Netherlands

South Holland

 

 

The province of South Holland occupies the western region of the Netherlands, with a long stretch of coastline facing the North Sea. With interesting cities and rich cultural sights to explore, South Holland is an understandably popular destination. The capital is The Hague, home to a selection of museums as well as top sights like Kurhaus, Mauritshuis, the Binnenhof and the Noordeinde Palace – while the largest city is Rotterdam, a vibrant port city with its iconic Cube Houses and other stunning examples of modern architecture. Other must-visit places in South Holland include Delft (with its famous blue-and-white pottery), Kinderdijk (home to picturesque 18th-century windmills), Gouda (where you can sample the cheese of the region and wander around the town’s medieval Market Square) and Noordwijk, with its lovely beaches and buzzing seaside resorts.

North Holland

 

 

The province of North Holland is located in the northwestern region of the Netherlands. Home to the activity-rich capital city of Amsterdam, as well as a number of other top-rated sights and attractions, this is understandably the most-visited area of the country. Begin in the UNESCO-listed Canal District in Amsterdam, and be sure to plan in visits to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s House and Vondelpark. From there, culture enthusiasts will enjoy historic Alkmaar (with its Cheese Market), Haarlem (with its medieval city centre) and Enkhuizen (home to the Zuiderzee Museum), while outdoor lovers will relish the North Holland Peninsula, where Bergen offers quiet shores and the resort of Den Helder provides ferry connections to Texel, the largest of the West Frisian Islands and a hive of activity in summer.

 

Amsterdam

 

Dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its impressive architecture, its complex latticework of canals, and its 1500 bridges, Amsterdam is a truly enchanting holiday destination. With one of the most extensive historic city centres in Europe playing host to approximately 7,000 registered historic buildings dating back to medieval times, this remarkable capital city is a treasure trove of historical and cultural delights. The Museum Quarter, Amsterdam’s cultural hub, is home to three of the world’s most impressive museums, brimming with priceless works by Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh, with the occasional Picasso and Warhol thrown into the mix. The upmarket Jordaan area boasts trendy contemporary art galleries, charming boutiques and world-class restaurants while the Canal Ring, a 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dotted with traditional canal houses and prestigious mansions, quaint white drawbridges, as well as some of the city’s premier nightlife spots.

 

Utrecht

 

Centrally located in the Netherlands, Utrecht is a fascinating mixture of old and new: a youthful, exuberant city characterised by its medieval canals and architecture. Most of the city’s sights are historical in nature, such as De Haar Castle, the sheer-sided St. Martin’s Cathedral and the fabulously Gothic church known as De Dom (which features a 112-metre tower you can climb). However, as impressive as these attractions are, the real charm of Utrecht lies in its unique split-level canals and the atmosphere they create within the city, which is also home to the largest student population in the country. Utrecht is full of sidewalk cafes, quirky bars, craft brew houses and colourful music venues, making it an excellent choice for any Netherlands itinerary.

 

Haarlem

 

Located just 35 kilometres from Amsterdam in the northwestern part of the Netherlands, Haarlem is a charming city full of rich cultural treasures. With its medieval centre, scenic canals and cobblestone streets, Haarlem makes an impression before one has even begun to explore its best sights and its first-rate collection of museums. These include Teylers’ Museum, which has been in operation since 1784, the Frans Hals Museum, which houses paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, and the Ten Boom Museum, which has a fascinating history relating to the Nazi occupation during World War II. Meanwhile, some key sights around the city include the Hoofdwacht, a 13th-century monument, and the Gothic-style Saint Bavo Church (located in the central square of Grote Markt). For active travellers, the harbourside village of Spaarndam is a popular cycling destination in close proximity to Haarlem.

 

Kinderdijk

 

Located in the South Holland province of the Netherlands, Kinderdijk is a village best known for its picturesque 18th-century windmills. The surrounding landscape is characterised by marshlands crisscrossed by lily-dotted canals crown by 19 beautifully-preserved Dutch windmills. Visitors can look forward to a host of activities including exploring the waterways, footpaths and bike trails that traverse the area and enjoying a boat trip along the river and canals to view the dykes and the world-famous ancient windmills, which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum Windmill to learn about the history of these fascinating structures.

