Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden Travel Guide

Discover the top places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide to this beautiful region of South Holland.


Introduction to Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden, also known as South Holland Island, is a picturesque region of the South Holland province in the Netherlands. It is made up of several stunning islands, including Goeree-Overflakkee, Voorne-Putten, and Hoeksche Waard. With sprawling beaches, enchanting nature reserves, impressive museums, historic towns, and a vibrant culinary scene, Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden has something to offer everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Here are the top places to visit on your trip to Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum Voorlinden: This contemporary art museum is located in Wassenaar and features works by renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama, and Dan Flavin.
  • Dordrecht: This charming city is home to over 1,000 national monuments, including the historic Grote Kerk and the elegant Huis van Gijn Museum.
  • Kinderdijk: This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 19 windmills that have been used to manage water levels since the 18th century.

Natural Attractions of Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rockanje Beach: This breathtaking beach is located on the Voorne-Putten island and provides endless opportunities for water sports, sunbathing, and relaxing.
  • De Biesbosch National Park: This sprawling nature reserve is located between the Dordrecht and Breda, and offers an abundance of wildlife sightings, birdwatching, and kayaking.
  • Ouddorp: This serene town is known for its beautiful dunes, cycling routes, and the iconic Vuurtoren Westhoofd lighthouse.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden is a paradise for hikers and bikers.

  • Goeree-Overflakkee: This island has over thousand kilometers of marked bike routes, taking you through colorful flower fields, sandy beaches, and quaint villages.
  • Hoeksche Waard: This region has many nature trails suitable for all levels of hikers. The polder landscape with pristine fields, wide rivers, and panoramic views of the Haringvliet estuary makes for a picturesque journey.
  • Voorne-Putten: This area is home to diverse landscapes, including nature parks, forests, and beaches. The cycling routes here take you on a journey through different eras of Dutch history.

Best Things to Do in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of things to do in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden.

  • Visit Keukenhof Gardens: Journey to the world’s most expansive flower garden with over 7 million blooms. The garden features a colorful array of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other blooming beauties.
  • Climb Up the Euromast Tower: Take a ride up the Euromast Tower in Rotterdam for a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding area.
  • Take a Boat Tour: Explore the vast waterways and rivers of Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden and take a scenic boat tour of the area.
  • Go Camping in Nature: The region provides multiple nature reserves and campgrounds perfect for camping adventures with friends or family.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden:

Day Activity
1 Tour of Dordrecht
2 Cycling in Hoeksche Waard
3 Visit Kinderdijk Windmills
4 Beach Day in Rockanje
5 Visit Keukenhof Gardens
6 Canoeing in De Biesbosch National Park
7 Visit Museum Voorlinden

Food and Drink Scene of Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden has a rich culinary scene showcasing local seafood, vegetables, and meats.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hollandse Nieuwe: This fresh, raw herring is typically served with onions and pickles.
  • Kapsalon: A popular fast food dish consisting of fries, meat, and cheese.
  • Stroopwafels: A traditional Dutch dessert made with two thin waffles sandwiched together with sweet syrup.

Local Beverages

  • Jenever: The national spirit of the Netherlands, a traditional Dutch gin, is typically drunk with a bitter-sweet flavor with hints of juniper berries and grains.
  • Heineken: The famous beer brand of the Netherlands has its brewery in Amsterdam, which is an ideal place to experience the traditional brewing process and tasting tour.

Where to Stay in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs, from luxurious hotels to camper vans.

  • Roompot Kijkduin: A luxury resort-style experience in The Hague.
  • Stayokay Hostel Rotterdam: A great place for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Vakantiepark De Klepperstee: A campsite in Ouddorp that lies a few minutes away from the beach.

What to Buy in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden has a variety of souvenirs and local products that make for great gifts.

  • Delft Blue Pottery: A famous blue-and-white pottery made in Delft.
  • Cheese: Holland is famous for its cheese, and there are many varieties to choose from.
  • Stroopwafels: A sweet Dutch dessert that makes for a perfect gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden has a rich cultural heritage that manifests in architecture, festivals, and traditions. One of the famous traditional festivals is the Reddingbootdag, celebrated in May to commemorate the Dutch lifeboat rescue services.

Best Time to Visit Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

The best time to visit Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden is from April to September when the weather is mild and the days are longer. The spring season boasts flower shows like Keukenhof and the famous Tulip fields.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try some traditional Dutch food and beverages.
  • Keep your surroundings clean and organized.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in inappropriate areas that are not designated for smoking.
  • Do not litter or damage public properties.
  • Avoid loud noises or music in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden has a low crime rate and is considered to be a safe place to travel. However, like in any other place, it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and take necessary precautions.

Health in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden has modern healthcare facilities available throughout the region.

Getting to Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden: Transportation Options and Logistics

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden is easily accessible by air, train, and bus.

Airports Near Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport - Located just 25 km away, the Rotterdam Airport is the nearest airport to Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden.

Bus Stations Near Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

  • The Hague Central Station - The Hague’s central station connects the city to all major cities in the Netherlands.
  • Rotterdam Central Station - Rotterdam’s central station has connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.

Other Options

  • Rent a Car: Renting a car is an excellent option if you plan on exploring the countryside of Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden or getting to less accessible locations.

How to Get Around in Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden

The most convenient way to travel within Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden is by car, train, or bicycle. The public transportation system is well developed and has a reliable network.

Where to Go Next from Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden is well-placed for visiting other destinations within the Netherlands and Northern Europe.

  • Amsterdam: The capital of Netherlands is just a few hours journey by car or train.
  • Utrecht: This charming Dutch city is full of old-world charm and a canal network that is as enchanting as the one in Amsterdam.
  • Brussels: The capital of Belgium is easily accessible by train from Rotterdam.

Conclusion

Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden is an idyllic destination offering you a perfect blend of natural, cultural, and historic attractions. With friendly locals, an excellent transportation network, and plenty of things to see and do, Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden ensures an unforgettable trip. Plan your trip to this charming region to explore the best of South Holland.



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