Eastern Netherlands Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Eastern Netherlands, featuring top attractions, activities, food, and cultural experiences.


Introduction to Eastern Netherlands

Eastern Netherlands, nestled in the center of the Netherlands, is a picturesque region brimming with culture, natural beauty, and history. Comprising of three provinces - Overijssel, Gelderland, and Limburg, Eastern Netherlands is rich in heritage and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in Eastern Netherlands.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Netherlands

  • Zwolle
  • Deventer
  • Arnhem
  • Nijmegen
  • Venlo
  • Maastricht

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Eastern Netherlands has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums and historical sites that attract visitors from around the world. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions in the region include:

  • Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn
  • Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo
  • Arnhem Airborne Museum
  • Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen
  • Limburgs Museum in Venlo

Natural Attractions of Eastern Netherlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Eastern Netherlands is renowned for its natural beauty, with idyllic countryside landscapes, scenic forests, and tranquil waterways. The region has numerous outdoor adventures to offer, including hiking, cycling, boating, and more. Here are the top natural attractions in Eastern Netherlands:

  • Hoge Veluwe National Park
  • De Biesbosch National Park
  • Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park
  • Mookerheide Nature Reserve
  • Pieterpad Hiking Route

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Netherlands

Eastern Netherlands boasts of some of the best hiking and biking trails in the country. With a range of terrains, from flat meadows to rolling hills, there’s a trail for every fitness level. Some popular routes are:

  • Pieterpad Hiking Trail
  • Veluwezoom National Park Cycling Route
  • Rondje Pontje cycling route in Limburg
  • Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park Hiking Trail
  • Groene Hart Holland cycling route

Best Things to Do in Eastern Netherlands: Activities and Tours

Besides the outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, Eastern Netherlands has a range of exciting activities to offer. From indulging in local cuisine and taking a canal tour, there’s much to see and do in the region. Here are some things to add to your itinerary:

  • Take a canal tour in Zwolle
  • Sample local Gouda cheese in Deventer
  • Explore the farmers’ markets around Arnhem
  • Visit the Castle Gardens in Arcen
  • Try the local beer in Maastricht

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Netherlands

A week in Eastern Netherlands allows you to explore the best of the region’s cities, countryside, and natural beauty. Here’s a sample itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore the historic city of Zwolle
  • Day 2: Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum and Hoge Veluwe National Park
  • Day 3: Take a bike tour of the Deventer countryside
  • Day 4: Explore Arnhem and its fascinating World War II history
  • Day 5: Discover the castles and gardens of Maastricht
  • Day 6: Enjoy a boat ride through the canals of Venlo
  • Day 7: Hike the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park and enjoy a local beer in Nijverdal

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Netherlands

Eastern Netherlands has a rich culinary tradition with a range of local dishes and beverages. With flavors influenced by Germany and Belgium, the region’s cuisine offers a blend of sweet and savory dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes) in Deventer
  • Stamppot (Dutch mashed potatoes) in Arnhem
  • Limburgse Vlaai (fruit tarts) in Maastricht
  • Zwolse Balletjes (cinnamon balls) in Zwolle
  • Krentenwegge (Currant loaf) in Nijverdal

Local Beverages

  • Jenever (Dutch gin) in Arnhem
  • Limburgse Bier (Limburg beer) in Maastricht
  • Zwolse Whiskey (local whiskey) in Zwolle
  • Deventerse Kruidenbitter (herbal liqueur) in Deventer
  • Venloosch Alt (regional beer) in Venlo

Where to Stay in Eastern Netherlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Netherlands has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget hostel, you’ll find something that suits your needs. Some popular options are:

  • Sandton Hotel De Roskam in Arnhem
  • Boutique Hotel de Eilanden in Deventer
  • Hotel Kasteel Bloemendal in Maastricht
  • Hotel Lumen Zwolle
  • Van der Valk Hotel Venlo

What to Buy in Eastern Netherlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eastern Netherlands is famous for its local crafts and products, which make great souvenirs to bring back home. Some of the best things to buy in Eastern Netherlands are:

  • Delft Blue pottery in Deventer
  • Wooden clogs in Arnhem
  • Birthday calendars in Limburg
  • Maastricht ceramics
  • Cheese from the Sallandse Heuvelrug Region

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Netherlands

The residents of Eastern Netherlands are known for their hospitable and community-focused nature. Visitors should experience local customs to gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s culture. Here’s a guide to the region’s customs:

  • The Gelderland province has traditional clothing and music that celebrate the local heritage.
  • The Limburg province is Catholic and celebrates various religious festivals like Carnival.
  • The Overijssel province showcases traditional wooden architecture and has water activities (like boating) due to its location.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Netherlands

The best time to visit Eastern Netherlands is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is milder, and the landscapes are stunning. The summer months (June-August) are also popular with tourists, but the region can get crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Netherlands

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Take a bike tour through the countryside.
  • Respect the locals’ customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter in natural areas.
  • Speak too loudly in public spaces.
  • Neglect to bring an umbrella as the weather can be unpredictable.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern Netherlands

Eastern Netherlands is a very safe region for travelers. Most of the popular tourist destinations are safe, and the locals are friendly and hospitable. However, it is always important to be vigilant and cautious while traveling.

Health in Eastern Netherlands

The health care system in Eastern Netherlands is top-notch. Pharmacies and hospitals are readily available, and most healthcare professionals speak English.

Getting to Eastern Netherlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eastern Netherlands is easily accessible from various parts of Europe, with several major airports within easy reach. The region also has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around once you’re there.

Airports Near Eastern Netherlands

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
  • Weeze Airport
  • Dusseldorf Airport

Bus Stations Near Eastern Netherlands

  • Arnhem Bus Station
  • Nijmegen Bus Station
  • Apeldoorn Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: NS Trains
  • Car: Car rental is easily available at airports.

How to Get Around in Eastern Netherlands

Eastern Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system, with buses, trains, and trams linking the region’s major cities. It is also easy to rent a car or bike while in the region.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Netherlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eastern Netherlands is well-connected to other parts of the Netherlands and Europe. Some popular destinations near Eastern Netherlands are:

  • Amsterdam
  • Rotterdam
  • The Hague
  • Cologne (Germany)
  • Brussels (Belgium)

Conclusion

Eastern Netherlands is a region that has something for everyone, with its scenic landscapes, rich culture, and diverse range of activities. Visitors are sure to leave with fond memories of this charming region.

Much of the countryside here consists of fields and forests, dotted with villages. Much of the countryside here consists of fields and forests, dotted with villages. Several of the cities were once part of the Hanseatic League, and have pleasant historic centres. Kampen is among the smaller ones. Several of the cities were once part of the Hanseatic League, and have pleasant historic centres. Kampen is among the smaller ones. Kootwijkerzand, a desert landscape in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, quite unlike any other Dutch landscape. Kootwijkerzand, a desert landscape in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, quite unlike any other Dutch landscape.


    Gelderland
    Overijssel