en Velserbeek

In close proximity to Amsterdam, this place will recharge your energy batteries.

Get inspired by other destination ideas for your trips  in the Netherlands. Discover our recommendations of beautiful  castles ,  cities ,  villages , museums , interesting  activities ,  events ,  attractions , dazzling  zoos , the Dutch coast , but also spas , shopping , and hotels . And keep an eye on our BLOG 🙂

Discover Other Destinations in NL:

On the photo – Henschotermeer lake

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Experience the versatile Wadden region

Explore the wadden, the most beautiful nature reserve in the netherlands.

Welcome to the most beautiful nature reserve in our country: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea. Experience the nicest routes across the islands and the Wadden coast, experience the best stories or view the many options at the best locations. Whether you want to enjoy the freshest meal of the Wadden, are looking for the perfect place to wake up or want to experience the best activity; at Visit Wadden, great enjoyment begins. Feel free!

Visit the Wadden Sea region

Ferry crossings

Experience the trails

Taste of the Wadden

Discover the regions - of the Wadden Sea Unesco World Heritage Site

North holland.

Terschelling

Wadden Sea World Heritage Site

The Wadden Sea World Heritage Site boasts the title of ‘most beautiful nature area’ in the Netherlands. The Wadden Sea is one of the last remaining large tidal areas where the forces of nature are free to do as they please. It is different every time you visit it  as water, sediment and sand move with the tides. Thanks to the many gullies, creeks and channels the mudflats and sandy plains are exposed, providing a resting place for seals and where birds can forage to their hearts’ content.

Discover more about the Wadden Sea area through our various story lines. 

World Heritage

Water Heritage

Ode to the Landscape

Darkness of the Wadden

Stories about the Wadden

8 sustainable wadden getaways.

The Wadden area offers endless opportunities for sustainable tourism and adventure. By undertaking these sustainable getaways, you will be contributing to the preservation of this unique and fragile area so that future generations can enjoy it too.

Read more...

6 times out and about with kids

In the Wadden area there is plenty to do with children. Here the little adventurers get the chance to discover the inhabitants of the mud flats. From tough fishermen bringing in their catch to funny crabs shuffling across the sand.

5 delicious regional products from the Wadden region

The wadden region is full of honest local products. Nowhere else will you find so many surprising flavours and products as in the wadden region. We list a number of regional products for you, often organically grown.

The darkest night 
for Paesens-Moddergat

It was a dark night they have never forgotten in Paesens and Moddergat. During a fierce storm, most men from the two fishing villages lost their lives.

5 dark spots on the Wadden Islands

Winter time has started again, so that means it gets dark earlier again! But how dark does it actually get these days with all that artificial light? One thing is certain: nowhere do you experience darkness as purely as in the Wadden area.

The Rottums

The Rottums are the least known of the Wadden islands. Those who love the Wadden would be thrilled to explore these islands, but they are closed to visitors. In this bit of the Netherlands, nature comes before humans.

Lees meer...

Take a walk with Gerrit de Oesterman

Take a walk along the Wadden with Vlieland native Gerrit to discover everything about what lives there and what's edible. Afterwards you can enjoy the oysters you picked yourself.

Of seaweed and bunker cheeses

No better match for an island than seaweed! During summer you can find heaps of it on the Wadden, full of vitamins, minerals, iodine and iron. Seaweed is the food of the future.

Tea garden land

Northwest Friesland is the land of tea gardens. Many farms have their own terrace where you can enjoy local home-made sweet and savoury snacks.

Beer from the source

754: Bonifatius was murdered near Dokkum. What the history books don’t mention: this event also marked the start of a special brewing tradition. Dokkum once had 19 breweries and beer is still being brewed here.

Finger-licking good beans and peas

They were threatened with extinction but Dick Trom and the Kollumer zoete grauwe erwt (sweet grey pea) are back! And this won’t surprise you once you’ve tasted them.

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28 Oct 6X AMAZING NATURE PARKS & RESERVES IN THE NETHERLANDS

Did you know that the netherlands counts 21 national parks and more than 160 nature reserves time to explore.

Holland may be small, it has so much nature! Now is the time to discover The Netherlands as you have never done before. We’ve selected 6 of our favourite Nature parks and Reserves that are worth a visit.

Before you start exploring

Recently, we tested the brand new Galaxy Watch4 which is perfect for counting your steps (like most, we’re getting addicted to those 10.000 steps a day!) But we want to tell you a little bit more about why this smartwatch is unmissable while walking around in nature and take care of your daily wellbeing. 

Samsung is known for its smart thinking, giving users endless options and that’s exactly what they did with the new Galaxy Watch4. Due to various sensors, such as a blood pressure monitor, heart rate monitor, oxygen meter and even a muscle/fat mass meter they call a Bioelectrical Empendance Analysis. Connect the Samsung Health app and your Watch4 collects data throughout the day. The Galaxy Watch4 will provide you with smart plans and routines to live even healthier. (if you sit on the sofa for too long, you get a notification to get moving, love it!) Besides, you can personalise everything. Receive messages and notifications straight from your Galaxy phone. Whether you want to use it just to track health or sleep, or just to check the time, it’s totally up to you. Anyhow, we think this smartwatch is genuinely a great addition to an active lifestyle.

The Wadden area

A day trip to the Wadden area is the perfect outing for people who want to get some fresh air. Due to its tranquility, breathtaking views and wild nature, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Beach, sea, forest and parks can be found on the islands, so there is something for everyone! Did you know that Germany has some beautiful islands too? Check out Norderney !

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

This National Park is also known for its diverse landscapes and in addition to beautiful nature, you can also enjoy a nice culture. The park houses the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus and you will also find the famous Kröller-Müller Museum here. Because of the size of the Hoge Veluwe, you can take beautiful walks or rent a bicycle and explore the nature park.

Kennemerland-Zuid

This is where Elke’s lives nearby, and it is truly one one Holland’s most beautiful places to walk and cycle in. We’ve seen plenty of deers, horses and chipmunks walking around, especially in the morning when it’s quiet. The best beach in our opinion is located in between IJmuiden and Bloemendaal beach. In fact, you can only get here by bicycle, so it’s always quiet. The ride there takes you through the forest and starts at Duin & Kruidberg , with several beautiful stops for a break. In total, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the beach. The dunes are great for a picnic (remember to bring your trash) because there is no beach bar here, so bring enough water! 

The Biesbosch is a unique piece of nature reserve in the Netherlands because it is located in a river delta. Also known as the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe, you will find many willow flood forests and creeks. Together with a ranger you can discover the area and all its glory, including the beaver.

Oostvaardersplassen

The Oostvaardersplassen, located between Almere and Lelystad, are a large wetland area and have an area of ​​approximately 56 square kilometers. If you are an animal fan this is the park for you. Large groups of konik horses and red deer live here, as well as many special, rare birds. Some parts of the area are closed to protect nature, but there are enough hiking trails available to spend a day here.

The Loonse and Drunense Dunes

This dune landscape in Brabant is so unique that it was awarded the National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen in 2002. The vast majority of this area consists of sand and is therefore also referred to as the Sahara of the Netherlands. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket and spend the day enjoying this piece of nature park in the sunshine. 

For all the Dutch National Parks, visit www.nationaalpark.nl

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Netherlands Tourism

20 amazing national parks in the netherlands.

The Netherlands packs great natural diversity into quite a small space, and national parks have been cropping up around the country since the 1930s.

In Limburg you can scale forested hills, while in North Brabant you may be surprised to find yourself in a Sahara-like desert.

There are hills chiselled by glaciers that crept down from Scandinavia, and a world of fens and canals at Weerribben-Wieden caused by centuries of peat cultivation.

On the World Heritage Wadden Sea you’ll be in a different climate altogether, spotting seals and porpoises and staring at the wide horizons on dune-fringed beaches.

The parks are all community assets with visitor centres run by conservation organisations or the Dutch government (Staatsbosbeheer). These can be your first step for timeless days out hiking, bike-riding and on cruises.

1. Hoge Veluwe National Park

Natural and cultural delights await at this 5,400-hectare region of woodland, dunes and heathland in the Gelderland province.

The park preserves about 5% of the Veluwe, the largest lowland natural terrain in Northwest Europe.

It’s a dream for cyclists, as there are bike stations posted around the park, as well as at the Otterlo, Schaarsbergen and Hoenderloo entrances.

