7 of the Quirkiest Towns in the Netherlands

Sipping on a delicious Heineken beer while floating on a boat in the canal, cruising on a bike through narrow streets and over bridges, frolicking through colorful tulip fields and admiring towering windmills, or nibbling on fresh local cheese and stroopwafels. Welcome to the vibrant country of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is in Northwestern Europe, bordering Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. The most common landscapes are flat lowlands, but abundant forests, dunes, and heathlands are sprinkled across the country. The Netherlands also has an extensive art scene and is home to Van Gogh and Rembrandt, two of the world's most famous artists.

The Netherlands's creativity, rich history, active lifestyles, and vast nature release a calming energy that is sure to have visitors feeling uplifted with a dash of quirky fun.

Volendam

First up is Volendam, an adorable fishing village located northeast of Amsterdam. Start the adventures by the lively harbor and admire the fishing boats and yachts floating at the docks. The harbor is also home to many restaurants and shops where you can dine and pick a memorable souvenir. For visitors wanting to wander, the innermost area of Volendam, calle" "Doolho"," is just the spot. Doolhof is a jam-packed maze of charming narrow streets, canals, and bridges. This area also has stunning architecture of colorful quaint houses with red roofs and brick exteriors. Funny enough, the word" "Doolh"" literally means" "labyrint"." The Volendam Cheese Factory makes a great pitstop. Enjoy tasting local Dutch Gouda and witness how cheese made from start to finish.

Marken

Until 1957, the little town of Marken was an isolated little island. Today, the development of a dike connects it to the mainland of the Netherlands. This town, surrounded by water, draws in many travelers to see the elegant little houses with wooden exteriors. These little houses with pops of green, blue, and orange feel like being transported into a joyous cartoon show. For a nature stroll with a delightful destination, walk toward the town's harbor and continue for about five kilometers. After passing by many hamlets and houses, visitors will end up at Paard van Marken, a famous lighthouse. Visitors can visit Marken's wooden shoe factory, a steam-engine-powered clog factory, to immerse themselves in Dutch culture. After a day of exploring, visitors can satisfy their appetite at the restaurant Taverne de Visscher, a local favorite that serves delicious pancakes, sole fish, spare ribs, and sandwiches.

Giethoorn

A place with no traffic jams? Giethoorn is the perfect sanctuary for peace. About an hour and a half drive from Amsterdam, the village of Giethoorn is a one-of-a-kind place with no roads in the center of the town. Nicknamed the Dutc" "Venice of the Netherlan"s", locals can only around town by sailing, biking, and walking. Explore the village bridge by bridge, 176 bridges to be exact. The hand-dug canals in Giethoorn are a sweet spot to cruise around in by boat, canoe, or paddle board. Admire the 18th and 19th centuries houses shining with authentic charm and fall in love with the sounds and smell of nature. Travelers can show off their skills for a little friendly competition by playing mini golf and archery. Giethoorn also has some fascinating museums to explore. The Museum Giethoorn't‘t Olde Maat Uus is a heritage museum that displays a historic farming village with actors, a gift shop, and a cafe. To get close to the magic of minerals and shiny gemstones, check out Museum de Oude Aarde.

Zierikzee

Located on the Oosterschelde River, Zierikzee is a place visitors won't want to miss out on. Zierikzee has over 500 official monumental buildings and is proudly known as one of the top ten historic towns in the Netherlands. Visitors can indulge in delicious drinks and dishes by bouncing around the waterside bars beside the harbor. Rich history also flourishes in the town for travelers to discover. Nobelpoort, Noordhavenpoort, and Zuidhavenpoort are the names of the three medieval town gates that still stand tall and offer access to the heart of town. For a scenic walk, wander along the sea wall and possibly spot a porpoise swimming amongst the water's surface. While weaving through the narrow streets and medieval atmosphere, check out the many unique clothing shops, boutiques, and coffee shops.

Amerongen

Next up is the 1,000-year-old village of Amerongen in Utrechtse Heuvelrug. A must-see attraction is the historic Amerongen Castle from the 17th century. Not only can travelers explore the castle and pretend to be in a fairytale, but the castle also hosts festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. This town is also home to the Amerongen Bos, one of the oldest forested areas in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug region. Walking through Amerongen Bos will make visitors feel refreshed as they are welcomed by rays of sunshine peeking through the branches of many deciduous and coniferous trees. For cycling lovers, peddle over to De Proloog, a cycling café that acts as a stopping point for cyclists to interact and enjoy a tasty cup of coffee. From the café, cyclists can ride the entire Utrechtse Heuvelrug route.

Veere

Developed in the 16th century, the little town of Veere is full of many attractions and events to immerse visitors in the vibrant Dutch culture. On select Tuesdays in July and August, the town's streets come to life with the Historical Market. Visitors can admire locals dressed in traditional Zeeland costumes and demonstrate different crafts. Veere also puts on festive Christmas markets and has annual sailing races on the Veerse Meer, the town's lagoon. Located on Old Street, visitors won't want to miss visiting Grandma's Sweet Shop. This tiny, quirky shop radiates nostalgia. Visitors can shop for more than 100 traditional and old Dutch candy types. Another way to step back in time is by exploring the Stone Bear tunnels, a historic bastion dating back to the 16th century, with modifications during the Napoleonic era.

Lisse

Are you mood to frolic through a bright and flourishing flower field? Lisse is just the right place. Lisse is the most famous flower town in the Netherlands and the perfect spot to stop and smell the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Admire the iconic Dutch tulips at the Keukenhof Tulip Park, where more than 7 million flowers bloom during the tulip season. The nearby Kager Lakes is a paradise where you can hop on a boat and cruise by the scenic views of windmills and polders(reclaimed land). Moreover, exploring the vast landscapes of Lisse on foot will refresh visitors. The Bollenstreek hiking route has paved paths for visitors along meadows and bright flower fields.

Unforgettable Dutch Escapes

The Netherlands offers a unique energy that is both calming and upbeat. Vast open fields, flowing canals, and architecture shine with character. Adventures will never get boring, as there are so many diverse ways to explore. Ride a bike, hop on a boat, or take a long stroll. Immersing yourself in the vibrant Dutch culture, cuisine, and nature will leave travelers with long-lasting memories and the biggest smile.