Leiden

 

 

Centrally located near the country’s western coastline, the city of Leiden makes an excellent stop on any Netherlands itinerary, offering rich historical sights and a vibrant, engaging atmosphere. Home to the oldest university in the country, Leiden’s large student population keeps its nightlife fresh and interesting, while it boasts enough sights and attractions to fill a good few days of sightseeing. Start in the canal-lined city centre, which is the second-largest in the Netherlands (after Amsterdam), and from there make your way to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, famous for its collection of Egyptian antiquities, the Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde, which displays cultural achievements from around the world, and the Hortus Botanicus, a spell-binding botanical garden. Meanwhile, the seaside village of Katwijk is only 5 miles away, offering fantastic beach walks.

 

Alkmaar

 

Located in the northwest of the Netherlands, Alkmaar is a delightful city offering a fantastic range of sights and activities. A photogenic place with narrow streets and 17th-century canals, Alkmaar is most famous for its traditional merchants’ Cheese Market, but it also boasts a number of excellent museums, interesting buildings and an energetic nightlife. Key sights include the medieval Sint-Laurenskerk (St. Lawrence’s Church); the Holland Cheese Museum, located in a historic weighing-house and a fantastic Beatles Museum as John Lennon’s first guitar was built in the city of Alkmaar. A visit to the Biermuseum de Boom – National Beer Museum, housed in a medieval brewery, is also highly recommended for beer enthusiasts.

 

Arnhem

 

Centrally located in the eastern part of the Netherlands, the city of Arnhem is home to some excellent tourist sights and attractions, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene concentrated around the area known as Korenmarkt. Don’t miss the Airborne Museum (dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem), the small but impressive Museum of Modern Art and the Netherlands Open-Air Museum (Openluchtmuseum), a large outdoor area displaying traditional Dutch houses and other cultural exhibitions. Finally, Arnhem provides convenient access to the Hoge Veluwe National Park, a diverse protected area consisting of heaths, sand dunes and woodlands, and home to some wildlife in the form of red deers, roe deers and wild boars.

 

Rotterdam

 

Located in the southwest of the Netherlands, the port-city of Rotterdam is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan gem full of astounding architecture and exciting cultural activities. The city is home to a wealth of museums and art galleries, including the experimental Kunsthal, which specialises in showcasing themes that have never been used in exhibitions before. The hub of the city is the bustling Markthal, a large indoor market place, while its nightlife is driven by creativity, with many venues offering music and other live performances. Finally, it is impossible to visit Rotterdam without remarking on its architecture. The city is an ‘open-air museum’ of post-War architectural styles, from Piet Blom’s jaw-dropping Cube Houses to De Rotterdam, an immense ‘vertical city’ on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas River.

 

Zaandam

 

Located in the province of North Holland, Zaandam sprawls along the banks of the Zaan River, just north of Amsterdam. Long-distance runners flock here for the annual ‘Dam tot Damloop’, a runner’s event that stretches from Amsterdam to Zaandam. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including cycling around the picturesque streets and surrounds of Zaandam, taking a fun day trip into the city centre of Amsterdam, or visit the Czaar Peterhuisje, one of Holland’s oldest wooden houses in the heart of Zaandam. A true highlight of Zaandam is the Zaanse Schans, showcasing 17th and 18th-century life in Holland with its traditional wooden houses, magnificent windmills, a bakery museum, as well as a collection of sheds and workshops where visitors have the opportunity to learn about ancient crafts of the Zaan region.

 

Eindhoven

 

The city of Eindhoven is located in the southeast of the Netherlands, and is often used as an entry-point for travellers as it is cheaper to access than cities such as Amsterdam. Eindhoven does not feature a huge amount of obvious tourist sights, but it is a prosperous and innovative city where cutting-edge design and technology research takes place. This is reflected by buildings such as the Evoluon, a flying saucer-shaped celebration of the 75th anniversary of Philips built in 1966, and the new cubist-inspired building for the Van Abbemuseum (which houses a fine collection of Modern and contemporary art). Be sure to visit the Philips Museum, which gives a fascinating insight into early light bulb production, and the DAF Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of historic vehicles.

 

Lisse

 

Situated southwest of Amsterdam, the town of Lisse is set between The Hague and Haarlem. It boasts a rich history and fascinating cultural heritage. Lisse is known as the heart of the flower bulb region. Famous for its beautiful flower fields, Lisse is the country’s tulip-growing region and its flower bulbs which are exported around the world. There are many attractions and activities to look forward to including visiting the famous Keukenhof garden featuring millions of spring flowers, attending the annual flower parade in spring, enjoying a day trip to the nearby beach and learning about the history of tulips at the Museum de Zwarte Tulp. Not-to-be-missed highlights include the 17th-century Keukenhof Castle, and cycling around the plentiful fields of tulips.

