Here we are again. A small, comfy country and no clue where to go. Of course, there is the capital city Amsterdam where you can spend a weekend, explore the suburbs around it or just do something totally out of the box.
What to explore in the Netherlands is the first question of every country that you never have been before. Therefore, you'll find the top 10 of 2019th places to visit, right here freshly imported of the Netherlands.
WHERE TO GO FOR THE FIRST TIME
And don't forget to check out the website for Netherlands public transports. One advice I just give you on your way, get the mobile app. You save a lot of money!
#1 RIDDERZAAL
Or translated Hall of Knights was built in the 13th century and is the main building of the former castle which is called Binnenhof and is mainly used for the state opening of the parliament. That's the place where the throne is placed and important decisions have been made back then.
For everyone who is interested in a tour can join one of the many guided tours which is managed by the visitors centre of the ProDemos Centre for Democracy. The tour includes the chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Ridderzaal itself is part of the Government Buildings Agency that takes good care of the entire building.
All tours can be booked for groups. There are even tours for people with disabilities, such as not being that mobile, using a wheel chair, having problems visually, audibly or any other help will be provided to get the most out of your excursion.
Contact for guided tours here or grab your phone and call: 0031(0)70-7570285
In case you are staying in Amsterdam and are about to explore the country a bit, by car you'll need almost 1 hour via A4 which is usually the fastest route, the same for the train.
#2 KEUKENHOF - GARDEN OF EUROPE
Situated in the South of Netherlands, and with an annually 7 millions flower bulbs are planted, it is one of the most colourful, best smelling and most beautiful places of the world, at least in spring time. With 32 hectares of land which is covered with flowers, you can spend hours exploring each single corner.
From Amsterdam to Lisse it's about 40 minutes by car and nearby the Ridderzaal, which makes it a perfect getaway after exploring buildings for a while.
Check out the Website of the Keukenhof and plan your visit. Available in different languages, and therefore, no problem to navigate.
#3 RIJKSMUSEUM
The museum was founded in The Hague on 19 November 1798, but was moved later to Amsterdam in 1808 and is one of the hot spots that should not be missed. It is featuring some of the most famous National Treasures of the Netherlands like Rembrandt's The Night Watch, art of Vermeer and Frank Hals and more master pieces of Dutch's history.
It is a place where old meets new. From artefacts, objects of Dutch's maritime history, clothing, prints, sculptures, even Asian items can be found, to modern art and clothes like the dress of Yves Saint Laurent from the mid sixties. From guided tours to Blockbuster Exhibitions, lectures and special events are a refreshing change of a normally more static place.
Specially good while it's raining outside you should take a half day off and explore the long forgotten time of the Netherlands and keep a piece of it in your memories.
But that's not all, the museum has its own garden which is open to visit from 9 am to 6 pm and is a place of temporary exhibitions that usually take place from spring to autumn.
Contact:
Rijksmuseum, Museumstraat 1,
1071 XX Amsterdam, Germany Tel.: 020 674 7000
E-Mail: info@rijksmuseum.nl
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday
9 am to 5 pm
#4 HOGE VELUWE NATIONAL PARK
Founded in 1909 of the couple Anton Kröller and his wife Helene Kröller-Möller as a private estate, but, after time passed and due to financial problems they were unable to keep it and was therefore handed over several times until it finally was opened as the second National Park of the Netherlands.
During that time a lot of animals and plants have being imported to fill the park. A hunting lodge was built and is still available to access. Next to the St.Hubertus Hunting Lodge you can visit the Kröller-Möller Museum which is host of some art of Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and many more. Other than that there is a second Museum, Museuonder, that is focusing on the geology and biology of the Veluwe, a forest-rich ridge of the province Gelderland.
The park is basically split into three parts:
Nature and Landscapes, Historic tales, Art and Architecture. It is a place for exploring nature, hiking, cycling and to let go of all the modern world worries. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and enjoy your day off.
Visit their Website here.
