Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven and even the small village of Giethoorn- who doesn’t know the Netherlands most popular destinations, it is, of course, one of the most beloved countries in Western Europe. However you should know that this country is so much more beautiful when you see more than just its big cities and tourist spots - because the true and authentic Netherlands can be enjoyed only by visiting villages and towns on the outskirts, which offer a wealth of unique beauty that will allow you to get to know the Netherlands Inside out. So, we’ve collected 10 recommended places to visit throughout the Netherlands, which will ensure that your next trip to this country is as authentic and enjoyable as possible!
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Zierikzee is a delightfully small, picturesque town that houses no less than 500 historical sites and monuments. This town, in the Zeeland province in the south-west of the Netherlands, has many interesting places to visit. One of the favorite tourist attractions is the ancient church with the challenging name of Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, built in the 12th century. From the top of its imposing tower - about 60 meters high, you can get an excellent view of the city and the entire area. Since Zierikzee sits by the sea and is considered a fishing town, it is also recommended to visit the Maritime Museum and harbor gates built here in the Middle Ages.
The beautiful Naarden is one of the best-preserved fortress cities in the Netherlands, and perhaps even in Europe as a whole, and is a great example of the fortification system known as "star-forts" and was widespread in Europe during the 15th century. Nardeen played an important role in the 80-year war for the independence of the Netherlands more than 500 years ago, but today its military career has stayed in the past and now it is a great addition to those picturesque and peaceful places to visit in the Netherlands. In the old and charming center of Nardeen, you can find the Great church, or Grote Kerk, from the 15th century which is considered one of the oldest surviving in the Netherlands to date, as well as the Fortress Museum.
The small, pastoral town of Thorn is located in the southern province of Limburg, near the border with Belgium, and is also known as the White Village for its small white painted houses (unlike traditional Dutch architecture where most of the houses and buildings are dark). Thorn has a fascinating history that began in the 12th century, when it was founded as a small settlement that grew around a monastery in the area, and later gained independence of its own and became a state that was then considered the smallest state in the Holy Roman Empire. Today it is a pleasant little village, full of stone-paved alleys, small courtyards and a beautiful Gothic church at its center.
The town of Elburg lies in an area where evidence of settlement has been found from 796 CE. After a flood that apparently hit the place, it was completely rebuilt in the 14th century and remained a peaceful fishing town for hundreds of years. Local residents also refused to connect it to the Dutch national railway system established in the 19th century. Only during the 20th century, when the fishing industry in Elburg diminished, the town opened itself to the world and over the years became a major tourist attraction attracting tens of thousands of tourists a year. Of course, you can also be among the city's visitors, stroll through its picturesque streets, and admire the beautiful stone bridges found throughout it.
image source: Johan Bakker, Yorg, VranzVanMaaren, Alupus, Edward Dalmulder, HenkvD , Norbert Reimer,Phillip Capper, Appie Verschoor, Onderwijsgek, Michielverbeek (1) (2), Ben Bender, Dguendel, Erik Baas, bertknot, Spoorjan, Heribert Bechen, Dqfn13