 

The Hague

 

The Hague is located in the southwest of the Netherlands, on the coast of the North Sea. Known as the ‘Judicial Capital of the World’, the city is known for its many elegant embassies and other grand governmental buildings. These can be seen surrounding the city’s central Plein (square), though interested visitors will also want to book a tour of The Binnehof, the seat of the Dutch government. The Hague is also home to many fine museums and art galleries, including Mauritshuis and the Museum de Gevangenpoort, while Westbroekpark (home to 20,000 different rose varieties) is a wonderfully scenic place to walk and relax. Finally, Scheveningen Beach is particularly popular during summer, but boasts some fine bars and restaurants operating all year round.

 

Maastricht

 

Located in the southeast of the Netherlands, Maastricht is a vibrant city with a rich historical past. Most of its architectural treasures can be found in the city’s two main squares: The Vrijthof, which often holds festivals; and The Markt, which hosts a lively market on Wednesdays and Fridays. The immense Sint Servaasbasiliek, a church first built in the year 1000, dominates The Vrijthof and contains a Treasury housing medieval artwork. Meanwhile the Bonnefantenmuseum boasts a famous art collection, with everything from 16th-century oil paintings to contemporary artworks, and the city’s Ceramique district is home to some ancient ramparts and a town gate dating back to 1229. When you’ve had your fill of history, Maastricht comes alive at night, with its food and bar scene driven by the youthful student population.

 

Volendam

 

Located in the northwest of the Netherlands on the shores of the Markermeer Lake, Volendam – often called the ‘Pearl of the Zuiderzee’ – is a lively little tourist town that makes an excellent day trip destination from Amsterdam, which lies just 20 kilometres away. Volendam is a self-consciously picturesque place, with brightly coloured wooden houses, traditional fishing boats in the harbour and many souvenir stands selling ‘traditional’ Dutch items, such as clogs, costumes and cheeses. Although many are content to simply wander around quaint Volendam – particularly its historic centre, nicknamed ‘the Labyrinth’ for its narrow, mazy streets – the town does boast a few good sights, including the Volendams Museum, which displays traditional costumes, and the Palingsoundmuseum, a small exhibition showcasing popular music from the area.

 

Delft

 

Centrally located near the western coast of the Netherlands, the city of Delft is culturally rich and extremely photogenic, making it a popular day trip destination for both local and international tourists. With its medieval centre and lamplit canals, Delft boasts fantastic architectural sights (such as the late-Gothic Nieuwe Kerk and the Renaissance-era Stadhuis) as well as unique cultural attractions, such as the Vermeer Centrum (for art lovers) and the Prinsenhof Museum, located on Oude Delft, one of the city’s most scenic waterways. The city is also famous for Delftware: a kind of blue-and-white pottery made in the region, with workshops and tours available at De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, an earthenware factory that has been in operation since the 17th century.

 

Groningen

 

The city of Groningen is located in the north of the Netherlands, and offers some good sights in addition to a youthful, vibrant energy and exuberant nightlife driven by its large student population. Boasting a medieval historic centre surrounded by a canal, Groningen is a scenic city that distinguishes itself with some fine museums. These include the Groninger Museum, one of the most progressive modern art galleries in the world, and the Universiteitsmuseum, which displays interesting (and often quirky) temporary exhibitions. A guided walking or cycling tour of Groningen is highly recommended to deepen your knowledge about some of its most iconic buildings such as the Aa-kerk and the Old Roman Catholic Hospital, while canal tours are always popular. It is also possible to rent canoes to explore the waterways at your own pace.

 

Groningen Province

Groningen is the northernmost province of the Netherlands, sharing its eastern border with Germany and boasting a long stretch of North Sea coastline. With interesting cities, historic landmarks and great outdoor activities on offer, this region has something to offer travellers of all kinds. The main hub is the vibrant city of Groningen, which – along with the highly-recommended Groninger Museum and the Martinikerk Tower to visit – offers fantastic nightlife and convenient transport links to the province’s other key destinations. These include the Wadden Sea, where visitors can walk across this UNESCO World Heritage Area at low tide on a Wadlopen, and the charming spa town of Bad Nieuweschans. Finally, history lovers will enjoy touring the province’s collection of borgen (fortresses), with Fraeylemaborg in Slochteren and Menkemaborg in Uithuizen being particularly rewarding excursions.

