Celebrate Indian summer at these Dutch hotspots

The Netherlands is beautiful! And there is so much more to discover. In this blog we highlight some Dutch hotspots that you really have to see. In late summer, when most tourists have gone home, we can enjoy our own Dutch hotspots.

Hotspots in Groningen

The Martini Tower in Groningen is really worth visiting. In the 500 years that the tower has stood, many things have happened: it was almost burned down by lightning, it almost collapsed and at its foot several wars were fought. But the Martinitoren still stands strong and, at 97 meters, it is the tallest building in the city. You can climb the tower and then enjoy the amazing view. In addition, Groningen has many beautiful courtyards where you can wander.

Hotspots in Friesland

We also came across an unusual tower in Friesland. The Oldehove in Leeuwarden stands in the middle of the city center and is special because of the fact that it is almost two meters out of plumb! So it is very crooked! Our guest blogger Marian loves to visit Leeuwarden and recently paid it a visit. You can read her blog here.

Hotspots in Drenthe

We love coming to Drenthe for short vacations. The tranquility, the fine hiking areas and the sweet villages. One of the most beautiful brink villages in Drenthe is Dwingeloo. The village center has a cozy atmosphere and in the area there is plenty to do. Take Beleefpark Dwingeloo, for example. Super fun to go to with children. Also fun to do: take a night walk in National Park Dwingelderveld. Highly recommended!

Hotspots in Overijssel

One of the most beautiful bookstores in our country can be found in Zwolle. This is because bookshop Waanders is located in the Broerenkerk. Check out this blog for more Dutch hotspots for book lovers. Near Zwolle you will find nature reserve Vreugderijkerwaard. A wetland where birds love to come and where special plant species grow. Here you can enjoy biking and hiking. Out and about with the kids? Then Dinoland Zwolle is definitely a must!

Hotspots in Flevoland

Flevoland is our youngest province, but there is plenty to see and do. You can enjoy shopping at fashion outlet Batavia Stad, where the real bargain hunter will be completely happy. Do you want to soak up some culture? Then go to Batavialand! Here you will find a replica of a real VOC ship. Do you prefer nature? That too is possible in this province. Visit the Marker Wadden with the ferry from Lelystad and walk through this area. This project was built to restore the nature of the Marker Lake.

Hotspots in Gelderland

Enjoy the autumn colors in National Park de Hoge Veluwe in late summer. Also, don’t forget to visit the Kröller Müller Museum. Paleis het Loo in Apeldoorn has just finished a huge renovation and is finally open to the public again. But the gardens of Het Loo are at least as beautiful as the palace, so be sure not to skip them!

Hotspots in Utrecht

In the village of Schalkwijk, which belongs to the municipality of Houten, you will find Fort Honswijk. This fort is also called the holy grail among the forts. Fort Honswijk is part of the New Dutch Waterline. Want to know more about forts? Then visit this blog. Also special is the Verdronken Bos. Ten years ago this was still a normal forest, but due to heavy rainfall this area was permanently flooded. You can now walk right through this forest via a plank path. The forest is near the fort, so you can combine a visit to both.

Hotspots in North Brabant

In the always lively city of Den Bosch you will find the St. John’s Cathedral, also known as the Sint Jan. The 43 meter high tower can be climbed and gives you a beautiful view over the city. After this effort, you have earned a Bossche Bol. Of course, you can get these at Jan de Groot pastry shop, the specialist in this delicacy. Until the end of October you can also sail in Den Bosch on the Binnendieze. This historic sailing route takes you back to the Middle Ages.

Hotspots in Limburg

For many, the province of Limburg feels like a vacation abroad. Especially if you go to southern Limburg! The Drielandenpunt is a special place to visit. The Drielandenpunt is located in Vaals on the border of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Around this Dutch hotspot are all kinds of fun things to do. For example, there is a challenging labyrinth and real daredevils of course go up the watchtower and then do the skywalk across the glass floor!

Hotspots in Zeeland

Zeeland consists largely of water. Definitely worth a visit is Oosterschelde National Park near Goes. There you can take a real seal safari by boat! At low tide, the friendly animals rest for a while on a sandbank. Fun to see once!

Hotspots in South Holland

As an important port city, Rotterdam has also become a trendy hotspot! There are several fun city walks to do, such as the one by Walk the City, which introduces you to the city in an approachable way. You can start at different points. Also, be sure not to skip the Markthal, because you can take a break there with some goodies. Want to know more about this fun city? Then also read this blog.

Hotspots in North-Holland

When you think of North Holland, you might immediately think of Amsterdam as a Dutch hot spot. But have you ever been to Haarlem? After all, this city is great for shopping, enjoying a terrace or eating out. Haarlem also has many nice hidden courtyards where you can take a nice walk through. But Haarlem, like Amsterdam, also has canals where you can take a canal cruise. Like the Smidje Canal Cruises!

Credits photos: OpstapmetLisa and www.canva.com