safe journey netherlands

What you need to know when you travel to the Netherlands

News item | 20-08-2021 | 10:28

There are certain things you need to know if you’re planning to travel to the Netherlands during the current pandemic. In this article Conrad van Tiggelen, director of strategy and branding at the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions , helps fill you in so you can properly prepare for your trip.

What is the current situation in the Netherlands?

‘The Netherlands has re-opened for the most part. Some basic rules still apply, however: avoid busy places, stay 1.5 metres away from other people, wash your hands often and – if you have symptoms – stay at home and get tested. Face masks are no longer required in most public spaces. Public transport is the only exception: everyone aged 13 or older must still wear a face mask at stations and airports, on trains, buses and ferries, and in taxis.’

Is the Netherlands ready to welcome foreign tourists again?

‘Absolutely. The Netherlands is a welcoming country and is looking forward to receiving tourists in a safe, responsible way. We’ve missed having visitors from abroad and are excited for their return. The Dutch are always happy to put their knowledge of other languages to use to help foreign visitors.’

What do tourists need to bear in mind when travelling to the Netherlands?

‘Exactly what you need to bear in mind when travelling to the Netherlands depends on where you’re travelling from, how you are travelling and whether the country you’re travelling from is on the list of safe countries and regions.’

See the information below and this checklist  for more about travelling to the Netherlands from abroad.

Find out whether you are required to self-quarantine and what documents you need when you travel via the check on reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl . It will give you a personal travel overview, based on your travel details.

Travelling from within the EU/Schengen area

See the list of safe countries and regions in the EU/Schengen area .

• You are travelling from a place that is on the list of safe countries/regions: you may travel to the Netherlands. You do not need proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are, however, advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
• You are travelling from a high-risk area: you may travel to the Netherlands. If you are 12 or older you must have a Digital COVID Certificate (proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or negative COVID-19 test result) . You do not need to self-quarantine. You are advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.

Travelling by air

If you are 13 or older and are travelling to the Netherlands by air, you are required to complete a health declaration form.  Download the health declaration form here .

Travelling from outside the EU/Schengen area

See the list of safe countries and regions outside the EU/Schengen area .

• You are travelling from a place that is on the list of safe countries/regions: you may travel to the Netherlands. You must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are, however, advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
• You are travelling from a high-risk area:  an EU entry ban is in place for people travelling to the EU/Schengen area from places not on the list of safe countries and regions. Generally speaking you may not, therefore, travel to the Netherlands – although certain exceptions do apply. Find out who is exempt from the EU entry ban and may travel to the Netherlands. You must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
• You are travelling from a very high-risk area: you are required to show a negative test result and to self-quarantine. When arriving in the Netherlands after a stay in a very high-risk area, you must self-quarantine for 10 days – this applies whether or not there is a virus variant of concern in that area. And it applies even if you have proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. If you get tested on day 5 you can shorten your quarantine period.

If you are 13 or older and are travelling to the Netherlands by air, you are required to complete a health declaration form. Download the health declaration form here.

Type of negative COVID-19 test result required when travelling to the Netherlands

If you need a negative COVID-19 test result to travel to the Netherlands, it must be from either a NAAT (PCR) test conducted no more than 48 hours before your departure or an antigen test conducted no more than 24 hours before your departure. There are additional measures if you are travelling from a high risk area.  Find out more about test result requirements here.

Changing planes in the Netherlands

If you change planes in the Netherlands and you board your connecting flight within 24 hours without leaving the airport in the meantime, you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result. If, however, you are travelling from a very high-risk area you must have a completed and signed quarantine declaration form with you, even if you have been vaccinated.   Download the quarantine declaration form here.

If you are 13 or older and travelling to the Netherlands by air you are also required to complete a health declaration form, even if you are only changing planes. Download the health declaration form here .

Please note that in some cases you may require an airport transit visa .

You are travelling through the Netherlands by car/motorcycle and will be in the country for less than 12 hours

If you will be in the Netherlands for less than 12 hours you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result. If, however, you are travelling from a high-risk area you must have a completed and signed quarantine declaration form with you.  Download the quarantine declaration form here.

What should tourists bear in mind while they are visiting the Netherlands?

‘You can have a great holiday in the Netherlands. Hotels, camp sites and holiday parks are all open. There may, however, be additional rules in place. Shops, museums, amusement parks and other sights and attractions are also open, but you may need to book tickets in advance. Make sure you find out ahead of time what rules apply at your accommodation and any locations you want to visit.

Restaurants, cafés and bars are open, although guests must be assigned a seat and everyone must keep 1.5 metres apart. Establishments serving food and drink may not stay open past midnight or open before 06.00 in the morning. Nightclubs and similar venues are currently closed.

Multi-day events with overnight stays are not permitted before 20 September. One-day events are permitted subject to certain conditions. Event organisers may request that you show a COVID certificate to enter – for this the Dutch CoronaCheck app is required.’

What should tourists do if they become ill while in the Netherlands?

‘Stay in your accommodation and do not leave except to get tested. You can make an appointment to get tested by calling 0800 1202 (or +31 850 659 063 if you’re calling from a foreign phone) between 08.00 and 20.00. COVID-19 tests are free of charge in the Netherlands at all test locations run by the municipal health services (GGD). If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the instructions given to you by the healthcare professionals. If your symptoms are life-threatening, call the Dutch emergency number 112.’

What should foreign visitors bear in mind before leaving the Netherlands to return home?

‘Many countries consider the Netherlands to be a high-risk area. Your home country may therefore require you to show a negative test result when you return. Before leaving the Netherlands, always check the latest rules for entering your home country.’

Do you have any additional tips for holidaymakers travelling to the Netherlands?

‘There is a lot to explore in the Netherlands within a relatively short distance. Avoid busy places and seek out different adventures. Stray from the beaten path and discover some of our country’s lesser-known spots. Do as the locals do and explore by bike, for example. There are many places in the Netherlands where you can rent bikes (including e-bikes). Visit Holland.com for inspiration.

Another option is to take in Dutch culture in our museums, many of which now offer reduced admission. If you are planning to visit several museums, the Netherlands Museum Pass could be a good option for you – it offers unlimited access to more than 400 museums across the country. Due to the restrictions in place, museums may require you to book tickets. You should therefore plan your visit in good time to be sure you can get in during your stay in the Netherlands.’

What you need to know before you go to the Netherlands

May 26, 2024 • 9 min read

Everywhere in the Netherlands is easily accessible, like Rotterdam with its mix of architecture © Victor Maschek / Shutterstock

With its beautiful cities and countryside of polders, dykes, windmills and canals connected by superb, sustainable infrastructure, the Netherlands is one of the easiest places to travel. As a visitor, you won’t find too many potential pitfalls, but there are still a few things to be aware of (starting with getting its name right!). Having written about this charming and fascinating country for almost two decades (and experienced it over a lifetime), these are my key tips for a smooth trip.

1. It’s the Netherlands (not Holland)

You’ll come across plenty of references to “Holland” as a synonym for the entire country (it’s only recently started transitioning out of use by the Dutch tourism authority ) but in fact Holland refers to just two of the country’s 12 provinces: Noord-Holland (North Holland; Haarlem is the provincial capital, while Amsterdam is the largest city and national capital) and Zuid-Holland (South Holland; Den Haag is the provincial capital and seat of government and royalty, with Rotterdam the largest city). The rest of the country is not Holland, and the nation as a whole is the Netherlands.

You might also hear references to the Randstad, the conurbation that takes in the Netherlands’ biggest cities in Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland and Utrecht, which forms the country’s economic engine and is home to almost half of its population.

2. Remember there’s more to Amsterdam than the city center – and more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam

Amsterdam is where most people arrive, and for many it’s their only destination. With visitor numbers skyrocketing, the Dutch capital is balancing overtourism through measures such as raising tourist taxes; restricting short-stay apartment rental and house swaps; capping the number of annual overnight visitors; halving river cruises; and closing its ocean-liner cruise ship port completely. It is also deterring raucous, hard-partying “nuisance tourists” (by banning organized pub crawls and curbing central bar and club opening hours) while still welcoming respectful visitors.

You don’t have to go far from the center to discover fantastic, often under-the-radar neighborhoods, such as Amsterdam’s West, Oost (East) and Noord (North), where you’ll get a deeper insight into local life. Positive-impact tours run by Tours That Matter are also a great way to get off the tourist track.

Added to that, the Netherlands’ compact size and excellent transport puts the country’s grand cities, classic landscapes and exhilarating things to do (and invariably cheaper prices) right on Amsterdam’s doorstep.

3. Decide how long to spend in the Netherlands

Crossing the country takes just a few hours but there’s a lot to see. A week will give you time to experience Amsterdam and surrounding destinations (such as Haarlem , Utrecht , Leiden , Delft , Den Haag and Rotterdam ). The longer you have, the more you can explore all corners of the country, from the Frisian coast and islands to superbly preserved Hanseatic cities such as Deventer and Zwolle, and the hilly southeast around vibrant Maastricht .

When you’re putting together your itinerary, you can get a good sense of travel times on journey planner 9292.nl , which calculates the most efficient public transport routes throughout the country. Traveling by bike, using the country’s extensive system of short- and long-distance cycleways, is also entirely viable and an enjoyable way to get around. Cycling is part of the Dutch DNA (locals ride literally everywhere: work, dinner, the opera, you name it), so you’ll be in good company.

Discover the best ways to get around the Netherlands

4. Book museum time-slots in advance to avoid missing out

As the home turf of artistic masters from Rembrandt and Vermeer to Van Gogh, Mondrian and MC Escher, the Netherlands brims with incredible art, and hundreds of museums also showcase the country’s rich history, traditions and diversity. Increasingly, museum entry requires you to reserve a time slot online. These can quickly fill up in advance, so book them a few weeks ahead (even earlier for the Anne Frank Huis ), so you have a framework for the rest of your schedule.

5. Lock in accommodation and popular restaurant bookings ahead of time, too

Especially if you’re traveling in the high summer season or during festivals, events and holidays, you should make sure you have your accommodation booked ahead. High-end and/or popular restaurants should also be reserved well in advance.

6. Pack practically and plan for fickle weather

There’s a reason windmills are a fixture across the flat landscape: it can get distinctly breezy here (the uniquely Dutch verb uitwaaien means “to clear one's head by taking a walk outdoors in the windy fresh air”), and the maritime climate also means plenty of rain, so pack waterproofs, no matter the season. You’ll also be glad of comfortable, sturdy footwear for walking on all terrains, a slimline daypack and layers you can quickly put on if things turn chilly. Warm clothes, gloves and a woolen hat are essential in winter.

The Dutch cycling culture means fashion is not only stylish (Dutch design is big here) but practical (such as flat soles and clothing that won’t get caught in bicycle spokes).

Consider traveling to the Netherlands outside the summer peak: here’s the best time to go

 7. Anticipate what to expect at your accommodation

Accommodation in the Netherlands can spring a few surprises on the uninitiated. In older buildings especially, there might not be air conditioning and elevators might be tiny or non-existent (and Dutch staircases can be precipitously steep, often more akin to ships’ ladders). Attitudes tend to be quite liberal and straightforward, and bathrooms can be more open-plan than you might expect and/or have limited screening (yes, often even the toilets). If modesty is important to you, this is something you’ll want to look into when booking; once you check in, alternative rooms might not be available.

To let natural light in, hotels and residential homes and apartments often have large windows without blinds or drapes, but in a small, densely populated country, people respect each other’s privacy.

8. Get to grips with Dutch communication

The Dutch are clear, concise communicators, favoring directness over small talk. To visitors, this might come across as bracingly frank but it’s simply intended to be pragmatic, open and honest. Punctuality is expected in formal and social situations.

Excellent, fluent English is widely spoken, but a few words of Dutch can help grease the wheels of communication, such as goedemorgen/goedendag/goedenavond (good morning/day/evening), tot ziens (goodbye), alstublieft/alsjeblieft (formal/informal for please), and dank u wel/dank je wel (formal/informal for thank you). Toast a frothy beer or jenever (aka genever; Dutch gin) with proost (cheers) while making eye contact with everyone you’re toasting. Dutch drinking culture is social, revolving around food and friends, starting with borrel (“drinks”) before uitgaan (going out).

9. Embrace sustainability

In a country lying mostly below sea level, environmental concerns have long been top of mind, and the Dutch are blazing the way on sustainability. The Netherlands is aiming for a circular economy by 2050 , reusing, repairing and recycling renewable materials to eliminate waste, and rapid progress is being achieved across day-to-day life. Everything you can do as a visitor (using eco-friendly transport, minimizing energy consumption, packaging and food waste, dining on local and organic produce and shopping sustainably) will help.

10. Understand tipping etiquette

In the Netherlands, remuneration in hospitality professions includes service, so staff here aren’t working for tips. That being said, many people do tip moderately (up to around 10%) for excellent service, especially in restaurants and bars where drinks are brought to the table.  

11. Carry both cards and cash

Contactless cards and app-based ”smart wallet” digital payments are becoming increasingly common (such as the public transport system), and many businesses such as cafes, restaurants and shops (even some supermarkets) in larger cities especially are entirely cashless. On the flipside, many traditional establishments don’t take cards and only accept cash. It’s handy to have a mix of cash and cards to cover your bases.

12. Beware of bike lanes

Bike-lane traffic can move much faster, and in much higher volumes, than you might expect. Along with speedy cyclists, beware of motorized electric bikes and larger cargo bikes. As a pedestrian, be vigilant when crossing the road. Wandering into a bike lane without looking in both directions can cause serious accidents. Drivers should be extra mindful.

If you’re joining the locals and cycling yourself, watch out for other cyclists and oblivious pedestrians as well as vehicles, and ring your bicycle bell as a warning as often as necessary. Cross tram tracks at a sharp angle to avoid your wheels getting stuck. Before heading out, familiarize yourself with the rules of participating in Dutch traffic .

Save this guide to the best cycling routes in the Netherlands

13. Take care on and around canals

The Netherlands’ picturesque waterways in its cities, towns and countryside are rarely if ever fenced or protected by barriers. Keep an eye out, especially if you’re traveling with young children. If you’re renting a boat to explore (one of the best things you can do in the Netherlands), ensure life jackets are provided for all passengers, including for kids.

14. Drink the tap water freely

Tap water is high quality and safe to drink throughout the Netherlands (any exceptions will be clearly indicated).

15. Don’t be alarmed by the signal testing of sirens (but do take them seriously in an emergency)

If you’re here at noon on the first Monday of the month (public holidays excepted), you’ll hear the Netherlands’ public warning sirens sound for an uninterrupted one minute and 26 seconds, when they’re simultaneously tested across the country. If you hear them at any other time, you should assume it’s an emergency (such as a fire or flood) and follow local instructions.

16. Stay safe and know how to find help if you need it

The Netherlands is an extremely safe country, but you should take the usual precautions in big cities, and watch out for pickpockets in areas where tourists congregate (such as main railway stations). Protect against bicycle theft by parking in secure bike-parking stations where possible, and always use two locks (one should be attached to a fixed structure like a bike rack).

For a minor illness or injury, an apotheek (pharmacy) can provide advice and sell over-the-counter medication, and advise where to get more specialized help.

It’s important to be aware that cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands, and while small quantities (up to 5g) are generally tolerated by authorities, it’s policed differently by municipalities across the country, and some areas enforce cannabis-smoking bans in public places. (Government policies are also apt to change.) Never buy any drugs on the streets – fatalities can and do occur.

In a serious emergency, contact the police, fire and ambulance services by dialing 112. If things do go wrong during your trip, it will help to have easily accessed back-up copies of your travel insurance policy.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

May 25, 2024 • 8 min read

From street snacks to fine dining via Indonesian and Suriname influences, here's what to eat and drink in the Netherlands.

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

May 14, 2024 • 7 min read

May 2, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 16, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

The Ultimate Guide To Train Travel in The Netherlands

Sharing is caring!

Are you planning to visit the Netherlands? Or a trip around Europe including a couple of days in the Netherlands?   On a trip to the Netherlands with Boat-Bike Tours, we got hopelessly confused trying to make sense of the Dutch train system. If you plan to travel around the Netherlands by train, you need this guide to train travel in the Netherlands to understand this system.

Train Travel in The Netherlands

With over 400 train stations, traveling by train in the Netherlands is definitely an excellent way of exploring the country and once you know how it works, traveling by train is really easy.

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn everything there is to know about traveling by train in the Netherlands!

Train travel in the Netherlands is fast and easy.

