Fun things to do in the Netherlands this summer

There's more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Whether you're an international or a Dutchie calling Amsterdam your home, we recommend that you go out into the country and explore the highlights of the Netherlands. Call it a holiday-in-your-own-country! Curious about the most fun things to do in the Netherlands this summer? Read our tips here, divided by province.

Drenthe 

We'll just say it: Drenthe has the most beautiful nature in the Netherlands, with incredible national parks such as Drentsche Aa and Dwingelderveld. Stay a night at a cottage in nature or go back to the basics in a wooden cabin. If you like history, then you have to visit the Hunebeds in the Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark. These prehistoric burial chambers are the oldest monuments in the Netherlands! 

Flevoland 

Did you know that the youngest Dutch province is less than 50 years old? For that reason, you won't find old, charming towns here. But there are a lot of other things you can do. Scream your lungs out at Walibi, where you find Benelux's highest and longest roller coaster. Or visit Lowlands, one of the most popular festivals in the Netherlands, on the weekend of 16-18 August. Feel like doing something more relaxing? Of course, you can do that, too. Try out various water activities like surfing, kayaking, or swimming on the Veluwemeer. 

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Friesland 

Friesland is known for its lakes and islands, so it's the perfect place to enjoy being in the water. Visit one of the Friesian islands: Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, or Schiermonnikoog, where you'll find the quietest beaches. Rent a boat in Sneek or attend Sneekweek from August 3 - 8 for a lively sailing event. Care for a local snack? Just go to any bakery and try Friesian sugar bread. It's delicious! 

Gelderland 

In Gelderland, you'll find culture, nature, and many places to relax. If you're into art, definitely visit the Kröller-Muller Museum, where you can see art from Van Gogh and Mondriaan, among others. To get here, you must go through the Hoge Veluwe National Park. If you're lucky, you may spot a red deer on your way. For the ultimate relaxation, visit Bussloo, a calm lake where you can swim, visit ‘beach’ bars, or spend a day in the spa at Thermen Bussloo.  

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Groningen 

Groningen is a quiet province that's filled with unique experiences. Go mudflat hiking at the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site is located in the Lauwersoog National Park, where you can spend a night in the Dark Sky Park. Because of minimal light pollution, you can see the brightest starry skies! Another recommendation is the village ‘Winsum’, crowned the most beautiful village in the Netherlands.  

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Limburg 

Though it's a bit of a journey from the Randstad, Limburg is a great place to visit for a weekend. Visit the picturesque town of Valkenburg or stay a night in Maastricht, where you can spend your days on sunny terraces and go second-hand shopping. Further south, you’ll find the highest ‘mountain’ of the Netherlands, which has a height of... 322,5 meters!  

Noord-Brabant 

When you think of Brabant, you think of ‘carnaval’. But there's more to this southern province! Have some drinks on the lively terraces in Den Bosch or Breda and discover the Bourgondic atmosphere that Brabant is so famous for. Fancy a day out? Then take a magical trip to the Efteling or go on safari in the Beekse Bergen. Want to try a local delicacy? Then, get a Bossche Bol at Jan de Groot in Den Bosch! 

Noord-Holland 

Sure, there's plenty to do outside of Amsterdam. Take a day trip to Haarlem and bike to one of the popular beaches. Zandvoort and Bloemendaal are lively beaches where action is always happening, but if you like more peace and quiet, go a little further north, to Parnassia. Curious about the largest Dutch island, Texel? You can easily visit it by boat from Den Helder.  

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Overijssel 

In Overijssel, you'll find one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands: Deventer! Stroll through the medieval city center and enjoy food and drinks on the terraces. Love books? Then you need to visit the largest book market in Europe, which is held in Deventer on August 4. Want to visit a different type of festival? Zwarte Cross (July 18 – 24) is a true phenomenon in this part of the country: a festival dedicated to motocross and music. 

Utrecht  

The most central province of the Netherlands is Utrecht, so you can't miss it. The city of Utrecht is known for its cozy cobblestone streets and vibrant city center. Take a boat on the canals or get some food or drinks in one of the restaurants alongside the water. Want to get out of town? Visit Kasteel de Haar. This fairytale castle is the largest one in the Netherlands, with beautiful rooms and gardens.  

Zeeland 

Zeeland is known for its beautiful, long coastlines. Don't expect busy boulevards here like Zandvoort, but think of quiet dunes, cozy beach bars, and relaxed vibes. We recommend beaches such as Vrouwenpolder, Domburg, and Breskens. If you're interested in how the Dutch keep their head above water even though a big chunk of the country is below sea level? Then, we recommend a visit to Neeltje Jans. Lastly, in Zeeland you must try a ‘Zeeuwse bolus’, which you can get at any bakery.  

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Zuid-Holland  

This dynamic province is a mix of everything: nature, cities, beaches, and history! Visit Rotterdam for its urban vibes, modern architecture, and iconic skyline. Walk along the Scheveningen boulevard and take a dip in the sea. Or visit the cozy, historical center of Gouda and try some real Gouda cheese. 

We hope that we've inspired you to explore more of the Netherlands, visit new towns and cities, and see the beautiful nature this small country has to offer. Enjoy your summer!  

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