The Netherlands is often associated with its bustling capital city, Amsterdam. However, this small country is full of picturesque landscapes and charming cities that are well worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for rolling countryside, idyllic towns, or vibrant cities, the Netherlands has something to offer. Here are some of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam.
Giethoorn, Edam, Volendam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans are my five picturesque Dutch villages that are well worth visiting if you’re looking to experience the traditional charm and character of the Netherlands. These villages offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and are known for their beautiful landscapes, charming architecture, and friendly locals. All these places are well connected to Amsterdam, the capital city and I am super proud of Netherlands transports for being very on time and accurate.
Here’s a closer look at each of these charming destinations and how to reach them;
Giethoorn:
This charming village, located in the province of Overijssel, is known for its picturesque canals, thatched roof cottages, and lush greenery. Giethoorn is often referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands” and is a popular destination for tourists looking for a peaceful escape from the busy cities.
How to reach Giethoorn:
- By Bus: Take a bus from Amsterdam to Steenwijk, and then transfer to another bus to Giethoorn. The trip takes approximately 2 hours.
- By Train: Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Steenwijk, and then transfer to a bus to Giethoorn. The trip takes approximately 2 hours.
- By Car: Rent a car in Amsterdam and drive to Giethoorn, which takes approximately 2 hours.
You can also book your tour here:
Edam:
This historic village is best known for its cheese, which has been produced in the region for centuries. Edam is also known for its beautiful canals and well-preserved architecture, including several historic buildings in the Netherlands that date back to the 17th century. You can explore the cheese market, taste traditional Dutch cheese, and walk the village’s picturesque canals.
How to reach Edam:
- Train: You can take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Edam Station, which takes around 30 minutes.
- Bus: You can take bus 165 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station to Edam, which takes around 45 minutes.
- Bicycle: Edam is just a 20-mile bike ride from Amsterdam and it is a popular and scenic route.
- Car: You can drive from Amsterdam to Edam in around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Volendam:
This charming fishing village is located on the IJsselmeer lake and is known for its vibrant fishing industry, traditional Dutch costumes, and charming architecture. You can explore the village’s bustling harbor, sample fresh seafood, and visit the Volendam Museum, which showcases the local fishing culture and history.
How to reach Volendam:
- Train: Take a train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Edam-Volendam station, the journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
- Bus: Take bus line 316 from Amsterdam central station to Volendam, the journey takes approximately 30 mins
- Taxi: You can also take a taxi from Amsterdam to Volendam, but it will be more expensive compared to other options and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Bike: If you want to explore the area, you can rent a bike in Amsterdam and cycle to Volendam, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Marken:
This picturesque village is located on a peninsula in the IJsselmeer lake and is known for its well-preserved wooden houses, charming bridges, and historic fishing culture. Visitors can take a walk through the village’s narrow streets, visit the Marker Museum, and walk to my favourite place from this trip, The Paard van Marken lighthouse which gives you some incredible views along the way.
How to reach Marken:
- By Train: Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Monnickendam and then transfer to a bus to Marken.
- By Bus: Direct buses are available from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station to Marken.
- By Car: Marken is about 45 minutes drive from Amsterdam, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach Marken.
- By Boat: You can take a cruise – Marken Express from Volendam to Marken, for a fun experience.
Zaanse Schans:
Here you can explore a collection of well-preserved windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and a working industrial museum. The Zaanse Schans is also a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture and offers a peaceful escape from the bustling cities.
How to reach Zaanse Schans:
- By Train: Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.
- By Bus: Take bus 391 from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes.
- You can also book your trip here.
Rotterdam:
This city is known for its cutting-edge architecture and thriving port, making it a unique and exciting place to visit. Rotterdam is home to several world-renowned architectural landmarks, including the Markthal, which is a large indoor food market housed in a stunning building, and the Cube Houses, a group of whimsical cube-shaped houses.
How to reach Rotterdam:
- Train: The quickest and most convenient way to reach Rotterdam from Amsterdam is by train. Trains run regularly between Amsterdam Central Station and Rotterdam Central Station, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. The trains are operated by the national railway company NS and tickets can be purchased at the station or online.
- Bus: Bus services are operated by several companies, including Flixbus and Eurolines, and take around 1 hour to reach Rotterdam. Buses depart from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and arrive at Rotterdam’s Central Station.
- Car: If you prefer to drive, it is possible to reach Rotterdam from Amsterdam by car. The journey takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. You can rent a car at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport or in the city center.
- Bicycle: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also cycle from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey takes around 4 hours and is a scenic route that takes you through the beautiful Dutch countryside.
Choose the one that best fits your travel style and budget, and enjoy the journey to these vibrant places.
These charming Dutch villages that offer a unique and authentic experience of the country’s rich cultural heritage has to be in your list if you ever plan to visit Netherlands, to experience the place in Dutch way. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these villages are definitely worth visiting. Hope you enjoyed going through my blog. If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, make sure to add these charming destinations to your itinerary and let me know if this blog helped you in any way.
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