You would be hard pressed to find a country with as many waterways as the Netherlands. In addition to these, the popular tourist destination attracts world-famous cities, forgotten villages, windmills and typical canal bridges. Motorboats are an integral part of life in the land of tulips and you have a great opportunity to experience a small European country as its inhabitants traditionally know it — reflected in the shimmering surface of the water.
One large sailing area
Cosmopolitan Amsterdam is not to be missed during your holiday. One of the typical experiences that every visitor should take away from Sin City is not just a stroll through the Red Light District or a smoke in one of the many coffeeshops. Amsterdam is also a place that is known for its important museums. It is even the city with the highest density of museums in the world.
You can choose from over 60 venues and countless exhibits. If you choose to explore the northern part of the Netherlands, you don't have to worry about missing out on the classic experiences that the country has to offer. On the contrary. In Friesland, you'll find villages unspoiled by tourism and pleasant towns dominated by windmills where locals still wear clogs. The capital of the region is Leeuwarden, but there are other towns worth a visit — Heeg as the former centre of the eel trade, the smallest town in the province of Sloten or the old trading town of Hindeloopen.
If your heart yearns for nature, Friesland will also delight you in this respect. There are three national parks in the area. One of Friesland' s main tourist attractions is the archipelago that fringes the mainland coast. The so-called West Frisian islands consist of several islands dotted with sand dunes, which, thanks to their flat surface, invite you to explore from the saddle of a bicycle or horse.
If you want to switch off during your holiday and enjoy some well-deserved doing nothing, head south to the famous Loosdrechtse lakes. Thousands of Dutch people head to this area every year to relax by one of the seven lakes, which offer the perfect facilities for a relaxing holiday. There are pleasant beaches, children's playgrounds, public barbecues and restaurants.
Who will enjoy a houseboat holiday in Holland?
- Beginners and experienced skippers. Captains with no previous experience will enjoy the middle of the Netherlands, but the south is more suitable for experienced skippers.
- Museum visitors. There are so many museums open in the capital that you won't know which to visit first during your holiday. For us, we recommend the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
- Flower admirers. The Garden of Europe, Keukenhof, is a place that will make you feel like you're in paradise. From March to May you will see and smell thousands of flowers, dominated by the typical Dutch tulip.
- Party-people. Do you like a bit of crazy fun and love parties that last for days on end? Plan your holiday around Amsterdam's Koninginnedag, the King's birthday party, or the famous Gay Pride.
- Water sports enthusiasts. Whatever water sport you're keen to try, the north of Holland will turn your dreams into reality.
- Fast food enthusiasts. If you love fast food as much as the Dutch do, you'll be in seventh heaven in their country. Try the Kibbeling, our fried fish bites similar to Kaaassoufleé, or the Bitterballen, a croquette of meat mixture.
- Observer. North Holland will satisfy those of you who like to observe different animal species with binoculars. Apart from birds, you might even have the chance to spot cute seals.
- Beach bums. If all you want to do is read and lie under an umbrella, you will also find pleasant beaches along the lakes in Holland, where you will have undisturbed peace and quiet.
- Cyclists. There isn't a Dutchman who doesn't own a bike. There isn't a proper traveller who doesn't go for a bike ride in Holland.
- Calm types. For anyone who prefers to relax in the quiet countryside, the more remote regions of the Netherlands are the perfect destination.
