7 Whimsical Towns in Netherlands
The Netherlands, situated in Western Europe and a ferry ride away from the UK, is a small yet densely populated country known for its windmills, tulip fields, and canals. Bordered by Germany to the east and Belgium to the south, this friendly country is famed for its artistic heritage (think Van Gogh and Rembrandt), its cycling culture (yes, it’s very flat), as well as its progressive cities like Amsterdam (cannabis has been legal here since 1976).
Yet despite its compact size, the Netherlands offers countless points of interest, some of the best of which are located within its many smaller towns and villages. Featuring a fascinating mix of historical intrigue, quirky attractions, and scenic countryside, these seven whimsical towns in Netherlands offer a magical blend of culture and charm that makes them well worth a visit.
Lisse
The Netherlands has long been associated with flowers, in particular tulips. So iconic a flower is the tulip that it was responsible for one of the world’s first economic crashes in the 1600s when speculators traded these once-rare bulbs for the equivalent of thousands of dollars in today’s money. Today, the small town of Lisse in the heart of the country’s Bollenstreek (bulb region) is the best place to visit in the Netherlands to truly appreciate the splendor of these magnificent flowers.
Why? Well, Lisse is home to Keukenhof Gardens, a 79-acre floral wonderland that transforms each spring into a spectacle of color when over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom in beautifully designed displays. Lisse is also home to the Black Tulip Museum with its insights into the “tulip mania” of the 1600s and how the flower shaped the country's history and economy. It’s also where you’ll find Castle Keukenhof with its picturesque gardens and art exhibitions. If you’ve got time, the surrounding bulb fields stretch for miles in every direction and are perfect for cycling or driving tours.
Giethoorn
Known as the "Venice of the North," picturesque Giethoorn features a network of canals instead of roads, making it one of the most pedestrian-friendly tourist spots in the country. Here you can rent a quiet “whisper” electric boat or a kayak for a quiet exploration of the over four miles of canals and the 50-plus elegant old wooden bridges that span them. A great time to visit is August when the Giethoorn Gondola Parade sees elaborately decorated gondolas and other small boats parade along the canals at night.
More can be learned about the town and local Dutch traditions, including its unique peat-cutting history, at the Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus. A visit to the Museum De Oude Aarde is also highly recommended for those with an interest in rare gems, crystals, and fossils.
Volendam
Situated along the shores of the Markermeer, one of Europe's largest lakes and just 30 minutes north of Amsterdam, Volendam offers a whimsical take on the traditional Dutch fishing village with its colorful wooden houses and locals dressed in traditional attire. Head first to the town's harbor for a boat tour across the lake to nearby Marken, a tiny island village that feels a lot like stepping back in time.
Other highlights include Volendam’s cheese factory and a traditional wooden shoe shop where you can buy the ultimate in Dutch souvenirs, a pair of those iconic clogs. For another whimsical experience, pop into Fotostudio Volendam where you can dress up in traditional outfits for a memorable photo keepsake. The town also hosts the annual Volendam Festival, a carnival that started in the 1700s and continues to celebrate summer with parades and entertainment.
Zaanse Schans
There’s no better place for a traditional Dutch experience than Zaanse Schans. This village-like satellite of the larger town of Zaandam is an easy train ride from Amsterdam, making it the perfect Netherlands day trip. Set up like an open-air museum, Zaanse Schans displays the county's rich industrial heritage through a collection of 10 historic windmills and other well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Highlights include seeing the attraction’s still-working windmills in action, some of them grinding grain into flour for use in the on-site bakeries.
Pop into the Zaans Museum with its displays of Dutch culture and crafts; the traditional wooden shoe workshop where you can watch clogs being made; and the Verkade Experience for a memorable (and tasty) chocolate-making demonstration. A great time to visit is in May during the annual Windmill Days celebration with its displays and demonstrations of these fascinating buildings in action.
Kinderdijk
One of the country's best-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kinderdijk is a whimsical wonderland of windmills set against a backdrop of wetlands and waterways. The town is home to 19 well-preserved windmills that date back to the 18th century, each offering visitors a glimpse into the Netherlands’ long history of water management. In addition to exploring the mills, some of which are open to the public, you’ll learn about the complex system of dikes, canals, and reservoirs that have kept the country dry for centuries.
Visit in September and the town’s Windmill Days celebrations see the mills illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world. Boat tours along the canals offer a unique perspective of the windmills and the surrounding polder landscape.
Valkenburg
Just a few miles east of the city of Maastricht near the border with Germany, Valkenburg is a must-visit for its fairytale castles. Famous as the only Dutch castle to be constructed on a hill, the ruins of Valkenburg Castle date from the 11th century and provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval life, as well as great views over this picturesque town. The real whimsy, however, lies underground in the town's extensive network of marlstone caves. Here, you can explore a network of labyrinthine caves that stretch for miles as part of a guided tour that includes visits to underground chapels, carvings, and even a Christmas market for those visiting during the winter months.
Traveling with kids? Then Valkenburg’s Fairytale Forest is a small theme park offering a whimsical experience complete with animated displays of classic fairy tales. The town also hosts the Valkenburg Christmas Parade each December.
Naarden
Last but by no means least is the quirky town of Naarden. This star-shaped fortress town features perfectly preserved 17th-century fortifications, including original walls and a moat. Highlights of a self-guided walking tour of Naarden also include exploring the old Grote Kerk (Great Church), an architectural wonder built in the 1400s that features a series of elegant wooden vaults depicting scenes from the bible.
More can be learned about the town at the Dutch Fortress Museum (Het Nederlands Vestingmuseum). This fascinating attraction is an interactive experience providing details of the town’s military history and unique defense systems.
The Final Word
Though small, the Netherlands is full of whimsical small towns offering its own unique blend of attractions and charm. From the canal-lined streets of Giethoorn to the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, these pretty towns provide a chance to step back in time for an authentic taste of old Holland. Whether it's dressing up in traditional costumes in Volendam or exploring underground caves in Valkenburg, these seven whimsical towns in the Netherlands provide perfect escapes for those seeking an authentic Dutch experience.
