Stuck in a cycle of concrete roads, car parks, traffic jams, cancelled trains, and office walls? When your next vacation seems too far away, thesestunning Dutch natural campsites could be a swift solution.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to natural beauty in the lowlands, so there’s no need (or, probably, time) to jet off. Instead, check out are our top seven natural campsites in the Netherlands. 👇
Tent-ready or tent-ative? We’ve got what you need!
But I didn’t need to worry! Natural campsites exist in the Netherlands, and not the kind full of caravans with TV aerials and suspicious teenage parties.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you find organised entertainment, shops, crowds and bars among what they offer.
Plus, meeting fellow peace-seeking campers really makes the experience. 🧘♀️
Give us that idyllic camping life, stat! Image: Freepik
What are natural campsites?
In the Netherlands, the Groene Koepel Organisation determines if campsites are considered a “Natuurkampeerterreinen“: i.e. a place to camp in its purest form.
Investing in the organisation’s Green Guide (Het Groene Boeke) gives you an all-access pass for campsites across the Dutch provinces. It costs €15.95 per year and makes you an accredited nature camper!
You can check out their website for all the information you could possibly need about the wonderful natural camping world. 🌲
I’ve never been camping in the Netherlands before … what do I need?
You really don’t need to invest in all the gear or learn esoteric survival skills to go camping in the Netherlands.
Keep it simple! These campsites are great for a budget outdoor getaway.
Obviously, you’ll need more rainproof gear in the autumn and winter; it’s still the Netherlands. Oh, and they can get pretty busy during summer…
So I say, spring is the best time to go camping in the Netherlands. Avoid the crowds and rain (hopefully). 🌦
Where are the natural campsites in the Netherlands?
There are a whopping 147 accredited natural campsites across the Netherlands, and you can filter by your preferred camping method to find the peaceful place for you!
Fancy going further afield? Neighbouring Belgium and France also have great options.
Different types of natural campsites in the Netherlands
Some of the accredited natural campsites are on the Staatsbosbeheer which means you can stay in the forest itself. 🌳
These are labelled as puur natuur campsites and are truly magical places to lay your head.
There’s generally no reception at the locations, so we recommend reserving online. If you drop by the site itself, you could also track down the forest keeper or booswachter.
They’ll guide you to the empty section where you can put up your tent and experience Dutch nature on another level.
The campsites are family-friendly and have areas for group camping; if you’re looking for extra special facilities then the Green Book also offers “Natuur plus” or “Natuur comfort” options.
Recommended natural campsites in the Netherlands:
There are many great options in the Green Book, and these are our fabulous favourites:
1. Het Verse Gat, Zeeland
Zeeland is a glorious place to catch ZZZZs in a natural camper lifestyle! Image: Depositphotos
This is my personal favourite spot for camping in the Netherlands, located along the waters of the Veerse Bos in Zeeland.
To access it, you follow a short, narrow, sand road where you can park your car and walk to the entrance. Just double check before you park your car next to a tent on these natural campsites!
The wonderful walking spots are the crowning jewel. With neighboring forests and seaside, both easily accessibly by bike, you’re onto a winner.
Fancy a day trip? The old cities of Veere and Middelburg are also close by.
2. Klein Frankrijk, Noord Brabant
Silence and hammock at Klein Frankrijk Noord Brabant. Image: DutchReview
This spot is ideal for a weekend away or a longer stay, and the friendly keepers maintain it to a very high standard.
You’ll see a pattern emerge with our recommendations; once again, a chance to swim or wander the forest is only five minutes away. 😉
Quietly located next to the Leenderbos, one thing this campsite has in abundance is space to breathe.
3. De Cokse Heide, Noord Limburg, Gelderland
The bright skies and glorious colours are calling you! Image: Depositphotos
Staying in the Gelderland region, this campsite is in the middle of the Maasduinen National Park.
Quite idyllically, it’s a forest located on a sand ridge between the Maas and the German border. The site itself offers many places to pitch or park up, whether on hills (yes, really!) or a cosy tree-lined corner.
We find De Cokse Heide a great spot for long bike rides or walking along the Maasduinen — a taste of a tropical environment! 🌴
4. Dasselaar, Flevoland
At least many of the signs are in English, so you don’t get AS lost. Image: Bauhuis/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
This campsite is also part of the Staatsbosbeheer and is located in Flevoland, the youngest province in the Netherlands.
This spot is great for hikers, cyclists, and mountain bikers. Find shade in this gezellig campsite under fruit or nut trees.
You can easily reach the Horsterworld forest, with a rich variety of trees and plants — and hikers, this place is famous for its wonderful forest routes. 🥾
5. Distelheide, Gelderland
Between high trees in Doetinchem Netherlands. Image: DutchReview
Dazzling Distelheide is located on the way to the German border, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy a night by a crackling fire.
This particular region of the Netherlands is known for its diverse landscape, fields, and open nature.
You may even spot wild animals at night (talking from experience…) but they won’t disturb your silence. 💆♀️
6. West Terschelling, Friesland
Sleep in nature by night, explore impressive sights by day. Image: Depositphotos
Located on the island of Terschelling, this is a small campsite with wonderful open fields, spacious beaches and a sweet harbour nearby.
This is THE region for cycling. OK, that’s unofficial; let’s face it, there’s a lot of cycling competition in the Netherlands. But it does have an impressive 70 kilometres of bike paths to explore.
One warning about Terschelling? It’s NOT a hidden gem. The island is a popular (and fantastic) holiday destination. So think twice if you’re a camper who prefers to avoid the crowds. ⚠
7. Landgoed Mariahoeve, Drenthe
What’s more convincing than a campsite with the UNESCO stamp of approval?
Find Landgoed Mariahoeve in the heart of De Hondsrug, the epitome of peace of quiet with many private spaces. Together with the surrounding area, this is the only geopark in the Netherlands!