 

Edam

 

 

Home to the infamous Edam cheese, the town of Edam is situated in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. This world-renowned hard cheese is traditionally sold in wheels and enclosed in red paraffin wax. Once a whaling port, this picturesque little town, set in the aptly named ‘Waterland’, features a number of attractions such as the old shipping warehouses, scenic canals, and hand-operated drawbridges. Visitors can look forward to a selection of activities including: wandering the quiet cobblestone streets, browsing the bustling Wednesday morning market, and exploring the charming surrounding Dutch countryside traversed by a network of scenic waterways, blanketed in fields of tulips, and dotted with traditional red brick houses.

 

Middelburg

 

Located in the southwest of the Netherlands in the Deltawekern of Zeeland province, Middelburg is a charming city full of interesting sights and activities. Though it suffered heavy bombing damage during World War II, its historic centre was rebuilt in its original likeness, and today offers a grand and attractive, canal-lined sightseeing area. Best explored on foot, a walking tour of the centre of Middelburg will take in its key sights, including the magnificently Gothic Stadhuis (City Hall) with its towered abbey (Abdijtoren), the interesting Oostkerk, and the historic district known as Kuiperspoort. Be sure to climb De Lange Jan (a tall church tower) for the views of Middelburg and its historical harbour, and – for active travellers – it is possible to rent a bike and cycle to the nearby village of Veere.

 

Dordrecht

 

Dordrecht, also known as Dordt or Dort, is bordered by five rivers and is the oldest city in the Western Netherlands’ province of South Holland. The canalled city boasts a huge number of historic buildings, gorgeous nature and an array of other interesting attractions. Visitors can take scenic boat tours weaving past heritage landmarks like the grand, medieval Grote Kerk; the thirteenth-century Augustine monastery, Het Hof; and the luxuriously-decorated Huis van Gijn. Nature lovers can picnic in the lush, landscaped gardens of the Wantijpark, or explore the beautiful tidal wetlands of the De Beisbosch National Park by foot, bicycle or kayak while watching flocks of geese fly by. Other highlights include: the Skicentrum Drechtsteden, a massive ski centre; a collection of excellent family-fun breweries; and the Dordrecht Museum, home to fine art spanning 400 years of history.

Valkenburg

 

Watched over by an ancient castle in the southeastern Dutch province of Limburg, Valkenburg aan de Geul is known for its fascinating history and spectacular caves. The crumbling, atmospheric Valkenburg Castle displays the remains of the only hilltop castle in the country, which dates back to 1115. Delve even further back in time with a visit to the Municipal Cave, which was mined by the Romans for marl as far back as 2000 years, or the Fluweelengrot, a cave underneath the castle which was used as an escape route hundreds of years ago. Another unique heritage attraction can be found in the Roman Catacomb Museum, filled with remarkable wall paintings. The green rolling hills of the surrounding areas invite hikers, bikers, and nature lovers to explore the wider territory.

 

 

Noordwijk

 

Set in the beautiful landscapes of the ‘Dune and Bulb Region’ in South Holland, the western part of the Netherlands, the holiday resort town of Noordwijk attracts nature lovers (and cyclists in particular) with its enthralling fields of tulips, vast soft-sanded beaches, and atmospheric sandy hills. Families choose Noordwijk for its wonderful shores and excellent facilities, as well as its interesting child-friendly attractions. The town is home to the first permanent space travel exhibition in Europe, Space Expo, while the largest playground in Europe, the Linnaeushof, is only a 20-minute drive away. History enthusiasts can head to Noordwijk Binnen, a heritage village that provides a fantastic insight into the area in times gone by, and the Bunker Museum, a 500 metre-long underground network of bunkers created in World War II.

 

Naarden

 

Situated in North-Holland’s Gooise Meren municipality, about 20 kilometres east of Amsterdam, the small town of Naarden is a truly unique destination, and one of the must-see locations in the Netherlands. This historic walled town boasts star-shaped fortifications dating back to the 17th century, and is surrounded by two moats. Delve into the past by visiting the Fortress Museum, enormous Gothic St. Vitus Church, and plenty of other intriguing sites. Culture enthusiasts and culinary types will delight in the excellent restaurants, interesting art galleries and lovely array of antique shops on offer. Take a boat tour around the town, or stroll along the pristine lawns at its edges. The surrounding areas are known for their exquisite cycling routes, augmented by the system of Fietsknooppunten (biking nodes).

