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Dutch Countryside Tour

Tours

What are the 10 best countryside tours in the Netherlands?

Which places should you visit when exploring the Netherlands?

  1. Visit the tulip fields
  2. Giethoorn Village
  3. Cheese Market
  4. Dutch Windmills
  5. Volendam & Wooden Clogs
  6. Zuiderzee Museum
  7. De Rijp
  8. Muiderslot
  9. Coast of Holland
  10. Kinderdijk

Dutch countryside tulip fields
Explore the Netherlands' vibrant tulip fields and capture the beauty of millions of colorful blooms.

No. 1: Visit the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands

If you're visiting the Netherlands in April or May, you simply must see the tulip fields. Our Tulip Tours take you on a stunning journey through the vibrant fields while sharing fascinating stories about their history and cultivation. You'll also receive a booklet filled with interesting insights. This experience is an absolute must for anyone wanting to witness the magic of tulips firsthand.


boats floating through Giethoorn
Take a romantic boat ride through the idyllic village of Giethoorn and soak up the serene atmosphere.

No. 2: Giethoorn Village

Known as the "Venice of the North," Giethoorn is a charming village with canals, over 176 bridges, and picturesque farms and gardens. Many homes can only be reached on foot, by bike, or by boat, adding to its unique charm. Choose between a self-guided boat tour to explore at your own pace, or embark on an organized boat tour with an experienced skipper who will share the history of this beautiful village.


girls holding a dutch cheese at the alkmaar cheese market
Immerse yourself in Dutch culture at the Alkmaar Cheese Market, where tradition meets entertainment.

No. 3: Cheese Market

Every summer, thousands of visitors flock to Alkmaar to witness the world-famous cheese market. This spectacle features a square full of cheese and cheese carriers in traditional attire. The origins of the Alkmaar cheese market date back to at least 1365, and by 1612, the city had four sets of weighing scales. Every Friday, we take visitors to experience this historic tradition at the Waagplein in Alkmaar.


Dutch countryside windmill
The Netherlands is home to over 1,000 windmills, many of which still play a crucial role in water management. Visit traditional windmills in a picturesque setting and step inside to discover the history and technique of these magnificent structures.

No. 4: Dutch Windmills

Explore picturesque locations where traditional windmills are still in operation, showcasing centuries-old water management techniques. Our tours visit two different locations. One takes you to Schermerhorn, where you can see windmills up close and even step inside to discover 17th-century engineering in action. The other tour visits Zaanse Schans, an area with multiple windmills lined up, historic wooden houses, and a museum showcasing Dutch craftsmanship, including clog-making. Both options offer a mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty.


Volendam harbour
Explore the charming harbour of Volendam, where you can see fishermen unloading their catch and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants.

No. 5: Volendam & Wooden Clogs

Volendam is a historic Dutch fishing village with its iconic orange-roofed houses. Walk through its charming streets, explore the local fishing industry, or take a boat to Marken, another traditional village where many historic homes remain intact. Near Volendam, you can visit wooden clog workshops to see how these famous Dutch shoes are made. A tour of this region provides a deep dive into local traditions, friendly hospitality, and classic Dutch charm.


Zuiderzee museum in Enkhuizen
Learn about the history and culture of the Zuiderzee at the Zuiderzee Museum, featuring a recreated 19th-century village with authentic buildings and artifacts.

No. 6: The Zuiderzee Museum

The Zuiderzee Museum brings history to life by recreating a traditional Dutch village from the time of the Zuiderzee. It's an educational yet entertaining experience, especially for children, as they learn about the past through interactive activities and exhibits.


Waag and raadhuis in De Rijp
Discover the charming village of De Rijp in North Holland, with its rich history of whaling and fishing, beautiful wooden houses, and historic town hall.

No. 7: De Rijp

One of the oldest villages in the Netherlands, De Rijp was once larger than Amsterdam before the polders were drained. It was a major fishing hub, and you can still see traces of its past in the historic wooden houses and whaling artwork. The village also boasts a beautifully preserved old town hall, while the nearby village of Graft is home to the Netherlands’ smallest candy store, which occasionally opens its doors to visitors.


Front view of the muiderslot castle
The Muiderslot castle is a stunning medieval structure with a beautiful courtyard and a wealth of history.

No. 8: The Muiderslot

Located near Amsterdam, Muiderslot—also known as Castle Amsterdam—was built to protect the capital. Inside, you can explore medieval armor, weapons, furniture, artwork, and more. The castle's gardens feature plants once used for cooking and medicine. Kids will love the interactive activities, while the nearby harbor town of Muiden offers scenic waterside cafés.


Highland Cow standing in dutch dunes
As you explore the Dutch coastline, keep an eye out for the friendly Highland Cows grazing in the dunes. They're a common sight in the Netherlands' coastal areas.

No. 9: Coast of Holland

Just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, the Dutch coastline offers stunning dunes, nature, and open sea. Whether you're relaxing at a beach café or watching surfers and kite surfers, there’s plenty to experience. For a unique getaway, visit Texel, an island in the north known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Another great spot is the climbing dune in Schoorl, just outside Amsterdam.


windmills at the Kinderdijk
The Kinderdijk is a UNESCO-listed site, home to some of the Netherlands’ most famous windmills.

No. 10: Kinderdijk

This UNESCO-listed site is home to some of the Netherlands’ most famous windmills. It’s a wonderful place to take a scenic walk during the summer months, surrounded by rows of historic windmills and vast open landscapes.

What You Shouldn't Miss When Visiting the Netherlands

For an adventurous experience, rent a bike! Whether you're in Amsterdam or exploring nearby villages, cycling is one of the best ways to see the Dutch countryside. A favorite route is the ride from Alkmaar to Castricum, where you’ll pass windmills, cycle through dunes, and even reach the sea. Biking truly offers the best way to immerse yourself in the landscape.

Top 10 Cities to Visit in the Netherlands

  1. Amsterdam
  2. Rotterdam
  3. Utrecht
  4. The Hague
  5. Delft
  6. Alkmaar (with our Cheese Tour)
  7. Hoorn
  8. Groningen
  9. Den Bosch
  10. Eindhoven

Discover the most beautiful parts of the Dutch countryside with our tours. View our tours

  • -
  • Mike Zwart
  • -
  • 06 March '25
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Tulip Tours Holland

We're a team of Dutch tour guides with a shared passion for Dutch tulips, culture and nature. Join us as we explore the picturesque landscapes, historic villages and the astonishing tulip fields and gardens! Do you have any questions about our tours? Feel free to contact us!

Read more about us
happy people in front of windmills and tulips

Buy your Tulip Tour from Amsterdam tickets here

Explore stunning tulip fields, northern landscapes, and a 17th-century windmill on our intimate 6-hour Amsterdam Tulip Tour with lots of photo opportunities.

From
€ 125
Get your tickets here

Buy your Tulip Tour from Amsterdam tickets here

From:

€ 125

From April 13 till May 18 | Day trip
Get your tickets here

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