If you’re still feeling under-equipped and under-familiarised with the natural camping world — this place has got you covered.
You can sleep in a pipowagen (caravan) or a fully furnished safari tent for a super comfortable experience.
Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to check out natural campsites when planning your next outdoor getaway in the Netherlands.
In an incredible natural adventure, you won’t regret surrounding yourself with beautiful Dutch trees, beaches, lakes, forests, animals, and most importantly, FRESH air. 🏕
Have you ever been to a natural campsite in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!
After resisting for years, the VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) now backs a fireworks ban in the Netherlands. This brings the bill closer than ever to becoming law.
So, is it dag to sky-blasters everywhere? Not quite, local shows could be exempt.
But these alone won’t keep the booming Dutch fireworks biz afloat. That’s why VVD also calls for sellers to receive compensation.
Not everyone’s popping the champagne — industry worker Leo Groeneveld believes the plans are easy political scoring. 🤷♀️
All in the name of New Year’s Eve
If you’ve ever survived the explosive chaos of New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands, you’ll know the Dutch go bonkers for fireworks. 👀
But politicians are now hoping to tone down that NYE madness.
This includes Jesse Klaver from GroenLinks-PvdA, one of the minds behind the bill. He’s thrilled VVD finally came around, calling their conditions fair.
Het begon met oogartsen, hulpverleners, dierenbeschermers, raadsleden en vele anderen die zich uitspraken.
De chaos met oud en nieuw kan zo niet langer. Nu lijkt de politiek ze eindelijk te horen.
Een Kamermeerderheid voor een nieuwe vuurwerktraditie is binnen handbereik! https://t.co/IiEgjaHVCL
Translation: It started with ophthalmologists, emergency workers, animal rights activists, council members and many others speaking out. The chaos of New Year’s Eve can no longer continue. Now it seems that politics is finally hearing them. A majority in parliament for a new fireworks tradition is within reach!
So…is it a done deal?
Fireworks are not out with a bang just yet.
With VVD’s conditional support, the pro-ban side now has 74 seats, just two short of a majority in the House of Representatives.
Currently onboard: GL-PvdA, Party for the Animals, VVD, CDA, D66, ChristenUnie, Volt, and SGP. ✅
Still saying “nee’’: PVV, BBB, NSC, and SP. Denk, with three crucial seats, remains undecided. ❌
What’s next? Parliament debates the issue next week. After that, Dutch backyard boomfests could end for good. 🎆
So what’s your take: time to end the madness, or let the sparks fly? Share in the comments below! 💬
Fresh off the plane? Welcome! 🇳🇱 If you’re feeling a bit lost and aren’t sure what you’re meant to do next, don’t stress — we’re here to help. First things first, let’s get you registered in the Netherlands.
Not sure what that means? As we say here in the Netherlands, geen probleem (no problem). We promise registering at a Dutch municipality isn’t as difficult as you think.
Short on time? Jump to the section you need below! 🏃
Once you register, you are marked as a legal resident of your municipality. You can register in two ways:
From abroad: you can make an appointment to “register abroad”, and they prepare you for what you need to bring with you.
On arrival: as soon as you arrive and seal the deal with a property, you can make an appointment and register as soon as possible.
Why do I have to register in the Netherlands?
Registering is essential for getting life started in the Netherlands.When you register, you are making your presence known in a specific household.
This helps the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) keep track of how much tax a household must pay, manage emergencies, and monitor the Dutch population.
Registering is mandatory, and you can be fined if you don’t register or falsify your registration.
Once you have registered, you will receive a burgerservicenummer (BSN). This handy number will let you apply for almost everything you need for life in the Netherlands.
What is a burgerservicenummer (BSN) — and why do I need one?
Once you register, you are given a unique nine-digit code. This is your BSN (or citizen’s service number), and it is sacred.🔑
Your BSN helps the Dutch government to identify you whenever you have dealings with them, for example, when you have to pay taxes.
Until you have your BSN, you can’t do other necessary basic things in the Netherlands, like:
In order to apply for any one of the things on this list, you’ll need those magic nine digits.
Penalties for failing to register in the Netherlands
Avoiding that simple trip to your municipality office is not without consequences. If you move to the Netherlands and plan on staying longer than four months, you are legally required to register your address. If you fail to register, you risk being fined €325.
This also applies if you change your address and fail to notify the municipality on time or if you have given the incorrect address.
The municipality will launch investigations if they believe there’s a chance someone has given the wrong address/is living illegally at an address.
So if you don’t want bureaucrats knocking at your door (or the wrong door) — make sure to register.
How do I register in the Netherlands?
First things first: the government says that you must register within five days of your arrival in the Netherlands. That means you may need to make your appointment before you arrive.
To take the first step, just Google “registration ______” (insert city you live in, e.g.Rotterdam), and you’ll find the correct municipality. We also have a handy list below of the main municipality contact details.
Depending on the municipality, you will either have to call to make an appointment or fill out an online form. You can find the appropriate phone numbers and website links below.
Once you call or apply online, you will be given a date and time to come to the municipality office. Now all that’s left to do is gather your things and turn up to the meeting!
Tip: Pssst! Haven’t learned Dutch? No problem! It’s easy to make an appointment in English.
The Hague municipal building or ‘stadhuis’. Image: Depositphotos
What documents do I need to register in the Netherlands?
The fateful day has arrived, so what do you have to bring to your appointment? Here’s a list of everything you will need:
Valid ID: such as an identity card or passport (in date.)
Your original birth certificate: this needs to be translated into either English or Dutch and legalised with an apostille. (Some government employees will request this, and others won’t, but you should bring it no matter what.)
Any other legalised documents: such as marriage or divorce certificates, if applicable.
Your letter of enrolment: if you’re a student.
Your tenancy agreement: showing that you are living at the specified address.
