10 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages to Visit in the Netherlands

Rich in natural and structural beauty, the Netherlands is one beautiful country. Although cities like Amsterdam are the most famous destinations in the country, there are many charming villages and small towns that are equally impressive. With lush green countryside, cobbled streets, picturesque buildings, canals and windmills, and a rich history, here are 10 of the most beautiful towns and villages to visit in the Netherlands.

Kinderdijk

1. Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is best known for its iconic 18th-century windmills and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charming village of Kinderdijk has 19 mills and 3 pumping stations, and you can explore the village via waterways or trails. Visit Museummolen Nederwaard to see 18th-century windmills, as well as a museum and working mills.

Giethoorn

2. Giethoorn

The car-free village of Giethoorn is best known for its boat-filled waterways and old thatched-roof houses and is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. Explore the village and see these charming houses. You can visit the Weerribben-Wieden National Park and the Giethoorn 't Old Maat Uus Museum to learn more about the history of the region.

Zaanse Schans

3. Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a charming village located just outside of Amsterdam and is best known for its historic windmills and houses built from the late 1500s to the 1600s. See the characteristic green wooden houses and visit the craft workshops. The best way to explore this village is on foot, but you can also take a bike.

Lisse

4. Lisse

From the Keukenhof Gardens to the Keukenhof Castle, the Zwarte Tulp Museum and the tulip fields, Lisse is truly one of the most beautiful cities to explore in the Netherlands. Visit the Huys Dever Castle and the Sint-Agathakerk and HH Engelbewaarderskerk churches, and don't forget to visit the Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world.

Marken and Volendam

5. Marken and Volendam

Marken is one of the most beautiful Dutch villages, famous for its colorful wooden houses. Visit the Horse Of Marken, a picturesque place with a lighthouse and trails, a great place to enjoy the sunset. Visit the Marken Museum to learn about its heritage.

Situated on the Markermeer lake, Volendam is best known for its colourful wooden houses and harbour, the Volendam Museum and the Palingsound Museum. Visit the city cheese factory for some tasty treats and stroll along the streets of Dulhof and Oude Kom.

Brook in Waterland

6. Brook in Waterland

Broek in Waterland is a picturesque town with a small population in Waterland. It is known as one of the best places to visit in Holland. Visit the St. Nicholas Church, you can take a bike tour or walk the streets to explore the town.

Bourtange

7. Bourtange

Bourtange is a village located in Westerwolde, famous for its structure. Visit Fort Bourtange, built in 1593 during the Dutch Revolt. With stunning architecture, cobbled streets and friendly people, rich in history, Bourtange is the perfect place for a holiday in the Netherlands.

Horn

8. Horn

Situated on the shores of the IJsselmeer, Hoorn is a charming town with plenty of shops and cafes. Visit its 17th-century town centre, the 16th-century tower, the Hoofdtoren and its museums. It is also known as a small shopping paradise, and the town also offers a range of water activities, with dunes and beaches nearby.

Bronkhorst and Aldeborn

9. Bronkhorst and Aldeborn

Bronkhorst is technically a city, one of the smallest cities in the country with a population of only 157. There are many villages in the region for you to explore. Explore the city and its villages and visit the Charles Dickens Museum.

Located in Heerenveen in the province of Friesland, Aldeboarn is another village that is perfect for a day trip to the Netherlands. It is an old town, so you will find many beautiful streets and monuments, such as the Waag. You can sail along the grass route, visit De Deelen, see godwits, which are the national bird species of the Netherlands.

Thorn

10. Thorn

Situated on the Maas and Witbeek rivers, Thorn is best known as the "white village" because of its whitewashed brick houses. Thorn is an old town with a rich history. Visit the Abdijkerk Thorn, the monastery church and the Gemeentemuseum Land van Thorn to learn more about the history of the town. You should also visit the National Park de Groot Peel and the nearby town of Roermond.