Hidden Gems in the Netherlands: Secret Spots You Must Visit

When the average person hear the Netherlands mentioned, they imagine the famous tourist attractions such as the canals of Amsterdam, the tulip fields and the windmills.These are unconventional places that will give you an exclusive insight into the diverse culture of the country, the wild nature, and the beautiful small towns. When you are preparing a trip and do not want to visit only the popular spots, these hidden gems in the Netherlands are ideal to have an incredible experience.

The second thing to do before packing your bags is to ensure that your travel documents are ready. The Netherland visa application process is rather simple, and the UAE residents can easily apply to the Netherlands visa from Dubai at the specialized centers or online services. Now that you have your visa in order, you are all set to discover the best-kept secrets of the country.

1. Giethoorn – The Venice of the North (Without the Tourists)

The quaint village of Giethoorn is often missed by tourists but canals replace the roads in this beautiful village. It is a car free island with peaceful boat trips, quaint thatch roof cottages and peaceful walking tracks. If Amsterdam with its busy waterways is too hectic, Giethoorn will be a postcard-perfect getaway.

2. Hoge Veluwe National Park – Nature and Art in one

It is a huge national park in the Gelderland province which is home to both wildlife lovers and art lovers. With red deer, wild boar and rare bird species, the park is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum including works by Van Gogh and other masters. There is a provision of free white bicycles to the visitors to view the scenic beauty of the park.

3. Zaanse Schans- Living Dutch Heritage Village

Kinderdijk is overcrowded with tourists in search of windmills, whereas Zaanse Schans is a quieter version. This open-air museum is situated just outside Amsterdam, and it gives you an idea of how people used to live in the Netherlands with working windmills, cheese-making, and wooden clog workshops, all without the crowds.

4. Valkenburg -The Underground City

Hidden in the southern tip of the Netherlands, Valkenburg is a town renowned because of its network of underground caves and medieval ambiance. Visit the Velvet Cave that is full of interesting murals, sculptures, and even a secret chapel.

5. Naarden -The Star Fort Town

Naarden is a very well kept star shaped fortress town with magnificent moats and bastions. It is an ideal half-day excursion (a short drive away) to admire its distinctive military architecture and the Dutch Fortress Museum. The star shape is symmetrical and can be seen well on a drone tour or above.

6. Texel Island – serene seaside resort

A portion of the Frisian Islands, Texel is a nature lover’s dream come true boasting sandy beaches, dunes, birdwatching areas and bicycle paths. There are also the options of visiting the local sheep farms, trying the fresh seafood, and seeing maritime heritage sites. The quietness and the rural beauty of Texel make it an ideal substitute to crowded seaside resorts.

7. Deventer – An Historical Town of Literary Soul

Deventer is a very old city in the Netherlands situated on the River IJssel. It is the home of the biggest book fair in Europe (held in August) and has a well maintained medieval centre. Stroll around its cobbled streets, visit the Lebuinus Church and have coffee in an old warehouse-cafe.

Conclusion

Visiting the off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Netherlands will give you the chance to see the country beyond the common touristic destinations. Whether it are the magical canal villages such as Giethoorn or star-shaped towns such as Naarden, these unusual destinations uncover the history, beautiful nature and the true character of the Dutch culture. Biking through Hoge Veluwe National Park or exploring the underground wonders of Valkenburg, every place has its own story to tell and it is definitely worth the detour.

All you need to do is to get a Netherlands visa to unlock these amazing experiences. As soon as you have your visa, you will be able to have an unforgettable trip to the most interesting and unknown places of the Netherlands. Allow this experience to lead you out of the tourist tracks and into the centre of what is so unique about the Netherlands.