Note: Some people don’t realise that depending on where you are registering, there are sometimes no appointments available for weeks. So not only is it important to register but try and register on time too.
Help! Can I register in the Netherlands without a permanent address?
If you have arrived in the Netherlands and you’re struggling to find housing (a common struggle, unfortunately!), then fear not. You can still register using a correspondence address.
How does this work? Allow us to explain.
If you need to register but haven’t found a permanent residence yet, then you can turn to your family, colleagues or friends and register with their address.
The address must be residential, so you can’t just use your office building. On top of this, the address must be recognised as legitimate by the BRP.
Make sure you have somewhere that the municipality can send letters! Even if your mailbox isn’t as pretty as this one. Image: Depositphotos
Once you’ve sourced a suitable address, you must head to the municipality office for the address with your relevant papers to apply for a correspondence address. The “relevant papers” depend on the municipality, so make sure to check their website!
This solution is only temporary, but it allows you to receive a BSN and continue setting up everything else that is involved with moving to the Netherlands.
Do I need to register for a short stay in the Netherlands?
If you’re moving to the Netherlands for less than four months (and aren’t just a tourist travelling around), then you still need to register as a non-resident in an RNI municipality.
An RNI is a municipality that has the ability to enter you into the non-resident’s database.
To find out which municipalities you can register at as a non-resident, here’s a government list.
How to register a change of address with a Dutch municipality
Let’s say you’ve managed to figure it all out — you have your BSN, you’re a registered citizen, and everything is in order — but you’re about to change your address.
You have to notify your municipality office, even if you’re moving within the same municipality. (We know, we know, it’s a pain! 😮💨)
This is because the municipality must always have your current address.
Also, it’s for your own sake, as the last thing you want is for any important letters to go missing — something you can get fined for.
Next thing you know, you’ll find that you owe the municipality taxes that were never paid.
Why do I need to deregister when I leave the Netherlands?
If you’re looking to romanticise your life by dropping everything at once and dashing off to a different region/country — then just make sure to pop into your local municipality office during the montage.
If you leave the Netherlands without telling anyone in the municipality, the municipality is going to assume you’re still living there.
Next thing you know, you’re frolicking across foreign hills and accumulating hundreds of euros in health insurance fees. (Believe me, I learnt that one the hard way! 😬)
How do I deregister from my local municipality?
The process of deregistering in the Netherlands varies depending on your municipality.
Sometimes this process can be done in writing. You can send a letter listing the names of your family members who will be leaving, your old and new addresses, and a copy of a valid I.D.
In other cases, you and any other departing family member above the age of 16 must fill out a form and report to the municipality in person.
It’s also important to note that municipalities will often have a required notice period when processing departures.
This means that in some cases, you must deregister no more than five days before you leave the Netherlands. We recommend you check your local municipality’s website for any notice period.
Where can I register and deregister in the Netherlands?
Ready to march into that municipality office? Great!
Here’s some contact information. With 355 municipalities in the Netherlands, we can’t list every single one, but here are some of the main hotspots for expats.
Tip: If your municipality isn’t listed, just Google “[city name] registration” or “[city name] gemeente.”
Following the shocking stabbing incident on Thursday afternoon at Amsterdam’s Dam Square, authorities have released new details about the victims.
The five victims include a 69-year-old man and 67-year-old woman with American nationality, a 26-year-old Polish man, a 73-year-old Belgian woman and a 19-year-old woman from Amsterdam.
A rare “citizen’s arrest”
The suspect was tackled and restrained by a bystander before the police arrived, which is a rare “citizen’s arrest” in action.
According to Dutch law, civilians are permitted to detain a suspect if they catch them red-handed, but this is not encouraged in everyday situations.
Police have stated that the attack appears to be random, with no clear pattern between the victims. RTL Nieuws reports that investigations confirming this are ongoing.
Hotel raid in search of motive
Authorities are still trying to pinpoint the reason for the stabbing. It is unclear whether the arrested suspect, who is also injured, used multiple weapons during his spree.
Last night, police investigated a nearby hotel on Damrak, but have not yet confirmed if it is linked to the suspect.
A hotel receptionist reported that about twenty police officers searched a room at the hotel for over an hour.
Witnesses stunned
Eyewitnesses were left horrified. Some reported seeing a knife of at least 10 centimeters in a victim’s back.
Others saw a hooded man walking towards Dam as bystanders fled into nearby shops.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed in a statement, “We hope to get more clarity soon about the background of this horrible stabbing. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and loved ones.”
Meanwhile, investigations into the attack continue.
Others question whether the often-grey Dutch skies have something to do with it. Cutting out curtains certainly maximises your Vitamin D intake!☀️
As a people-watcher myself, I think it’s more of a you-scratch-my-back-I’ll-scratch-yours approach to living. AKA, the Dutchies enjoy observing the observers!
When it comes to carpeting, the reason is much more straight-“floor”-ward.
Since rentals in the Netherlands are usually long-term, flooring often becomes outdated — removing it spares new tenants the hassle and gives them a fresh start to make the space their own. ✨
It might seem like a lot at first, but at least you’re not stuck with decades-old décor!
Why is it quirky?
Wide-open windows may baffle outsiders, but for the Dutch, openness is just part of the culture — practically furniture.
What does raise eyebrows? The piles of laminate left outside.👀
Perhaps the strangest part is the insistence: there are regulations in place when it comes to floor removals.
Surely young renters or students would appreciate a nice free floor in perfectly good condition? No, it’ll be going with its owners by law.
Should you join in?
Flexibility isn’t an option for floors in the Netherlands: If you brought your own floor when you move in, you must — yes, must — take the flooring with you, even if you’ll never use it again!
Meanwhile, going curtain-less is more of a personal choice, and you can still go for a more private lifestyle if you’d like. 🤫
More curtains and blinds are appearing in Dutch windows — a shift locals say might be driven by young people and internationals closing the curtain on the once-famous openness.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!👇
A stabbing incident occurred on Thursday afternoon near the Dam in Amsterdam, leaving five people injured.
