Written by Diana Bocco
Updated Jan 31, 2022
The Netherlands is packed with an endless number of pictures just waiting to be taken. Tulip fields, an enchanting maze of canals cutting through cities, some of the oldest windmills in the world, and unending bicycle paths through towns and countryside and just some of the incredible sights.
While Amsterdam is usually at the top of the list for visitors to the Netherlands, small towns such as Zaanse Schans and Volendam offer a rare glimpse into much older areas where history is still alive. This is also where many of the best photography opportunities exist.
Whether you're in the Netherlands searching for adventure, history, or architecture, there's beauty everywhere here and lots of amazing things waiting to be photographed.
On This Page:
- 1. De Haar Castle, Utrecht
- 2. Amsterdam
- 3. Haarlem
- 4. Veluwezoom National Park, Gelderland
- 5. Terschelling Island
- 6. Giethoorn, Overijssel
- 7. Bourtange, Groningen
- 8. Oostvaardersplassen, Flevoland
- 9. Zaanse Schans, Zaandam
- 10. Keukenhof Park, Lisse
- 11. Volendam, Markermeer Lake
- 12. Westkapelle, Walcheren Island
- 13. Old Windmills of Kinderdijk, Molenlanden
- 14. Historic Valkenburg, Geul Valley
- 15. Zeeland
- 16. Scheveningen Seaside Resort
- 17. Ijsselmeer Lake
- 18. De Hoge Veluwe National Park
- 19. Binnenhof Palace, The Hague
- 20. Delft
1. De Haar Castle, Utrecht
Surrounded by a small lake and 45 hectares of well-manicured parks, De Haar Castle was severely damaged in the 1500s and its garden almost completely destroyed during WWII. It was then completely restored in the late 19th century in a Neo-Gothic style. The castle is home to many fairs during the year, including the famous costume and fantasy festival known as Elfia.
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2. Amsterdam
Amsterdam's traditional row houses-which are colorful, narrow, and skewed because they're set on wooden poles that have tilted throughout the centuries-are particularly beautiful to photograph at night, with lights reflecting on the water. Most canal houses (known locally as merchant houses or "koopmanshuizen") date back to the 17th century and the Golden Age of Amsterdam.
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam
3. Haarlem
The city of Haarlem, a short 15-minute commute from Amsterdam, is home to colorful architecture and the fully-functional De Adriaan windmill. Haarlem sits on the River Spaarne, near coastal dunes, and has a long history of seafarers and Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Haarlem
4. Veluwezoom National Park, Gelderland
Veluwezoom National Park, the oldest national park in the Netherlands, is particularly striking in summer, when the purple fields of heather are in bloom. Trails cut throughout the park, crossing through thick fern forests and offering many chances for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The park is home to red deer, wild boars, and many species of birds.
5. Terschelling Island
The shores on Terschelling Island are still home to emergency refuge shelters built long ago for shipwreck victims. Much of the island is a nature preserve, covered in both forests and tidal marshes that extend as far as the eye can see. When the tide is at its lowest, it's possible to walk on the bottom of the Wadden Sea, toes digging deep into the muddy seabanks.
6. Giethoorn, Overijssel
Boats, not cars, connect the canal "streets" in the village of Giethoorn, aptly nicknamed "Little Venice." The area, famous for its thatched-roof farmhouses and almost 100 kilometers of canoe trails, is also home to over 150 bridges. Bike and hiking trails crisscross over wooden bridges and alongside the canals, allowing visitors to reach cafés and small museums.
7. Bourtange, Groningen
Star-shaped Fort Bourtange was built in 1593 to protect the only road that connected Groningen and Germany during the Eighty Years' War with Spain. Groningen village, which originally fell within the borders of the fort, now sits on the edge of Bourtange moor, a major natural preserve and special protection area for wild birds.
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8. Oostvaardersplassen, Flevoland
The Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve is unique because of its large population of Konik horses, semi-feral, free-roaming horses that are native to Poland. The area, which is a mix of wetlands and bushy flatland, also serves as a major bird preserve-black storks, white-tail eagles, and the Eurasian spoonbill all call this place home. Only certain areas of the reserve are open to the public to ensure the animals can live undisturbed.
