Here at DutchReview we’ll often tell you that there’s more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam, but perhaps it’s also time to show you. With the New Year just begun we’ve brought together a visual list of some of the most beautiful, unique and Instagram-worthy spots in the country for you to add to your list for 2017. Get ready to get snapping!
Giethoorn
Famous for being the town in the Netherlands without roads, this little village filled with canals is especially magical in winter when you might be able to ice-skate on the frozen canals if it gets cold enough!
Maastricht
This town in the south of Holland is full of tiny winding alleys and beautiful old buildings. Perfect for a fairytale experience and Instagram-worthy photos!
Kinderdijk
The Kinderdijk is where you can find the famous 19 windmills that are a UNESCO World Heritage site and probably one of the most famous spots for photos in the Netherlands.
Enkhuizen
A charming little fishing village, Enkhuizen was once the most important harbour in the Netherlands, until it lost that spot to Amsterdam. Now it’s the perfect place for relaxation among the yachts, shops, cafes and weekly market.
The Hague
Not only is The Hague the seat of the Dutch parliament, it is also a city filled with impressive (instagram-worthy) buildings worth visiting.
Scheveningen
A district in The Hague, Scheveningen is a seaside resort well-known for its long beach, esplanade, pier and lighthouse. A perfect place to visit (and take photos) in Summer!
Castle de Haar
Easily one of the most impressive of the Dutch castles, Castle de Haar also features stunning gardens and an annual fantasy fair where people come from around the world to cosplay!
Ameland
If you really want to get away from the ‘usual’ sights of the Netherlands then you could go all the way to the islands North of Friesland to see seals and other natural sights. Why not try out ‘wadlopen’ (wading through the mudflats in the Wadden Sea) near Ameland for an Instagram shot a bit out of the ordinary!
Rotterdam
Featuring many more modern buildings than Amsterdam due to rebuilding after WWII bombings, this bustling port city is famous for some stunning – and weird – architecture, including the often-photographed cube houses.
Utrecht
The centre of Utrecht features lovely canals as beautiful as Amsterdam, but with fewer people. Discover it in Autumn for the cosiest and prettiest experience.
Eindhoven
Eindhoven in November is the perfect place for a trip to see the GLOW exhibition. Featuring gorgeous light constructions from artists around the world, the city of Eindhoven is transformed into one big light exhibit for one week in November each year. Definitely Instagram-worthy! Find more about this event here.
Efteling
If you’re looking for an amusement park with a difference then the weird and wonderful Efteling is definitely worth a visit! Filled with weird and wonderful rides and displays, its attractions are based on elements from ancient myths, fairy tales, fables and folklore. It is also twice the size of the original Disneyland in California!
For more inspiring photos of the Netherlands make sure you check out these ones of Scheveningen, these ones of Rotterdam and these drone photos of the Netherlands from above! And if you do take any Instagram-worthy shots and post them, make sure you tag us @dutchreview on Instagram!