Train Travel in The Netherlands: Fun Facts

• The first train track in the Netherlands was opened in 1839 and connected Amsterdam with Haarlem (one of the best day trips from Amsterdam!).
• The Dutch train network is the 3rd busiest in the world, only the networks in Switzerland and Japan are used more intensively.
• In 2019 over 1.3 million people traveled by train in the Netherlands every single day, meaning it got pretty busy at times. However, in 2020 and 2021 those numbers halved due to COVID and many people working from home for most of the year. It remains to be seen how busy it will be in the upcoming years.  

How To Travel by Train in The Netherlands

Here is what you need to know about travelling by train in the Netherlands.

NS, the Dutch train company

The first thing you have to know about train travel in the Netherlands is that most of the trains are owned and operated by NS, fully called ‘ Nederlandse Spoorwegen ’.  

The colors of the NS are a distinctive blue and yellow. The website of the NS is www.ns.n l and much of the information provided is also available in English.

Signage on the platform will indicate where the train will be stopping.

OV-chipkaart, the Netherlands train ticket

Since 2014 the only way you can travel by train in the Netherlands is with an OV-chipkaart, a credit card format pass that you use for all public transport.

There are 3 types of the OV-chipkaart:

1. Disposable: singe use, cannot be topped up. 2. Anonymous: unlimited use, can be topped up. 3. Personal: unlimited use, can be used for discount plans.

When to get a disposable OV chipcard

Basically, when you are planning on traveling by train just once, get the disposable card.  

When to get an anonymous OV chipcard

If you plan to travel by train multiple times, get the anonymous chip card. Keep in mind that to travel by train you need to put at least 20 euro on the card in order to pass through the gates (more below).  

To travel by bus, metro or tram you only need a balance of 4 euro on your card.

When to get a personal OV chipcard

If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for a longer period of time, get the personal chip card and investigate which discount plan is most suitable for your personal situation.

How to get an OV-chipkaart

Buying an OV-chipkaart is simple, you look for a machine identical to the LEFT one in the picture below.  

OV ticket dispensers on the Dutch train system.

I know it looks pretty much the same as the machine on the right, but there is a slight difference.

The machine on the left is for buying a new OV-chipkaart, the one on the right is only for topping up (doesn’t dispense new cards).  

The one on the left with the rail symbol can be used to buy a new card, the machine on the right (with OV-chipkaarthouders written at the top) can only be used to top up cards.

Now that you have located the proper ticket machine, the next step is to get yourself a brand new OV-chipkaart.

Click English, this will make choosing the right buttons a lot easier. Unless you really want to learn Dutch, in which case: GO AHEAD!

If you are going to make several trips by train or other public transport you’ll want to get an OV-chipkaart.

The costs for an OV-chipkaart are €7,50 and the card is valid for 5 years. An excellent reason to plan a return trip to the Netherlands!

In order to travel by train, you’ll need a minimum of €20 on your OV-chipkaart.

Choose your preferred payment method. You can try your usual bank card, but if that doesn’t work you can pay with credit card as well.

On the left is the payment terminal, which accepts Maestro cards and Credit Cards. On the right is the touchpad for the OV-chipkaart, if you put the card on the pad you can check your balance and top-up your card.

All right, you are all set up with a brand new loaded OV-chipkaart ready for use, your next step is to check-in…

How to use the OV-chipkaart

Now that you have a brand new topped up OV-chipkaart you are almost ready to hop aboard a brightly colored blue and yellow train.

When traveling by train in the Netherlands you should NEVER forget to CHECK-IN ! Checking in can be done at gates and poles looking like this:

Remember to check in and out with your ticket.

Alright, you have checked in and can now hop aboard the train to your desired destination. Equally important: don’t forget to CHECK-OUT when you have arrived at your destination. You do this at the gates or poles as well.

There is one exception and this is where it goes wrong for many travelers (and not just travelers, many Dutch people as well).  

For some train trips you will have to check-out with NS and check-in with another train company transporting you to your final destination.

Yes I know, it’s confusing. The thing is, while the NS operates on the vast majority of the train tracks, there are small parts of the track that are operated by other companies, particularly in the North, East, and South of the Netherlands.

So if you visit places further off the beaten track you can find yourself in the situation where you feel like you have done everything right (you bought your OV-chipkaart, you charged it, you check-in) and still get fined…  

Because you failed to complete this tiny and stupid step of checking out with NS and checking in with the appropriate other company.

Other companies operating on small parts of the Dutch train tracks are Arriva, Synthus, Connexxion, Veolia and Arriva Vechtdallijnen.

This sign explains transferring from one train company to another.

On the top half of the sign in the picture it says: Transferring from Connexxion to NS -> step 1: Check-out with Connexxion, step 2: Check-in with NS. On the bottom half of the sign vice versa.

Transfer from one train to another can be confusing in terms of tickets.

Whenever you find yourself at a station with poles in any other color than blue-yellow, and the train you are getting into isn’t blue and yellow either, make sure to check out at an NS pole and check in at the pole of the train company transporting you to your next destination.

If you aren’t sure, just ask somebody to help you, either the train staff or people at the station.  

Almost everybody in the Netherlands speaks English and is willing to help you out making sense of this unnecessarily complicated system…  

Dutch Rail Travel with a Eurail Pass

If you have a Eurail Pass to travel in the Netherlands, you will need additional information.

How does traveling in the Netherlands with a Eurail pass work?  

You might be wondering: how do I use my Eurail card in the Netherlands? Do I need to check-in as well? And is my Eurail card suitable for checking in?  

Before you arrive in the Netherlands (about 5 working days before) you can send an email to  [email protected] .  

You will receive an email with a square barcode. This barcode can be scanned (from paper or from your phone) at the check-in gates and they will open.  

You will need this because at some train station you can only get to the platform via an entrance gate.  

Please note the barcode is only to open the gates, it’s not a valid ticket to travel. When asked for your ticket you can show your Eurail pass to the train staff, as this is valid in NL.  

You can read more information here.  

On the page it says you can only get a keycard if you have a certain type of NS subscriptions on your OV-chipkaart, please ignore that.  

FYI for Dutch Train Travel

Some important things to know about train travel in The Netherlands.

Dutch Train Classes

There are 2 classes in the train, 1st and 2nd class. The class is indicated on the side of the train and also inside the train.  

The class of train is written on the side of the train and inside.

A standard OV-chipkaart gives you access to 2nd class, for the 1st class you’ll have to buy a supplement.

But that’s really not necessary, second class will do just fine, only during rush hour it can get pretty crowded. All trains in the Netherlands are non-smoking. Because smoking is gross and will kill you…

In the picture below you can see three symbols. The first one indicates the class (1st class in this case). If you see the symbol in the middle, it means the compartment you are about to enter is a silence compartment.  

This combination of Dutch train signs means that upstairs is a first class carriage in which silence is expected.

You cannot talk in these compartments as people are working, reading, sleeping or most likely: glued to their phones.  

The arrow you’ll only see in double-decker trains, it simply means that if you go up the stairs you’ll find a 1st class compartment where you’ll have to be quiet.

Sprinter Trains Netherlands

In almost all the trains there is a toilet (which is usually also very gross, so try not to use it), except in the so-called ‘Sprinters’.  

If you find yourself in need of a restroom while riding a Sprinter Train you’re out of luck because there’s no bathroom on board.

Note though that the newer versions of this train do have a toilet because of the massive amounts of complaints the NS got from travelers!

Dutch people love complaining, and they complain a lot about the NS.  

Which isn’t always fair because as I mentioned, the Dutch rail system is one of the busiest in the world and according to the latest statistics 95% of the trains are on time.

Despite the name, a sprinter train in the Netherlands is a slower service that stops at local stations.

Dutch Train Delays

But every now and then you may find yourself in the situation where the train is delayed. You’ll see this on the information displays, like in the picture below.

In general, if you hear or read the word ‘ Vertraging ‘ (which is Dutch for delay), you know you’ll be waiting a little while…

Some words you don’t want to see while taking a train in the Netherlands.

Bikes on Trains Netherlands

Bikes can only be taken on trains in the Netherlands during off-peak hours.

You don’t actually need to make a reservation to take your bike on trains but you will have to buy a ticket for the bike.

Cycle tickets can be purchased online or at a ticket machine at the station.

Many train stations will have rental bikes in front, but you can only rent an OV bike with a personal OV card which most travelers won’t have.

Here is the information for taking bikes on Dutch trains .

Dutch Train Etiquette

If you are traveling in rush hour, you may be a little shocked by the nonexistent queuing skills of Dutch people.  

A packed train in the Netherlands is a free for all of people trying to get in the train.

It never really struck me as strange that the Dutch way of entering a train is to push as hard as you can to secure yourself a seat. Even if that means that people getting out of the train are having an impossible time to do so.  

People in the Netherlands DON’T STAND ON THE PROPER SIDE OF THE ESCALATOR! I don’t get it, stand on the right, walk on the left, it’s that simple!  

Netherlands Train Websites

The most important website for train travel is www.ns.nl/en . This is the official website of ‘Nederlandse Spoorwegen’, the main Dutch train company.  

On this website you can find general travel information, information about tickets and plan your journey.  

The NS also has an app for Android and iPhones.

Another excellent site and app to plan your journey if it involves more than travel by train is www.9292ov.nl . This site and app also includes information about traveling by bus, metro, tram, and even ferry.

Both websites are available in English, the apps can also be set to English once you’ve downloaded them. On this website you can find a map of all the train tracks in the Netherlands.

OV Chipkaart Netherlands Buying Guide

Here is the step by step guide on how to get an OV-chipkaart.

You can operate the NS ticket machines in English or Dutch.

There is a minimum amount you need to have on your Dutch train card.

Pick your card and select a method of payment.

Payment for Dutch train ticket machine.

This post was written by Lotte Eschbach, a frequent user of the Dutch train service.

SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! 

We did not receive compensation of any form, monetary or otherwise, from any of the products, services, hotels   etc mentioned in this article.

This site generates income via partnerships with carefully-curated travel and lifestyle brands and/or purchases made through links to them at no extra cost to you. More information may be found on our Disclosure Policy .

Quick Links

Applicable policies.

• Disclosure Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Accessibility Policy

Privacy Overview

• Media/Press Kit
• South Africa
• The Philippines
• The Netherlands
• United Kingdom

The Netherlands Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

When most people think of traveling in the Netherlands, they think of Amsterdam , with its semi-sleazy Red Light District, charming canals, historic windmills, and laid-back “coffee” shops where you can smoke pot.

But there is much more to the country than its largest city.

The Netherlands is a country filled with centuries-old brick homes, an interconnected system of canals (you can travel most of the country via the water), expansive farmland, and even some really nice beaches. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. The people are wonderful, there are tons of small towns to explore, and its small size means it’s easy to visit in a short time.

Most travelers come here just to see Amsterdam for a few days before moving on.

Don’t do that.

Spend time exploring outside of Amsterdam and you can discover the country that keeps me coming back every year.

Whether you are backpacking or just traveling on a budget, this Netherlands travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Netherlands

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the netherlands.

1. Visit Amsterdam

The capital and center of tourism in the country, Amsterdam is as beautiful as it is crazy. There are famous canals, beautiful and historic houses, tons of parks, a foodie scene, art, coffee shops, and, of course, the infamous Red Light District and its wild nightlife. It’s perfect for exploring by bike and it’s every museum lover’s dream, with exhibitions on everything from Anne Frank to van Gough. Take a free walking tour to really get a feel for the city.

2. Explore Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. It may not get the attention Amsterdam does, but this city is a great place to visit if you want good parks and modern architecture (most of the old buildings were bombed in World War II) — including some futuristic cube houses. The port has an interesting harbor to explore (you can learn more about it in the attached Futureworld) and a few decent museums. It’s an often-overlooked city that’s worth a few days of exploring.

3. Take a canal tour

Whether in Amsterdam or in another city, make sure you take a canal tour to see the canals that made the country famous. The canals are such an integral part of life that you can’t really understand the country until you spend time boating on the canals. You can take a tour with a large company (there are tons of different canal tours on offer including a pizza cruise, cruises with wine and cheese, and booze cruises with unlimited drinks) but if you can, I suggest you rent your own boat which is much more affordable (prices start at 50 EUR) and gives you a more intimate experience.

4. Tour Leiden

Head to this small town and see where the Pilgrims lived before they left for America. It’s a historic city and filled with beautiful 17th-century buildings and landscaped parks. There are over a dozen museums in this small city, including the Museum of Antiquities and the National Museum of Ethnology. It also boasts in one of the Netherlands’ largest flower-growing areas. Go in May to catch the best of the tulip season.

5. Wander The Hague

Other things to see and do in the netherlands, 1. day trip to historic haarlem.

Haarlem, located just outside Amsterdam, was a cultural and economic hub during the Dutch Golden Age (1588-1672). Wander the city and take in the historic homes of the merchant class who brought the city to prominence. There’s not a ton to do here but the town center has a good market, a towering Gothic church, and it’s a low-key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It makes a nice escape for an afternoon.

2. Celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Every year on April 27th (April 26th if the 27th is a Sunday), the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their King, Willem-Alexander for Koningsdag . For 33 years, they celebrated Queen Beatrix on April 30th as part of Queen’s Day, however, in 2013 she passed the throne to her son so the holiday changed dates, and Queen’s Day became King’s Day. It’s a national holiday filled with outdoor concerts, lots of orange (the national color), plenty of drinking, and insane celebrations on the canals. It is one of the wildest national holidays I’ve ever celebrated.

3. Visit Edam

Edam is a popular cheese from the Netherlands. It’s also a town just 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Amsterdam. Edam is a picture-perfect Dutch town with iconic windmills, rolling farmland, and quaint houses. It’s one of the most quintessential Dutch towns. You can explore the 18th-century cheese warehouses, go on a boat tour, or just come here to eat cheese and be as Dutch as possible!

4. Head to the Keukenhof

The Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world, boasting 79 acres of spectacular floral displays. Located between Amsterdam and The Hague, the garden is open between March and May of each year when the tulips are in season. More than 7 million bulbs are planted annually and the garden has around 800 different types of tulips. When you picture Holland, you picture flowers and there is no better place to see them than here! Admission is 19 EUR.

5. Bike through Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national reserve in the Netherlands. Covering some 55 square kilometers (21 square miles), the park is composed of sand dunes and woodlands and is home to deer, wild sheep, foxes, badgers, boars, and more. You can rent bicycles to explore for 5 EUR. Don’t miss the Kröller-Müller Museum while you’re here. It has works by artists like van Gogh, Picasso, Rodin, and other masters. Admission to the park is 12.30 EUR.

6. Relax in Maastricht

One of the southernmost towns in the Netherlands, this city is famous for having the country’s only “mountain.” At 322 meters high (1,056 feet), Vaalserberg is really more of a hill and doesn’t take long to climb. But this often-overlooked city is a great place to experience Dutch life away from the hordes of tourists who frequent Amsterdam.

7. Go cycling

As one of the most popular activities throughout the country, you would almost feel out of place not on a bike. The Netherlands is covered by over 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) of paths dedicated to two-wheeled transportation. Hoge Veluwe National Park is a particularly beautiful place to ride, but the entire landscape of the country is quite scenic as well. Other popular places to cycle are the Dunes of Texel National Park, Kinderdijk (to see the windmills), and Lauwersmeer National Park. Bike rentals cost around 10-12 EUR per day.

8. Tour Delft

This is a fascinating little town, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. The town is known for its blue pottery (Delftware), but has a handful of other worthwhile sights to see too, including a Gothic church in the old town with a leaning tower (the foundation developed problems during construction); the Oostpoort, a city gate from 1400 that remains from the original city wall; and the stout City Hall building, part of which dates to the 17th century. The town lies just 20 minutes from The Hague and Rotterdam so you can visit as a day trip from either.

9. Admire van Gogh’s work

Open since 1973, this museum in Amsterdam is host to over 500 original works by Vincent van Gogh, in addition to works by some of his contemporaries and friends. The exhibits chronicle his life, showing the progress and development of his work, alongside Gaugain, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh didn’t earn fame in his lifetime and was actually constantly struggling with poverty, making his accomplishments all the more impressive and inspiring. Admission is 20 EUR. Note: Pre-book tickets online to avoid massive queues when you arrive.

10. Visit “Venice of the North”

Slow-paced Giethoorn, located east of Amsterdam, is a charming place with lots of picturesque canals. With no cars allowed in the city center, this peaceful town is a good change of pace from the busyness of the Netherlands’ larger cities. Rent a small boat and spend the day floating by charming cottages and enjoying the slower pace of life.

11. Learn about the Netherlands’ past

Opened in 1912, the Netherlands Open Air Museum is a sprawling 100-acre space that highlights what life was like in historic Netherlands. You can see traditional cabins and houses, learn about trades and crafts, and discover more about the country’s history from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum is located in Arnhem and is a great place to visit with kids. Admission is 19.50 EUR.