 

Friesland Province

 

The province of Friesland lies on the northern coast of the Netherlands. Replete with sights and activities, be sure to plan your travels carefully to see all of what Friesland has to offer. The capital is Leeuwarden, home to the interesting Fries Museum (which details the history of the region), while other key towns to visit include charming Hindeloopen, historic Sloten and Franeker, where you can visit the world’s oldest still-operating Planetarium. Friesland is also an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous boating and canoeing opportunities, mudflat hiking across the West Frisian Islands and some excellent long-distance cycling routes (such as the Elfstedentocht) to enjoy. Finally, try to coincide your visit with the province’s most popular event: the annual Skutsjesilen (in August), a competition in which 14 historic long boats take part.

 

Ijsselmeer

 

The IJsselmeer is an inland bay located in the northern part of the Netherlands. Curiously, this area used to be the Zuiderzee until it was closed off by the Afsluitdijk, a manmade embankment stretching 32 kilometres between the provinces of Friesland and Noord-Holland. In addition to an array of picturesque fishing villages lining its shores, such as Marken and Enkhuizen, the IJsselmeer is a significant destination for many recreational activities on the water. These range from relaxing boat cruises on the lake, enjoying its lovely views of the coastline and its famous sunsets, to strenuous water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and canoeing. For an unforgettable experience, it is also possible to charter a yacht and explore the IJsselmeer at your own pace.

 

Breda

 

Located in the south of the Netherlands on the border with Belgium, the city of Breda packs a lot of personality into its relatively small size. Its historic centre (surrounding the area known as Grote Markt) is home to a number of interesting tourist sights such as the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady and the 18th-century Town Hall. This area serves as the epicentre of Breda’s vibrant cultural scene, which includes an array of sophisticated restaurants as well as numerous lively bars and nightclubs. Don’t miss out on a guided tour of the city’s moats, and – for active travellers – it is possible to rent a canoe and explore Breda’s canals at your own pace. Finally, the vast Park Valkenberg is an ideal setting for leisurely walks and scenic picnics.

 

Hoorn

 

Located in the province of North Holland, the town of Hoorn is set on the banks of the Markemeer in the Netherlands. Named after the horn-shaped harbour and set in beautiful surrounds, this picturesque town is known for its heritage architecture, its variety of historic monuments, and pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy an array of wonderful activities including a host of watersports, discovering the scenic dunes, soaking up the authentic Dutch landscapes, viewing the many historic monuments and churches dotting the town, taking a guided tour of the town centre, and enjoying an afternoon of shopping. Other highlights include visiting the Westfries Museum and sampling local Dutch cuisine at a wide selection of top-notch restaurants.

 

Apeldoorn

 

Set in the province of Gelderland in the heart of the Netherlands, the city of Apeldoorn is known for its incredibly scenic surrounds, authentic Dutch charm and historical attractions. This bustling little city possesses all the modern amenities of a big city, yet retains its small-town charm. It serves as a gateway to the Netherland’s largest privately owned conservation area, the 5400-hectare Hoge Veluwe National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife. History enthusiasts can explore an array of sights such as Apeldoorn’s impressive town hall and market square, as well as the former royal residence of Het Loo Palace, with its majestic 17th-century architecture and stunning gardens. Don’t miss the opportunity to relax in the many green spaces dotting the city and surrounds; and visiting the Apenheul Zoo, where visitors can view an array of free-roaming monkeys.

 

Zandvoort

 

The thriving resort town of Zandvoort is situated in North Holland and is one of the biggest in the country. Glorious white sandy beaches stretch along the shores, fringed by grassy dunes and backed by strings of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The lovely waters here provide great opportunities for swimming, beach volleyball, hang gliding, windsurfing, kite surfing, paragliding, and sailing. Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to picturesque walking routes along the coast, as well as two magnificent nature reserves on the edges of the town, the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, and the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. Zandvoort is also renowned for its car racing circuit, the Circuit Zandvoort, famous for its tight corners. Learn about the city’s past at the Zandvoort Museum, which offers regular guided tours.