There you can borrow a white bicycle for free and coast along more than 40 kilometres of trails.

To leave no stone unturned, the visitor centre organises safaris every month, as well as a nocturnal nature-spotting trip when you’ll sleep under the stars.

Best of all though is the lakeside Kröller-Müller Museum, which has the largest private collection of Van Goghs in the world, as well as pieces by Pointillists like Seurat, Signac and Henri Edmund-Cross, and a dreamlike sculpture park.

2. De Alde Feanen National Park

An extraordinary fenland region in Friesland, the Alde Feanen National Park is 4,000 hectares of lakes, peat bog and grassland between Leeuwarden and Heerenveen.

There’s a real bounty for wildlife-lovers, with over 500 species of plants, including numerous orchids, as well as more than 100 species of breeding birds.

Early spring is a real spectacle in the wetlands, when thousands of waders like godwits, ruffs and curlews pass through.

Summer is stork season, and poles have been installed so this bird can build nests.

In the meadows are paddocks with Shetland ponies, some that you can pet.

Don’t pass up the chance to see the park on the water, and you can do this on a motorboat, canoe, dinghy or rowboat, or let someone else take the wheel on a cruise.

3. Meinweg National Park

In southern Limburg, the hilly Meinweg National Park is part of the larger Maas-Schwalm-Nette Nature Park, which straddles the border with Germany.

Rare for the Netherlands, the terraced landscape at Meinweg is made up of three plateaus, the highest rising to 80 metres above sea level.

These terraces have been formed by deposits from the Rhine and Meuse Rivers and earthquakes down the ages.

The park has three signposted walking routes, blue, white and red, and you can tackle each one in three hours or so.

These trails beckon you through woodland, over heaths and beside ponds and streams.

The Staatsbosbeheer visitor centre is open all year, and organises guided walks to see the heather bloom in summer and spot unusual mushrooms in autumn.

4. Lauwersmeer National Park

The Lauwersmeer is a man-made lake born in 1969 with the construction of a dike between the Lauwerszee Bay and the Wadden Sea in the Friesland and Groningen provinces.

Walkers and cyclists can venture past reedbeds and over meadows speckled with orchids, where semi-feral konik horses and highland cattle roam.

But it’s the birds that are the main story at Lauwersmeer.

In autumn and spring there isn’t a better place to see birdlife in the Netherlands, when you’ll be awed by tens of thousands of barnacle geese in the skies.

Pied avocets and spoonbills also pass through on their epic migrations.

But the Lauwersmeer is also a breeding ground, home to bluethroats, bearded reedlings, Montagu’s harriers and red-necked phalaropes.

Special huts have been built to help you view these birds without disturbing them.

Lauwersmeer is also a designated Dark Sky Park, where an absence of light pollution makes for great stargazing.

5. De Weerribben-Wieden National Park

In Overijssel you can voyage through Northwest Europe’s largest fen.

The scenery here is both beautiful and interesting, as the product of hundreds of years of interaction between man and nature.

From the 1300s right up to the Second World War the region was used for peat-cutting, leaving behind canals and pools, and long strips of land where the peat was laid to dry.

The way to get the best out of this Ramsar Wetland is to hire a canoe, rowboat or an electric boat, and this can be done from Giethoorn.

On your trip you’ll float past cosy peat-workers’ cottages in the charming water village of Dwarsgracht and through meadows embroidered with wildflowers.

April to October there are cruises departing the visitor centre in Wieden, skippered by a naturalist who can point out wildlife like cormorants and otters.

6. Schiermonnikoog National Park

Taking up all of the Wadden Island of Schiermonnikoog, this park is a blast of North Sea air.

The island is laced with trails disappearing into forest and carrying you along beaches and creeks and into dune systems.

Schiermonnikoog has an unblemished feel, partly because only 200 of the island’s residents own a car and all of the buildings are huddled on the west coast.

On your adventure you’ll be surprised just how quickly the scenery switches between polder, salt marsh, forest and dunes.

In winter thousands of geese hibernate on Schiermonnikoog, while grassland birds like lapwings, redshank and oystercatchers are out in force in summer.

Get there by ferry from the mainland and Wagenborg in 45 minutes, 365 days a year.

7. Drentsche Aa National Park

Meandering through the northern provinces of Groningen and Drenthe, the Dretsche Aa is the only long river in the Netherlands unaltered by dikes or canals.

At the park, the river curls through a valley laid with heath, woodland, dunes and hay fields.

This landscape differs from many on this list, because much of the terrain is cultivated land, brocaded with little villages and divided by hedges.

A time-traveller from the 19th century would feel at home in this countryside, as the Dutch agricultural reforms of the 20th century didn’t reach this region.

There’s history of a more ancient kind at the De Strubben-Kniphorstbos archaeological reserve, which has two prehistoric dolmens and some 60 burial mounds.

8. De Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park

In North Brabant, this park preserves some 30 square kilometres of drift sand, known as the “Brabant Sahara”. A veritable desert, temperatures at these dunes can swing from blistering on a summer’s day to almost freezing at night.

The spectacular sweeps of sand are traced by coniferous forest, and boast an unexpected wealth of wildlife.

Roe deer inhabit the wooded areas, and overhead you’ll see swooping birds of prey.

There are trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

On two wheels you could set off for the park from the city of Den Bosch, riding beside the pretty Drongelens canal, which tracks the northern boundary of De Loonse en Drunense Duinen.

9. Oosterschelde National Park

The biggest national park in the Netherlands is also the wettest.

The Oosterschelde is an ever-changing tidal zone at what used to be the estuary of the Scheldt River.

Big patches of the landscape are completely submerged at high tide, only to dry out when the tide goes out.

Coming to the Oosterschelde means putting on a pair of wellington boots and seeing what wildlife you can find on the mudflats and in the marshes.

There are designated spots where you can actually go and pick up your own periwinkles, oysters and mussels (10kg limit). All that shellfish attracts rich birdlife, while seals and harbour porpoises make their homes in the Oosterschelde.

On sunny summer days you can kick back on the sand or take a dip in the water at one of many beaches.

10. Drents-Friese Wold National Park

A land of unbounded heath, shifting sands and forest, the spacious Drents-Friese Wold National Park covers more than 6,000 hectares.

Big tracts of the park are laced with asphalt paths, so cycling is an easy way to get around.

The sight that dazzles all-comers is the massive spread of sand at Aekingerzand, bordered by isolated pines.

At Doldersummerveld there’s endless heathland, which is roamed by highland cattle.

Both zones have lofty observation towers to survey the landscape.

The modern visitor centre can be found at Appelscha, which serves as the trailhead for hiking and cycling trails, and has details about the animals and plants that inhabit the dunes forest and heath.

11. Dwingelderveld National Park

This 3,700-hectare spread of heathland, marshes, shifting sands, woodland and more than 40 fens has mostly avoided human intervention.

One of the special things about Dwingelderveld is its sense of memory, still etched with the ancient paths that course over Northwest Europe, as well as burial mounds and Bronze Age Celtic fields.

This is also the largest wet moorland in Europe and an important haven for rare species of plants, birds and butterflies.

One of the biggest juniper thickets in all of the Netherlands can be found in the north, around the Lheebroekerzand . What will strike you most about the Dwingelderveld is the sheer variety, as you journey through sweet-scented coniferous forest, past idyllic fens and onto heaths growing erica and calluna.

12. Veluwezoom National Park

The first national park in the Netherlands is on the southeastern cusp of the Veluwe and dates to 1931. One of the hillier parks on this list, the Veluwezoom gets up to 110 metres above sea level, and these peaks are pushed moraines sculpted during the Saalian Glaciation some 150,000 years ago.

The best view is from the Posbank, at 90 metres above the park and with a stirring view when the heather’s purple flowers are in bloom.

The southern portion of the park, outside Arnhem, is taken up by sprawling country estates.

You can visit two, Heuven and Beekhuizen on the Henrikhuizen-Veluwezoom walking route.

Try to be in the park in autumn, which is mating season for the red deer, when you can head to special observation posts to hear the males roaring to attract a mate.

13. De Biesbosch National Park

On the outskirts of Dordrecht lies one of the last examples of freshwater tidal wetlands to exist in Northwest Europe.

The Biesbosch is at the estuary of the mighty Meuse and Rhine rivers, and the water level changes according to the tides, although nowhere near as dramatically since the Delta Works were completed to protect the Netherlands from flooding.