As the NOS writes, the attack took place on Sint Nicolaasstraat, the street connecting Damrak to Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, right next to Dam Square.
Emergency services were quick to respond, and a trauma helicopter landed in the area.
Here’s what we know
At around 3:30 PM this afternoon, several people were attacked with a knife on the Dam Square. As the Amsterdam police write on X, five people were wounded and have either been transferred to a nearby hospital or were treated on the spot.
In a stabbing incident at the Sint Nicolaasstraat nearby the Dam square five people have been injured. One suspect has been arrested.
— Politie Eenheid Amsterdam (@POL_Amsterdam) March 27, 2025
According to Het Parool, witnesses described the attack as happening in front of a fabric store at the corner of Sint Nicolaasstraat. One witness said they heard a knock before seeing a girl stabbed in the back, with the attacker fleeing the scene.
The police have arrested a suspect, but the motive for the attack is still unknown.
What also remains unclear is whether there was one or multiple crime scenes. While the stabbing is confirmed to have occurred on Sint Nicolaasstraat, witnesses also mentioned a stabbing on Gravenstraat, which could indicate that the attacker struck in more than one location.
Dam Square open to the public again
After initially diverting trams and asking people to avoid the Dam, the square has now been reopened to the public.
However, the shock persists, and many stores remain closed for now.
Authorities have asked anyone with footage of the attack to share it with the police as they investigate.
Thinking about taking a day trip from Amsterdam? Wat leuk! (How nice!) There is heaps to see in the Dutch capital, but you can discover even more outside of the city.
Picking what to do and see in a short time can be confusing and complicated — but we have some top travel recommendations, no matter what you want to explore!
Here are 19 of the best day trips you can take from Amsterdam, sorted by distance. 😉
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If you won’t be in the city for long, a 30-minute day trip from Amsterdam is perfect for getting out of the city for a day! Here are our top picks for nearby towns and cities.
1. Zaanse Schans: a picture-perfect town of windmills
A trip to the Netherlands would be incomplete without seeing windmills — and there’s no better way to see them than in the historical town of Zaanse Schans. 🍃
This quaint village gives visitors an accurate impression of Dutch living in the 17th and 18th centuries.
From cheese and dairy factories to traditional windmills and historical museums, you’ll live, breathe, and experience the old Zaan style of living. Classic!
🚗 Travel time by car: 21 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Zaanse Schans, 17 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Zaanse windmills, Honig Breethuis, Museumwinkel
2. Haarlem: the river city
An ideal day trip from Amsterdam, Haarlem is located between the Spaarne River and coastal dunes — did someone say beach? 🏖
Wouldn’t you just love to take a walk along the Spaarne river? ✨ Image: Depositphotos
This city has everything: bustling markets and shopping streets, plenty of family-friendly cultural activities like museums, comedy clubs, concerts, and cuisine choices to die for. 🍴
If you’re looking for a change of scenery but still want to have lots of activities to do, Haarlem is the place for you.
🚗 Travel time by car: 30 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Haarlem, 19 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: St. Bavo’s Kerk (church), Grote Markt, Bloemendaal aan Zee
3. Broek in Waterland: a village fit for sea captains
Broek in Waterland made a name for itself back in the 16th century — a popular vacation destination for sea captains! 🧑🏻✈
If you’re looking for a getaway from the big city, Broek in Waterland is the definition of an idyllic Dutch town.
With a population of fewer than 2,500 people, this village has quiet streets and picturesque nature. 🌿
A perfectly picturesque harbour. 🛶 Image: Depositphotos
Its standout feature is its traditional wooden houses, with more than 80 of them considered National Heritage Sites.
There are also lots of biking and walking routes nearby. If you’re looking to get some fresh air and exercise while on a day trip from Amsterdam, check out the biking tours around the town!
🚗 Travel time by car: 14 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Broek in Waterland, 18 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Traditional village townhouses
4. Marken: a former island in the Zuiderzee
Marken was separated from the Dutch mainland in the 13th century by a storm, turning it into an island in the Markermeer lake. ⛈️
Residents of the town built wooden houses on artificial hills to prevent more flooding damage. To this day, these picturesque homes remain a popular cultural attraction.
Only nine kilometres in area, you can easily walk across the whole town and island.
On your walk, you can visit the cosy town harbour or enjoy the scenic route of fields, forests, and the lakeshore. 🚣🏼
This lovely town has historical connections to Volendam, so you could make it a longer day trip from Amsterdam and visit two towns with one ferry. 😉
🚗 Travel time by car: 27 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Marken, 45 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Paard van Marken Lighthouse, The Marken Museum
5. Volendam: a traditional Dutch fishing town
Volendam is the best-known fishing village in the Netherlands. You can visit the old harbour full of traditional Dutch ships, many of which are still in use! 🎣
This day trip from Amsterdam would be incomplete without trying some of the fish delicacies — you can finally conquer your fear of raw haring (herring) and smoked eel, or stick to the delicious kibbeling (deep-fried codfish).
Volendam offers a beautiful seaside town, fresh ocean air, and delicious food. Image: Depositphotos
Volendam is also one of the few towns where you can experience the traditional Dutch clothing style.
If you have a little more time on your hands, these day trips from Amsterdam are worth checking out!
They’re just a tad further away from the Dutch capital, but you’ll find some beautiful monuments and sites if you make the trip.
6. Hoorn: the pearl of the IJsselmeer
Hoorn is located by the IJsselmeer, an artificial sea-turned-lake in Noord-Holland. This harbour town has a lively centre with plenty of shops, terraces, and restaurants to enjoy.
If you’re looking for an authentic Dutch maritime village, Hoorn is the go-to choice.