12. Have fun at an amusement park

Efteling, in Kaatsheuvel, is one of the oldest theme parks in the world (it opened in 1952) and is the Netherlands’ biggest amusement park. It has all the usual theme park attractions like rollercoasters, games, and performances and is open year-round (each season has different features like fairy lights and bonfires in the winter, and tulips and Dutch terraces in the spring). Admission costs 38 EUR (prices vary by day and season). You need a reservation as well as a ticket.

  For more information on cities in the country, check out these guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• The Hague Travel Guide
• Rotterdam Travel Guide
• Utrecht Travel Guide

The Netherlands Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels typically cost between 15-35 EUR per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. The most popular hostels in Amsterdam can be closer to 50 EUR in the summer so avoid visiting in peak season if you’re on a budget (and book early if you do). Private rooms in hostels cost at least 65 EUR per night for a room that sleeps two (closer to 115 EUR in Amsterdam). Free Wi-Fi is standard, and many hostels also have self-catering facilities. In some cities, the hostels close in winter.

Camping is available around the country, with campgrounds costing around 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotels with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, TV, and AC cost around 55-85 EUR per night. Expect to pay 10-20 EUR more in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Airbnb is also an option, with private rooms averaging around 50 EUR per night (it’s more like 80 EUR in Amsterdam) and entire homes (including studio apartments) averaging around 100 EUR per night (but again, much higher in Amsterdam). Book early or prices can double.

Food – The Netherlands isn’t famous for its food, but there’s still good stuff to be had. Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.

Other things to try include poffertjes (fluffy mini-pancakes served with powdered sugar), gouda and edam cheeses, and patat (thick-cut fries with toppings).

Cheap meals at fast food joints or places like Maoz or Walk to Wok cost around 10-15 EUR. Casual restaurant meals average around 15-20 EUR for a main dish while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30-35 EUR.

Chinese food costs between 10-15 EUR while a large pizza costs around the same. Beer costs 5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water is around 2 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay around 40-65 EUR per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal vegetables, rice, and some meat.

Backpacking the Netherlands Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking the Netherlands, expect to spend around 65 EUR per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, cooking most of your meals, using local transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and lounging in the parks.

On a mid-range budget of about 160 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, enjoy some fast food and other cheap eats, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around or rent a bike, and do more paid activities like guided tours and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to explore, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While not the most expensive country in Europe, the Netherlands isn’t super cheap either. Here are some ways to help save money in the Netherlands so you don’t blow your budget:

• Limit your partying – Many people go to Amsterdam to party — and to smoke pot. While the city is cracking down on this, it’s still an unnecessary expense that can add up quickly. Limit your smoking (and limit your expenses in the coffee shops; you don’t need to buy something in every shop).
• Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into several museums for only 64.90 EUR. You get access to 400 museums throughout the Netherlands and it’s good for repeat visits as well! If you’re visiting multiple cities in the country, this is a must! Compare the price to the museums you want to visit to see if it’s worth it for you.
• Bike everywhere – Biking is the cheapest form of transportation. You can rent a bike for only a few euros a day. While most Dutch cities are easily walkable, cycling is what the locals do. It’s the most bike-friendly country in the world so don’t pass up the chance to explore on two wheels. Prices average around 10-15 EUR per day but can be as low as 5 EUR.
• Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone goes outside. Check local tourism boards for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It’s a fun cultural exchange platform that not only saves you money but connects you with a local who can share their insider tips. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early (especially in Amsterdam).
• Cook your own food – Dutch food isn’t going to win any culinary awards (sorry, my Dutch friends) so skip the restaurants and cook your own food. It saves you a ton!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in the Netherlands

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the Netherlands:

• St. Christopher’s (Amsterdam)
• Hostel Room (Rotterdam)
• Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel (Rotterdam)
• Pink Flamingo Hostel (The Hague)
• Kingkool (The Hague)
• Stayokay Utrecht Centrum (Utrecht)
• Hostel Strowis (Utrecht)

How to Get Around the Netherlands

Public transportation – It’s easy to use public transportation to get around the Netherlands’ cities. One-way fares in major cities start at 4 EUR. All public transportation uses an OV-chipkaart, which you can load with money. You can also get a day travel pass (starting cost is 7-9.50 EUR).

Bus – Buses are an affordable way to get around the Netherlands, but they aren’t as fast or efficient as the train. Flixbus is the cheapest bus operator. A trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs as little as 3 EUR and takes just over 1 hour, while Amsterdam to The Hague can be done for the same cost and takes 40-50 minutes.

Train – The Netherlands is so small that all major tourist destinations in the country are within a 2.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam. The national rail system is Nederlandse Spoorwegen and their service is clean and efficient. Train travel in the Netherlands is a thing of beauty!

You can use the official rail site to look up itineraries and ticket prices. Intercity train tickets around Holland are cheap and cost between 10-20 EUR, though for super short distances, they can be as little as 5 EUR. Amsterdam to Rotterdam is 11 EUR and takes 40 minutes while Amsterdam to The Hague is also 11 EUR and takes 50 minutes.

The national rail service also has special tour programs for travelers. This gives you unlimited travel throughout a period of consecutive days (such as 3-8 days of unlimited travel in a 30-day period). There’s also the Benelux Pass, which gives you access to public transportation like trams and buses for a certain number of days. Prices begin around 109 EUR and go up to 206 EUR depending on how many days you want (maximum is 8 days in a month).

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Ridesharing – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by paying a small fee. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train and is perfect for medium and long-distance trips.

Bike rental – The Netherlands is one of the best cycling countries in the world and bike rentals here are cheap. You can rent bikes starting for around 10-15 EUR per day (sometimes as little as 5 EUR).

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day, but the bus and train systems in the Netherlands are so excellent and affordable that you really don’t even need to bother. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to the Netherlands

The Netherlands receives the most tourist traffic from mid-April to mid-October, but the real peak season is July and August. However, the weather is never very extreme, and visiting during the off-season or shoulder season is also worth your time. Prices are also a lot more affordable during the off-season, and if you come between mid-April and mid-May you can see the incredible tulip fields in bloom. Just bring a rain jacket.

The average daily summer temperature is around 19°C (67°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that during July and August. The average daily temperature in the winter is 2°C (35°F). Still, coming here during the Christmas season is always a good time as the cities light up with markets and festivities.

Since the Netherlands is located below sea level, you can expect to encounter a few days of fog or rain no matter when you visit. The winters can be damp as well. Be sure to pack a warm layer or two and a waterproof jacket if you’re visiting in the shoulder season or the winter.

How to Stay Safe in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare, as is petty theft.

There are a few common scams around, however, such as people trying to sell you used public transit tickets or stolen bikes. Avoid interacting with them and you’ll be fine.

If you’re worried about other travel scams, you can read about the most common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

The Netherlands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling the Netherlands and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Amsterdam

The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

The 9 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for Visiting Amsterdam

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Netherlands by Train

Last Updated: November 18, 2023

Gerrit Vandenberg

Gerrit shares his love for the Netherlands from his home near Amsterdam, helping thousands plan unforgettable trips to the lowlands. Discover his inspiring journey "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms" . If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here .

Disclosure: This article has affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs nothing extra, but you'll help keep my content free. It's a win-win!

WANT TO SAVE THIS ARTICLE?

Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox!

And each week, I'll send you new tips to plan your Netherlands vacation. If you decide it's not for you (any longer), unsubscribing is always just a click away.

Hi, I'm Gerrit

I enjoy sharing useful tips about the beauty of this county.

Wondering what it’s like to travel in the Netherlands by train and how it works?

Then this post is for you. As a Dutch local, I grew up with the train system and how it works. And as a travel planner and private guide I also know how visitors experience the train system in Holland.

You might have heard train travel in the Netherlands is easy and the best way to get around, making day trips easy. But if you’re unfamiliar with using trains, or in your home country it might not be as safe, I can understand your doubts.

So let’s talk about it. In this article, I’ll cover safety, how the train system in Holland works , how to enter the station, how to board a train, frequencies, class of travel, different types of trains (and why that’s important), different train operators, quiet zones and more. 

Believe me when I say the train connects Amsterdam to many great places like Haarlem , Rotterdam , Delft , Utrecht , and  Amersfoort , and it is safe to use. Why not add one or a few to your itinerary and go beyond the canals?

What I do not cover in this article is train tickets. That topic deserved its own post, and you can find it here:  Train Tickets Netherlands: Buy Your Train Tickets 🎫

Welcome aboard this blog post, where we will explore travel by train in the Netherlands. 

Table of Contents

Why take a train in the netherlands.

Good question. And the answer is for a few good reasons :

• Train travel in the Netherlands is often quicker than road travel.
• It’s socially accepted and used by all levels of society.
• It is more comfortable than dealing with traffic.
• You don’t have to deal with finding a parking spot .
• No parking fees (which in Amsterdam is €7.50/h, 24/7).

One fact not many people know when they think about The Netherlands is that it is one of the most populated countries in the world .

Yes, the land with open green fields, cows grazing, windmills, tulips, and lovely people in wooden shoes is, in fact, one of the richest, most urbanized, and densely populated countries in the world.

Thankfully due to rigorous and efficient urban planning , we are still enjoying those beautiful old cities and open spaces that most people envision. It’s all here.

But because it’s so densely populated roads are pretty much always busy and jammed around the major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague.

And that’s where the train comes in. 

It bypasses all traffic , you can just sit back, enjoy a book, the view, conversation, or get some work done (there is free WIFI onboard almost all trains) until you get to your next destination fast.

How To Plan Your Journey By Train

You can use the NS app on your phone (available for both Android and iOS ) or the NS website  to plan your journey. Both are available in English.

The Lowest Priced And Most Flexible eSIM cards (incl. tethering)

Stop searching for WI-FI; get an affordable eSIM for the Netherlands. From just $4.50 for 1GB, but I recommend at least 10GB . TIP: Get the App for easy top-up.

It’s as simple as entering your departure and arrival stations and clicking search to find the next departures. Of course, there are also options to change the date and time to look for future trips.

A great feature of the app and the website is that it shows a train busyness indicator . Of course, it’s not always correct, but it gives you a sense of which trains (times) will be busier than others. 

If you do a last-minute lookup when you’re already at the station, you can get up-to-date platform information right within the app.

6 Steps To Become an Expert Using Dutch Trains

With the easy-to-follow 6-step process below, buying your ticket and making your train journey as smooth and easy as possible will be a breeze.

Step 1: Getting a Train Ticket

There are many different train tickets , like one-way tickets and day returns.

In general, train fares are fixed , but some discounts are available, like group tickets, and other discounts like “Book Early and Save” when you purchase in advance and travel outside of rush hour.

There are also many different ways to buy your ticket: from the ticket desk (if there is one), the ticket machine, tourist ticket providers, paying with your contactless bank card (OVpay), and the infamous ov-chipkaart (which you do not need), or via the official railways app or website.

The first three incur a €1 surcharge. So avoid them. The ov-chipkaart is terrible for visitors , I don’t understand why bloggers still recommend them (I guess they haven’t updated their post) because the card is entirely redundant today. This chip card costs €7.50, and you need a travel credit of at least €20, which was almost impossible to get back.

The advice out there to buy an ov-chipcard if you plan to use public transportation a lot is the stupidest advice I’ve ever heard. Please don’t do it. I promise other options are much better and friendlier for the wallet.

On the other hand OVpay (paying directly with your contactless debit card or credit card like Visa or Mastercard without the need for a ticket), or getting a ticket via the app or the website are all great ideas and the most cost-effective.

Locals tip: Prices for International Train Tickets are NOT fixed and go up fast. One of the best ways to save money is to book in advance. But even on domestic trips, you can save money on many trains with the “book early and save” option.

To keep this post consistent, I wrote a separate post on train tickets in the Netherlands to explain everything and which method is best for whom.

Step 2: Checking In At The Train Station

Once you’ve secured a ticket, you must enter the train station . This is how that works:

Most larger stations like Amsterdam and Rotterdam have  entry/exit gates (barriers, like a turnstile) . This is how you open them:

• Tap a physical ticket at the gate for entry, and do the same when you want to leave the station.
• With a contactless debit or credit card (one person can travel on one card), it works the same. Tap it.
• You can scan the QR code for entry and exit if you print a ticket with a printer on the website.
• If you have downloaded your ticket to the app, open the app , go to more > my tickets > scan the QR code at the barrier.

Not all stations in the Netherlands have entry barriers . Instead, they have open, accessible platforms. For example, Schiphol Airport station doesn’t have them if you travel between Amsterdam and Schiphol.

At stations like this, you use the check-in/check-out poles instead.

If you have a printed ticket or use the app (a QR barcode), you can ignore these check-in/check-out poles and board the train directly. 

If you have a  physical ticket or use a bank card , you MUST check-in (and check out when you arrive) at one of these poles to activate your ticket.

International train tickets also come with a QR barcode to open the barriers and work the same as domestic train tickets. In other words, you can ignore the check-in/check-out poles. 

Step 3: Check Your Platform

Once you’re inside the station, double-check the screen for your train, there can always be a last-minute cancelation or track change. 

T he departure monitors  (or the app) provide the most up-to-date and accurate information. 

Once at the platform, there are  digital signs  as well, with the final destination of the train listed, the type of train (more about that later), and the stops it will make along the way. Check it to make sure you’re indeed boarding the right train. 

Step 4: Decide What Type of Train to Take

Logical for locals, but not so much when visiting: Do you take an  Intercity or Sprinter  train? 

This is the difference:

• Intercity Trains : Ideal for direct, fast journeys with fewer stops and comfortable seating.
• Sprinter Trains:  They stop everywhere. They are used for local transportation mainly.

The train type is listed on the monitors in the top right corner.

My Favorite Travel Books

I love how Rick Steves' guidebooks offer a traveler's perspective. This is my favorite Amsterdam guidebook by far! Rating 4.8/5 on Amazon.

Click here for more Netherlands book recommendations . (travel books, art books, language books, and maps)

You usually cover most of your journey with a direct train (Intercity, for longer trips). You may need a Sprinter train to get to an Intercity station or for the final leg if your final destination is not an Intercity station. For shorter journeys, you might use a Sprinter for the entire trip.

Both train types have free WIFI and toilets on board. Both also offer two travel classes (more about that later). The difference is comfort in seating and speed of travel. Prices are the same for both.

For example, traveling relatively longer distances between Amsterdam and Utrecht, Leiden, The Hague, or Delft, you will travel on a direct Intercity Train.

When you travel shorter distances like to Zandvoort (beach), Zaanse Schans, et cetera, you will travel on Sprinter.

The travel time is short if you travel between Amsterdam and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or Haarlem. On these legs, it doesn’t matter which train type you take. Just take whichever comes first.

For longer journeys, always choose the Intercity over Sprinter for more comfort.

Trips Between Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Travel between Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal is a little different, there are two extra train types:

• Sprinters Trains (normally you don't use them)
• Intercity Trains (taking about 1 hour)
• IC Direct Trains (small supplement, but travel in half time
• International High-Speed Trains (not meant for domestic travel)

For most people, IC Direct is the train to choose . Learn more about the differences in my post " How to get from Amsterdam - Rotterdam. "

PS: the only reason you might want to take a Sprinter all the way, also for longer trips, is when you’re in a wheelchair .

Sprinters have low-level entry, making it a breeze to board yourself. On an Intercity train, you must  book (free) assistance  in advance since these trains have a small entry stair.

Step 5: Board A Dutch Train

Boarding is straightforward , but there are a few  essential things to know .

On the outside of the trains, you see  numbers printed near the doors : 1 or 2. They refer to the travel class in that compartment.

If you’re not traveling first class, avoid the doors with number 1 for speedier boarding.

You also see some windows have banners with “ Stilte/Silence .” These compartments exist in both classes and are self-explanatory.

Still, many people plunk themselves down without looking at them and happily start a conversation, sometimes even on speakerphone. Please, don’t let this be you. Be considerate and be quiet.

Another helpful tip is that the train doors  don’t open automatically.

At busy stations, you can usually wait for other people to open the door (either those exiting or boarding). But if you’re the only one, you must do it yourself.

If the door does not open, it is not broken. All you need to do is to push the round little button next to the door. Sprinter trains have this button in the middle of the doors.

Step 6: Find The Right Seat On A Dutch Train (Travel Class)

Dutch trains have two travel classes. First Class and Second Class . First Class seats are red. Second-class seats are blue. They’re easy to distinguish this way. There are also markings above the doors and outside the train.

I recommend First Class  for journeys of more than 30 minutes. You’ll have wider seats, more legroom, usually better power outlets, and it’s quieter than 2nd class.

If you’re in first class with a second class ticket, if you’re lucky, you will be asked to move, but the conductor can also give you a fine for €50 and the fare difference. Don’t take the risk. Take the right seat .

