Hotels The Netherlands
Countryside The Netherlands
For an authentic countryside experience in the Netherlands, staying in regions like Gelderland (Veluwe), Friesland, Groningen & Drenthe, Overijssel, or near historic villages like Giethoorn is highly recommended. Explore the beautiful green landscapes of Groningen and Drenthe, admire old sailing boats in Friesland or spot deer in the the Veluwe National Park. Cycle the hills of South Limburg or relax on the beach at the Wadden Islands.
These areas offer charming farm stays, boutique hotels in rural settings, and opportunities to enjoy nature and traditional Dutch rural life.
This region is known for its diverse and picturesque landscapes — from quiet forests and purple heather fields to quaint, storybook villages. The Hoge Veluwe National Park is located just north of Arnhem. As the largest national park in the Netherlands, it offers forests, open heathlands, and drifting sand plains. The park is also home to the renowned Kröller-Müller Museum, which boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Van Gogh paintings, works by Impressionist masters like Renoir, Monet, and Manet, and an impressive outdoor sculpture garden featuring artists such as Rodin and Moore.
Just south of the park, near the German border, lies Arnhem — a vibrant city and an excellent base for exploring the Veluwe. A top attraction is the Open Air Museum, a sprawling park that brings centuries of Dutch history to life. Arnhem is also known for its iconic Rhine bridge, made famous by the World War II battle portrayed in the film A Bridge Too Far.
Lakes, Old towns and Beautiful Views
The northernmost province of the Netherlands is Friesland, known for its lakes, charming fishing villages, and historic towns. It has its own language and serves as the starting point for ferries to the Wadden Islands. Friesland is famous for the 'Elfstedentocht,' a long skating journey on natural ice that passes through 11 towns. Don't miss visiting Sneek and the charming old harbor towns of Hindeloopen and Harlingen, which feature lovely old houses and scenic streets.
This charming village attracts many visitors and is known as "little Venice" because its traditional farms sit on small islands surrounded by canals, linked by numerous wooden bridges.
The countryside around Giethoorn is part of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a swampy landscape of reeds, canals and lakes. You can enjoy biking, hiking, and birdwatching here. Renting a boat to explore this beautiful scenery is also a great option.
Heather and Forest, Beautiful Villages, Farms and Tranquility
These northern provinces feature serene meadows, traditional farms, and historic villages with authentic rural charm, ideal for agritourism experiences
Stroll through the historic towns of Bourtange and Appingedam in Groningen or bike through the forests and heather in Drenthe and the Dwingelderveld National Park – Europe’s largest wet heathland.
South Limburg is known for its rolling hills, cycling routes and the beautifull villages of Epen, Gulpen and Slenaken. Valkenburg is another major draw, known for its castle ruins on a hilltop and the extensive marble caves beneath the town. The city of Maastricht is the cultural heart of the region.
In the 13th century, prosperous trading towns along the IJssel River in the eastern Netherlands formed the Hanseatic League. Today, their legacy is still easy to spot: medieval gates, elegant merchant houses, and winding canals all tell stories of a wealthy past. If you’re exploring the region, be sure to add these Hanseatic gems to your itinerary: Deventer, Hattem, Kampen, Zutphen, and Zwolle.
Deventer has a very well-preserved historic centre - the old trading quarter and the central square date back centuries and still give the city a genuine medieval atmosphere.
Zwolle still shows many of its medieval structures: e.g. the old city gate Sassenpoort, the striking tower Peperbus (part of the old basilica), and a historic core with canals and narrow streets.