An artificial island destination, this day trip from Amsterdam is plenty of fun. Image: Depositphotos
You can also check out historical monuments like the historic ship and 16th-century warehouses, the defence tower built in the 16th century, and the Oosterkerk (Eastern Church) for fishers and sailors!
If you want to get active, you can try out some water sports (although we can’t guarantee comfortable water temperatures 🥶) or take a walk on the beach and dunes around the area. 🚶🏻
🚗 Travel time by car: 35 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Hoorn, 33 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Westfries Museum, The Red Square, De Hoornse Straatjes
7. Leiden: the city of arts and sciences
With canals and architecture to rival Amsterdam, Leiden might be one of the most underrated places for a day trip from Amsterdam.
We should know — it’s home to our headquarters and one of our favourite Dutch cities! 😉
Leiden is also home to cute, unique shops where you can buy handmade ceramics, old-fashioned mechanical wristwatches, and vintage records.
A university city since 1575, Leiden has been a prominent art and science centre of the world.
The inner city is full of museums and historical buildings like the Leiden Citadel and the old city gates. It was also home to more Dutch artists than you might expect — Rembrandt, Steen, and more! 👨🏼🎨
Plenty of trains pass through Leiden, making it a convenient day trip from Amsterdam. 😌
🚗 Travel time by car: 42 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Leiden Centraal, 43 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Hooglandse Kerk, Museum de Lakenhal
8. Utrecht: the very centre of the Dutch mainland
Utrecht is the Netherlands’ bright, beating heart, connecting the east to the west at the centre of the Netherlands.
Built around the Dom Tower, you can see this spectacular monument from all around the city — so you’ll never get lost!
The historic city is surrounded by an old moat called De Singel, built for defence in the 12th century.
One of the most special parts of Utrecht is its unique terraces: landings right next to the canals that thrive with bars and restaurants.
Combining two very Dutch things: canals and terraces! Image: Depositphotos
With lots of places to shop and eat, cultural spots like museums and concert halls, access to nature, and beautiful inner-city sites, you won’t run out of things to do in Utrecht.
This city is a super convenient day trip from Amsterdam because of the direct intercity train (the fast train that travels between cities) that runs four times an hour. The journey is less than 30 minutes! 🚅
🚗 Travel time by car: 44 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Utrecht Centraal, 26 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: The Dom Tower, Rietveld Schröder House, Hoog Catharijne
9. Rotterdam: a city with an unmatched skyline
A city of skyscrapers, bright buildings, and modern facades, Rotterdam is the metropolis of the Netherlands. 🏙
Rotterdam was heavily bombed during World War II, which is why you see far less iconic Dutch architecture from the 17th century, like in Amsterdam or Leiden.
The city has a thriving nightlife scene, sophisticated shopping streets and markets, hip cultural attractions, and a wealth of good food.
Rotterdam might be best known for its expansive port and the iconic skyline that graces the river Maas. ⛴
It’s also another convenient day trip from Amsterdam with direct intercity trains running every 15 minutes from the central stations!
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 1 minute 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Rotterdam Centraal, 41 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Markthal, The Euromast, The Cube Houses, Blijdorp Zoo
10. The Hague: city of international peace and justice
The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands, making it a perfect pairing for a day trip from Amsterdam, the cultural capital.
This Dutch city, filled with historical monuments and museums, is the only major city with a beach and has an international scene second to none in the Netherlands.
The Hague is home to the Dutch parliament. Image: Depositphotos
You can enjoy a beautiful city centre with places to eat and shop to your heart’s desire, or perhaps go hiking in one of many scenic locations in the Hague like the Haagse Bos.
If you’re looking to dip your feet in the (albeit, freezing) sea, look no further than Scheveningen Pier.
It’s the perfect place to sit by the beach, grab a drink, and enjoy the sea, whether it’s doing water sports or just lounging. 🙂
🚗 Travel time by car: 58 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Den Haag Centraal, 53 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Peace Palace, Buitenhof, Madurodam, Scheveningen Pier and Boardwalk
11. Delft: home to Vermeer and Delft Blaauw
Delft has an international reputation for being the hometown of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and the originator of Delft Blaauw (Delft Blue) pottery.
It is the definition of a full-sized city with a small-town feeling — gezellig! 🔵
Delft has a stunning main square — it makes for the perfect place to start your adventure in this lovely town! Image: Depositphotos
The city boasts beautiful architecture and historical sights like the Eastern Gate from the old city walls to the New Church of Delft.
If you’re curious about experiencing another student city, Delft’s busy nightlife will keep you up on your feet all night long. 💃🏻
🚗 Travel time by car: 59 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Delft, 1 hour and 5 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Delft City Hall, Old Church of Delft
12. Gouda: the birthplace of iconic Dutch cheese
Which came first, the cheese or the city? For Gouda, the city is the namesake for this world-famous cheese. 🧀
It’s a surprisingly old city with plenty of old monuments and buildings from as early as the 13th century, like the city hall (formerly surrounded by a moat!) and St. John’s Church.
Gouda has beautiful scenery in this modern landscape. Image: Depositphotos
The city is quaint, but the centre bustles with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Check out the weekly Markt (market) on Thursdays and Saturdays and the first Fairtrade Street in the Netherlands, where all street food is sustainably produced and sold!
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Gouda, 53 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Gouda cheese market, Old City Hall, The Waag (weigh house) Museum
13. Schiedam: home to the world’s tallest windmill
Yep, you heard that right! While there are windmills all around the Netherlands, Schiedam has the tallest traditional windmills of all, standing at 26.6 metres. 🍃
Take a look at how tall this windmill is! It’s almost unbelievable. 🤯 Image: Depositphotos
Schiedam is also known for being the Netherlands’ gin capital, with the city producing the most jenever (also known as Dutch gin) in the country.
