Paleis Het Loo
It’s no coincidence that Paleis Het Loo has been named one of the seven most beautiful museums in the world! During a visit to this palace, you’ll walk through impressive rooms that still look almost exactly as they did when the Dutch royal family lived there. Curious about the history of the palace and its residents? Then listen to the audio tour as you explore. Outside, you can stroll through the palace’s (huge!) gardens, or relax on the terrace and enjoy the view. In the coach houses, you can admire the cars of Prince Hendrik and the historic carriages of the royal family.
Paleis Het Loo is located near Apeldoorn and Deventer; perfect for a city trip! I highly recommend Deventer, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. The city has plenty of culture, sights and historical monuments, as well as a lot of charming shops, including a bookshop in a church, and cosy terraces along the IJssel river.
Travel time by public transport: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Kröller-Müller Museum
If you love nature and culture, the Kröller-Müller Museum is the perfect destination. Inside, you’ll find works by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondrian, alongside temporary exhibitions. It’s best to visit on a sunny day, though; their outdoor sculpture garden, with more than 160 sculptures, is just as impressive.
The Kröller-Müller Museum is located in the middle of De Hoge Veluwe National Park. All around the museum, you’ll find white bicycles, which you can use for free to cycle through the park. With a museum visit and a bike ride through the park, you’ll easily fill an entire day. If you still have time to spare or are away for a whole weekend, combine your trip with a day trip to Arnhem. Here you can take a city tour, explore the historic cellars, go shopping or simply relax on a terrace.
Travel time by public transport: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is, of course, known as a tourist hotspot, and to be honest, it is. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun, though! Is there anything better than a sunny day on the water, passing cute houses, and just hanging out with friends? And okay, every now and then a tourist might bump into you, but hey, that’s all part of the experience, shall we say 😉. Enjoy an ice cream or a drink on the terrace afterwards, and your day trip is complete. Keep in mind, though: planning your visit wisely does help. Go early in the day or during the week, and try to avoid public holidays, as it can get very busy.
Travel time by public transport: 2 hours
Münster
Anyone who thinks Münster is only worth visiting for its Christmas markets is mistaken! There’s plenty to do there throughout the rest of the year, too. In the city centre, you can visit the Pablo Picasso Art Museum, explore one of the many churches, go shopping or enjoy a delicious meal. Do keep in mind that shops in Münster are closed on Sundays. A 15-minute walk from the city centre takes you to the Aasee, a lake offering plenty to do. You can hire a boat, have a picnic, or relax on one of the terraces along the lake. Fancy something active? Then walk or cycle along the Promenade, a 4.5 km route around the city centre.
Travel time by public transport: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Kasteel Twickel
If you don’t fancy travelling but still want to feel like you’re really somewhere else, visit Kasteel Twickel. This castle is just a 20-minute train ride and a short walk away! From April onwards, you can take a beautiful walk through the castle gardens. From June, you can also enjoy a cup of tea in the Orangery or take a guided tour of the castle. Tours are limited, so make sure you book well in advance. You will need a ticket to visit the castle and its gardens, but the surrounding area is perfect for walking and cycling too (and completely free of charge).
Travel time by public transport: 30 minutes
Tulip fields
Spring is the perfect time to visit tulip fields. Well-known spots such as the Bollenstreek and Keukenhof are beautiful, but they’re also far away and very busy. The Noordoostpolder is a bit closer to home, less crowded and just as beautiful! At Tulpenpluktuin Marknesse, for example, you can walk through the tulip fields, take photos and pick your own tulips. The perfect activity for a sunny spring day!
Travel time by public transport: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Efteling
Okay, the Efteling is a bit further away, but if you love theme parks, it’s definitely worth the trip. Efteling has something for everyone: from big roller coasters to dark rides and fairytale-themed attractions. And secretly, the Fairytale Forest, where all the famous fairytales come to life, is just as fun! During a visit to the Efteling, you’ll spend most of your time outdoors. That’s why in spring, with everything in bloom and the sun shining, it’s especially enjoyable!
Travel time by public transport: 3 hours