PS:  if you travel with your contactless bank card or a group ticket, you must travel in second class . With these tickets you can not upgrade to first class.

I recommend booking a ticket via the NS website because that allows you to choose between the two classes. You can read more about when to select a first class in my post on train tickets in the Netherlands.

Other Carriers And Using a Physical Ticket

As long as you travel with one train carrier, most likely with NS,  you only tap at the start and end of your trip .

Generally, when you transfer on a different train , you do not need to tap, again until you reach your final destination.

NS is the largest operator in the Netherlands, and their trains can be recognized by their yellow and dark blue colors. The trip from the Airport to the city is always with NS.

But other train carriers exist  on smaller lines, often in the country’s North, East, and South.

These trains are differently colored and operated by companies like Arriva, but there are more. If you transfer to one of these, you must tap out with NS and tap in with the other carrier IF you have a physical ticket.

TIP: this DOES NOT apply if you travel with a printed ticket or a ticket you have in the app (both use a QR barcode).

If you have a physical ticket from the ticket desk or the machine, you must check out and check in when you transfer between carriers .

This is often clearly signposted on the platform —and extra marked by the coloring of the checkout gates. This will only be important to you if you travel to the outskirts of the country.

For 99% of tourist journeys , this will not be applicable. But I want you to know, just in case.

This will happen, for example, if you take the train to the Kröller Müller Museum where the leg between Amersfoort and Barneveld station is with another carrier. Or when you go to the touristy town of Valkenburg (known for its underground Christmas markets) in the south.

Luggage on Trains in the Netherlands

There are no limits to how much luggage you can take on the train as long as you do not block other seats.

There is a baggage rack above the seat (like above an airplane seat but then open), and space is under your seat. Neither fits a suitcase. You could keep 1 suitcase next to you if you sit strategically, but not more.

Large luggage can be left in the hallway, but there is a theft risk since it’s right next to the doors. There are “jump” seats in the hallway, so you could stay there with your suitcases (that’s a 2nd class seat).

Note that although 1st class compartments have more space to sit. You don’t necessarily have more space to store your luggage there without blocking other people’s seats, which is NOT allowed.

Everybody in 1st class has a more expensive ticket, and they should not be bothered by luggage standing in the way or having no access to a seat because of it.

If you travel with a lot of luggage (more than one item that doesn’t fit in a small rack above your seat, like a suitcase – for your entire party), I recommend against booking a 1st class ticket and getting a 2nd class ticket instead.

Then, stay in the hallway (2nd class) with your luggage.

If you want comfort and not having to deal with luggage on public transportation, which is a hassle, especially with suitcases, you are better off booking a private driver. Here is a company I recommend that charges less than a regular taxi, and you have a choice of vehicles.

My Favorite Private Driver Booking Tool

Book affordable transfers between cities with a private driver . You'll save significantly over regular taxi fares. Plus, it's pre-booked and door-to-door.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Am i bound by a specific train departure time.

For all domestic train journeys, you’re not. If you have a full-fare ticket, your ticket is valid all day. You can take any train. Dutch tickets are date-specific, not departure-specific.

That means you can take another train without worry as long as it is on the same day. (It is also great for when you miss your intended departure time, take the next train).

Just be aware that if you have a discounted ticket, you must travel off-peak. That means you can not be a train during weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Weekends are always off-peak.

Internationally, it’s a little different. For IC Brussels, you can take the next departure without difficulty. For all other trains, you need to re-book, depending on your ticket terms, that can be easy or difficult (read expensive).

Do I need seat reservations on trains in the Netherlands?

On domestic journeys, it is not possible to reserve a seat. Departures are frequent, and usually, there is space to sit for everyone. But at peak moments, sometimes people need to stand. Try to travel off-peak when you can.

For International trains, this is a little bit more complicated. For example, on all high-speed train lines (like ICE to Germany and the Thalys train from Amsterdam, now called Eurostar), you always need a seat reservation, which will be part of your booking procedure. 

For regular-speed trains, it varies. Night trains require a reservation. On the IC Berlin train, it’s optional (but included for 1st class passengers). I highly recommend also 2nd class passengers paying for a seat because the train can become full at any time of the day, and it’s too far to stand. 

The train between Amsterdam and Brussels (the regular IC Brussels service) again doesn’t have seat reservations.

Tip: the train from Amsterdam to Brussels is always crowded. It’s worth buying a first-class ticket. Use the busyness indicator on the website to find the correct departure and avoid rush hour travel when possible.

How do I know where to get off the train?

Announcements are usually made in Dutch only, except for trains arriving at Amsterdam, the Airport, and a few other large stations where statements are also in English.

However, every train has TV monitors next to the doors that update you with easy-to-understand information about the journey like the following stations, arrival times, et cetera. 

You can also use the train app to follow your own journey live. Find it first with a regular search, select the train you’re on, and then click it for more details. You see it moving live on a map.

Once you arrive at a station, you can see the station’s name from the window. 

Locals tip: I like to set an alarm for 5 minutes before my scheduled arrival time. That way, I’m alert and not taken by surprise. Having to scramble to get my stuff together.

Do I need to switch trains in the Netherlands?

Many cities have direct connections with Amsterdam. Changes are small you have to transfer. But sometimes, being willing to transfer allows for more departures, and it is easy.

Again, use the app. It gives you the information you need. If under changes, it says 0 your train is direct.

When you see another number that means the number of transfers.

Just click that departure, and it tells you which platform your train arrives on and which platform your next train departs from.

Often, this is at the same track, or just the opposite, but always check.

How much time do I need if I switch trains?

The app will calculate this for you. But in general, the rail network is very reliable. Trains often arrive on time, against popular belief. A transfer time of 5 minutes is usually already enough.

Or allow some extra time, enjoy the many shops and restaurants most larger stations have, and then take the following train.

Are Trains in the Netherlands Safe?

Yes, it’s safe to travel on Dutch trains. But as always in big cities, you must be aware of your surroundings and monitor your belongings. 

The most significant risk you face is petty theft, usually when people are ignorant about their belongings.

Especially tourists, because they’re too busy looking outside and enjoying a happy holiday. Keeping an eye on your stuff is most of the battle.

That means   keeping your luggage with you. Refrain from letting strangers distract you, especially if you’ve put your luggage on the upper racks.

When you leave your luggage in the hallway (oversized luggage), stay there throughout the trip.

On the rare occasion you witness a crime, try to take a photo and call 112. Do not get personally involved.

On that note, if a nuisance is not life-threatening, DO NOT CALL 112 (The European version of 911). Instead, text train security via WhatsApp (+31 6 13 18 13 18).

Mention the train you’re on. Include where you boarded the train, where you’re going, and the compartment number (above the door). They’ll send the conductor or police if needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope this practical guide on train travel in the Netherlands was helpful, making using the system less intimidating.

It motivates me a lot if you leave a comment below. Did you learn anything new today?

If this post was helpful you might want to consider sending me a coffee . I’d be really thankful and you directly help with the operational costs of this website.

Read my other article about buying train tickets with a step-by-step tutorial on how to buy train tickets via the NS website (the best way, and remember, if you get your ticket in advance you might qualify for a discount).

And don’t forget to use the app to plan your journeys and look up train schedules.

Handy Travel Guides To Travel Between The Most Important Cities

• How To Get From Amsterdam To Den Bosch 🚉
• How To Get From Amsterdam To Haarlem 🚉
• How To Get From Amsterdam to Maastricht 🚉
• How To Get From Amsterdam To The Hague 🚉
• How To Get From Amsterdam To Rotterdam 🚉
• How To Get From Amsterdam To Utrecht 🚉

Find A Place To Stay In Amsterdam

Find accommodation in Amsterdam for the lowest prices on your favorite platform. What's great about this map is that it shows both Hotels , as VRBO rentals (like AirBNB but with lower costs).

Update your (intended) travel dates for accurate prices . TIP: Zoom out on the map (-) in the bottom right corner. This will show more options and availability.

Every Coffee ☕️ Counts!

Do you appreciate this article? Consider sending me a coffee ☕️ to support this website's upkeep. Every contribution matters and is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your generosity !

Would Like My Personal Help?

Planning a trip well is a lot of work and (or) can feel overwhelming.

Know I'm here to help with your Netherlands vacation.

When you book an Itinerary Consultation with me, I help you improve your itinerary and make your trip planning much faster and less stressful. I also enrich it with my unique insights and tips—local tips.

Unlike a blog article, with a one-on-one session, I can focus on you and your trip alone.

When you book an itinerary consultation with me, I take a look at your current itinerary/ideas before our call, and I'll start brainstorming for you. Then when we meet on the (video) call, we'll brainstorm together. And after our call I'll send you the recordings and a summary of everything we discussed.

30 minutes calls ar great for shorter trips up to 3 days, add 30 extra minutes if you stay in the Netherlands longer than that.

Do this post helped you?

I’d love your thoughts: What city would you like to visit by train?

Let's start a conversation 💬.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Content

Links to useful info, the 15 things most worth knowing..., the timetable:, going long-distance:, the intercity direct services:, taking bicycles:, detailed train guides, new overnight services:, journeys from amsterdam, using major stations in the netherlands, the main station in amsterdam, the main station in rotterdam, using travel cards instead of tickets:, discounted day tickets, child tickets:, international tickets:, using rail passes:, the detailed guide to buying and using tickets & rail passes:, please support showmethejourney, additional info for rail pass users:, pan-european travel guides, related resources.

• Cities & Stations

Netherlands by train

Welcome to the guide on how to save money, time and confusion when travelling in and from/to The Netherlands by train.

NS is the national rail operator in The Netherlands and how it operates the rail network makes exploring The Netherlands by train comparatively simple. Frequent trains link often spectacular stations, which are public transport hubs for the delightful cities and towns that they serve.

Ticketing for the national network is also comparatively straightforward and if you have a rail pass, you can use it to hop on and off trains to see multiple cities in a single day.

These are the fifteen things that are particularly useful to know about rail travel in The Netherlands:

• Train services tend to operate to a fixed timetable (departing at the same minutes of each hour) with all IC express train routes operating at a minimum of 1 x train per hour - but 2 x trains per hour is the norm on many routes.
• The trains on routes solely within The Netherlands have no on board catering facilities.
• Seat reservations are not available on national train services that operate wholly in The Netherlands
• The on board experience is different on the international train services, by Eurostar to/from Belgium, London and Paris; and on the IC and ICE trains to/from Germany - it isn't possible to travel between Dutch stations on the Eurostar trains.
• The ticket terms, including whether seat reservations will or won't be included, also differ on the international trains - hence a dedicated booking service for journeys to and from The Netherlands, which is branded NS International .
• Discounted tickets are not available for journeys within The Netherlands, so you will pay the same price if you book last minute at the station.
• If you do buy tickets at the station there is a €0.50 service charge if you use a ticket counter, but you don't pay this charge if you use a ticket machine.
• The prices of long-distance train tickets in The Netherlands are based solely on distance travelled; which sounds like we're stating the obvious, but this is actually unusual in Europe. Therefore all regular NS departures are charged at the same price, meaning that you won’t have to pay a premium to travel on particularly popular trains, or when travelling at peak times.
• The InterCity Direct services are exceptional, as they require a supplement to be paid for journeys which use the 'high-speed' Schiphol - Rotterdam - Breda line (but not Amsterdam <> Schiphol airport.
• For children aged 4 - 11 you need to purchase ' Railrunner ' ticket but they cost only €2.50 per child and 'Railrunners' are valid for the whole day.

Children aged 12 and over have to travel at the adult rate.

• Most of the larger Dutch stations have long platforms/tracks (sporen) which are divided into sections (not zones) and trains tend to depart from a specific section of the spoor/track/platform - ‘8a’ or ‘8b’ etc.
• Amsterdam Centraal/Amsterdam C station isn’t the hub of the Dutch rail network - instead many trains to and from the city use Amsterdam Zuid station, which is located to the south of the tourist heart of the city, in the business district.
• Non-folding bikes can only be taken on NS trains if you purchase a day ticket for bikes also known as a 'Bicycle Card Dal'.
• Particularly in North and South Holland the faster InterCity trains share routes with stopping trains, but these stopping trains are somewhat confusingly designated Sprinter. So avoid hopping on a 'Sprinter' because it is the next train to leave. It's likely that a later InterCity service will actually get you to your destination quicker.

Travelling on Dutch trains:

Dutch trains operated by NS are functional rather than fabulous, but with journey times rarely exceeding two hours, this isn’t a problem. It's also why reservations are not available on national train services that operate wholly in The Netherlands; which is a plus for rail pass users who can hop on and off any of these trains.

Wi-fi is available on all express InterCity (IC) trains, except for the for the InterCity Direct services which use the high speed line. It's also available on the newer trains used for the local Sprinter services. You can also access Wi-fi on the international ICE and Thalys services in The Netherlands.

Note that trains operated by NS on routes solely within The Netherlands also have no on board catering facilities.

Something else to watch out for is that on the outside of some Dutch trains, the button that opens the door can be an arm’s length from the door itself.

Train services tend to operate to a fixed timetable (departing at the same minutes of each hour) with all IC train routes operating at a minimum of 1 x train per hour

Within the most populous Randstad area (the area around Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht) trains services operate at least every 30 mins on all routes.

Something to be aware of is that Amsterdam Centraal/Amsterdam C station isn’t the hub of the Dutch rail network. Instead many trains to and from the city use Amsterdam Zuid station, which is located to the south of the tourist heart of the city, in the business district. As a result from some locations a change of train is required when travelling to Amsterdam C station, but these and other connections are built into the timetable. Intercity trains are very rarely more than 10 mins late.

When travelling between cities, the fastest options are the InterCity (IC) trains, so it’s worth looking out for these. Particularly in North and South Holland the faster InterCity trains share routes with stopping trains, but these stopping trains are somewhat confusingly designated Sprinter .

So avoid hopping on a 'Sprinter' because it is the next train to leave. It's likely that a later InterCity service will actually get you to your destination quicker.

The Dutch national rail operator NS, uses a generic ‘InterCity’ branding for its express trains that skip stations. There are multiple types of trains that NS uses on its Intercity services and specific types of train are usually allocated to each route. Hence some routes are served by the iconic double deck trains, while others have the single deck trains

Some longer distance InterCity trains can skip stations that other InterCity services, on shorter routes, call at. While on the sections of the longer InterCity routes furthest from Amsterdam and Rotterdam, some InterCity services call at virtually all stations and in effect become the local trains.

The InterCity Direct services are exceptional - they require a supplement to be paid to travel by them, because they travel on the 'high-speed' Schiphol - Rotterdam - Breda line.

Despite these trains not actually travelling at high-speed (regular trains are currently used), a supplement of up to €2.40 is now charged in both 1st and 2nd class for journeys which involve travelling between Schiphol and Rotterdam, so that includes:

• Amsterdam ↔ Rotterdam
• Amsterdam ↔ Breda
• Schiphol ↔ Breda
• Schiphol ↔ Rotterdam

When buying a ticket for a journey by these trains, the best option is to buy an ordinary ticket for the journey. You then have to pay for the supplement on the red 'supplement' pole which you will find on the platforms/tracks (spors) which these trains use. The reason for using this method is if you don't travel in business hours, the price charged by these supplement machines will be reduced by €1. If you will be travelling with a Chipkart, you need tap it against these poles (machines) prior to boarding.

NON-FOLDING bikes can only be taken on NS trains if you purchase a day ticket for bikes also known as a 'Bicycle Card Dal'. But there are exceptions, in particular on Mon-Friday you cannot take non-folding bikes on any train between 06:30 - 09:00 and between 16:00 - 18:30.

Bike spaces can now be booked in advance of travel.

Virtually all NS trains have specific bicycle storage areas, look for the symbols on the outside of the train. You must use these when taking a bike on board; more info is available HERE

Click on the buttons below to access info such as on board facilities, and what to look out for when boarding and travelling with luggage/bikes.

Notes on the international trains:

There are seven international DAYTIME train services from and to The Netherlands:

1: Eurostar formerly Thalys trains operate on these routes:

• Amsterdam – Schiphol – Rotterdam – Antwerpen – Bruxelles Midi – Paris gare du Nord
• Amsterdam – Schiphol – Rotterdam – Antwerpen – Bruxelles Midi – Paris Aeroport CDG - Marne la Vallée for Disneyland Paris
• Amsterdam – Schiphol – Rotterdam – Lyon – Marseille (summer only)

Seat reservations are mandatory on these trains - the reservations are automatically included on tickets booked online or at stations.