9. Zaanse Schans, Zaandam
Historical windmills, wide-open landscapes covered in tulips, and traditional wooden houses out of a fairy tale are what best describe Zaanse Schans town. They make incredible photography subjects.
De Kat (The Cat), built in 1646, is the only windmill in the world still in working order that produces dye. This medieval town is also home to seven museums, including a bakery museum and a historic fisherman's home.
10. Keukenhof Park, Lisse
One of the world's largest flower gardens, Keukenhof Park is covered in over seven million flowers between March and May. The park is particularly busy with visitors during April, when the tulips are in full bloom. Located on former 15th-century hunting grounds, the park covers 32 hectares and is home to a small castle.
11. Volendam, Markermeer Lake
The lakeside fishing village of Volendam is famous for its bright wooden houses and old Dutch ships rocking away on the harbor. This picturesque 14th-century town is famous for its main harbor strip, home to not only traditional row houses but also cozy cafés, a small museum, and outdoor vendors.
12. Westkapelle, Walcheren Island
The town of Westkapelle is surrounded by the lulling sea on three of its sides and is home to two active 19th-century lighthouses. White sandy dunes and beach huts line up the coastline and extend all the way to the edge of the picturesque stone streets. Westkapelle sits next to the Noordervroon natural reserve, home to many bird species and a bird observatory.
13. Old Windmills of Kinderdijk, Molenlanden
The village of Kinderdijk has the largest concentration of windmills in the country-19 windmills from the 18th-century sit against the river here, in an area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although they were originally created to manage the water levels and prevent floods, they are now one of the most visited tourist places in the Netherlands.
14. Historic Valkenburg, Geul Valley
The Netherland's only hill castle, Castle Schaloen, dates back to the 1200s, although it was destroyed and reconstructed several times throughout the centuries. The town of Valkenburg is also home to several caves that date back to Roman times and the ruins of a castle on top of Dwingelrots (Castle Rock), where you can still see the many secret passageways carved underground leading to and away from the castle.
15. Zeeland
Islands and soft beaches looking over the North Sea make up most of Zeeland, the westernmost province in the country. Quiet and unspoiled, this region offers coastal beauty, but also bike-friendly parks, charming villages that still look the same as they did centuries ago, and a strong history of shipbuilding and a relationship with the sea.
16. Scheveningen Seaside Resort
The 4.5-kilometer-long Scheveningen beach is known for its stunning pink sunsets, especially as seen from the area's beautiful pier and the giant Ferris Wheel. The most popular seaside resort in the country, Scheveningen attracts swimmers and surfers, but also hikers looking for tranquil hikes by the water and over the dunes.
17. Ijsselmeer Lake
The Netherland's biggest lake is actually an artificial lake, created when the Afsluitdijk dyke was built. Ijsselmeer is surrounded by picturesque old fishing villages and home to great biking and hiking routes, as well as harbors from where you can take a day trip on a historic sailing ship.
18. De Hoge Veluwe National Park
Formed during the last Ice Age and home to woodlands, ever-shifting sand dunes, and heathlands that explode into pinkish flowers in the warmer months, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is abundant with wildlife.
Mouflon and large populations of roe and red deer, wild boars, and foxes all call this park home. The Museum Jachthuis Sint and its magnificent geometric architecture sits within the park boundaries and is surrounded by a calm crystalline lake.
Read More: Exploring Hoge Veluwe National Park in The Netherlands: A Visitor's Guide
19. Binnenhof Palace, The Hague
Now the home of Parliament in The Hague, Binnenhof palace is especially stunning at dusk, as golden lights bring the buildings to life. This 13th-century Gothic castle sits right on the shores of the picturesque Hofvijver lake – and the best views of it are from across the water, sitting on the shore.
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20. Delft
Delft is a university town famous for its canals, intimate courtyards, and historical mansions, many of which are decorated with the Delft Blue earthenware, which has been produced and hand-painted here for many centuries. Breathtaking 1700s architecture, Gothic structures, and perfectly preserved windmills add to the magic.
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Exploring the Netherlands: For inspiration on the best places to explore while in the Netherlands, check out our article Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Netherlands. If Amsterdam is your home base while exploring the country, you can find short little escapes to discover the surroundings with our piece, the Top-Rated Day Trips from Amsterdam.