Contact: De Hoge Veluwe National Park
Office & Postal address
Apeldoornseweg 250
7351 TA Hoenderloo, Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0)55-8330833 - weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm
Opening Hours:
Summer Time 8 am to 10 pm
Winter Time 9 am to 8 pm
DIFFERENT ENTRANCES
So that you know and not getting lost I added all the entrances of the park right here.
OTTERLO ENTRANCE
Houtkampweg 9
6731 AV Otterlo (GPS: 182411 / 457249) (GPS: N52.06.180 E005.47.208)
HOENDERLOO ENTRANCE
Houtkampweg 13 7352 TC Hoenderloo (GPS: 188243 / 459001) (GPS: N52.07.109 E005.52.345)
SCHAARSBERGEN ENTRANCE
Koningsweg 17 6816 TC Schaarsbergen (GPS: 187952 / 449636) (GPS: N52.02.038 E005.52.051)
A side note of their Website:
Schaarsbergen entrance and Wildbaanweg are closed to coaches.
#5 ZAANSE SCHANS
An area that should be travelled to once in a lifetime. Zaanse Schans can be found near Zaandjik, Netherlands and is best known for its incredible well reserved windmills and houses. One of the most beautiful parts of this country.
Nothing more to say, except, watch the short trailer made by Drone Addicts and see for yourself, why you have to go there to see it for yourself.
And it gets even better. It is only 30 minutes away from Amsterdam Sloterdijk. That means, you can hop on a train, explore Zaanse Schans for the afternoon, get something nice to eat and head back to the city centre. The perfect dose of daily escape, done in no time.
Plan your trip and enjoy the perfectly re-created histrorical Dutch countryside. Visit the Dutch Bakery Musuem, book a tour, take a stroll through the centre and because of its size it does not even feel that crowded during the best times in the year.
By the way, you love cheese and can't get enough? Visit the Zaanse Schans cheese factory to get an extra large chunk of happiness.
#6 ANNE FRANK MUSEUM
Everyone who knows about World War ll, should know Anne Franks and her families story. In case not, go there and get surprised of how much Jewish families had to suffer during the reign of A. Hitler and his blood thirst to get rid of everyone who didn't pass his ideals.
It is about a real story that happened about a young girl who just wanted to live. About war, hopes and survival and the sad tragedy of an entire family, that is explaining very well of how it must have been in such difficult times.
From my side I want to go too much in detail, due my own families past and being very emotionally attached to it.
Therefore, click on the photo down below and get your tickets to dive in history and to figure out on your own of why it is such an important story to know about.
Contact:
Westermarkt 20 1016 DK Amsterdam Tel.: +31 20 556 71 05
E-Mail: services@annefrank.nl
Monday to Sundays
9 am to 10 pm
#7 VILLAGE OR MARKEN
A former island in the Markenmeer and a getaway not only for locals but also for international tourists. Enjoy one more the cultural history and well-preserved fishing sites and island's traditions.
After you walked up or took the ferry, you'll be greeted by a beautiful landscape and traditional looking green houses alongside the harbour. Those buildings are still made of wood and are taking care off the entire year so that, no matter when you are about to plan a visit, it'll be always like sparkling emeralds in your eyes.
Back then there has been many houses to smoke eels, but those were transformed into a museum where you can learn about the island and their locals, but also Dutch history in general. Next to learn more about their heritage, they even reconstructed a fisherman's home of how it must have looked like in the good old golden days.
Marken and its lighthouse in the end of a narrow, long stretch at the coast has its charm, but also the stuff that seems to be made out of dreams and a good sample of inspiration to plenty of movies and books.
Get your souveniers in Sijtje Boes Souveniers for the perfect gift or memory to take home with you or send across the ocean to a friend.
But what would be a little trip without the proper food or a coffee?
The De Fisscher and Brasserie De Taanketel are friendly to all kinds of people. No matter of meat-eaters, vegetariens, vegans or dishes that are gluten-free. You'll get there, having a good time, full belly and get the next bus back to Amsterdam for the evening.