There are also multiple bars museums where you can check out the production process. 🍸
Apart from windmills and gin, you can visit Gothic cathedrals, 14th-century churches, and history museums, creating an excellent combination of culture and recreation in one day trip from Amsterdam!
🚗 Travel time by car: 55 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Schiedam Centrum, 1 hour and 8 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: National Jenever Museum, Jenever ‘t Spul, Liduina Basilica, Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
Day trips over an hour from Amsterdam
If you’re looking to get out of the region and visit a far-off place (for Dutch standards), here are some longer day trips from Amsterdam!
14. Dordrecht: a historic trading port
Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland (we mean the old province of Holland and not the so-called “country”!).
There are plenty of cultural spots, including seven churches and several historical monuments-turned-museums.
You can spend a whole day just walking along the canals of Dordrecht. Image: Depositphotos
While most of the Netherlands is surrounded by canals and dikes, water and boats make a unique part of Dordrecht’s cityscape.
As an old trading port, there are plenty of historic boats scattered around the old harbours connected by canals. On your day trip from Amsterdam, check out the canal network and catch a boat tour! 🚤
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 5 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Dordrecht Centraal,1 hour and 34 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Dordrechtsmuseum, Munt van Holland (Mint of Holland), Grote Kerk
If you go on your day trip from Amsterdam in July, Tilburg runs a 10-day fair that draws more than a million visitors every year. 🎡
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 28 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Tilburg Centraal, 1 hour and 52 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Textielmuseum, Stadsmuseum Tilburg, Tilburg Kermis
16. Groningen: the hidden gem of the north
Despite being far away from most big cities, Groningen attracts many travel buffs, making it the perfect day trip from Amsterdam if you really want to get out of your surroundings.
Groningen has a compact city centre with restaurants and shops, beautiful sites like the Martini Tower and Grote Markt, and contemporary art museums. 🗼
As a student city, Groningen has exciting nightlife — plenty of clubs and bars included. 😉
Along with an energetic centre, quiet countryside surrounds Groningen city, which you can enjoy.
You can hike on one of the beautiful trails through the dunes and along the coast or take a cycle route around artificial hills, forests, and old forts.
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Groningen Station, 2 hours ⭐ Don’t miss: Groninger Museum, Martinitoren, Groningen City Centre
17. Den Helder: city of the sun
Surrounded by water on three sides, Den Helder is a maritime city at heart.
On the northernmost point of the Dutch coast, the city has a lot of naval sights to see, including the largest naval base in the Netherlands.
Den Helder boasts a rich history with the largest Dutch naval base, a historic harbour, and fascinating marine attractions, including the North Sea Aquarium and three museum ships (museums housed in historic ships from the Dutch Navy!).
If you’re seeking nature and scenery, the city has a wide variety of landscapes — you can take a refreshing hike around the dunes and polders surrounding the Wadden Sea.
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 10 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Den Helder, Steiger TESO, 1 hour and 40 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Fort Kijkduin, The Marine Museum, Lange Jaap Lighthouse
18. Giethoorn: Venice of the Netherlands
A picture-perfect landscape, Giethoorn is an almost entirely car-free village, replaced with boats and, of course, bicycles.
Giethoorn is a Dutch town through and through — with winding canals, countless boats, and quaint matching houses, it doesn’t get more gezellig than this. 🧘🏻
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 26 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Blauwe Hand Bus Station, 2 hours ⭐ Don’t miss: Boat tour through Giethoorn, Gondola festival, Giethoorn walking route
19. Bourtange: the medieval fortress village
While the name suggests a beautiful rural town in France, Bourtange is actually in the Netherlands! Although, it might be the longest day trip from Amsterdam yet.
This small village is a perfectly restored fortress town from medieval times in the north, built in the shape of a star. ⭐️
Literally and figuratively a star of a town! 🤩 Image: Depositphotos
With a population of 430 people, there isn’t much room for proper shopping — but you can check out smaller quirky shops with Delfs Blaauw pottery, candles, other gifts, and trinkets.
We recommend exploring the medieval architecture which you’ll find all over the city. From fortified walls and traditional houses to windmills, visiting Bourtange is like visiting a village-sized museum!
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 35 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Bourtange Bus Station, 3 hours and 16 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: City fortifications, Church of Bourtange
20. Texel: a Dutch island escape
For a breath of fresh air on your day trip from Amsterdam, hop on a ferry to Texel, the largest of the Wadden Islands in the north of the Netherlands.
Just a short trip from the mainland, this island is a perfect escape from city life, offering stunning nature, charming villages, and plenty of activities for every type of traveler.
One of the best ways to explore Texel is by bike — with over 140 kilometres of cycling paths, you can easily ride through Duinen van Texel National Park, a breathtaking coastal reserve with dunes, forests, and heathlands.
Beach lovers can relax on De Koog, one of Texel’s most famous beach towns, or take a mudflat walking tour during low tide to experience the seabed up close. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or craving a beach day, Texel is for you.
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 14 minutes 🚃 Travel time by public transport: Amsterdam Centraal – Den Helder – Texel, 3 hours and 9 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: National Park Duinen van Texel, Eierland Lighthouse, beaches
For a mix of history, seaside beauty, and authentic Dutch culture, Zierikzee is a hidden gem worth discovering on a day trip from Amsterdam.
Located in Zeeland, this medieval town boasts over 500 monuments, including the impressive Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, which you can climb for panoramic views of the coastline.
A stroll through the picturesque harbour brings you past centuries-old fishing boats, and a visit to the Maritime Museum will teach you all about the town’s seafaring past.
Foodies, you’re in luck: The region is famous for its seafood, so don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh Zeeland oysters, mussels, or lobster at a waterfront restaurant.
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 20 minutes 🚃 Travel time by public transport: Amsterdam Centraal – Zierikzee, Sas, 2 hours and 51 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Oosterschelde National Park, harbours
There are a couple of ways to get around for day trips in the Netherlands, depending on what you’re comfortable with: taking public transport, hiring a car, and cycling.