At 8,000 hectares De Biesbosch is one of the country’s largest national parks, and in summer the best way to see it is by canoe.

You can go where you want in a massive, interconnected network of rivers and creeks, and may get to see one of the resident beavers.

There are more than 100 beaver dams here, and all through the park you’ll see trees that have been gnawed by these rodents.

Waterfowl are plentiful at De Biesbosch, and the estuaries are a vital stopover for migrating geese.

14. Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park

A remnant of the Saalian Glaciation 150,000 years ago, before the Last Ice Age, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a ridge of low sand hills extending southeast to northwest in Utrecht.

The hills are covered with the second largest forest in the Netherlands.

Parcels of the oak and beech woodland hark back to ancient post-glacial forests.

To the west the landscape smoothes out as you descend into meadows, heaths and belts of shifting sand interrupted by lakes.

Hiking, cycling and horseback riding are all on the agenda, and you may get to see deer, foxes, woodpeckers and a variety of birds of prey.

There are rural joys like old tobacco barns and sheepfolds, as well some captivating history nearby, like Huis Doorn, the manor house where Kaiser Wilhelm II lived from 1919 to 1941.

15. Dunes of Texel National Park

The entire west coast of the Wadden island of Texel is a wonderfully diverse protected environment.

The park encompasses beach, dunes, heath and woodland, as well as something called “De Slufter”. This is an inundated dune valley with an open connection to the North Sea, inhabited a huge diversity of birds.

Among them are spoonbills and common eiders, while the spectacle changes according to the tide, and other waders visit when the water is up.

To get your head around this rich environment, the park’s visitor centre is at the first-class Ecomare centre, which combines a museum, dune park, bird sanctuary and refuges for porpoises and seals.

Walking routes at the Texel National Park are colour-coded (green, red, yellow and blue), while the green routes are out of bounds during bird breeding season.

16. Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

Where many Amsterdamers go to feel the wind in their hair and sand between their toes, Zuid-Kennemerland is on the coast in North Holland.

In from the beachfront is a mesmerising dunescape, settled by affluent Amsterdam citizens in the 17th century.

They built opulent estates here for hunting, and three – Middenduin, Elswout and Duinvliet – are managed by the State Forestry (Staatsbosbeheer). At the Koevlak entrance you’ll be greeted by the visitor centre, for tips about hiking and cycling in the dunes, as well as an exhibition about the plants that flourish here.

There are bikes for hire, and on your ride you’ll see some of the many bunkers constructed in the dunes during the Second World War.

17. De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park

Two expanses of wilderness have been united at this Dutch-Belgian park.

Spreading over more than 37 square kilometres De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide is decked mostly with heathland, but also has woodland, lush meadows, fens and dunes.

The wet and dry heath is bird-watching heaven, supporting every species of woodpecker to live in the Netherlands, as well as redbreasts, falcons, hawks, nightjars, tree pipits and many more.

At De Zoom, your first stop should be the De Vroente visitor centre, which can show you what species to keep on your radar and point out the best walking and cycling routes in the park.

18. De Groote Peel National Park

An immense and peaceful tract of water-rich moorland, De Groote Peel National Park is in North Brabant and Limburg.

The park’s great value comes from its mostly uncultivated expanses of raised bog, sheltering lots of birdlife.

There are hints of distant human activity here, in the ponds and lakes caused by peat-cutting.

Raised footbridges conduct you over this swampy landscape, and a three-kilometre red route will lead you to a viewing tower.

More than 200 bird species make a habitat in De Groote Peel, or visit the bog on migrations.

The black-necked grebe may be the star; this water bird is rarely spotted in the Netherlands, but makes regular appearances at this park.

Late-Autumn you’ll be treated to the spectacle of migrating cranes, stopping for a breather on their long migrations.

19. De Maasduinen National Park

This long belt of river dunes is on the Meuse, against the German border in Limburg.

Wind and water have given rise to shifting sands at De Maasduinen, and the terrain is interspersed with heathland, woodland and large, picturesque fens.

Walking on the heath you’ll find yourself in the company of goats, sheep and Galloway cattle, here to prevent the encroachment of trees.

Bird-spotters may see the likes of western marsh harriers, black woodpeckers and European nightjars, while this rambling terrain seems like it was designed especially for mountain biking.

The three visitor centres, at Wellerlooi, Well and Afferden, will put you on the right track.

There’s camping, if you want to turn the trip into an adventure, but also lots of activities and sights within easy reach, like Castle Arcen and its glorious gardens and boat trips on the Meuse.

20. Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park

This broad heathland region has light hills climbing to 75 metres or so.

The rippling landscape took shape around 180,000 years ago when ice sheets rolled south from Scandinavia.

And although none of the hills are too challenging at Sallandse Heuvelrug, they do catch you off guard with vistas over a sea of heather, which is stunning when it’s in flower.

Sheep and cows graze on the heaths, and as with other parks this is done to keep the landscape clear of trees and grasses.

Hikers, cyclists, riders and mountain bikers are all well catered for.

Making their nests in the heather are the park’s famous black grouses, and you can identify the males from a distance because of their bright red eyebrow wattle.

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Nature & wildlife areas in the netherlands.

• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Playgrounds
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Amsterdam West
• Amsterdam East
• Amsterdam North
• Amsterdam South-East
• Watergraafsmeer
• Bijlmer Oost
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen

2. Nationaal Park Duinen van Texel

3. Natuurmonumenten Nieuwkoopse Plassen

4. Natuurpark Lelystad

5. Landgoed Clingendael

6. National park Dwingelderveld

7. Het Bossche Broek

8. Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

9. Ouwehands Zoo Rhenen

10. Nature Reserve de Manteling

11. Noordhollands Duinreservaat

12. Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden

13. Nationaal Park De Maasduinen

14. Duinreservaat Castricum

15. Natuurgebied Zwanenwater

16. Natuurgebied De Moerputten

17. Brunssummerheide

18. Het Lutterzand

19. Duinreservaat Meijendel-Kievietsduin

20. Waterloopbos

21. De Blauwe Kamer

22. Kampina

23. Bezoekerscentrum Dwingelderveld

24. Strand Bloemendaal Aan Zee

25. Het Twiske

26. Stichting Aap

27. Kootwijkerzand

28. Natuurdiorama Holterberg

29. Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen Schoorl

30. Goois Natuurreservaat

What travelers are saying

10 Nature Places to Visit in The Netherlands – Natural Attractions!

• Reading time: 12 mins read
• Post last modified: June 13, 2023
• Post author: Ammara Fayyaz

The Netherlands is a country located in northwestern Europe, known for its picturesque landscapes and pleasant weather. The Netherlands is home to various landscapes, including forests, lakes, and fields.

The Dutch are known for their love of nature, and as a result, the Netherlands is home to numerous parks and nature reserves.

It is a small country with a lot to offer tourists. Amsterdam, the capital and most popular city in the Netherlands , is known for its canals, museums, and coffee shops.

The city of Utrecht is home to a medieval cathedral, while Rotterdam is a modern metropolis with a lively port. Outside of the cities, visitors can enjoy the Dutch countryside, with its windmills, flower fields, and quaint villages.

With so much to see and do, the Netherlands is an excellent destination for short and long trips. There are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. In addition to sightseeing, there are opportunities to go hiking, cycling, and even sailing.

It is also home to several man-made attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks. No matter your interests, there is sure to be something for you in the Netherlands.

With so much to see and do, the Netherlands is an excellent destination for short and long trips. However, if you are a nature lover, we have shortlisted the top nature places to visit in the Netherlands.

Veluwe Region

Veluwe is the most extensive continuous stretch of the natural landscape in the Netherlands, with rolling hills, heathlands, forests, and meadows.

It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including red deer, roe deer, wild boar, and foxes. There are also numerous birdwatching opportunities, as the region is home to different species of birds.

There are several ways to explore the Veluwe region, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Several nature reservations offer guided tours and other educational activities.

The region is a beautiful and unique place, offering visitors the chance to experience Dutch nature at its finest.

De Meinweg National Park

De Meinweg National Park is located in the southern part of the Netherlands, in the province of Limburg.

It is a lovely national park, good for hiking and cycling. The park is also home to several historical sites, such as an abandoned railway line and a World War II bunker.

If you’re looking for a beautiful nature destination in the Netherlands, be sure to visit National Park de Meinweg. The park is a nature lover’s paradise with its rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering streams.