2: InterCity Brussels trains operate on these routes:

• Amsterdam – Schiphol – Rotterdam – Breda – Antwerpen – Bruxelles Airport – Bruxelles Nord – Bruxelles Central – Bruxelles Midi
• Den Haag/The Hague (HS) – Rotterdam – Breda – Antwerpen – Bruxelles Airport – Bruxelles Nord – Bruxelles Central – Bruxelles Midi

Note that these trains call at Bruxelles Nord and Bruxelles Central, but the Thalys trains skip these stations.

3: German ICE3 trains operate on these routes:

• Amsterdam – Utrecht – Arnhem – Oberhausen – Duisburg – Dusseldorf – Koln/Cologne – Frankfurt Flughhafen/Airport – Frankfurt (Main)
• Amsterdam – Utrecht – Arnhem – Oberhausen – Duisburg – Dusseldorf – Koln/Cologne – Frankfurt Flughhafen/Airport – Mannheim – Karlsruhe - Offenburg – Freiburg – Basel (1 x train per day)

4: German IC trains, which NS brands as ' Intercity Berlijn ' operate on this route: Amsterdam – Amersfoort – Deventer – Bad Bentheim – Rheine – Osnabruck – Hannover – Wolfsburg – Berlin

5: German Regional trains operate on these routes:

• Venlo – Monchengladbach – Dusseldorf – Wuppertal - Hamm
• Arnhem - Emmerich - Oberhausen - Duisburg – Dusseldorf.

6: Eurostar also offer a direct service from London St. Pancras to Rotterdam and to Amsterdam .

This service runs up to 4 x per day and the trains only call at Bruxelles-Midi/Brussels South on route to The Netherlands.

On the return leg (from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London) a direct service is now also available.

7: Eurostar formerly Thalys also offers a winter only service from Amsterdam, Schiphol and Rotterdam to Bourg St Maurice in the French Alps.

For many years the only overnight train service from The Netherlands was the Alpen Express . which connects these Dutch cities - Amsterdam, Den Bosch, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Haarlem, Leiden, Utrecht and Venlo and multiple Austrian ski resorts - with an outward journey to Austria on Fridays between December 20th and March 13th and a return on Saturdays between December 21st and March 14th.

But now there are Nightjet services on three routes from Amsterdam via Utrecht and Arnhem

• to Munich/Munchen and Innsbruck
• Linz and Wien/Vienna
• to Basel and Zurich.

The journey guides include access to booking links and information about the trains, tickets and destination stations. Plus for the scenic routes there are insights on how to make the most of the rides on the trains.

Nine things which are good to know about the larger Dutch stations:

1: The main stations in The Netherlands do not have the type of large electronic departure boards that can be typically found on the main concourse in other countries. Instead departures are listed solely on the smaller TV style screens that will be located around the station. However, at busy stations only the trains departing within the next 10-15 minutes may be shown.

2: These information screens in the departure halls only show the terminating station AND the principle stations that the train will be calling at (‘via Delft, Leiden’ etc).

3: On all departure information screens, if a train is terminating at Amsterdam Centraal (the city’s main station) ‘Amsterdam Centraal’ is displayed. However, if a train is calling at Amsterdam Centraal on route to somewhere else, then ‘Amsterdam C’ is displayed.

4: The main info screens on the platforms/tracks (sporen) which show the next train to depart DO list all the stations that a train will be calling at. It will be shown as scrolling text next to 'via'.

5: Dutch stations also don’t have paper departure sheets that list all trains consecutively. Instead each route has its own dedicated departure sheet, the station that you will be travelling to, will be listed on one of these sheets. However, the main stations therefore have multiple departure sheets, as they have multiple routes passing through them.

So if you’re not familiar with the routes, finding your station on these sheets, to discover the times of subsequent trains can be tricky, but staff at the info/reservation desk or ticket office will be able to help.

6: Most of the larger Dutch stations have long platforms/tracks (sporen) which are divided into sections (not zones) Trains tend to depart from a specific section of the spoor/track/platform - ‘8a’ or ‘8b’ etc. If you are new to Dutch train travel, make sure you don't mix them up.

7 The platforms/tracks/sporen on Dutch station platforms usually aren't zoned in terms of wait in Zone A for coaches 1 to 3 etc. That's because with reservations not possible on domestic train services, there's little point in directing travellers to wait in specific areas on a spoor/platform.

However, as a result people tend to gather around the entrance points to a spoor/platform, particularly around the departure indicators. So a tip is to move away from the crowds; as reservations aren't possible on NS trains, there can be a scramble to board particularly busy trains. But avoid straying too far, because a quirk of IC trains is that most are formed of 8 -12 carriages/coaches, but some have only 4. And when 4 coach trains are used, a dash along the platform/spoor in order to board the train is often inevitable.

At the stations used by international trains there are now zones, but this zone info is typically only used for the international trains; the Eurostar, ICE, Thalys,, IC to Germany and Nightjets, as these trains have numbered coaches. So you can use the zone info to locate a specific coach in which a reserved seat or bed is located, as this zone info is used on the departure screens for these trains.

8: Virtually all Dutch stations are gated meaning that you have to pass through a gate/barrier to access the platforms/sporen. The gates are opened by scanners that read barcodes on the ticket, you don’t insert tickets.

What isn’t obvious is that there are two types of gates. If you have purchased a ticket for a specific journey, from a machine or ticket office, or will be using a rail pass, then use the ticket gates that have clear glass scanners, through which you can see a red light.

9: Though something to be particularly aware of is that tickets aren't required to open the gates, they can be opened by using mobile phones linked to mobile bank accounts and by OV-Chipkaarts. However, when using tickets stored on phones to open the gates, the OV system can also deduct a €20 from a mobile bank account stored on a phone. If this does occur the €20 charge can be refunded on the OV website .

Notes on the ticketing:

Five Things That Are Good to Know about Dutch train tickets:

1: Discounted tickets are not available for journeys WITHIN The Netherlands; neither are they available on the Regio trains to Germany. Therefore there is no need to book tickets for domestic journeys solely within The Netherlands online, they will cost the same if booked at the station. Though if you use a ticket counter you will have to pay a €0.50 service charge.

2: NS ticket machines have excellent English translations, but they only accept cards and coins, not notes.

3: If you will be buying a ticket for a journey that requires a change of train, then it’s a good idea to use a ticket office. You can then enquire about how to make the connection at the station, where you will have to change.

4: The tickets issued by the machines, or a ticket office, have barcodes that will open the ticket gates that allow access to the platforms. Stations used by international trains also have manned barriers; in case you need assistance in passing through the barrier.

5: Have your passport with you, even when making journeys solely within The Netherlands. If a ticket inspection is carried out on the train you may be asked for an I.D. document.

The majority of Dutch people use travel cards instead of buying tickets. Known as 'OV-Chipkaarts' they're sold online by NS online here or at stations and can be used by visitors. They can be used on the bus, tram and metro as well as the trains!

The Holland Travel Ticket is in effect a one-day national travel pass that can be used by visitors to The Netherlands. It covers all public transport including the trains, metro / subways, trams and buses. The Off Peak version is cheaper, but it can't be used in the mornings between 06:30 and 09:00.

Staying in or near Amsterdam

You can use the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket for unlimited travel by train (2nd class) between any of the following stations in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam region:

Almere : (Almere Buiten, Almere Muziekwijk, Almere Oostvaarders, Almere Parkwijk, Almere Poort), Amsterdam: (Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA, Amsterdam Centraal, Amsterdam Holendrecht, Amsterdam Lelylaan, Amsterdam Muiderpoort, Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam Sciencepark, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Zuid), Beverwijk, Bloemendaal, Bussum Zuid, Diemen, Diemen Zuid, Driehuis, Duivendrecht, Haarlem , Haarlem Spaarnwoude, Halfweg-Zwanenburg, Hilversum: (Hilversum, Hilversum Media Park, Hilversum Sportpark), Hoofddorp , Koog aan de Zaan, Lelystad Centrum , Naarden-Bussum, Overveen, Purmerend: (Purmerend, Purmerend Overwhere, Purmerend Weidevenne), Santpoort: (Santpoort Noord, Santpoort Zuid), Schiphol Amsterdam Airport , Uitgeest, Weesp , Zaandam, Zaandam Kogerveld, Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, Zandvoort aan Zee .

There are versions valid for 1 Day, 2 Days and 3 Days and the ticket is also valid on all trams, buses, night buses, metros and ferries run by the Amsterdam transport company GVB, EBS, Keolis and Connexxion in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam region - which is in effect the public transport network in Amsterdan.

For children aged 3 and under there is free travel, but the child must not occupy a seat to themselves.

For children aged 4 - 11 you need to purchase ' Railrunner ' tickets for children in this age group, but they cost only €2.50 per child and 'Railrunners' are valid for the whole day. So you don't need to buy separate 'Railrunner' tickets for each journey.

In contrast to tickets for journeys WITHIN The Netherlands, discounted tickets are placed on sale for international travel on ICE, Thalys and the IC trains to Belgium, France and Germany. This is why NS operates a separate booking site ' NS International ' for these journeys (amongst others).

If you will be using Eurail or InterRail passes valid for travel in The Netherlands, you can hop on any train between Dutch stations, including the InterCity Direct and ICE trains. Eurail and InterRail passes have barcodes printed on them that in theory will open the ticket gates at stations. If they don’t do so, go to a NS reservation desk and they’ll issue you with a keycard that has a barcode printed on it.

Avoid booking reservations for international trains with mandatory reservations at Dutch stations if possible - as a booking fee will be charged per reservation. NS International does not sell these RAIL PASS reservations online.

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help. We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please go here to say thank you .

The info will help you have an easier journey;

Help keep us advertising and paywall free!

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.

We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney , which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

• Europe by Train
• Journey Guides
• Rail Stations
• Trip Planning
• Travel Articles
• Tips from 100s of journeys
• How to take a night train
• Good to know about daytime trains
• Travelling with Children
• Taking Bikes on Trains
• Travelling with Luggage
• Taking dogs on trains
• Common benefits of first class travel
• Journeys with multiple connections
• Money saving advice
• The best permanent deals and offers
• Intro to seat reservations
• Step-by-step booking guides
• InterRail/Eurail
• Access over 500 rail holidays
• Save 5% on more than 30 Swiss rail holidays
• Book a range of Swiss rail passes
• Buy Half Fare Cards for Switzerland
• Book train tickets with Trainline
• Book rail holidays worldwide with Bookmundi

Netherlands Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Netherlands travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

From beautiful canal-lined cities to fields of colorful tulips to historic castles and windmills, the Netherlands is a picture-perfect getaway for any kind of traveler. It’s no wonder that the country and its capital of Amsterdam are regularly noted as some of the top travel destinations in Europe .

Whether you want to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife scene or tour the storybook homes of small towns like Giethoorn, every experience in the Netherlands is unique.

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with this guide full of tips and inspiration to have the best Dutch getaway yet.

You’ll find many of the Netherlands’ top attractions in its cities, which blend classic Dutch culture with a modern, cosmopolitan flair.

The capital city of Amsterdam is usually first on any traveler’s to-visit list for a trip to the Netherlands, and for good reason.

Home to tons of world-class museums, picturesque canals and a signature cafe scene, there’s much to explore in this famous city. Plus, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a solo trip to Amsterdam , there is really something for everyone.

For a more modern look at Dutch life, head to Rotterdam, the country’s second-largest city.

Rotterdam boasts a lively nightlife scene, unique architecture, cool historic ships and more. The city is also just a short trip from the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO Heritage Site where you can visit the oldest surviving windmills in the country.

You’ll also want to spend some time in the historic city of Haarlem, featuring many classic Dutch landmarks like windmills, canals, and markets.

Beyond its cities, the Netherlands has plenty of natural wonders to explore.

Visiting in spring? Be sure to make some time to visit Keukenhof Gardens, or the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find acres of tulips and other colorful blooms on display. You’ll definitely want to have your camera ready for this excursion!

As a coastal country, the Netherlands also has many unique beaches to explore.

The Wadden Sea area to the north is definitely worth a visit for its tranquil landscapes and great opportunities for birding. You can even do some sailing on the Frisian Lakes in Frieland, a destination that attracts thousands of boaters and water sports enthusiasts every year.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to the Netherlands in Europe.

Note: This ultimate guide to Netherlands travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Netherlands Map

Use this Netherlands travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Amsterdam Travel Guide

Looking for an Amsterdam visitor’s guide that can help you plan the perfect trip? Check out:

Solo Trip To Amsterdam: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

23 Best Free Things To Do In Amsterdam

Best Tours In The Netherlands

Explore local culture with a Netherlands tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Surprise Walk of The Hague with a Local (Den Haag)
• Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide (Rotterdam)
• Kinderdijk Windmill Farm Tour (Alblasserdam)
• Vondelpark Guided Bike Tour (Amsterdam)
• Volendam, Marken and Windmills Day Trip (Amsterdam)
• Guided Canoe Adventure with Picnic Lunch in Waterland (Amsterdam)

Renting A Car In The Netherlands

Need a rental car for your Netherlands trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Netherlands Hotels

Click here to browse the best Netherlands travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Netherlands Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Netherlands tour. When visiting the Netherlands — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Netherlands travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Netherlands Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in the Netherlands .

Q: What are the best things to do in the Netherlands?

You’ll find many of the Netherlands’ top attractions in the capital city of Amsterdam.

Explore the city on foot or via water taxi and marvel at the picturesque buildings and houseboats that line the canals. The city is also home to many important museums and historic sites you’ll definitely want to check out.

Art lovers will want to visit the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch National Museum that houses many paintings by the Old Masters, and the Van Gogh Museum, an entire building dedicated to one of the most famous painters in modern history.

If you’re looking for free Amsterdam activities , check out the Rijksmuseum Gardens.

A visit to the Anne Frank Museum is always a moving experience. Here you can tour the small space where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II and learn more about how her story has inspired people around the world for decades.

Beyond the museums, you’ll definitely want to go for a stroll in Vondel Park, a huge urban oasis with gorgeous flowers, several walking paths, and even a sculpture by Picasso!

As one of Europe’s oldest monarchies, the Netherlands has plenty of castles and royal residences to explore. In the capital, you can explore the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, centrally located in Dam Square. Tour the palace’s gorgeous rooms and halls and see how the Dutch Royal Family lives.

For a bit of medieval history, head to Valkenburg, a picturesque town with ancient castles, gorgeous architecture, and one of the nation’s top spas.

Outside of Utrecht, you can visit De Haar Castle, a large fort rebuilt in 1892 with a collection of historic artifacts, paintings, and furniture that’s definitely worth gawking over.

Of course you’ll want to spend a little time in the great outdoors during your trip to the Netherlands. The country is famous for its flowers, so you’ll definitely want to see some blooms while you’re there.

For the best views, head to Keukenhof in Lisse, also known as the Garden of Europe. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens featuring acres of bulbs that bloom every spring. Most famous of these are probably the tulips, which reach their peak in April and May.

Not much of a flower fan?

Go for a hike in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, the nation’s largest nature reserve featuring acres of trees, trails, and more. You can also see how the scenery inspired famous artists at the park’s Kröller-Müller Museum, featuring works from Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and more.

Q: What are some do’s and don’ts in the Netherlands?

Before you visit the Netherlands, there are a couple of do’s and don’ts to consider.

– Know the difference between a “coffeeshop” and a “cafe.” The Netherlands (and Amsterdam in particular) is well known for its cannabis culture, including the many coffeeshops where you can buy and consume cannabis products as well as food and drinks. Yes, you can get an espresso at these shops, but if you don’t want to ascend to a higher plane for the rest of the day, make sure the brownie you’re buying isn’t the “magic” kind. You’ll find more of your standard, drug-free fare at local cafes. Also, note that different municipalities in the Netherlands have different laws when it comes to cannabis and coffeeshops. For example, in Maastricht, foreign tourists are not allowed to enter coffeeshops.

– Lock your bike. Biking is the preferred method of transportation in many Dutch cities and as such, bikes are a hot commodity. If you’re renting a bike, make sure you get a sturdy lock and always make sure it’s secured to a pole or bike rack before you walk away. An extra lock may even be worth using for peace of mind.

– Buy an OV-ChipKaart. Public transportation is fairly ubiquitous in Dutch cities, making it easy to get around. An OV-ChipKaart will give you access to public transportation throughout the country, from the Rotterdam Metro to Amsterdam’s famous tram system. You can also easily top up the card without worrying about buying different cards and tickets for different systems in different cities.

Don’t:

– Worry too much if you only know English. English is widely spoken in the Netherlands and you’ll find plenty of signs in both English and Dutch as you travel, particularly in the cities and areas popular with tourists. It’s good to know a few simple phrases and greetings in the native language, but you don’t necessarily need to take a full course in Dutch to get around.

– Take pictures of the sex workers in the Red Light District. Yes, sex work is legal in the Netherlands, but the Red Light District is not a zoo. It is extremely rude to take photos of sex workers without their consent, and if any of them catch you doing so, they’ll let you know. If you’re visiting the Red Light District, just keep your phone in your pocket.