Using the Dutch public transport system for day trips
Public transport in the Netherlands is reliable and easy to use — most big cities have trains, trams, and buses, and some, like Rotterdam and Amsterdam, even have metros and ferries.
If you’re travelling between cities and towns, you can buy many types of (cheap) train tickets. The day ticket is the most common and accessible ticket to travel on any train during off-peak hours.
You can buy tickets on most trams and buses within cities. Metro and train stations have machines to buy tickets. The Netherlands also has an extensive night public transport system that you can use.
Several of the bigger cities, like Amsterdam, are also home to their own tram networks. Image: Freepik
An OV-chipkaart (public transport card) can be the easiest option if you plan to make a lot of day trips from Amsterdam using public transport.
You can place credit on the card so you can check in and out of the turnstiles with ease.
You can usually buy an anonymous OV-chipkaart in the major train stations. Just go to the NS service desk and ask to buy one!
Hiring a car to visit Dutch towns and cities
There are five major car rental companies where you can hire a car: Avis Budget, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
If you’re flying into Schiphol Airport, you can rent a car from one of these companies directly at the airport. You can pre-book a car or just go with the flow and see what’s there on the day!
If you’re arriving in Amsterdam another way, these car rental companies have rental locations in the city itself.
Biking on a day trip from Amsterdam
Biking around your desired day trip city is a great way to get a feel for Dutch cycling culture!
If you have a personal OV chipkaart (only available to residents of the Netherlands), you can go full circle and rent an OV-fiets.
Cycling is hands down the best way to get around a city in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
The NS has set up bicycle rental locations at most train stations, bus and metro stops, and P+R facilities which you can rent for a few hours at a time.
If you only have an anonymous OV-chipkaart or none at all, you can rent a bicycle from companies in Amsterdam.
Different types of bicycles are available for hourly/daily rates. We promise you don’t have to bike like a seasoned Dutchie — but do be careful on the bike paths.
What’s your favourite spot for a day trip from Amsterdam? Leave some suggestions in the comments!
Day trips from Amsterdam: frequently asked questions
What are the best day trips from Amsterdam?
Depending on how much time you have during your trip to Amsterdam, there are different trips you can take
Some beautiful locations are within 30 minutes by car or train, such as Haarlem or Volendam, while others can take two to three hours to reach, like Bourtange and Tilburg.
You can choose to visit smaller towns and villages or a big city like Rotterdam — depending on whether you want to visit another urban space or get a break in the quieter, more rural areas, there are plenty of locations to pick from.
Where can I see windmills near Amsterdam?
The closest windmill town to Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, less than 30 minutes by either car or public transport. If you’re looking for other windmill locations, you can check out Kinderdijk and Schiedam, close to Rotterdam.
Where can I see tulips near Amsterdam?
Tulip season runs throughout spring, so the best time to see the Dutch tulips is from March to May. The most popular tulip attraction in the Netherlands is De Keukenhof in Lisse, a large flower garden that features tulips.
Lisse is about 1 hour and 22 minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal Station by public transport and 44 minutes by car. You can only enter the park with a ticket, so make sure to book them in advance if you’re interested in visiting.
There are other tulip fields by independent farmers in Lisse while walking or cycling around — usually, you can visit these parks for free, but there’s no guarantee the farmers will let tourists near their tulips.
Can you do a day trip from Amsterdam to Bruges?
Yes! You can take a train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Bruges.
Travel time and prices vary depending on the type of journey, which train you take, and whether you have transfers. The average travel time from Amsterdam to Bruges is between one to two hours.
Where is it easy to travel to from Amsterdam?
We recommend a location within 30 minutes from Amsterdam by car or train for extra easy travel. You can check out Haarlem if you want a change of scenery but want to stick to a city.
Smaller traditional towns like Marken and Volendam will give you a great impression of the scenic Dutch countryside.
If you want to see other big cities, Amsterdam has direct trains that run every 15 minutes to Rotterdam and Utrecht — you can get to the city in less than 30 minutes on these trains!
What’s close to Amsterdam by train?
Generally, the bigger the city/town, the easier it is to reach by train and public transport. So if you’re looking for a laidback day trip with public transport, going to a city like Den Haag, Leiden, and Gouda is the most convenient.
Intercity trains connect most of the Randstad cities, so these trains run consistently — every 15 minutes in both directions from 5 AM to 12 AM.
The tricky thing about the time in the Netherlands is that it’s always changing — or at least twice a year, when Daylight Saving Time starts and ends. ⏰
Daylight Saving Time can be tricky, especially in the Netherlands, where it isn’t always obvious when you’ve entered a new season (thanks, irregular weather). 🙄
So, if you want to stay up to date with Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands, read on! 👇
Does the Netherlands have Daylight Saving Time?
In a nutshell, yes, the Netherlands has Daylight Saving Time. That means twice a year, the clock is set an hour forward or back.
It also means that every time we switch to winter time, it’s super common to hear: “Wow! How is it so dark already?!” 😩
During winter, the sun sets earlier than usual since clocks go back one hour in October. Image: Pixabay
Time zones in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has one standard time zone: CET (Central European Time), and another one during Daylight Saving Time: CEST (Central European Summer Time).
The standard time zone of the Netherlands, CET (Central European Time), is one hour ahead of UTC (Universal Time Coordinated).
Daylight Saving Time (DST) marks the beginning of summer, and, more specifically, the switch from the standard Central European Time to the Central European Summer Time.
More specifically, the standard time zone changes to CEST (Central European Summer Time) when the clock moves one hour forward in March, which kicks off the season of Daylight Saving. ☀️
Time
Time zone
Universal time
Standard Time
CET (Central European Time)
UTC +1
Daylight Saving Time
CEST (Central European Summer Time)
UTC +2
Upcoming clock changes in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Daylight Saving Time begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.