´T Havengat and De Verkeerde Wereld are one of the most recommended restaurant and café on TripAdvisor. So, get your day ticket and spend a day on that island.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket here.
Or check out what kind of Tickets are actually available on this side.
#8 KASTEEL THE HAR
The medieval house of De Har dates back to the 13th centruy, but was rebuilt in 1892 and the work of the architect P.J.H Cuypers can be still enjoyed today. It took almost 20 years of designing and restoring all the beautiful ornaments, rooms and was all in all a unique project back in the days of Europe. Kasteel De Har is located in Utrecht near Haarzuilens, Netherlands. The exact location you'll find here.
Next to exploring the castle and get regular or private tours, you can relax in the gardens as well. Every corner hides a piece of history and behind every single object resides a story that is looking forward to be told.
But that's of course not all. A lot of prominents stayed over night and left all kinds of marks in the most lavish rooms of the castle. Back then, for over a century, once a year the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar family had massive parties and invited the creme de la creme of the rich and wealthy. From Coco Chanel to Roger Moore, everyone who had a name and was well-known by anyone got an invitation to join the club.
In case you like to stroll around the gardends, walk through the big halls of Kasteel De Kar, feel like the barons and baronesses in the past, book your wedding - for an even more unforgettable memory, do the entire tour of the garden and the castle, or just single excursions. It's said, every season has its charm and therefore you should the castle more than just once.
In case they have a nice cup of tea, I am in!
Plan your next trip, get there as soon as possible and go on a day trip to the biggest castle of the Netherlands. And without doubt, one of the most beautiful.
Contact:
Kasteel de Haar Kasteellaan 1
3455 RR Haarzuilens
E-Mail: informatie@kasteeldehaar.nl
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday
11 am to 5 pm
#9 EFTELING AMUSEMENT PARK
Opening its doors for the first time in 31st of March in 1952, and was always evolving since. From a nature based, fairy tale park with a playground it converted into a full-sized theme park that is accessable all year around.
In 1971 it received a price of the Golden Apple and was its first of the kind.
Since from the first day until now, they put effort, sweat and love in every single attraction and a lot of people say, that they enjoy it more than Disneyland, which is an incredible compliment.
From just exploring the park and revealing its secrets, to bob sleighing, historic caroussels, indoor and outdoor roller coaster, swinging ship, 3D films, boat rides, museums and much more. It almost feels like one day is not enough, and you are right. In case of seeing everything, you should have some time and maybe think about staying overnight in one of Europes most inspiring and beautiful theme parks.
Tickets you'll get here.
Contact:
Efteling Amusement Park
Europalaan 1
5171 KW Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0)416 537 777
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday
10 am to 6 pm
Saturday to Sunday
10 am to 8 pm
#10 THE WILDLANDS ADVENTURE ZOO IN EMMEN
In another of the articles about Netherlands you'll find a more detailed description of what you can actually do in the zoo.
It is basically a world full of wonders that is just waiting for you to be explored. From a trip to the Arctic, seeing polar bears, penguins and following the researchers of an excursion through the icy cold habitat, to the African savanna where you get the chance to see the king of the animals - lions , zebras, giraffes, hippos and many more while sitting in a jeep, driving through the area. Far away there is an old train that can be used as a secret passage to get closer to camels and donkeys.
An old mine with a roller coaster inside and a diner next door want to explored too. The nachos are just delicious, the same for the drinks and sweets.
The last stop would be the deep and dangerous jungle. Elephants and monkeys are the leaders and none of those are very far away. A tribe of cannibals is hidden somewhere and how dare you taking their treasure or sitting on the throne.
A boat trip can be done and is showing you a different perspective of what you have seen so far. Get ready for your adventure!
SECRET TIP FROM ME!
TAKE A LOOK AT RV Livestyle's Blog post about 30 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam.
Here is the link
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Thank you so much and see you in the future,
Sina
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