Something special about Netherlands

Welcome to the Netherlands. Offbeat and open-minded. A country full of beautiful nature, vibrant cities and cozy villages. A country where everyone is welcome and feels at home.

Amsterdam is probably the first stop on anyones trip to the Netherlands—and for good reason. But there is so much more to this small country (about one-third the size of Pennsylvania) than its capital city. Think rows of windmills, fields of tulips, and cities bursting with culture and charm. Luckily for you, its all just a short drive or train ride away from that main city hub. Heres a list to get you started

Giethoorn

Affectionately referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands” this villages thatched roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges can be explored via bike lanes or canals—either by boat, or by ice skating during the frozen winter months

Beemster Polder

About thirteen miles north of Amsterdam, the Beemster region is an example of a Dutch polder—a flat piece of green farmland formed by draining a body of water. Aside from its cultural significance (it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999), Beemster Polder is a gorgeous landscape, complete with little canals, windmills, and lush, green fields. Make sure to stop by Middenbeemster, which, like most towns in the country, is impossibly charming.

Utrecht

The canals of Utrecht have two stories, where centuries-old wharf cellars now serve as spots to enjoy food and drinks at water level—something unique to this city. You can also enjoy the towering churches and cozy cafes of Utrecht via cycling, as its one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Its also the perfect place for history buffs, with sites like the Dom Tower and Centraal Museum offering glimpses into the countrys past.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

This park is one of the largest in Holland, and within its 13,343 acres, counts rare wildlife, some of the most iconic buildings in the Netherlands, and the Kröller-Müller museum, which showcases a collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art in addition to the largest private collection of Van Goghs. Zoom around on a (free) white bike—the park has 1,800 available for rent

Texel Island

Texel is the largest and most populated of the West Frisian Islands, also known as the Wadden Islands, due to their location in the Wadden Sea. The island offers landscapes unlike anything else on the mainland, including sweeping sand dunes, salt marshes filled with lavender, and beaches lined with bungalows.