In March 2025, the clock change will mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands, which is also the beginning of Central European Summer Time. ⏰
On Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 02:00:00, clocks are turned forward 1 hour to Sunday, March 30, 2025, 03:00:00 Daylight Saving Time instead.
The next clock change will happen in October and will mark the end of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands.
On Sunday,October 26, 2025 at 03:00:00, clocks are turned backwards 1 hour to Sunday, 26, October 2025, 02:00:00 local standard time.
Why does the Netherlands use Daylight Saving Time?
The Netherlands uses DST for the same reason every other country does: to make better use of their daylight! 🌆
When the winter season rolls in, daylight hours get shorter and shorter, which makes it quite hard for those who work outside and need sunlight to carry on with their tasks.
Take it from the farmers, researchers, and archaeologists, who all need that precious sunlight to see their crops, plant samples, or find 100 million-year-old dinosaur bones.
Farmers need loads of daylight to work. Thanks, Daylight Saving Time! Image: Pexels
Moving the clock one hour back gives workers who depend on sunlight more working hours in the morning, so they can profit from those powerful light beams! ☀️
The first country to implement Daylight Saving Time was Canada in 1908, so they could extend their daylight hours for longer and use them more efficiently.
A short history of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands
The history of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands finds its origins in its neighbour, Germany.
On April 30, 1916, Germany became the first entire country to implement DST — but the Canadian region of Port Arthur in Ontario was the first area to implement it.
The next day, on June 1, 1916, the Netherlands followed the Germans’ lead and started using Daylight Saving Time.
Unfortunately, history doesn’t stop there. Between 1940 and 1942, German forces, which invaded the Netherlands during WWII, advanced the country’s local time by 1 hour and 40 minutes to match the occupiers’ clock schedules.
This changed the Netherlands’ time zone from the standard Dutch Time to the Central European Summer Time.
Until 1945, the Netherlands followed the German clocks along with its Daylight Savings switches. After WWII, the Netherlands abolished Daylight Saving Time but kept Central European Time as its standard time zone.
The Netherlands stopped using DST for three decades and reintroduced it in 1977, which remains the same to the present day.
Debate over Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands
Not everyone is on the same page when it comes to having Daylight Savings in the Netherlands.
After the European Union standardised DST for all countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) (except for Iceland), it sparked a lot of debate.
On March 26, 2019, the EU decided to remove DST from their plans.
Though, none of the member states decided whether they wanted to keep the winter or summer time, so that decision is yet to be made. 🤷🏻♀️
Will the Netherlands ever get rid of Daylight Saving Time?
While many European countries prefer scrapping DST, the Netherlands seems to favour it — after all, it allows us to make better use of daylight hours when the seasons change.
Many people find changing their clocks twice a year quite a fuss. It can also have negative effects on people’s mental and physical health, such as sleep deprivation and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
You can also get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) from Daylight Saving Time. Yes, that’s a thing. Image: Depositphotos
So, until now, the Netherlands will keep practising DST, and, each year, people will keep getting surprised at how it gets dark so early in the day.
Are you for or against Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands? Tell us why in the comments below! 👇
Daylight Saving in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Netherlands does Daylight Saving Time. The clock moves forward on the last Sunday of March and backwards on the last Sunday of October.
What time zone does the Netherlands use?
The Netherlands uses Central European Time as the standard time zone and switches to Central European Summer Time when Daylight Saving Time is activated.
How does Daylight Saving work in the Netherlands?
Each year, the clock moves one hour forward on the last Sunday of March, marking the start of Daylight Saving Time and moves back one hour to the standard Central European Time on the last Sunday of October.
When do clocks go back in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday of October.
When do clocks go forward in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, clocks move one hour forward on the last Sunday of March.
Does the Netherlands have two time zones?
As a country, the Netherlands only has one standard time zone. But, the country’s dependencies (ex: Aruba, Sint Maarten) follow the AST (Atlantic Standard Time).
In a crime so bold it sounds like a Netflix special, a group of thieves broke into a North Brabant cheese shop last Friday and made off with over a ton of cheese.
The shop JUST won gold at the National Cheese Inspection, so owner Wilco de Crom is devastated, he tells Omroep Brabant.
Now he’s suspicious that their recent prize makes this robbery more “Ocean’s Eleven” than random hit. 👀
Wheelbarrowing the wheels away
The thieves used a van, a neighbor’s pasture, AND the cheesemaker’s wheelbarrow to meticulously empty three of four cheese trucks, each containing 350 kilos.
By the time Wilco’s colleague arrived on Saturday morning to pick up a truck, he was met with the grim scene: the door had been forced open, and the cheese was gone.
After being convicted of ‘indecent assault’ for masturbating in public, the former Groningen mayor Koen Schuiling wants to appeal.
He claims he had his belt undone because of a different kind of relief — massaging his stomach due to severe abdominal pain, AD reports.
It’s not about the money
Schuiling received a fine of €250 for masturbating in public last March, but refused to pay it. He saw it as an admission of something he claims he didn’t do.
Since he resisted the fine, he had to go to court, where he was found guilty of ‘indecent assault’ and asked to pay the €250 again. 😬
More time in court
Unsurprisingly, the former mayor is unhappy with the ruling and has filed an appeal. He still claims that what the driver had seen was a lower stomach massage.
But it’s not just about the principle — Schuiling wants to continue working, and a criminal conviction could stand in the way.
According to Schuiling’s lawyer, they are still not certain whether they will go through with the appeal. They just filed it within the allotted time to allow for revisions.
Chaos on the highway
The incident that landed Schuiling in court took place last March when a truck driver saw him masturbating on the A7.
A colleague advised the driver to report the former mayor, according to NU.nl.
As it turns out, this wasn’t the first time the police received reports about Schuiling — he had been seen without any pants on in a gas station parking lot a few months earlier.
