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The Netherlands is a country located in northwestern Europe. The natives also call the country Holland (wooded land). Its name means low-lying country due to the fact that around 2,500 square miles of the country is below sea level. As such, the Netherlands is famous for its flat landscapes, canals, windmills, tulip fields, and cycling routes. While these are all famous things to do in Netherlands, there is much more to the country. Check out below for the top 10 things to do in Netherlands.
#10. Visit Zaanse Schans
One of the things to do in Netherlands is explore its historic past. Zaanse Schans takes visitors back to the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is around 9 miles north of Amsterdam. The architects built Zaanse Schans in the style of a traditional Dutch village. Visitors can walk around it and discover how traditional craftsmen worked, look at shipyards, explore old grocery stores, and walk around wooden house.[1]The Crazy Tourist –25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands
However, Zaanse Schans is most famous for its traditional style windmills. There are 5 open to the public to see. Here you can see how an old wooden windmill works as well as view live clog making demonstrations.
#9. Labyrint Drielandenpunt
One of the things to do in Netherlands is visit the Drielanden Labyrinth (Three Country Labyrinth). Its name comes from the fact that 3 countries (the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, all meet at its center. This hearkens back to the time when smugglers used to cross the borders between the three countries. The Drielanden Labyrinth is the largest outdoor shrub maze in Europe. In fact, it is so large, that it can take up to 1 hour to complete it.[2]Atlas Obscura – Labyrint Drielandenpunt
In addition, there are several other actives to do around the maze. For kids, there is a play area right next to the maze. For people who enjoy shooting, there is a clay shooting range just nearby. Going back to its smuggler roots, there are also several smuggler inspired games for visitors.
#8. Efteling – Largest Theme Park in The Netherlands
One of the most popular things to do in Netherlands is visit Efteling. It is both the largest theme park in the Netherlands as well as one of the oldest ones in the world. It originally started out as a nature park with a playground and Fairy Tale Forest.[3]Netherlands Tourism – Eteling – Largest Theme Park in The Netherlands However, over time, the park has grown with attractions for both kids and adults. Today, Efteling has a number of rides and attractions based on the Netherlands’ cultural fairy tales, folklore, fables, myths, and legends.
One of the most famous attractions is the new Aquanura. It is the largest fountain in Europe and features 4 frogs that turn the lake into a light, sound, and water ballet show. Another attraction that you can not miss is Raveleijn. Here you will be meet with a show with water, fire, and special effects that take you through the fairy tale of the 5 brothers and sisters fighting against the wicked Count Olaf Grafthart and the 5 headed beast.
#7. Rijksmuseum – Experience Dutch Art and History
One of the things to do in Netherlands is visit the Dutch national Museum, the Rijksmuseum. The museum has over 8,000 pieces on display at any one time from its collection of over 1 million pieces. The collection heavily features works for the Dutch Golden Age and its famous painters Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer. Some of the famous paintings that you can see in the museum from these artists include The Milkmaid, Portrait of a Young Couple, and The Night Watch.[4]Netherlands Tourism –Rijksmuseum – Experience Dutch Art and History
In addition to paintings, you can see beautiful antique furniture, ceramics, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and weapons. The museum also has a section dedicated to Asian art.
#6. Keukenhof – The Garden of Europe
One of the things to do in Netherlands is visit the world’s largest flower garden, Keukenhof, in the Dutch town of Lisse in southern Holland. The area is known as the Dune and Bulb region of the Netherlands. While it is only open for a short time each year, usually between March and May, it is one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands. Each year, more than 7 million flowers are planted on the garden’s 79 acres of land.[5]Netherlands Tourism –Keukenhof – The Garden of Europe
Keukenhof features a variety of different garden styles. Some of the more popular styles include the tradition English garden and the Historical Garden. In addition, there are many fountains, gardens, and ponds for visitors to enjoy.
#5. The Heineken Experience
If you are a fan of Heineken beer, one of the things to do in Netherlands and Amsterdam, is go on the Heineken Experience tour. On the tour, you will get to see one of the historic Heineken brewing facilities, learn the history about the company and family, and participate in several hands on activities.[6]Netherlands Tourism –Heineken Experience: Meet the Beer and View the Brewery
In addition, for those of legal Dutch drinking age (16 years old), you can even get a few cold Heinekens at the end of the tour.
#4. Anne Frank Huis
For history buffs and WWII enthusiasts, the Anne Frank Huis is one of the main things to do in Netherlands. The main focus of the museum is the achterhuis or rear house, where Anne Frank and her family had to stay in complete silence in order to try and escape detection from the Nazis.[7]lonely planet –Anne Frank Huis
The museum has more than 1 million visitors annually. Here you can experience the melancholy yet optomistic experience from Anne Frank’s view. The museum features original documents, pictures, videos, and other memorabilia. However, due to the museum’s popularity, make sure to get your tickets online so as to avoid long lines.
#3. Things to do in Netherlands: De Hoge Veluwe National Park
For the nature lover, one of the things to do in Netherlands is visit De Hoge Veluwe National Park. The park features over 13,000 acres of natural wildlife and recreation and running spaces. It has a variety of terrains including drift sands, peat bogs, heathland, and forests.Visitors in the park can view a variety of wildlife including the European badger, Red Deer, Nightjar bird, and Sand lizards.
In addition, there are two museums (Kröller-Müller Museum and the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus) in the park that give visitors a peak at the park’s history.[8]Vacation Idea –Netherlands Things to Do: De Hoge Veluwe National Park
#2.Jordaan
The Jordaan is one of the most famous districts in Amsterdam and all of the Netherlands. The neighborhood was originally a tight knight working class area.[9]I am Amsterdam – Jordaan In fact, many of the houses still show this influence. Many houses have stone tablets on the front with pictures showing the profession of the original inhabitants. For example, a tailor might have a pair of scissors, or a butcher might have a pig.
Jordan has a historical politically left and stormy history. In fact, heavy rioting took place there several times including in 1835, 1886, 1917, and 1934. However, today, the area has been gentrified. It features several restaurants, galleries, and artistic specialty shops. Fortunately, it still retains a lot of its original distinct atmosphere.
Compared to the rest of Amsterdam, Jordaan as an unusual orientation. This is because the district was originally built on the old paths and ditches that crisscrossed the area in the early 17th century.
#1. Amsterdam Canal Cruises
One of the most popular things to do in Netherlands is take a canal cruise in Amsterdam.[10]Vacation Idea –25 Best Things to Do in the Netherlands There are several different companies that offer local tours. No matter what your interests are, there is something for you. Cruises can take visitors through both the historic and more modern parts of Amsterdam showing how the city has evolved over time. In addition, taking a cruise of the city is a great way to see in a lot of the sites without too much difficulty. In addition, it offers a great jumping off point to go to additional spots that you might find interesting.
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