Northern Netherlands Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Northern Netherlands with our complete travel guide. Read on for tips and suggestions.
- Introduction to Northern Netherlands
- List of Places to Visit in Northern Netherlands
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Netherlands
- Best Things to Do in Northern Netherlands: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Netherlands
- Food and Drink Scene of Northern Netherlands
- Where to Stay in Northern Netherlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Northern Netherlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Northern Netherlands
- Best Time to Visit Northern Netherlands
- Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Netherlands
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Northern Netherlands: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Northern Netherlands
- Where to Go Next from Northern Netherlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Europe? Look no further than Northern Netherlands! This region boasts an abundance of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures. From picturesque small towns to thriving cities, Northern Netherlands has something to offer every type of traveler. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, and where to stay in Northern Netherlands.
Introduction to Northern Netherlands
Northern Netherlands, also known as Noord-Nederland, is a stunning region in the northern part of the Netherlands. It is composed of the three provinces of Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. These provinces are known for their natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique traditions.
List of Places to Visit in Northern Netherlands
Here are some must-visit places in Northern Netherlands:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Groninger Museum, Groningen
- Fries Museum, Leeuwarden
- Kamp Westerbork, Hooghalen
- Museum Village Orvelte, Orvelte
Natural Attractions of Northern Netherlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Wadden Sea National Park, Groningen and Friesland
- Lauwersmeer National Park, Groningen and Friesland
- Drents-Friese Wold National Park, Drenthe and Friesland
- Schiermonnikoog Island, Friesland
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Netherlands
Northern Netherlands is known for its stunning natural landscapes, and what better way to explore them than on foot or by bike? Here are some beautiful routes to try:
- Pieterpad, Groningen and Drenthe
- Wadden Islands Trail, Friesland
- Drenthe Highlands Route, Drenthe
Best Things to Do in Northern Netherlands: Activities and Tours
Here are some of the best things to do in Northern Netherlands:
- Visit the iconic leaning Oldehove tower in Leeuwarden
- Take a boat tour of the Wadden Sea
- Attend the Frisian Sailing Parade in Sneek
- Learn about the art of cheese-making at the Friesland Cheese Factory
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Netherlands
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Northern Netherlands, here’s a suggested itinerary:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Groningen, visit the Groninger Museum |
| 2 | Explore the Wadden Sea National Park |
| 3 | Head to Leeuwarden, visit the Fries Museum |
| 4 | Take a boat tour of the Frisian lakes |
| 5 | Discover Drenthe, visit Museum Village Orvelte and Kamp Westerbork |
| 6 | Hike the Pieterpad trail |
| 7 | Enjoy Schiermonnikoog Island |
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Netherlands
Northern Netherlands is known for its delicious local cuisine, which features fresh seafood, hearty stews, and traditional cheeses. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Stamppot, a hearty potato and vegetable mash
- Friese Oranjekoek, a spiced cookie
- Suikerbrood, a sweet bread with sugar crystals
Local Beverages
- Beerenburg, a traditional Dutch liqueur
- Schylger Juttersbitter, a herbal liquor from Terschelling
- Dokkumer Coffee, coffee with a splash of Beerenburg
Where to Stay in Northern Netherlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, Northern Netherlands has plenty of options. Here are some of our favorites:
- Hotel Prinsenhof, Groningen
- Boutique Hotel De Eilanden, Harlingen
- Stayokay Terschelling, Terschelling
- De Herberg van Anderen, Drenthe
What to Buy in Northern Netherlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Looking for a unique souvenir to bring back home? Here are some suggestions:
- Friesland cheese
- Delftware pottery
- Klokka beer, brewed in Groningen
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Netherlands
Northern Netherlands is a region with a rich cultural heritage, often expressed through traditional festivals and rituals. Here are some customs and traditions to be aware of:
- Friday Night Skate, a weekly community roller skating event in Groningen
- Sneekweek, a week-long sailing festival in Sneek
- Elfstedentocht, a historic ice-skating race that covers 200 kilometers
Best Time to Visit Northern Netherlands
The best time to visit Northern Netherlands is in the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, and many of the region’s outdoor festivals and events take place.
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Netherlands
Do:
- Try the local cuisine and drinks
- Explore the region’s natural beauty
- Embrace the local culture and traditions
Don’t:
- Smoke in public areas
- Ignore bicycle lanes
- Disturb the natural habitats of wildlife
Safety and Health
Safety in Northern Netherlands
Northern Netherlands is generally a safe region with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Health in Northern Netherlands
The overall standard of healthcare in Northern Netherlands is high. If you need medical assistance, you can seek help at one of the many hospitals or clinics in the region.
Getting to Northern Netherlands: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Northern Netherlands
The nearest airports to Northern Netherlands are:
- Groningen Airport Eelde, Groningen
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Amsterdam
Bus Stations Near Northern Netherlands
- Groningen Bus Station
- Leeuwarden Bus Station
Other Options
Northern Netherlands is easily accessible by train or car. The region has an extensive network of trains and highways, which makes it easy to get around.
How to Get Around in Northern Netherlands
The best way to get around Northern Netherlands is by bicycle. The region has an extensive network of bike paths, and many towns and cities have bike rental shops.
Where to Go Next from Northern Netherlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have extra time to explore, consider visiting one of these nearby destinations:
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Bremen, Germany
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Conclusion
Northern Netherlands is a region that’s rich in natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique traditions. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your next trip to Northern Netherlands, and get ready to explore all that this stunning region has to offer.
Northern Netherlands Image Gallery
The Frisian Lakes are a popular boating and water sports destination
Drenthe heathlands in bloom
Stunning design of the Bourtange fortifications
Mudflat hikers near Pieterburen