– Buy drugs from street dealers. Dutch drug policy may be lax compared to that of other countries, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find safe drugs on the street. If you want to partake, buy from regulated sources like coffeeshops. Buying drugs off the street in the Netherlands is also illegal and you don’t want to end your vacation in a Dutch jail cell.

Q: How much money do I need per day in the Netherlands?

The average traveler spends about $151 USD per day in the Netherlands on transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and other travel expenses. This can vary depending on your itinerary and travel style; for example, you’ll spend more money in Amsterdam than you will in a smaller town like Lisse.

Affordable accommodation options like hostels and public transportation can help keep your costs low, as can skipping out on restaurant meals and finding free activities.

Q: How many days do you need for the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a fairly small country, so you can see a lot in a week-long trip. One week will give you enough time to spend a few days exploring Amsterdam, take a few day trips to nearby destinations like Zaanse Schans, and spend a day or two each in cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, and the Hague.

You can also travel anywhere you want in the Netherlands over a relatively short amount of time via train, so you won’t lose too much time getting from destination to destination.

Q: Is the Netherlands safe to travel?

The Netherlands is a pretty safe destination for travelers. Rates of violent crime are low, but many of the standard travel safety advice applies here.

Stay aware of your surroundings and keep any valuables close to you and out of view as pickpocketing is common in cities, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Make sure you know how to avoid pickpockets to keep your valuables safe.

You’ll also want to stay out of bike paths if you’re walking around cities like Amsterdam if you don’t want to end your trip in a Dutch hospital.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in the Netherlands?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need a Netherlands travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area member countries, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Netherlands International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of the Netherlands.

Q: When is the best month to go to the Netherlands?

In terms of weather, between mid-April and mid-October is recommended, though if you want to avoid the crowds and increased travel fares skip the busy tourism months of July and August.

Q: Where is the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is located in northwestern Europe between Belgium (south) and Germany (east).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in the Netherlands?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around the Netherlands, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in the Netherlands?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in the Netherlands, though it never hurts to ask your hotel in the specific city you’re visiting just to be sure.

Q: What is the local currency in the Netherlands?

The local currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (€).

What would you add to this Netherlands travel guide?

Enjoyed this ultimate Netherlands travel guide? Pin it for later!

• International
• Politics & Society
• Photo Report
• Relationships
• Learn Dutch
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Scheveningen
• International Travel
• Bank for Internationals
• Dutch Language School
• International School
• Recruitment Agency
• Relocation Service
• Real Estate Agencies
• Tax Accountant
• Mortgage Advisor
• Psychologist
• DutchReview Team
• Privacy Policy
• Take Down and Notice
• Advertise with DutchReview
• Submit an article
• Editorial Internships

🚀 New feature alert! Find the best businesses for internationals on  DutchReview's Business Directory

This 28-year-old Dutch woman with mental illness will be euthanised in May

She'll die peacefully on her couch

The 28-year-old Zoraya ter Beek will die next month by voluntary assisted suicide .

On the surface, Ter Beek’s life looks ideal: she lives in the Netherlands in a nice house, she has money, two cats, and a boyfriend that she loves.

However, her heaviest weights are invisible: 10 years on a roundabout of mental healthcare treatment for crippling depression and autism.

While Ter Beek once dreamt of becoming a psychiatrist, she began her journey seeking assisted suicide after her psychologist told her she would never get better.

Years on a waiting list

Ter Beek spent two-and-a-half years waiting for conditional approval for her assisted suicide. When it happened, she and her boyfriend, Stein, crawled into each other’s arms on the couch and cried, reports de Gelderlander in 2023.

For Stein, his tears were from sadness. But he doesn’t want to be the one that makes her stay.

Ter Beek told the outlet at the time, “Of course I feel guilty. If I had known what I know now, the moment I met Stein… I think I would have run away fast. At least, I hope so. But it turned out differently. We love each other a lot.”

How it will happen

Next month, a doctor will arrive at Ter Beek’s home.

“The doctor really takes her time. It is not that they walk in and say, ‘Lay down, please!’ Most of the time, it is first a cup of coffee to settle the nerves and create a soft atmosphere,” Ter Beek told The Free Press in an article she has since discredited.

“Then she asks if I am ready. I will take my place on the couch. She will once again ask if I am sure, and she will start up the procedure and wish me a good journey. Or, in my case, a nice nap because I hate it if people say, ‘Safe journey.’ I’m not going anywhere.”

The doctor will administer Ter Beek a sedative first, then a drug to stop her heart.

After her death, a special committee will verify the circumstances of her death and formally declare (in most cases) the death to be legal.

Ter Beek does not have much family and so has requested no funeral. Instead, her boyfriend will scatter her ashes after her cremation.  

The world in arms

Ter Beek’s decision has made world news since an article from The Free Press was released earlier this month.

Ter Beek, who was interviewed extensively in the article, blasted the author on X (formerly Twitter) after publication, claiming the journalist misrepresented the truth and omitted parts of her interview.

Zoraya ter Beek is one of a growing number of people across the West choosing to end their lives rather than live in pain. Pain that in many cases can be treated. In 2022, euthanasia comprised 5% of deaths in the Netherlands. Read @rupasubramanya ’s investigation:… pic.twitter.com/YHh2Sk6DbN — The Free Press (@TheFP) April 2, 2024

“He rushed my story, took my words out of context, I don’t even have borderline personality disorder,” she wrote before deleting her X account.

The Free Press has since made TikToks claiming that the 28-year-old is being granted euthanasia despite having a “treatable illness”.

Dear @rupasubramanya , we believe in giving credit where it’s due. During our research for this story, we saw your piece too, but did not use any of it because Zoraya Ter Beek has accused you of twisting her words. Sharing her post here for reference. Best regards. pic.twitter.com/lLX0CmntiI — Palki Sharma (@palkisu) April 4, 2024

Euthanasia for mental illness

In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to legalise assisted suicide.

The process has increasingly been accepted in the West as an option for terminally ill people. Mental illness has become included in that definition more and more.

In 2022, there were 8,720 deaths by assisted suicide in the Netherlands, comprising approximately 5% of all of the country’s deaths in the same year. Of these 8,720 assisted suicide cases, 115 were for people with a mental illness.

The 93-year-old former Dutch Prime Minister, Dries van Agt, and his wife died hand-in-hand by assisted suicide in February this year.

Criteria for Euthanasia in the Netherlands

The statutory due care criteria say that the physician must:

• be satisfied that the patient’s request is  voluntary and well-considered ;
• be satisfied that the patient’s suffering is  unbearable, with no prospect of improvement ;
• have  informed the patient  about their situation and prognosis;
• have come to the conclusion, together with the patient, that there is  no reasonable alternative  in the patient’s situation;
• have  consulted at least one other, independent physician , who must see the patient and give a written opinion on whether the due care criteria set out above have been fulfilled;
• have  exercised due medical care and attention  in terminating the patient’s life or assisting in the patient’s suicide.

Source: Regional Euthanasia Review Committees

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. From the Netherlands, call 113 to access the Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can also chat at www.113.nl .

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

15 COMMENTS

As an autistic person, I respect her decision. People do not understand… Reading comments on the original article and it’s reposts is incredible. She is right, her story has been hijacked. People are missing the point entirely and hijacking it. It’s a classic example of an autistic person reaching out and just getting used.

Imagine always feeling your clothes rub on your skin, imagine that what other people find fun, you find crippling because all of your physical senses are heightened to the point where you are blinded by the lighting in most places, or when you walk into school or supermarket, all you hear is a explosive waterfall of sound caused by everyone talking at the same time. Imagine having heightened emotions and elevated empathy that people just walk over all the time, but also having people use and manipulate you because you can never full read their communication style to know if they are genuine or not. You see humanity in all its raw form from high orbit as an outsider, and you see where it’s going and it’s not good, but you’re powerless to stop the train wreck. You feel like an alien with your own kind. They operate by different rules.

The experience is hard. It’s not normal depression. It’s I can’t get off the floor today because I went to a supermarket and drowned trying to survive it yesterday. It’s overthinking everything, our brains process wayyyy more information all the time and It never turns off. It’s not normal exhaustion when we crash, its not something you can just brush off. We hide it well, we fake looking normal for other peoples convivence and it drains you even further. Many are like me and didn’t even know. We hit a life crash later in life and never recover to surface. Other people just bounce back.. we don’t, we drown. You spend your entire life warping yourself to fit others, but no others ever return the favour to meet you half way to help you cut the energy drain.

If its her time to go, because the struggle is to much, the damage is to much, let her choose to end it the way she needs. Suicide rates of autistic people are very high. There is a reason for that stat. Learn why. We are wired very differently and are a minority neurotype. For the way we are wired, the way buildings and environments are designed… The environment literally cripples us. We are constantly exhausted into literal oblivion trying to adapt. I respect her choice, because I know that if people had to swap places with her actual lived experience, they would possibly choose it too.

Thank you so much for posting this and educating us. Is there a post or article where she talks about her autism and how it affects her quality of life? I am on the spectrum but it doesn’t affect me to such a degree. Even then, coping with things like texture and trying to be normal around people takes a toll

I don’t know what to think about this…. I’ve seen suicide for mental illness… this would have been better for that person and their family. So I guess I’m not against it.

I am also not sure what to think of this. Original article spoke of her having crippling depression. My question is was she able to try alternate treatment methods besides medication. Such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, ECT, TMS, VNS. I am not certain what the availability of such treatments are in the Netherlands. I have also never heard of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist telling a patient there is no hope. Just feeling very troubled by this story and feel tremendously for this young woman.

Wow if I had this option I would take it Medication EMDR CBT DBT AND ALL THE REST have been tried. Cptsd is real and complicated and has a lifelong impact. On the outside you can seem so strong and “normal” but inside it’s a minute to minute battle internally to keep going . Raised my kids and gave them a decent life and now if I cooks go I would! The constant internal struggle is exhausting. Knowing my kids have never seen me truly joyful and always anxious breaks my heart . No one can tell another person what quality of life is or is not. That is an independent evaluation! How dare anyone tell another person that they should live and live a certain way!

Hear hear. My thoughts entirely. So many questions are unanswered. In principle, as a practitioner I would never say that someone experiencing seriously disabling long-term continuing depression; whether or not in the context of Autism; that he or she will never get better. We don’t know that for sure. I’ve been practicing as a qualified Behavioural Psychotherapist for Adults since 1979 and have worked with many people on the Autistic Spectrum, with seemingly intractable depression, so debilitating & disabling that suicide has been a regular consideration. For example, high quality Dialectical Behaviour Therapy combined with a Spectrum of other Behavoural Psychotherspies, delivered within a framework of that person’s Autism ( the Personal Contructs/ Core Schema & Schemas of someone who thinks & percieves in an autistic way) …often helps people to survive, & experience a life that they come to consider is worth living. It takes a longer (say compared with helping people who experience depressive illness, without the effects of their own, individual & personal autism) but it can be done. I’m truly sorry that this young woman is doing this.

Of all the things Psychological treatment practitioners should not do, in the face of an illness that is not physically evidentially terminal, is to tell someone that they will not get better. None of us psychological practiioners can predict this with complete (or enough) certainty If the young woman to be Euthnanised was arguing that she’d had enough, and no longer wanted to engage with evidence-based therapies; for whatever reason; then I could more easily understand how she reached her decision to request euthanasia (based on her own life experience).

I keep thinking about you, Zoraya. I’m so worried about you.

Something just doesn’t sound right here .If she allegedly loves her boyfriend and cats ,why would she willingly leave them ? Plus when people are in depth of depression ,they are not always of sound mind to make significant decisions .Just awful ,this seems so wrong that this law is used for mental illness and young people .So sad 😔

What? Depression is that – it’s a black hole! You CAN love someone and still want to die! You can have moments of happiness and still feel tremendous pain! When someone has lived with constant depression and that is what is constant – over time it wears you down! When you have tried medication (which they don’t even understand the mechanics of) and therapies and all that you can and you still feel that deep black pit of desperation that is depression! Every person has a right to determine when they have struggled and fought long enough! When they determine they no longer have quality of life!

However bad it may while alive, it will infinitely worse than anything we can imagine —***IF***— she has not asked Jesus for salvation before her heart stops beating. Hell/an eventual eternal lake of fire, awaits this woman, provided one thing, listed above, does not happen. In Heaven, for those few who go, they’re going to walking barefoot on streets of transparent gold. Both places really do exist.

I agree with assisted death, but geez, research may discover a medication for autism tomorrow, in 5 years, etc. Her physicians should have encouraged her about the future cures rather than giving her the grim prognosis that “she would NEVER get better.” How sad that all they gave up.

depression and autism is not a reason to kill yourself Zoraya, wish i know your email or any way to write to you directly, travel Zoraya, go to far away places and countries, see nature and other nations and cultures, i will be so sad if she commit euthanasia

Zoraya. I understand you. I suffer crippling depression. Every day. I’m still fighting a case for justice – regarding the unnecessary death by negligence from health system, – of my former partner. His death left a mess. And a son. And two stepchildren. And we are still cleaning it up. That sort of thing happens. Illness happens. Pain happens. But Life is a gift. The beauty of the morning. Birdsong. Love. Motherhood could await you – and it could release you. You’re beautiful. Young. Intelligent. You’re capable of loving your boyfriend, and he you back. You’re capable of loving your cats. And them you back. Don’t give up on life just because you can. Just because the trendy up to date Dutch system allows you to give up. Embrace life. Go abroad, help people that have a very little things to live for. The poor for dispossessed. Work afar. Or work near, but life with all its faults – is beautiful often. Pain is hard. It’s also bittersweet. It’s called being human – and humanity, with all its fault lines, is great. Please don’t give up on it yet.

I like that she noted the inherent prejudice of anyone religious in the process. They share an arrogance with the medical profession that they know best that there is an ability of others to force their political and religious beliefs on a person. No one suffering from clinical depression, no one who has looked into the abyss would ever say that the condition couldn’t get to the point where their quality of life is so badly compromised that they would simply want the suffering to end. You either believe in the autonomy of the individual or you don’t. To offer assistance is the core of kindness, she could have gone outside the compassion system and simply ended herself, but that would be incredibly traumatizing for a person suffering from trauma on a daily basis. Let her be. Let her find her own peace. Let her choose what to do with her life, it is hers and no one else’s. Thank her and laud her for her courage. Remember her and she isn’t dead.

Ever since I seen her videos, it’s been a nightmare for me. The reason this greatly disturbs me is bc PSYCHIATRISTS are NOT HELPING HER – if anything, telling her this, they are handing her a death sentence. I am wondering if she has tried other forms of therapy, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)? It has been 90% effective in helping those with anxiety and/or depression. Many psychiatrists are NOT therapists….those with an MD after their name are trained in MEDICINE and do not understand/acknowledge the benefits psychosocial interventions – therapy – they ARE NOT TRAINED in therapeutic methods to help a mentally ill individual. If she has not tried, if you can ask her if she would PLEASE look into it? It has haunted me ever since I heard this. I do believe in psychotropic medications when someone[p NEEDS it….but psychotherapy/CBT have been PROVEN TO SHOW RESULTS IN THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION.

She may have been taking medication for so long, that her body has built up a resistance. I am NOT religious so I am not going to ask her to pray to god….but I have been trained in the field of psychology and drug and alcohol counseling. I KNOW FOR A FACT – CBT and other forms of psychosocial interventions can have miraculous benefits on a mentally ill, suffering individual.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related posts

No trains to or from utrecht centraal due to malfunction, latest posts, dutch quirk 42: be overwhelmingly direct and never beat around the bush, the weather this summer will be perfect… for mosquitos, it's happening, upcoming events, ‘in brilliant light’: marvel at contemporary african art at this exciting new exhibit, stand out from the crowd with this personal branding workshop at nyenrode, learn all the experts’ tips for buying a house in the netherlands at this free event, come closer explore interactive art from around the world in antwerp, father’s day, june solstice, looking for a fun summer dutch course in amsterdam try out a free lesson at koentact’s open day, 3rd oktober (festival in leiden), daylight savings time ends, the latest dutch news. in your inbox., woah, you look pretty good here.

We're constantly hunting for the latest, greatest, and most Dutch spots for our readers. Want your business to reach an unrivalled expat and international audience?

We like you - a lot

© 2023 All Rights Reserved. All material on this website (DutchReview) is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. If you are dissatisfied with the website or any content or materials on it, your sole exclusive remedy is to discontinue your use of the website. The website may provide links to other websites on the Internet, the content of which is not in our control. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. If you have found material on this website which is copyrighted by others, please contact the webmaster on this matter in order to have it removed.

