What are the 10 best countryside tours in the Netherlands?
Which places should you visit when exploring the Netherlands?
- Visit the tulip fields
- Giethoorn Village
- Cheese Market
- Dutch Windmills
- Volendam & Wooden Clogs
- Zuiderzee Museum
- De Rijp
- Muiderslot
- Coast of Holland
- Kinderdijk
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Netherlandsâ smallest candy store, which occasionally opens its doors to visitors.
No. 8: The Muiderslot
Located near Amsterdam, Muiderslotâalso known as Castle Amsterdamâwas 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 cafĂ©s.
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 cafĂ© or watching surfers and kite surfers, thereâs 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.
No. 10: Kinderdijk
This UNESCO-listed site is home to some of the Netherlandsâ most famous windmills. Itâs 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 youâll 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
- Amsterdam
- Rotterdam
- Utrecht
- The Hague
- Delft
- Alkmaar (with our Cheese Tour)
- Hoorn
- Groningen
- Den Bosch
- Eindhoven
Discover the most beautiful parts of the Dutch countryside with our tours. View our tours