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, and you can also go horseback riding or canoeing. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife.

The Wadden Sea is a coastal sea located in the southeastern part of the North Sea. The Wadden Sea is internationally known for its abundant bird life and is home to over 10 million birds during the breeding season.

The area is also essential for its tidal flats, which provide a vital stopover for migrating birds. The place is a perfect spot for birdwatching.

In addition, the Wadden Sea is home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Harbour Porpoise and Atlantic Sturgeon.  As a result of its ecological importance, the Wadden Sea has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The Wadden Sea is a beautiful body of water located in the Netherlands. Visitors can enjoy many activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, sailing, and windsurfing.

Lauwersmeer National Park

The park is heaven for you if you are a bird lover, as many different species of birds can be spotted in the park. In addition to the lake, there are woods, heathland, and marshes to explore.

Lauwersmeer National Park is full of activities for visitors to enjoy. One popular activity is hiking, with numerous trails of varying difficulty levels to explore.

For those who want to get out on the water, boating and kayaking are popular options. The place offers plenty of recreation opportunities.

At night, The Lauwersmeer National Park is known for its clear celestial views, making it a perfect place to watch the stars.

Green Heart of Holland

The Green Heart of Holland is a nature area in the middle of the Randstad (The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Amsterdam).

You can explore this natural wonderland that is known for its picturesque windmills, traditional cheese markets, and lovely tulip fields.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or an active adventure, the Green Heart of Holland has something to offer everyone.

Visitors can explore the countryside on foot or by bike, taking in the fresh air and stunning scenery. In addition, numerous quaint villages dotted the Green Heart, each with its unique charm.

South Limburg

South Limburg in the Netherlands is a great place to visit for its stunning natural beauty. Some Dutch people called this region a “piece of abroad in the Netherlands.”

The region is covered in lush green vegetation and is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in many scenic areas.

The hills are also home to several rare plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature lovers. In addition, the South Limburg hills offer a variety of cultural attractions, including museums and historic buildings.

There is so much to do and see, so we recommend staying for a few days.

De Biesbosch National Park

De Biesbosch National Park is located in the Netherlands, close to the border with Belgium. The national park was established in 1994 and is situated in the Rhine and Meuse Rivers delta , covering approximately 9,000 hectares.

Because of the location, the park has a variety of flora and fauna. The place is perfect for biking or walking, but the best way to experience the park is through the water.

You can rent a boat or canoe and explore the small rivers by yourself. You can take guided excursions such as bird and beaver-watching tours and guided hikes.

De Biesbosch National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover and a perfect nature spot to visit in the Netherlands during summer.

Beach Noordwijk Aan Zee

Beach Noordwijk Aan Zee is a beautiful stretch of beach located in Noordwijk, Netherlands . Visitors come from all over to enjoy the lovely scenery and many activities the beach offers.

From sunbathing and swimming to windsurfing and kiteboarding, there is something for everyone at Beach Noordwijk Aan Zee. Plus, it is a very nice beach for a walk.

The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy incredible views. With its gentle waves and sandy shores, Het Strand Van Noordwijk Aan Zeedd is a paradise for all who visit.

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

Located close to Amsterdam, Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is another natural place you can visit in the Netherlands. This national park is well known for its dunes, formed by wind and water.

The dunes are a great place to hike, climb, and explore. It is worth visiting the sand sea beach, and visitors can also enjoy the views of the nearby sea.

Many different plant and animal species can be found in the park, such as Bison and deer. Kennemer Dunes National Park is a great place to visit for those who love nature and want to explore the great outdoors.

Rotterdam Zoo

Rotterdam Zoo is located northwest of the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The zoo is situated in a large park and has many facilities, including a restaurant, a playground, and a petting zoo.

Visitors can also participate in educational programs, such as ranger-led tours and animal enrichment activities. With its diverse attractions, Rotterdam Zoo is a great day out for all the family.

The zoo is home to over 200 species of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants.

The Netherlands is a place to consider if you’re looking for an unforgettable nature experience. With its expansive countryside and abundance of parks, gardens, and other natural areas, you can find something to fit your interests no matter what they are.

We hope this list has given you some ideas about where to start exploring the beauty of Dutch nature!

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• Itineraries

The Perfect 5 Day Netherlands Itinerary for Nature Lovers

By waitingforrain28

On February 12, 2018

In International Travel

For anyone used to roadtripping in the US, the Netherlands will make for a very relaxing place to explore. Getting from one end of the country to the other on their very nice highways won’t take long at all, and this country has so much to offer the nature-lover. If you’re wondering what the perfect Netherlands itinerary is for us outdoor folks, this is where it’s at. Tulips, beaches, farmland, Van Gogh, deserts and mountains, this is the dream Netherlands roadtrip.

DAY ONE: TULIPS AND THE SEA

I loved spending time in Lisse; it is the perfect small-town Netherlands experience, If you are looking for a refreshing break from crowds, staying here outside of tulip season is extremely nice. On the other hand, if you are in the Netherlands for tulip season, Lisse is the perfect place to be. It is situated right in the middle agricultural fields, some of which are devoted to the Netherlands’ favorite flowers.

Downtown Lisse (c) ABR 2017

After spending the day relaxing among downtown Lisse’s restaurants and shops, or marveling at a colorful sea of flowers, the beach is just a short drive away in Noordwijk. We took a nice stroll through the sand, and when we got tired, we retreated to one of the beach-side restaurants for mussels and wine.

Noordwijk beach-ish area (c) ABR 2017

Small town Lisse and the beach are a great way to spend your first day in the Netherlands, whether or not there are tulips. Having a restful day before a roadtrip really kicks off is always a good thing, especially if you just stepped off a 10+ hr plane ride.

DAY TWO: SOUTHERN NETHERLANDS

On the way down from Lisse to the southern tip of the Netherlands, stop by the Dunes of Loon National Park . I have already talked about this beautiful little arid spot in my post about the Netherlands national parks , but this is a wonderful place to stroll through a bright forest of tall trees, which gives way to a sudden island of sand dunes. It is a quiet little spot that locals and visitors enjoy alike.

Dune of Loon National Park! (c) ABR 2017

The Netherlands isn’t known for its mountains… mostly, because it doesn’t have any. Vaalserberg, the highpoint of the country, is a bit of a surprise then, because while it is more of a hill than a true mountain, it can actually make for a nice uphill climb (or drive if you prefer). There are plenty of trails crisscrossing the Netherlands side of this mountain. They are easily accessible from the road that weaves its way up to the top. Vaalserberg is also where the Netherlands meets both Germany and Belgium. So, even if you aren’t a big fan of hiking or highpoints, this is a neat place to get a glimpse of three different countries at once and frolic in some very verdant forests.

(c) ABR 2017

Finally, finish your day off in Eindhoven. The village has a very nice downtown area with tons of restaurant choices to enjoy. Once the sun goes down, go check out the little Van Gogh trail nearby. This beautiful section of a longer bike trail passes through some beautiful fields. It has grown famous for its glowing Starry Night depiction. Eindhoven a great place to end a busy day and watch the stars, both real and artistic.

Van Gogh trail (c) ABR 2017

DAY THREE: AMSTERDAM (OR ROTTERDAM)

Even for us nature lovers, I would be remiss to have a Netherlands itinerary that left out the major cities. Amsterdam is the capital of the country and is (in my opinion) erroneously known for pot smoking and prostitution. I didn’t see any more of either than I would anywhere else, because I stayed out of the red light district. It is totally up to you if you want to confront this stuff.

Amsterdam (c) ABR 2017

The capital is a beautiful city with tons of canals, great food, and lots of different things to do. There are a ton of museums to enjoy, as well as the tulip market and the Ann Frank House (get reservations ahead of time if you want to do this one). For more ideas on what to do in the city, look through Travel Stories Untold’s Amsterdam Travel Guide .

If you aren’t one for crowds, we had Rotterdam suggested to us as an alternative. So you might consider spending the day there if you want to experience the Netherlands urban landscape without the bustle of Amsterdam.

DAY FOUR: THE VILLAGE OF GEITHOORN

I’ve heard of Geithoorn being referred to as the Venice of the Netherlands, and the little town with no roads. There are a few caveats that I’d like to add to this, because I think it is good to go with the right expectations. The idea of a little Venice is a good fit, for one section of the town, and there are definitely roads. You will need one to get there. Pedestrians might even have to dodge a few cars while you walk around. You should also know that this village has become very popular with big, organized tour groups. I would suggest getting there early to avoid some of the crowds.