Netherlands and Belgium Itinerary: The Ultimate 14-Day Trip

Looking for the perfect Netherlands and Belgium Itinerary? Well, you’re in the right place!

We spent a month traveling the Netherlands and Belgium by train and car . The region is packed with stunning architecture, wonderful museums, delicious food, beautiful countryside, and charming towns to discover.

This Netherlands and Belgium itinerary is one of our favorite road trips through Western Europe.

Having spent a month here, we know which places to include to make your trip unforgettable!

Getting around is super easy, too. The train system is safe, efficient, and cost-effective. The roads are well-paved and easy to navigate with great signage.

Our in-depth 14-day itinerary in the Netherlands and Belgium will help you plan an unforgettable trip!

We share tips on places to visit, things to do, travel times for train and car, and suggestions on where to stay to help plan your journey.

So, grab a glass of wine, and let’s do this!

Netherlands & Belgium Itinerary Breakdown

Alright, time to dive into the day-to-day breakdown of your itinerary for the Netherlands and Belgium.

Day 1-3: Amsterdam

As one of the most unique capital cities in the world, Amsterdam is the best place to begin your journey.

This culturally diverse city has several world-class museums, beautiful canals , and interesting neighborhoods to explore.

You will love the laid-back vibe, trendy cafes , and progressive atmosphere Amsterdam offers.

Not only does Amsterdam have excellent transportation , but it is very walkable, easy to get around, clean, and safe for tourists.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: When planning a trip , we recommend adding an extra day to your first location so you can relax after a long flight, manage your pain, and stock up for your road trip.  

Getting to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to fly to. The Schiphol Airport has direct flights from major international cities , and the efficiency and organization of the airport can’t be beat.

Of course, you can travel by car or train from neighboring Germany . However, if you are from the USA, Canada, or Australia… flying is the only option.

From the airport, you will need to get yourself to the Central Train Station in central Amsterdam. That is where most hotels and things to do are located.

The fastest way to get to Central Train Station from the Schiphol Airport is by train, taxi, or private transfer.

For a swift and economical choice, consider the NS Dutch Railways Train. The 20-minute ride costs 6.90€.

For added comfort, Get Transfer provides private transfers for 40–60€. You can compare rates from different drivers and select the most budget-friendly choice.

🚓 Need a Transfer from Amsterdam Airport? ➡️ Book your Private Transfer here !

You can take the bus, but it is not direct and travels to Amsterdam Elandsgracht rather than Central Station. The Amsterdam Express 397 Bus costs 6.50€ and takes 30 minutes.

Getting Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s charming historic center is designated for pedestrians.

Taxis will drop you off as close as possible to your accommodations. Just note that you will be required to briefly drag your luggage along cobbled streets.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: If you plan on visiting the small towns in this itinerary by train, then I recommend staying close to Central Station.

Over the next 3 days, your feet will be your primary mode of transport.

However, Amsterdam does have an excellent transportation system with access to many historic sights and museums.

Even when it snows in the Netherlands , their public transportation is amazing.

🗺️ Maps to Plan Your Journey Amsterdam Tram Map Amsterdam Bus Map

Whether you struggle with chronic pain or not, remember to wear comfortable shoes or sandals. You will be doing a lot of walking!

Have difficulty walking? Struggle with chronic pain or fatigue? 🧑‍🦽Why not rent a wheelchair? Yes, you can rent a wheelchair for your visit to Amsterdam or your entire two weeks in the Netherlands. 👉 Amsterdam Wheelchair Rental 👉 Netherlands Wheelchair Rental

Amsterdam City Pass

Consider the Amsterdam City Pass for entrance to more than 70+ museums and attractions around the city, plus unlimited access to public transportation.

Since I travel with chronic pain and fatigue , we chose not to purchase the pass. Sometimes I just can’t visit everything we had planned.

However, if you love to see as much as possible in each city you visit, then the Amsterdam City Pass is an excellent choice!

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is full of must-see attractions and amazing things to do.

This is our recommendation for how to spend your 3 days , but feel free to let your wanderlust get the best of you!

Not included on this list is renting a bicycle and eating a ton of cheese. If you can, do both.

Our daily itineraries consider the location of each activity and walking times between sights to help plan your visit.

I travel with hidden disabilities that limit my mobility, so I wanted to ensure this itinerary works for slow travelers.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Although Amsterdam is a wheelchair-friendly city, you should still be prepared for cobblestone streets and possible stairs, depending on where you visit.

Day 1: Historic Center & Red Light District

✔️ Historic Centrum: picturesque streets with Flemish architecture ✔️ Oude de Kerk: Old Church is the oldest building in Amsterdam ✔️ Rembrandt House Museum: Learn the painter’s creative process ✔️ Red Light District: a definite must-see attraction for any visitor

👉Buy your Rembrandt House Museum ticket here!

Day 2: Museums & Beer

✔️ Van Gogh Museum: Van Gogh lovers can view “Starry Night” ✔️ Rijksmuseum: houses the largest collection of Dutch masterpieces ✔️ De Pijp: an iconic neighborhood with trendy cafes and bohemian vibe ✔️ Heineken Experience: sample some world-famous beer

👉Book your Heineken Experience here!

Day 3: History & Canals

✔️ Anne Frank House: learn about her life during WWII Nazi occupation ✔️ Royal Palace: Tour the opulent interiors of this Dutch family residence ✔️ Canal Cruise: No better way to experience Amsterdam’s beauty

👉Book your Amsterdam Boat Cruise here!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

📍 Budget – Hotel Heye 130 : Near Vondelpark, this hotel is close to restaurants, cafes shops, and the tram. Rooms are clean and quiet with city views. The staff are friendly and helpful. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Heye 13 0 now!

📍 Mid-Range – Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam : Inspired by Monet, this boutique hotel is centrally located, with an on-site gym and bar. Rooms are modern, comfortable rooms with artistic flair. ➡️ Book your stay at Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam now!

📍 Luxury – Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel : A 5-star luxury hotel in the historic center with stunning city views, tasteful décor, and comfy beds. It has an onsite bar and delicious breakfast is available. ➡️ Book your stay at Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel now!

Day 4-6: Rotterdam and Area

Over the next 3 days, you will explore Rotterdam, Leiden, Delft, the Hague, Dordrecht, and the Kinderdijk windmills.

It sounds like a lot, but all these towns are within 45 minutes of one another.

I recommend you choose Rotterdam or Delft as your base . Both have excellent accommodation and dining options.

Rotterdam will have a wider selection of hotels as it is a large, vibrant city . However, if you want to stay in an adorable small canal town, then Delft is the better choice.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Staying in one location for an extended period is one of the best ways to spend less money while traveling .

Getting to Rotterdam

TRAIN TIME: Amsterdam–Leiden: 35 min ║ Leiden–Rotterdam: 33 min DRIVE TIME: Amsterdam–Leiden–Rotterdam: 1 hour (80 km/50 miles)

Taking the train is an excellent and efficient choice for your Netherlands and Belgium itinerary.

We took the train while in the Netherlands and then drove around Belgium with our rental car.

👉 Check availability & prices 🚅Reserve your train ticket to Rotterdam now!

This itinerary is designed for travel by train or car. Choose whatever transportation option suits your travel style best.

Check out the Netherlands Train website to help plan your journey.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Consider all aspects of your train journey and how it may impact your pain & fatigue — walking with luggage to/from the train station & hotel, waiting on platforms, etc. so you can prepare.

If you prefer to rent a car, driving is straightforward and enjoyable . And we found the drivers to be very courteous.

Just remember to stay to the right when driving to allow drivers to pass on the left. This was a customary practice in Holland.

🚗 Need a rental car? Check availability & prices: ➡️ Reserve your rental car here !

Rotterdam & Area

Rotterdam is your base for the next 3 days of your itinerary for the Netherlands and Belgium. They have fantastic hotels with balconies over the city!

You will visit a couple of towns each day that are close in proximity . This minimizes travel time and maximizes your time in each location.

You can arrange them however you wish since they are all within 45 minutes of Rotterdam!

Where to Stay in Rotterdam

📍 Budget – Hotel Breitner :  This quiet 3-star hotel is an affordable, comfortable option in the city center, only 1 km from Central Station. A delicious breakfast and parking are available for a fee. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Breitner now!

📍 Mid-Range – The James Hotel Rotterdam :  This chic hotel is close to amenities with tastefully decorated rooms, large comfortable beds, and rainfall showers. There is a gym, private parking, and an elevator. ➡️ Book your stay at The James Hotel Rotterdam now!

📍 Luxury – Suite Hotel Pincoffs Rotterdam :  A small luxury hotel, full of character, right on a canal. The rooms are elegant, very spacious, and quiet. Breakfast and parking are available for a fee. ➡️ Book your stay at Suite Hotel Pincoffs Rotterdam now!

Day 4: Leiden & Rotterdam

As you depart Amsterdam, you should visit the town of Leiden before making your way to Rotterdam.

Leiden is one of the best small towns to visit in the Netherlands . It is a vibrant university town with colorful streets, quaint shops, and scenic waterways.

Enjoying lunch at one of the traditional boat restaurants was one of my favorite things to do in Leiden!

Things to Do in Leiden

✔️De Valk Windmill: learn about the role windmills played in Dutch history ✔️ Hooglandse Kerk: medieval church known for stained glass & tower ✔️Pieterskerk: the oldest Gothic church in the Netherlands ✔️ Rapenburg Canal: the most beautiful canal in all of Leiden

As the second largest city in Holland, Rotterdam is known for its unique skyline of beautifully historic buildings and innovative, modern structures.

The city has a diverse cultural scene and amazing restaurants , making it well worth a visit. So, get ready to indulge in Dutch cuisine.

Things to Do in Rotterdam

✔️St. Lawrence Church: a rare landmark that predates WWII ✔️Cube Houses: tour this peculiar & unique residential complex ✔️ Delfshaven: beautiful canals and 17th-century architecture ✔️Euromast Tower: dine 185 meters with amazing city views

👉Buy your Euromast Tower ticket here!

Day 5: Delft & the Hague

TRAIN TIME: Rotterdam–Delft: 13 min ║ Delft–The Hague: 11 min DRIVE TIME: Rotterdam–Delft–The Hague: 53 min (27 km/17 miles)

Today you visit one of my favorite towns of all time… Delft!

It’s one of the most beautiful towns in Holland , and just the right size for a morning visit.

Then you will head over to the Hague, the political capital of the Netherlands and home to the International Court of Justice.

With a mix of history and charm, the Hague has wonderful attractions, a beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, and a fantastic waterfront promenade.

Besides wandering this picture-perfect town with a coffee in hand, here are a couple of the best things to do in Delft .

✔️Market Square (Markt): Home to City Hall, cute shops and restaurants ✔️ Nieuwe Kerk (New Church): a Gothic church with beautiful stained glass ✔️Oude Kerk: this church houses the tomb of Johannes Vermeer ✔️Royal Delft Museum: learn about this traditional blue porcelain art

👉Buy your Royal Delft Factory Museum ticket here!

Whether you’re into history and museums or prefer to spend an afternoon at the beach, the Hague has you covered.

✔️Mauritshuis Museum: full of Dutch masterpieces, like Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” ✔️ Peace Palace: join a tour of the International Court of Justice ✔️ The Binnenhof: visit a 13th-century castle & Dutch Parliament ✔️Beach & Promenade: sandy shores and seaside charm

👉Buy your Mauritshuis Museum ticket here!

Day 6: Kinderjik & Dordrecht

DRIVE TIME: Rotterdam–Dordrecht–Kinderjik: 47 min (37 km/23 miles)

Time to visit the towns of Dordrecht and Kinderjik, the land of windmills.

There is no train to Kinderjik . Instead, you can either rent a car for the day or take the waterbus from Rotterdam.

The Waterbus is an excellent way to see the town and countryside. Plus, it’s very convenient with frequent departures. They offer direct routes from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk and Dordrecht.

Of course, you can join a tour for a relaxed day of sightseeing in both towns.

👉Check availability and prices. 🛥️ Reserve your Waterbus ticket today!

Kinderjik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with windmills and a must-see on any itinerary in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Viewing the windmills is free of charge. However, if you want to visit the onsite museum, there is a small fee.

If you choose to drive, you can visit the windmills on the way to Dordrecht or on the way back.

✔️Kinderjik Windmills: an iconic symbol of Dutch ingenuity and beauty

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Visit the windmills in the morning to beat the afternoon crowds, and enjoy the windmills and canals in peace.

Nicknamed the “Venice” of Holland , Dordrecht is a charming medieval city with art, history, and a scenic waterfront.

Spend the day wandering the quaint streets, canals, and historic sights.

✔️Groothoofdspoort: this historic gate is now a prominent symbol ✔️Dordrecht Museum: great collection of Dutch art masterpieces ✔️ Dordrecht Grote Kerk: an impressive 14th-century medieval church

Extra Time? Visit Gouda

Consider a day trip to Gouda from Rotterdam. We visited Gouda on our 2-week trip in the Netherlands and fell in love with the town!

Gouda has a lively town square with beautiful Dutch architecture , quiet canals, great cafes, and a few museums worth checking out.

If you’re there between April to September , make sure to check out the Gouda Cheese Market on Thursday mornings.

✔️Town Square: visit City Hall & the Staduis Museum ✔️St. John’s Church: the longest church in Holland built in 1820 ✔️Gouda Cheese Experience: time to sample delicious cheese

👉Buy your Gouda Cheese Experience ticket here!

Day 7-13: Belgium

Over the next week, you will explore Belgium. This map shows all the places you will visit during this part of your itinerary in the Netherlands and Belgium.

You can take the train around Belgium; however, renting a car will be easier. That’s what we did, and it was perfect for visiting the WWI sites around Ypres.

Day 7: Antwerp

Your first stop in Belgium is Antwerp, Europe’s second largest port , thanks to its position along the Scheldt River.

You will spend one full day here. It’s enough time to give you a taste of the local culture and see the highlights.

If you want more time, it’s easy to rearrange the itinerary, since cities are so close to one another.

This relaxed itinerary is perfect for slow travelers and those planning a trip with chronic pain.

Getting to Antwerp

TRAIN TIME: Rotterdam– Antwerp: ranges 32 min to 1 hour 49 min DRIVE TIME: Rotterdam– Antwerp: 1 hour 26 min (101 km/63 miles)

I recommend taking the direct train from Rotterdam to Antwerp . It is efficient, safe, and budget-friendly . The seats are comfy and spacious, so you can just sit back and enjoy the views.

👉 Check availability & prices 🚅Reserve your train ticket to Antwerp now!

Of course, the drive is easy too. But I recommend renting a car after you leave Antwerp.

At the end of the week, you can drop your rental car off at the Brussels train station. Then train it back to Amsterdam to catch your flight.

Just note that there may be an additional drop-off fee.

👉Check availability & prices 🚗 Reserve your rental car here !

Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world . So, if you’re shopping for beautiful diamond jewelry, this is the place to do it.

The Diamond District is located next to the train station . Just remember to negotiate if you plan on making a purchase.

If shopping for diamonds is not your thing, don’t worry… Antwerp has plenty of other things to do.

Things to Do in Antwerp

✔️Museum aan de Stroom: Antwerp’s maritime history with city views ✔️Antwerpen-Centraal: one of the most beautiful train stations ✔️Cathedral of Our Lady: this church houses several art masterpieces ✔️Grote Markt: lively square with beautifully preserved guild houses

👉Join this award-winning Guided Bike Tour of Antwerp!

Where to Stay in Antwerp

📍 Budget – B&B Hotel Antwerp : A clean, modern hotel in the city center close to restaurants and attractions. Soundproof rooms with comfortable beds, and modern bathrooms. Breakfast is available. ➡️ Book your stay at B&B Hotel Antwerp now!

📍 Mid-Range – NH Collection Antwerp :  2023 Traveller’s Choice. A chic hotel next to the train station & tram. Rooms are comfortable, modern, and quiet. There is an onsite restaurant, but no elevator. ➡️ Book your stay at NH Collection Antwerp now!

📍 Luxury – Hotel Rubens :  Highly rated 4-star hotel next to Grote Markt. Comfortable, stylish rooms with a walk-in shower, city view, and breakfast buffet included. Has an onsite bar, and helpful staff. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Rubens now!

Day 8–10: Bruges, Ghent & Ypres

Next up on your itinerary for the Netherlands and Belgium are the fairytale towns of Ghent and Bruges.

Located in the Flanders region, they are full of cobble-stoned streets, picturesque canals, and impressive medieval architecture.

Bruges and Ghent are true highlights of any trip to Belgium!

I recommend you spend at least 3 days in the area to explore the towns and visit the WWI sites around Ypres.

It can be tough to decide whether to stay in Bruges or Ghent. But we stayed in Bruges and recommend you do too! Its relaxed atmosphere offers a more romantic and intimate experience .