 

Amersfoort

 

Set in the Utrecht Province of the Netherlands, the city of Amersfoort is known for its picturesque beauty as well as being a centre for the region’s beer, wool and tobacco industries. It is known for its ancient network of canals, centuries-old architecture and rich cultural heritage. It features a well-preserved medieval Old Town with a labyrinth of narrow alleyways that spill out onto scenic canals. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities such as: viewing the famous Koppelpoort, a picturesque land and water gateway; discovering a host of historic merchant’s homes and visiting the impressive Gothic-style Church of Our Lady. Art enthusiasts must visit the famous Mondrian House, a museum set in the house where Piet Mondrian was born.

 

Gouda

 

Centrally located, the city of Gouda makes an excellent stopover on any Netherlands travel itinerary. Famous for its eponymous cheese, Gouda boasts a popular Cheese Market and Museum (housed in a gorgeous 17th-century weighing house), but there is much more to see and do in this vibrant city. Home to some impressive architectural wonders – such as the Gothic-style Stadhuis and Sint Janskerk (St. John’s Church), with its gorgeous stained-glass windows – it is highly recommended to take a guided tour of the city’s historic centre. Visitors can also look forward to taking scenic tours of the canals, as well as enjoying the lively local nightlife scene supported by an array of sophisticated restaurants, bars, live music venues and arthouse cinemas.

 

Nijmegen

 

Located in the southeast of the Netherlands, the city of Nijmegen lays claim to being the country’s oldest city, and boasts some great historical sights to complement the youthful energy provided by its large student population. Its main attractions include a Carolingian chapel from the 9th century and the ornately spired St. Stevenskerk, as well as two great museums in the form of Museum het Valkhof (which includes Roman artefacts) and the Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama (which displays bicycles dating back to the 1800s). These sights can be enjoyed during one of the Nijmegen tourist office’s excellent guided City Tours. For the rest, Nijmegen is a city of hip restaurants and bustling sidewalk cafes (particularly around the Waalkade riverfront area) that is sure to charm visitors to the Gelderland region.

 

Freisian Lakes

 

The area known as the Frisian Lakes (Friese Meren) is located in the province of Friesland in the northern part of the Netherlands. Although traditionally more popular with local tourists, this is changing as word of this highly scenic region begins to spread. Consisting of 24 lakes, including Sneekermeer, Tjeukemeer and Heegermeer, the Frisian Lakes are an extremely popular cruise destination, but also offer some other surprising activities, such as mudflat hiking and the Hindeloopen Cycle Route, which takes you through the famous pasturelands of Friesland. In addition to learning to sail on the calm lake waters, there are many charming villages to visit on the shoreline, including Workum, Stavoren and Lemmer, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the DF Wouda steam pumping station.

 

Limburg

 

Limburg is the southernmost province of the Netherlands, bordering both Germany and Belgium. As well as beautiful countryside to explore in the South Limburg region (a haven for hikers and cyclists), the province offers some great historic and cultural sights – making it a fantastic all-round option. In Maastricht, don’t miss the 11th-century Basilica of Saint Servatius or the Bonnefantenmuseum, which showcases revered artworks in an interesting building, while history lovers will also relish touring the beautiful castles of the region – with Eijsden, Hoensbroek, Arcen and Valkenburg being particularly recommended. Those with an interest in World War II should check out the American War Cemetery in Margraten, while – for something more light-hearted – Toverland is a fun amusement park for the kids, and De Meinweg is an activity-filled national park found near Roermond.

 

Zwolle

 

Zwolle is a vibrant Hanseatic city situated near IJsselmeer Lake in the northeastern Netherlands. It serves as the capital of the Dutch province of Overijssel, which is known for its historic cities, impressive network of rivers and streams, as well as magnificent nature reserves. The city of Zwolle boasts a modern edge combined with historical charm found in its medieval centre – perfect for history enthusiasts to explore. There is an array of excellent shopping opportunities on offer as well as a variety of arts and culture activities, excellent restaurants and impressive hotels to visit. Stroll through lush parks, view the 600-year-old Sassenpoort and the star-shaped city canal edged by historic merchants houses, and soak up magnificent city views from the Peperbustoren, an impressive 75-metre tower. Other highlights include: the 15th-century Grote or Sint Michaelskerk, the Museum de Fundatie, and the collection of award-winning restaurants.