Giethoorn (c) ABR 2017

Even though I absolutely loved the town (it looks like it belongs in a fairy tale!), the best part about visiting Giethoorn was taking a boat through the nearby wetlands. It was nice to get some isolation and I think being on the water is so relaxing under those conditions. Taking a boat out on the water and through Giethoorn would be a great outing for anyone. When you are done boating around there are some very original shops in the town and delicious food as well.

DAY FIVE: BIKES AND ART IN DE HOGE

I have covered my love for and experience with De Hoge in detail in my National Parks of the Netherlands post . I think anyone who loves nature should make this park a priority. This is the perfect place to go bike riding. There are two amazing museums here as well. It is a full day of activities at De Hoge and a great place to end your Netherlands roadtrip.

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Respectful travel in the united states, 40 comments.

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We lived in the Netherlands for several years. Enjoyed different places like this. Feet way down the day outdoors.

waitingforrain28

I bet you know tons of other neat places in the Netherlands! <3

I just know a bit of the coast line close to Amsterdam and the capital itself. But it was eons ago when I went with my parents. So, I will keep your post in mind when I return in order to get to know different places and another side of the country.

I bet you’d really enjoy it, especially if you already have experience with Amsterdam.

Kyla Matton Osborne | 24 Carrot Diet

I am not a traveller at all. But if I were, the Netherlands is one of the places I’d want to visit. I quite agree that Giethoorn looks like a scene from a fairy tale! It would be lovely to visit there 🙂

The Netherlands would be a great place for you to visit. It is very relaxing and the people are extremely nice.

Never been to the Netherlands but have been wanting to go! So it’s great you provided some different options on places to visit here. Tulips season would be a great time to go! And Amsterdam and the Anne Frank house sounds amazing!

Tulip season is definitely the time to go, unless you don’t like crowds. But really, I know you will have a wonderful time when you visit.

Elizabeth O

What a great itinerary, Amsterdam looks incredible and I also love the look of the Doon of Loon National Park!

They are both amazing! And thank you so much!

I have never thought about traveling to the Netherlands. It looks like an amazing destination might need to add to my travel bucket list

I had never considered it before until I went, and it was a great experience. I really think that every country has wonderful things to offer.

Yeah Lifestyle

All those photos look amazing and I cant wait to go there myself as I feel these places should not be missed.

Thank you so much! I think you will really love it there.

Blair Villanueva

Is summer the perfect day to visit Netherlands? I haven’t been there are am wishing to travel and experience the Netherland local life, and not just reading those online and from books. Which is your favorite place in Amsterdam?

i liked being there in September, but I don’t have anything to compare it to. Maybe you should try going during tulip season! If you have to go based on your work schedule, honestly, I think you will enjoy it no matter when you go! I loved Giethoorn the most.

I’d love to see the tulip season and the canals of Amsterdam. I can’t believe I lived in London most of my life and never made it there!

Being there during tulip season would be amazing!

Great post! I am a nature traveller and wished I had this list when I visited Netherlands previously.

We nature-lovers got to stick together! Hopefully you had a good time anyway.

This is awesome! I’ve been to Amsterdam but it rained the whole time. I imagine in the sun and warmer weather it would be just beautiful! I loved all the canals. I also have always wanted to visit for the flower festival! Especially in a town that sounds like my name 🙂

Lisse does sound like your name! How cute! And yeah, being there while it rained wouldn’t be as fun. Gotta wear a poncho the whole time.

I would love to hit up everything you’ve mentioned in your list! I’ve been to Amsterdam and Rotterdam on numerous occasions, and parts of Utrecht, even visited Kinderdijk – but i have yet to explore more of this wonderful country!

I really wanted to go to Rotterdam when I was there! I heard such good things about it.

Weekend Haven

Thank you for sharing. You make it easier for us to plan our itinerary. Will definitely bookmark this for our future trip!

Awesome! You guys will love it there for sure!

I love exploring the natural side of countries and cities. I will certainly check out your article on Da Hoge National Park. Lisse looks very charming as well.

Lisse was super cute, but yes, De Hoge was wonderful! Has to be one of the best places to bike there.

Jennifer Prince

I’ve only ever been to Amsterdam, but I would love to get out and explore more. It’s beautiful!

I think every part of the Netherlands has so much to offer. All the little towns are so lovely.

I never thought of a road trip outside of the USA. Now that is a must on the bucket list.

I hadn’t either! But now it is my favorite thing! The first time I did it was in Ireland.

I love the Netherlands! I’ve been to Amsterdam and Maastricht and had an amazing time.

Awesome! I think it is such a relaxing and beautiful place!

It’s so great to see there’s more to Netherlands than Amsterdam. Would definitely want to do a road trip on my visit 🙂

Yes! You will love it! There is so much variety!

lynnette joselly

Looks like you had the opportunity to visit so many great places

We did. It helps that the Netherlands has alot of wonderful things packed into a small area.

What would you recommend as the best time to visit Netherlands?

It depends on what experience you want to have! We were there in September and I liked it because it wasn’t super crowded. But if you want to see the tulips, then you have to go during a specific season.

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> Blog > 6 of the best nature destinations in the Netherlands

6 of the best nature destinations in the Netherlands

The Netherlands may have a reputation for windmills, farms and flower fields, but it has many hidden pockets of superb natural beauty too. From dunes to forested woodlands, tidal wetlands to rolling hills covered in heath, nature in the Netherlands has a fairytale quality that is utterly transporting.

Are you curious to learn about some of the most beautiful natural areas in the Netherlands? Here’s our pick!

Our Tours in the Netherlands

1. Wadden Sea

Maybe one of the best-kept secrets in the Netherlands, the Wadden Sea is the largest tidal flats system in the world and a haven of biodiversity. Bounded by a string of islands, including local favorites Texel and Terschelling, this dynamic tidal area transforms into mudflats twice a day at low tide. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, you can see migratory birds, local seal populations and – if you’re lucky – porpoises. One of the best ways to experience the Wadden Sea is to try the local pastime of wadlopen: hiking across the mudflats during low tide.

Experience the Wadden Sea on these tours:

• 8-day Sail & Bike Tulip Tour
• Sail & Bike Wadden Sea
• Northern Tour of Holland
• Discover Friesland

2. IJsselmeer

Adjoining – and once connected to – the Wadden Sea lies the IJsselmeer, a manmade lake that was closed off from the sea in 1932 to prevent devastating floods. Now a vast freshwater lake, the Ijsselmeer is an incredible combination of nature and engineering.

As you cruise or cycle the picturesque coastline you’ll glimpse the area’s rich seafaring past in its stoic fishing villages that endured centuries of flooding. There are even two former islands, Urk and Schokland, that are now part of the mainland! Not only that: an entire province called Flevoland was built by draining the water from part of the Ijsselmeer!

Experience the IJsselmeer on these tours:

• Sail & Bike IJsselmeer + National Parks
• North Holland landscapes and seascapes

3. Green Heart of Holland

Right under our noses, ringed by the biggest Dutch cities, lies the Green Heart of Holland. This lush historic countryside bears traces of its marshland past combined with storybook scenes of rural life. After centuries of farming and peat gathering, the wetlands and farmlands merge together as countless narrow slices of meadow reach out into lakes and waterways.

The Green Heart of Holland is an important habitat for birdlife, and home to flocks of migratory and meadow birds such as black-tailed godwit, northern lapwing, Eurasian oystercatcher and many species of geese. Besides excellent birdwatching and cycling routes, the area’s lakes also feature plenty of great swimming spots.

Experience it on these tours:

• Green Heart of Holland – Guided
• Southern Tour of Holland
• The best of Holland and Belgium
• Netherlands and Belgium: Amsterdam – Bruges Premium

4. The Hoge Veluwe

A thriving combination of forests and heathland, the Veluwe is a destination much-loved by locals. Wander woodlands of pine, beech, birch and oak before emerging into sprawling areas of heath and heather, which bloom purple from mid-July to mid-September.

The Veluwe comprises several nature reserves. These include the Veluwezoom National Park with its rolling hills, and the Hoge Veluwe National Park which is home to not only red deer, wild boars and mouflon, but also the world-class Kröller-Müller modern art museum.

