The most beautiful villages and towns of our country (part 2)

We love the Netherlands and also love visiting beautiful villages and towns. Every time we discover something new in our own country. Earlier we wrote about the most beautiful villages and towns and this is part 2 of our quest for beautiful places.

The most beautiful villages and towns in Utrecht

Monfoort is a historic and Burgundian city in the Green Heart where there is plenty to see and do. Visit the monumental buildings like Castle Montfoort, the Old Town Hall and much more. Montfoort is perfect for dining out, hiking, biking and boating. Looking for a more adventurous activity? Then play farmer’s golf at Boer Hans.

Austerlitz is an authentic picture on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The village is surrounded by nature and is the perfect base for many activities and outings. You can go from Austerlitz to Ouwehands Dierenpark in Rhenen or the National Military Museum in Soesterberg. The Pyramid of Austerlitz is the highest point of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The Pyramid was built by General de Marmont as a tribute to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. It is of course great fun to climb it!

Oudewater was founded in the 12th century along the waters of the Lange Linschoten. The small town has a beautiful historic city center where a number of special buildings can be found. For example, the old church of Oudewater and the town hall are really worth seeing. In addition, the Oudewater Waag is a special building because this is where people were weighed to determine whether they were real witches or not. The Heksenwaag is now a museum and fun for young and old.

The most beautiful villages and towns in Gelderland

Bronkhorst is the smallest town in the Netherlands. The town has a medieval town center and has actually not changed in size over the years. Bronkhorst was once home to a castle. Unfortunately, the castle itself is no longer there, but the castle hill is beautifully situated and easy to climb. A model shows what the castle once looked like. In the town itself you will find beautiful authentic farms and cute little streets.

Acqouy was a barony in the 16th century and owned by the Oranges. As you walk around Acqouy, the leaning church tower immediately catches your eye: this 15th century church tower is 1.15 meters out of plumb. The village has a protected townscape so the houses are kept in good condition and really take you back in time. The village is located on the water making it a great place to walk and sail.

The most beautiful villages and towns in Overijssel

Giethoorn is a very popular place with foreign tourists. The rustic canals and beautiful houses appeal to the imagination of many. However, keep in mind that it can be very busy, especially on the water. Besides recreation on the water, Giethoorn is also fantastic for cycling.

Kalenberg is known for its reeds: a product exported all over the world. You can enjoy recreation on the water and enjoy the beautiful cottages along the shore. Much quieter than Giethoorn and perhaps just as much fun! Especially along Hoogeweg you will find cottages with a Hans-and-Grietje look where peat cutters and their families used to live.

Nijverdal is a town where you do not have to be bored: shopping, bowling, cycling, walking, swimming, here you can do it all. Nijverdal lies at the foot of the Sallandse Heuvelrug of which it was once thought that gold could be found. Unfortunately gold was never found, but Nijverdal is nevertheless definitely worth a visit!

The most beautiful villages and towns of Flevoland

Schokland, like Urk, is a former island in the Zuiderzee. Because of its archaeological finds, Schokland is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Museum Schokland is fun to visit and you will find numerous archaeological finds. Also very fun for children because they get to be their own archaeologist for a while. In the Stone Garden you will find real boulders from the Ice Age and learn all about the island.

Urk is of course known from the television program of the same name, but don’t let that stop your visit to this typical fishing village. Until 1939, Urk was still an island in the Zuiderzee. With the reclamation of the young province of Flevoland, Urk became mainland. The village has the largest fishing fleet in our country and during your visit you will see fishing boats everywhere and as a fish lover you can eat really fresh fish.

The most beautiful villages and towns in Drenthe

Orvelte is a monument village where there is plenty to see and do. For example, you will find an Iron Age farm, several hiking trails such as children’s hiking trail the wooden path of Theodore or visit Zoo Bizar: a small zoo with special animals.

Frederiksoord was founded as a pilot colony: the 52 farms were specially built for poor townspeople. Here they got work and shelter, the children went to school and there were various social services. Many of the original farms can still be seen.

Dwingeloo was recently named the greenest village in Europe. The village is in the middle of beautiful surroundings where you can enjoy cycling and walking. National Park Dwingelderveld is part of the Drents-Friese Wold and a beautiful area. What is fun is an evening walk! We did one earlier and wrote a blog about it.

The most beautiful villages and towns in Friesland

Makkum has everything for a wonderful day out. Beach, a cozy promenade and a historic village center. Are you a fan of water sports activities? Then you’re in the right place here, too. Actually, there is too much to do to cram into one day!

Moddergat is a former fishing village that in addition to a beautiful view of the Wadden Sea also has a special story to tell. Life at sea was not without risks. The unpredictable and sometimes rough sea not only gave but also sometimes took. During a heavy storm during the night of March 5-6, 1883, 83 villagers perished at sea. On the Zeedijk you will find a monument commemorating this black page in history.

Stavoren is a colorful sea town surrounded by the waters of the IJsselmeer. In Stavoren you can spend the night in a real Swiss Wine Barrel and, of course, you must take a picture with the Vrouwtje van Stavoren: the well-known statue to which a real saga is attached. The Widow of Stavoren, as she is also called, was the richest inhabitant of the town. But she was never satisfied. She sent a boatman out to sea to find the most valuable possession in the world. Time after time she was disappointed, including when the skipper returned with a load of grain. She had the grain dumped into the sea, despite warnings about great poverty from a stranger. The story goes that this indeed plunged her into great poverty….

The most beautiful villages and towns in Groningen

Bourtagne is a beautiful fortress in Groningen. The order to build Vesting Bourtagne was given as early as 1580 by none other than William of Orange. The fortress was never taken and is truly a special piece of the Netherlands. In winter the village is immersed in the Christmas atmosphere and every year in summer a historical battle is reenacted.

Winsum has even been voted the most beautiful village in all of the Netherlands! The village has everything you need for a relaxing day out: you can enjoy cycling, walking and also on the water there is plenty to do. Take a look at one of the mills or just enjoy the beautiful houses and buildings.

Photos: www.canva.com