• Hansa Highlights
• Hansa Highlights – Guided

5. De Maasduinen National Park

Sitting atop a sandy plateau in the Limburg region, these tranquil inland dunes are flanked by the Maas river on one side and the German border on the other. Featuring heathlands, forests, fens and lakes, this unique and serene landscape also bears the mark of humans from prehistoric times to WWII and the present day.

As you wander amid the pines and heather, or along the park’s crystal-clear waters, you may be able to spot snakes, lizards, a wide variety of birds, bats and even beavers in a couple of places.

Experience it on this tour:

• Amsterdam – Maastricht

6. The dunes of North Holland

The dunes of North Holland not only protect this low-lying region from flooding by the North Sea, they also provide drinking water for almost the entire province. This ever-changing landscape features beautiful forests, grasslands, heather and ponds, and you can encounter rabbits, squirrels, many bird species and the occasional highlander cow.

The North Holland Dune Reserve in particular is perfect for exploring by bike. Climb the highest dunes in the Netherlands (55mt) at Schoorl, head down to the beach for a dip, or enjoy a visit to the nearby artist village of Bergen.

• Sail & Bike Tulip Tour

Want to to visit the Netherlands?

Did one of these destinations catch your eye? Want to find a tour that matches your interests? At Boat Bike Tours we’re the specialists in cycling cruises in the Netherlands – we have a tour for everyone! Just let us know what you’d like to see and our travel experts will recommend the perfect match for you.

We’re happy to help!

If you have any questions about our offerings, mail or call us at +31 (0) 2072 35 400 . We’re happy to help you choose which boating and biking vacation would suit you best. No obligations!

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Netherlands

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 11, 2023

The Netherlands is known everywhere as a land of windmills, canals, and tulips, and today's visitors certainly will find these among its many tourist attractions.

But along with the country's many breathtaking gardens and picturesque villages, those sightseeing here will also find the vibrant cities, like Amsterdam, filled with museums showcasing a rich heritage of artists (think Rembrandt and Van Gogh). Other places to visit include numerous medieval castles and cityscapes, along with a 13,800-acre national park, and a tide control system that's been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World .

Given the relatively small size of The Netherlands, all these attractions and fun things to do are within a relatively compact area, and the landscape is quite flat (the highest elevation is barely a thousand feet above sea level).

Consequently, it's extremely easy to do at least a little of your sightseeing the Dutch way: by bicycle. Many of the top travel destinations and major cities in the Netherlands actively encourage the use of pedal-power and provide free bikes to explore the sights. However you choose to see the Netherlands, you're guaranteed a great time in one of the friendliest and most liberal cultures in Europe.

Be sure to plan your travel itinerary with our list of the top tourist attractions in The Netherlands.

1. Jordaan and Amsterdam's Canals

2. keukenhof, lisse, 3. rijksmuseum, amsterdam, 4. historic binnenhof, the hague, 5. anne frank house, amsterdam, 6. oude haven, rotterdam, 7. van gogh museum, amsterdam, 8. the windmills of kinderdijk, 9. de hoge veluwe national park, otterlo, 10. cathedral square, utrecht, 11. the ijsselmeer (zuiderzee), enkhuizen, 12. delta works: zeeland's spectacular dikes, 13. historic valkenburg, 14. royal delft, delft, 15. de haar castle, 16. the netherlands open air museum, best time to visit the netherlands.

Highlight : Explore Amsterdam's canals and historic neighborhoods by boat and on foot

Canals are as important a part of Amsterdam's cityscape as they are to the city of Venice, and some of the most enduring memories for any visitor are the time spent exploring the city's wonderful waterways.

While many of Amsterdam's best tourist attractions can easily be accessed by boat tour or water taxi — including most of the major museums and art galleries — nothing beats strolling along the smaller, quieter streets that line the waterways.

Particularly charming is the Jordaan, a neighborhood built in the early 1600s to house workers and immigrants drawn here for the city's religious tolerance. Along with its small canal-side houses, look for the neighborhood's many "hofjes," the quaint inner courtyards hidden behind the buildings.

Another photo-worthy neighborhood is the Grachtengordel , with its many small bridges and quaint 17th-century homes. You'll be rewarded as you explore these 400-year-old streets with examples of beautiful architecture, small boutique shops, cafés, and gardens. Be sure to look out for the many houseboats moored along the canals.

Just a 10-minute stroll away is Dam Square, a must-visit when in Amsterdam. In addition to its numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops this vast public square is home to some of the city's most-visited tourist attractions. These include the spectacular Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace); the attractive New Church (Nieuwe Kerk); and the country's most important war memorial, the National Memorial Statue .

Highlight : Europe's largest collection of tulips with miles of walking trails and hot houses

Think of the Netherlands, and you'll inevitably think of tulips, the country's most popular flower. And one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands showcases these and other spring bulbs in spectacular abundance. Given its handy location relative to Amsterdam — it's a 45-minute drive away, or just under an hour by public transit — it makes for a fun and easy day trip from the country's largest city.

Keukenhof, otherwise known as the "Garden of Europe," is located on the outskirts of the town of Lisse in what's widely considered the "bulb belt" of the Netherlands. The largest public garden in the world, it boasts more than 70 acres of what was once the former kitchen (or "keuken") garden of a large country estate, Keukenhof displays more than 700 varieties of tulips, which are at their height in April and May.

But thanks to its massive commercial hot houses, the display continues almost year-round. In these, you'll see endless rows of flowering tulips, along with thousands of hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils.

Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands

Highlight : A vast collection of famous artworks by artists including Rembrandt and Van Gogh

The spectacular Rijksmuseum , aka the National Museum, in Amsterdam's Museumplein (Museum Square) has been collecting rare art and antiquities since 1809. Not surprisingly, its extensive collection today amounts to nearly seven million works of art, including 5,000 paintings in more than 250 rooms, as well as a vast library with some 35,000 books.

Apart from its unique collection of old masters, this spectacular museum offers an exhaustive account of the development of art and culture in The Netherlands and is especially rich in traditional Dutch handicrafts, medieval sculpture, and modern art. Be prepared to spend the best part of a day — or longer — exploring this museum's endless treasures.

If you've time to squeeze a little more Rembrandt into your Amsterdam travel itinerary, here's a must-visit for you: the Rembrandt House Museum , located in the city's historic Jewish Quarter. Many of his best-known works were painted during the 20 years the great artist spent here, with some still recognizable scenes from the neighborhood.

The house remains much as it would have been during Rembrandt's life (guided tours are available). You can enhance your experience by booking a stay close by at Luxury Suites Amsterdam , located just steps away from the museum and one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam for those who enjoy luxury accommodations.

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlights : Historic capital of the Netherlands with well-preserved architecture and parliament

Known the world over as the location of the International Court of Justice, The Hague (Den Haag) is also the political center of The Netherlands. It's here the country's government does their work, and where you'll find the home of the Dutch Royal Family in Noordeinde Palace.

The Hague also makes for an excellent travel destination for visitors wanting to get a taste of the country's rich history. Whether you're staying here for a few days or visiting as a day trip from Amsterdam , start your exploration in the city's historic Binnenhof district. Literally translated as the "Inner Court," the Binnenhof dates back as far as 1250 CE. It's the oldest part of the city and a delight to explore on foot.

Set around a central courtyard, the attractive older buildings here once housed the country's ruling classes and have been remarkably well-preserved. The crown jewel here is the Knights' Hall (Ridderzaal). Built in the 13th century, this imposing castle-like building with its twin towers is still in use for government events, including the opening of parliament every September. Highlights include the Gothic hall with its stained-glass windows and wood-beamed ceiling.

Address: 2513 AA Den Haag, Netherlands

Highlight : Hiding place of Anne Frank where she wrote her famous diary during WWII

The Anne Frank House is a must-see when in Amsterdam. On Prinsengracht , in the home where Anne's family hid for much of WWII (they were Jewish refugees from Frankfurt), is where this remarkable girl wrote her famous diary. Although she died just two months before the war ended, her legacy lives on through her words, which have since been translated into 51 languages.

The back of the fully-restored house where the Frank family had their hiding place has been kept in its original state as much as possible and is a poignant monument to a tragic slice of world history and a brave young woman who continues to inspire people around the globe.

A word of caution: tickets for this must-see attraction do sell out, so be sure to reserve yours online well ahead of time. And if you're visiting in warmer weather — spring and summer are widely considered some of the best times to visit Amsterdam — be sure to allow time to explore the surrounding area with its charming old canals on foot.

Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlights : Europe's largest port with a historic harbor area, vessels, and museums

Located an easy one-hour train ride from Amsterdam, the port city of Rotterdam is well worth visiting for its well-preserved Old Harbour, or Oude Haven. The city has a long and rich maritime history thanks largely to its location on the Nieuwe Maas, an arm of the Rhine River, and its proximity to the English Channel.

Part of Rotterdam's superb Maritime District, Oude Haven is ideal for those who enjoy seeing the sights on foot. The harbor is chock-full of old houseboats and sailing ships, many of them on display at the Maritime Museum Rotterdam .

In addition to the 20 or so historic vessels on display in the water, a variety of indoor displays can also be enjoyed, including a replica of a vessel dating back over 2,000 years.

Address: Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam, Netherlands

Highlights : One of the world's top art museums focusing on the work of Vincent Van Gogh

As befits one of the world's greatest artists, the spectacular Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is ranked an impressive #2 in a leading list of the top art museums globally, attracting almost 1.5 million visitors each year.

Home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings — many donated by the artist's family — this impressive gallery and museum was specially built to showcase the more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters in its vast collection.

Works by his contemporaries are also on display. A highlight is participating in the museum's new "Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience," which offers a fascinating, high-tech, interactive look at the artist's life and times, as well as his best-known work.

If the city's excellent museums are your priority, you may in fact want to consider visiting them off-season during the quieter, cooler times of year. Given that both these popular attractions are things to do indoors and easy to get to via the city's excellent public transit, it's easy to keep warm, and the city's climate is relatively mild, even in winter.

Address: Museumplein 6, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlight : The largest collection of preserved historic windmills in the Netherlands

On the River Noord between Rotterdam and Dordrecht is the famous village of Kinderdijk ("Children's Dike"), which takes its name from an incident during the St. Elizabeth's Day flood of 1421 after a child's cradle had been stranded on the dike.

The big draw these days are the fantastically preserved 18th-century windmills. Now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 19 Kinderdijk windmills, built between 1722 and 1761, are the largest surviving concentration of windmills in the Netherlands.

Originally used to drain the fenlands, these majestic buildings with their impressive 92-foot sails are open to the public from April to October, including special Mill Days when the sails are set in motion. These picturesque windmills make for a fun excursion for those based in Rotterdam during their Netherlands stay.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Rotterdam & Easy Day Trips

Highlights : Vast national park with hiking, biking, wildlife, horseback riding, and camping

You may be surprised to learn that the Netherlands, a relatively small country, boasts one of the world's most diverse national park programs. The largest is De Hoge Veluwe National Park (Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe), between Arnhem and Apeldoorn, rightly considered one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands for outdoor enthusiasts .

Covering nearly 13,800 acres, this national park is the largest continuous nature reserve in the country, as well as being one of the most popular day trip destinations for locals and visitors alike. Featuring dense woodlands in the north, as well as a fascinating sculpture park, the area was once a country estate and hunting reserve, and to this day is home to many red and roe deer.

The best-preserved part of the park encompasses an area of dramatic dunes interspersed with heath and woodland and interrupted in the south and east by moraines up to 100 meters high. It's also a popular area for bird-watching, as well as hiking and biking (use of bikes is free to visitors).

The highlight of this beautiful park for many — and the reason many people choose to come here — is the outstanding Kröller-Müller Museum (Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller), housing the world's second-largest collection of works by Van Gogh. In addition, the collections include Impressionist and Expressionist paintings by Cézanne, Manet, Monet, and Renoir. Outdoors, one of Europe's largest sculpture gardens shows works by Rodin, Hepworth, Dubuffet, and others.

Address: Houtkampweg 6, Otterlo, Netherlands

• Read More: Exploring De Hoge Veluwe National Park: A Visitor's Guide

Highlights : Pedestrian-friendly old city center, cathedral tower with views, and museums

A popular tourist destination for its many fine historic buildings, the Dutch city of Utrecht should definitely be included on your Netherlands travel itinerary.

Start your exploration of this pedestrian-friendly city in Cathedral Square. The Domplein, as it's known locally, is the site of St. Martin's Cathedral, or Dom Church (Domkerk). Although founded in 1254, much of what you see dates from the 14th and 15th centuries.

You'll also want to visit the Domtoren , a surviving stand-alone church tower built in the 1300s that rises high above the surrounding buildings. Be sure to make the climb up to the viewing platforms for its superb views over Utrecht. Although there are 465 steps to climb, the guided tour that comes with the climb is an excellent introduction to the city's rich history.

Address: Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht, Netherlands

Highlights : Beautiful lake region with historic waterways, quaint villages, and cultural attractions

Among the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands are the small hamlets along the Ijsselmeer (Lake Ijssel), the freshwater lake that resulted from the closing of the sea entrance to the Zuider Zee. These towns flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age, when they had access to the Atlantic and prospered as fishing and trade centers, but lost importance as the harbors silted up.

Today, they're among the most photographed tourist attractions in the country. Time seems to have stood still for the fishing village of Marken and the seaports of Volendam and Enkhuizen , where many of the colorful houses have become museums and shops.

Enkhuizen has preserved many of its buildings and seafaring industries in the open-air Zuiderzee Museum , where the cultural heritage and maritime history of the old Zuiderzee region is preserved. Here, you can see craftsmen at work learning old maritime skills. In Volendam's harbor, you can see a collection of colorful old wooden boats.

Address: Wierdijk 12 - 22, Enkhuizen, Netherlands

Highlights : Modern dike system with dams, canals, and visitor center

Incorporating the deltas of the Rhine, the Maas, and the Schelde Rivers, Zeeland includes the numerous islands and peninsulas of the southwestern section of the Netherlands. Much of this area of recently formed land is below sea level and therefore reliant upon impressive dikes, as well as modern flood prevention techniques.

As you travel the area, you'll see evidence of the mega-engineering project known as the Delta Works . These massive structures — basically hi-tech dams — can control how much water enters the area's key estuaries from the North Sea.

Consisting of dams, sluices, locks, dikes, and storm-surge barriers, this awe-inspiring US$7 billion project has been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Highlights : Medieval village with preserved buildings, castle ruins, and large spa complex

For those looking for a little ancient history, the Netherlands is not without its own medieval (and earlier) attractions. Romantic little Valkenburg, in the picturesque Geul Valley, boasts the country's only hilltop castle,. Long a popular holiday resort, the town's other big draws are its many caves and the spa facilities at Thermae 2000 , one of the largest such establishments in the Netherlands.

In addition to the ruins of the 12th-century castle on Dwingelrots (Castle Rock), there's also the interesting 14th-century St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica . Another highlight is the town's famous Christmas Market (mid-November to December 23rd) held in the Velvet Caves, the maze of old passageways leading to and from the castle.

Highlight : Home of the famous Royal Delft pottery with factory tours and shopping

Located between the cities of The Hague and Rotterdam (and therefore easy to get to), Delft is known the world over for its famous blue and white porcelain products. Delftware, as it's usually known, has adorned shelves and dining rooms the world over since the 1600s, and remains as popular today as it was back then.

Known in English as Royal Delft , the original manufacturer, Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles N.V., has been around since 1653 and offers a variety of fun experiences for visitors.

In addition to informative tours of the factory, including a chance to see talented artisans hand painting pottery, you can visit the factory's vast collection of Delftware, and even finish up with a posh afternoon tea experience in the on-site tea room.

Address: Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR Delft, Netherlands

Highlights : Fairytale castle with huge grounds, hiking trails, and guided tours

Near the lovely old city of Utrecht, the fourth largest in the Netherlands, De Haar Castle (Kasteel De Haar) is the largest fortification in the country.

This spectacular castle, built by the famous Dutch architect PJH Cuypers, required so much land (it sits on a spectacular 250-acre park) that the entire village of Haarzuilens had to be relocated to accommodate it. While the original castle site was established in the 14th century, this newer structure dates from 1892 and is well worth taking the time to explore.

Inside, you'll be rewarded with impressive collections of antiques, furniture, paintings, and tapestries, but it's the gardens that really draw the crowds — along with the castle's fairy-tale looks.

Highlights : Living history museum with costumed interpreters, cultural events, and interactive workshops

The city of Arnhem is well worth including on your Netherlands travel itinerary. Famous for its location on a branch of the Rhine River and the battles that ensued here during WWII, it's here you'll find the Netherlands Open Air Museum (Nederlands Openluchtmuseum).

This family-friendly attraction has provided visitors with a fascinating look at traditional Dutch lifestyles for well over 100 years, with costumed guides offering unique insights into cultural, farming, and manufacturing aspects of life up to the mechanization of the 1900s.

Authentic period homes, workshops, and businesses offer hands-on opportunities to learn about and appreciate once-common practices, from fishing to baking and even clog making. Other highlights include a still-operating vintage tram, cultural events and concerts, and fun kids' programs.

Address: Hoeferlaan 4, 6816 SG Arnhem, Netherlands

As one of the most visited countries in Europe, the Netherlands can get pretty busy during the peak summer months, especially in July when the schools break up.

The spring shoulder months of April and May are a great time to visit Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands, with many of the country's best parks and gardens bursting into life with an abundance of greenery and flowers (tulips are everywhere in the Netherlands!).

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What is nature tourism and why is it so popular?

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Nature tourism is a fantastic type of tourism and it is on the rise! But what is it and why is it so popular? Read on to learn more…

What is nature tourism?

Why is nature tourism important, what is the difference between nature tourism and ecotourism, types of nature tourism, bird watching, scuba diving, scenic driving, bush walking, visiting parks, fishing , cycling , nature tours, nature tourism- further reading.

Nature tourism is all about visiting natural areas and is closed aligned with the concept of rural tourism . Places that nature tourists might visit include might include beaches, forests or national parks. Activities focus on the natural environment rather than visiting man-mad features; think stargazing and hiking, for example. There are locations right across the globe which are perfect for nature tourism.

The CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) in the Netherlands define nature tourism as follows:

Nature tourism, also called nature-based tourism, is tourism based on the natural attractions of an area. It consists of responsible travel to experience natural areas and their landscape, flora and fauna, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of locals.

Nature tourism is important as it allows people to see and appreciate the beauty of our natural environment. Through this kind of tourism, we are able to escape the pollution and pressures of city life – it is good for our physical and mental wellbeing to be out in nature, breathing in fresh air and seeing lush greenery or sparkly blue seas. Nature tourism also encourages visitors to take an interest in the natural environment, which may then translate to them making a more conscious effort where environmental issues are concerned. With climate change being an ever-present and ongoing issue, this is definitely a good thing.

Following on from this, nature tourism gives land owners, local communities and local governments more reason to preserve and take care of natural areas. If they know people will come to visit, it is in their best interest to look after these places and is a great incentive for developing their sustainable tourism provision. Visiting tourists can do wonders for local community pride this way.

As with all tourism, nature tourism brings in money . This economic boost trickles down through a whole community; people need places to stay, and food to eat, and they want to buy souvenirs. Hikers may need to buy replacement walking boots, and weary explorers will always need somewhere to rest their heads at night. Jobs are created and economies are boosted through natural tourism, in the surrounding areas of the specific locations too.

Is nature tourism different from ecotourism? Put simply, yes. They are very similar, but ecotourism is perhaps a more specialised branch of nature tourism if we were looking to clearly define the difference in some way. Nature tourism is about visiting an area – responsibly, yes – rather than actively aiming to learn about the environment and participating in its protection. A nature tourist might visit a beach and admire its beauty, while an ecotourist might join in with a beach clean-up. The lines are blurred, of course, as they so often are when we try to differentiate between types of tourism .

There are different types of nature tourism. This is where we will see similarities with another kind of tourism: adventure tourism. You can read all about adventure tourism here if you’re interested! However, the similarity is that both can be split into two ‘types’: hard and soft.

Soft nature tourism might involve bird watching, visiting a beach to sunbathe, gentle walks through country parks and so on. Hard nature tourism is a bit more tough going: mountain climbing, bush walking and scuba diving, for example. Below I’ll go into some of these specific examples, so you can see how diverse nature tourism is!

Nature tourism examples

There are many examples of nature tourism to be found. Keep reading to see what they are, and whether they fall into the hard or soft category.

Bird watching is an example of soft nature tourism. People of all ages and abilities can do this, with or without a guide. You just need some background knowledge of bird species (or a book explaining them) and perhaps some binoculars. the Gambia is a hotspot for bird watching!

This is more of an example of hard nature tourism. It’s much more adventurous, and requires specialist equipment and a guide or a lot of training/experience. Head under the water to see what kind of nature is on display down there: coral, fish, shells and so much more. It’s subjective, but Barracuda Point in Malaysia is apparently the most beautiful place in the world to scuba dive… and I am a big fan of diving in Dahab , Egypt too!

This is another ‘soft’ activity in that it is low-risk and doesn’t require physical exertion. The North Coast 500 in Scotland is an example of a famous scenic drive – this is a great way to experience nature. From rolling hills to winding rivers, there is so much to see out of the window from the comfort of your car. Another fantastic example is the Kings Highway in Jordan , where you will see endless desert, canyons and incredible rock formations.

Camping is, again, an example of soft nature tourism. While it’s a little more ‘involved’ than scenic driving, for example, it is still relatively low risk and most of us are able to participate. Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to camp, with its green landscapes and snowy mountain scenery. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro gives you some fantastic camping opportunities too- just make sure you buy the best wild camping tent !

While controversial, hunting tourism is an example of nature tourism as it takes place in natural spaces. It is definitely one for the hard category, as you need special equipment to do so and it can obviously be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. It is also often a discussion point for ethical tourism .

For the most part, this is a very safe activity and therefore falls into the soft category again. Guided tours are available in all of the very best stargazing locations, such as El Teide National Park in Tenerife, and it has even spawned its own branch of tourism. This is known as dark sky tourism, and there are many examples of activities that fall within this. They include stargazing, of course, alongside seeing the Northern Lights, watching an eclipse, astronomy tours and staying in accommodations that offer a clear view of the night sky such as glass domes.

This can be dangerous in that it is all about going off the beaten track, and walking through bushes/on rough ground. Therefore we can categorise this as hard nature tourism; it is something you would do when hiking, and gives you a bit of an adrenaline kick!

One of the easiest and most common forms of nature tourism is simply visiting a park. Whether this is a UK national park or your local green space at home, visiting a park is a definite example of this type of tourism. You’ll see birds, insects, flowers, trees, grass and more. Have a leisurely stroll, cycle through or sit and eat a picnic surrounded by nature.

Fishing falls in the middle of the soft and hard categories. You do need specialist equipment, but with most types of fishing there is little to no risk to life involved. But you need to be in nature – by or even on a lake or river – to do it, so it definitely counts as a form of nature tourism. People have obviously been fishing for years as a source of food gathering, but it is also a recreational hobby enjoyed by many.

This is another middle of the road activity. Kayaking can be dangerous, although it usually isn’t – you’ll often have a guide with you, and of course specialist equipment (the kayak) is required. It’s a really fun activity that many people enjoy!

You can visit a beach and simply do… nothing! This is still an example of nature tourism, as beaches are natural environments. Bali has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and tourists flock there to relax and soak up the sunshine. Beaches are also usually near to bars and restaurants, and you might find people doing beach yoga or watching the sunrise/sunset. Thailand even has all-night moonlight beach parties. They are versatile and beautiful locations!

Again, another activity that could be considered hard or soft. It depends where you go, really. A gentle bike ride along a specific cycle lane through a park is nothing like mountain biking in harsh terrains. It’s all about the level of ability you have and what risks you’re willing to take. But cycling is definitely a great way to get out and about in nature. It is also a low-cost and eco-friendly activity, which makes it a winner from many angles.

These tend to be a longer duration than many activities mentioned above, which you may do regularly but for a few hours at a time. Nature tours are days or even weeks-long trips, out into the wilderness with nature and wildlife experts. You might travel by air or train, or go on a cruise, and your guide will be on hand to point out every aspect of nature there is to see. These nature tours will take visitors to some of the most beautiful destinations on earth, such as trekking in Chiang Mai , Croatia, seeing the glaciers in Iceland and Alaska, and gazing at the best waterfalls in Finger Lakes . They’ll set you back a fair bit, but the memories you’ll make seeing bears and waterfalls and glorious sunsets will more than make up for it!

If you enjoyed this article, I am sure that you will love these too!

• Homestay tourism: What is a homestay?
• Cultural tourism explained: What, why and where
• Volunteer tourism: The reasons why people volunteer
• What is adventure tourism and why is it so big?
• Rural tourism explained: What, where and why

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