Accommodation choices are provided further down in the post. 😊

Getting to Bruges

TRAIN TIME: Antwerp–Bruges: 1 hour 24 min DRIVE TIME: Antwerp–Ghent–Bruges: 1 hour 33 min (110 km/68miles)

The trains are safe and efficient, and the roads are well-maintained. It just depends on how you prefer to travel.

🚂Travel by Train : get off at Ghent and leave your luggage in a train station locker while you tour the sights.

🚗Travel by Car : you will hop onto E17 west towards Ghent. As you near the city center, you will want to look for parking.

We rented a car for this portion of our itinerary in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Renting a car makes visiting Ypres and the WWI sites easier. You can stop where and when you want.

Day 8: Ghent

I recommend you spend the day in Ghent on your way to Bruges.

Or, you can explore Ghent on your way to Brussels later in the itinerary.

The picturesque town of Ghent has beautiful canals and medieval architecture. There are several beautifully preserved buildings, including the imposing Gravensteen Castle.

The city has a lively atmosphere, waterfront views, and delicious cuisine that makes for a perfect day trip.

Things to Do in Ghent

✔️Gravensteen Castle: Tour the dungeons of this medieval fortress ✔️Saint Bavo’s Cathedral : houses the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck ✔️Museum of Fine Arts: art from the Middle Ages to contemporary times ✔️Canal Cruise: take a canal cruise around Graslei & Korenlei waterfront

👉Book your Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour here!

Day 9: Bruges

Bruges is your base for this portion of your itinerary in the Netherlands and Belgium.

That means extra time to discover hidden gems , indulge in Belgian waffles, and appreciate the town at night .

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Parking in Bruges – Biekorf is the closest parking lot below the old town in an underground area for 16€/day. There are cheaper options outside the historic center that offer a park & ride. 

Bruges is the most beautiful (and my favorite) town in Belgium.

It’s romantic and full of character with cobblestone streets lining canals, stunning medieval architecture, and romantic squares.

Its timeless beauty and historic landmarks are why Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to Do in Bruges

✔️Belfry of Bruges: panoramic city views from this medieval tower ✔️Basilica of the Holy Blood: houses a relic with Christ’s blood ✔️Markt: busy square with colorful, gable-roofed buildings ✔️Groeninge Museum: a great collection of Flemish & Belgian art ✔️Canal Tour: explore the beauty & magic of Bruges

👉Book your Boat Cruise & Walking Tour here!

Where to Stay in Bruges

📍 Budget Friendly – Hotel Bla Bla : A quiet hotel close to the train station and restaurants. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and there is a sun terrace, breakfast, and parking for a fee, but no elevator. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Bla Bla now!

📍 Mid-Range – Hotel Navarra Brugge : This 17th-century mansion is an upscale 4-star hotel with tasteful decor. There is a pool, sauna, gym, bar, and elevator, with a buffet breakfast, and onsite parking. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Navarra Brugge now!

📍 Luxury – Hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce : This stunning 16th-century hotel combines elegance and charm with modern comforts, all on Bruges’ most picturesque canal. Voted Best of the Best in 2023. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce now!

Day 10 – Ypres & World War I Sites

Belgium played a significant and pivotal role in WWI that helped shape our world as we know it. It also served as a crucial battleground during Allied liberation in 1944-1945.

Today is about reflecting on those who fought for our freedom . Gavin and I underestimated the lasting impact visiting these sites would have on us.

Ypres Salient Route

This map follows the same route we took and highlights the WWI sites we visited.

You can drive the route yourself, rent a bicycle, or join a day tour.

✔️Tyne Cot Cemetery: the world’s largest Commonwealth War cemetery remembering the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives in WWI & WWII ✔️Memorial Museum Passchendaele: offers an immersive experience into the battles of WWI with artifacts, exhibits, and reconstructed trenches

✔️Flanders Field: this symbolic poppy field, marked by cemeteries and memorials, tributes to fallen soldiers

✔️Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate: a nightly ritual in Ypres that honors soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I

Day 11 – Flex Day (Beaches or Brussels)

Today is a flex day. You can t our the quiet towns and beaches in Ostend and Da Haan then enjoy a cocktail at a beach bar in Knokke-Heist.

Or head to Brussels early for an extra day in the capital city. We provide info for extra time in Brussels further down in the post.

Ostend, De Haan, & Damme

✔️Ostend: local markets, Mu.ZEE Art Museum, and lively promenade ✔️Da Haan Beach: relax on the long stretch of golden sand ✔️Pura Vida Knokke Beach Bar: cocktail and tapas at this chic beach bar ✔️Damme: canal town with several bookstores and antique shops

Day 12-13: Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union is known for its global influence as a political hub. The city offers a mix of historic charm with art nouveau architecture , and world-class cuisine.

Despite its contemporary vibe, the city is historic, beautiful, and insanely elegant. I fell in love with Brussels and can’t wait to visit again!

You will spend 2 days here , wandering through perfectly manicured parks and stuffing your face with rich Belgian chocolate.

Getting to Brussels

TRAIN TIME: Bruges–Brussels: 1 hour 3 min DRIVE TIME: Bruges–Brussels: 1 hour 20 min (97.3 km/60.5 miles)

Driving to Brussels is easy. Just hop on the E40 out of Bruges and take in the scenery.

Roads are well-marked with good signage . Just remember to stay to the right unless you want to pass other drivers.

Taking the train is convenient too , as they are frequent and fast.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: If you have not visited Ghent yet… today is the day. Leave your luggage at the train station or hidden in the trunk of your rental car and take a few hours to explore Ghent.

Getting Around Brussels

It is very easy to get around Brussels . People are helpful and most signs are in English.

Brussels has excellent public transportation with buses, trams, and metro lines connecting all parts of the city. Plus, tickets are generally interchangeable between the different types of transport.

Brussels is a bicycle-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes. If you’re interested in this, check out the bike-sharing program Villo here .

Still, be prepared to walk in Brussels. If you travel with chronic fatigue or struggle with mobility, you may want to consider renting a wheelchair for your visit.

Check out this website for more info on renting a wheelchair in Brussels.

Day 11: Flex Day in Brussels

If you decide to spend an extra day in Brussels instead of the beach, here is what you should see.

✔️Mini Europe: an exhibit of famous European landmarks replicas ✔️ Musée Magritte Museum: explore Magritte’s Surrealism masterpieces ✔️Marollen Market: eclectic flea market with vintage & antique items ✔️The Atomium: represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times

👉Book your Atomium entrance ticket here!

Things to Do in Brussels

Feel free to mix and match the following sight and activity recommendations to match your interests and travel style. Enjoy!

Day 12: Grand Place & Royal Palace

Get ready for stunning architecture and tasty treats as you visit the most famous square in Brussels.

✔️Grand Place: UNESCO Heritage Site with Gothic & Baroque buildings ✔️Chocolate & Waffles: join a food tour or find a waffle stand… it’s a must ✔️St Michael & St Gudula Cathedral: 11 th century stained glass windows ✔️Royal Palace of Brussels: experience true opulence and grandeur

👉Book your Chocolate Museum & Workshop ticket here!

Day 13: European Union Day

Our visit to the Parlamentarium was fascinating! The exhibit is well-organized, informative, and very interesting. It is unlike any other museum we have visited!

✔️ Parc du Cinquantenaire: houses museums & gardens with city views ✔️House of European History: interactive exhibits and displays ✔️Parlamentarium: multimedia exhibits about the role of the EU ✔️Museum of Natural Sciences: engaging exploration of the natural world

👉See the sights with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour!

Where to Stay in Brussels

📍 Budget Friendly – Urban Yard : A short train ride to the center, this 3-star Art Deco hotel has clean, spacious rooms with a nature-inspired design. There is an elevator and breakfast available. ➡️ Book your stay at Urban Yard now!

📍 Mid-Range – Hotel Hubert Grand Palace : Centrally located, this 4-star upscale eco-hotel has a retro vibe with colorful, clean rooms. There is a gym, breakfast area, elevator, and off-site parking available. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Hubert Grand Palace now!

📍 Luxury – Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie : Located on lively Louise Ave, this 4-star trendy accessible hotel offers spacious, well-designed rooms, and has a restaurant, fitness center, and onsite parking. ➡️ Book your stay at Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie now!

Day 14: Utrecht & Amsterdam

Today you head back to Amsterdam. Flying in and out of the same airport will save you money when booking your trip!

If you are renting a car, returning it to the same spot is a huge money saver.

On the way back to Amsterdam, you will stop in Utrecht. This adorable town is worth visiting even during winter in the Netherlands.

TRAIN TIME: Brussels–Utrecht: 2 hr 57 min ║ Utrecht–Amsterdam: 37 min ║ Brussels–Amsterdam: 2 hr 45 min DRIVE TIME: Brussels–Utrecht–Amsterdam: 2 hours 57 min (227 km/141 miles)

There is no direct train from Brussels to Utrecht. You will have to make 2 changes along your route if you want to add Utrecht to your itinerary.

There is a direct train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal and from Brussels to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Choose what works best for your itinerary and when your flight is scheduled.

👉 Check availability & prices 🚅Reserve your train ticket to Amsterdam now!

Utrecht has a relaxing vibe as a university town with traditional Dutch architecture, beautiful canals, and a lively café culture.

Spend the afternoon wandering the sights, or just stop for lunch at one of the fantastic restaurants.

✔️Dom Tower: climb 465 steps for amazing panoramic city views ✔️Utrecht Cathedral: a Gothic church with a magnificent nave ✔️Canals of Utrecht: float through the city with a relaxing canal cruise

👉Book your City Canal Cruise here!

After Utrecht, make your way back to Amsterdam to catch your flight back home.

And that wraps up your Netherlands and Belgium itinerary for 14 days! Now onto logistics…

Why Visit the Netherlands & Belgium?

The Netherlands and Belgium are located side by side in Western Europe, making it ideal for a 2-week road trip.

Distances between locations are small and travel times are short. This is important if you travel with chronic pain, fatigue, or have mobility issues like I do. 

And with unique cultural experiences , their combination creates a well-rounded European experience, especially for first-timers to Europe.

The Netherlands has Flemish art, beautiful countryside , delicious cheese, and iconic windmills. Belgium has stunning architecture, vibrant cities, incredible chocolate, and World War II history.

That’s not everything… but you get the idea. 😊

Weather and climates are also similar , which means you won’t need to pack an extra large suitcase for 2 different climates.

How to Get to the Netherlands and Belgium

Most travelers arrive by international flight to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). This is also my recommendation.

As the third largest airport in Europe, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) connects Amsterdam with numerous global destinations.

Non-stop flights from Canada, the US, and Australia run throughout the year.

Alternatively, you can start and end your trip in Brussels , but the Brussels Airport (BRU) has fewer options for direct flights from international destinations compared to AMS.

I recommend checking both AMS and BRU to see which airport offers direct flights from your home country.

We use WayAway for the best deals on international flights.

This platform simplifies your search by comparing dates, destinations, and prices . This allows you to find the best flight available.

Once you decide on a flight, WayAway directs you to the actual provider’s website so you can view the info, read the fine print, and make an informed decision on your travel plans.

➡️ Find your flight to Amsterdam today! ✔️compares airlines ✔️offers the best rates ✔️plus 10% cashback ✔️no service fees Book Now with WayAway

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Schiphol Airport is huge! I recommend requesting a wheelchair if you have chronic pain, fatigue, or struggle with mobility. Check out more tips for surviving air travel here!

How to Get Around the Netherlands and Belgium

Getting around is easy on your 14-day itinerary of the Netherlands and Belgium. Both countries have fantastic transportation options.

The trains in the Netherlands and Belgium are efficient and reliable . They connect cities and smaller towns and offer comfortable, spacious seats .

It is ideal for longer trips , or if you prefer to relax and enjoy the countryside. Just keep in mind that trains are always not cheap .

When planning your trip , always research the costs of train tickets to every destination you plan to visit.

We always compare the cost of train tickets to the cost of a rental car to see if a car is worth it.

🚗Rental Car

Driving is perfect if you want the flexibility to travel at your own pace . Between your GPS, road signs, and well-maintained highways … you won’t get lost.

And, if you travel with a chronic illness like me… you won’t have to worry about dragging your luggage around town. Yay!

There is no official paperwork to present when crossing the border either. The Netherlands and Belgium work together and expect tourists to visit both.

Just let your car agency know when you pick up your rental car.

We like to use Discover Cars whenever we rent a car in Europe. They have competitive rates and great customer service.

Having a GPS comes in handy. We bring our own because renting one from the car agency is expensive.

And don’t forget to download the map of Western Europe into your GPS before you depart for your trip. That way, all maps are ready to go!

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Do not rent a car while in Amsterdam or Brussels. Both cities are flat, walkable, and have excellent public transportation. Plus, parking is a nightmare.

🚴‍♂️Bicycle

The Netherlands and Belgium are famous for their cycling culture, and bicycling is a very common mode of transportation .

Bike paths are well-maintained , convenient, and an environmentally friendly way to explore.

Visa Requirements

The European Union includes the Netherlands and Belgium. Individuals from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, or Australia do not require a visa for entry.

If you are a non-EU citizen, you must provide the following information to the customs upon arrival:

PASSPORT:  Must remain valid for a minimum of three months beyond your scheduled departure date.

VISA:  The Netherlands and Belgium are part of the Schengen Agreement. Americans and Canadians can enter and stay for 90 days.

This applies to tourism and business purposes. For more information, refer to this link .

HEALTH INSURANCE:  If you are not arriving from EU, UK, USA, Canada, or Australia, it is essential to have travel insurance to enter the Netherlands or Belgium .

You must obtain it before embarking on your journey.

➡️ We recommend SafetyWing for Travel Insurance . Check Rates & Book Insurance Now

Booking a Tour in the Netherlands and Belgium

Whenever you travel, joining a tour is always possible.

👉 Benefits of Joining a Tour: ✔️Meet other travelers ✔️Removes the stress of planning ✔️Insider’s look into a destination ✔️Tour guide shares history & facts ✔️Hotels & transport booked for you

For local day tours, I recommend Viator or GetYourGuide .

Of course, traveling with a large tour has its challenges . This is especially true for those with chronic pain, fatigue, or limited mobility.

I find it difficult to keep pace with the group or participate in every activity planned.

FAQ: Netherlands and Belgium Itinerary

How long is it from belgium to the netherlands.

The Netherlands and Belgium are located side by side in Western Europe. It takes 2 hours and 25 min to drive from Amsterdam to Brussels, and 1 hour 53 min by train.

Is Belgium or the Netherlands better to visit?

Choosing between the two can be challenging. The Netherlands has quaint towns, a unique capital with amazing nightlife, tasty cheese, and world-class museums. Belgium has stunning architecture, WWI history, delicious chocolate, and several art masterpieces.

How many days in enough in Belgium?

You want to spend a minimum of 5 days in Belgium to appreciate all the highlights.

How many days should I spend in the Netherlands?

Spending 7 days in the Netherlands will give you a taste of the culture and highlights. However, spending 10-14 days will allow you to travel at a more relaxed pace and discover some hidden gems.

Can you travel to Belgium from the Netherlands by train?

Yes, both Belgium and the Netherlands have an efficient, reliable, and comfortable train system that connects all major cities.

Final Thoughts: Netherlands and Belgium Itinerary

From historical sights and WWI landmarks to stunning architecture and amazing museums, this 14-day Netherlands and Belgium itinerary has everything you need for a magical European vacation .

Combine that with Gouda cheese, Belgian beer, and the best chocolate in the world… sweet perfection!

Whether you prefer to travel slow or not, two weeks in the Netherlands and Belgium is the perfect amount of time . And with efficient transportation options, it’s super easy to explore both on one trip.

Hopefully, our detailed two-week itinerary provided you with must-visit destinations, a range of activities, transport options, and accommodation suggestions.

We want to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in the Netherlands and Belgium too!

Read More on the Netherlands

2 Weeks in the Netherlands: A Complete 14 Day Itinerary 11 Beautiful Small Towns in the Netherlands to Visit The 9 BEST Rotterdam Hotels with Balcony Is the Netherlands in Germany? But Seriously… Does it Snow in the Netherlands? & 13 Things to Do in Winter 2024

Robyn & Gavin are Slow Travel Experts and the authors of Two Empty Passports. They create detailed travel itineraries that focus on slow-minded travel, cultural experiences, and less-visited destinations. As expert travel planners, they know how to adjust your travel style to get the most out of any destination. Robyn lives & travels with several chronic illnesses, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, IST, and POTS. Together, they are determined to help other chronic warriors achieve their dreams of travel. Join their journey!

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands | Written By Locals

So, The Netherlands is your next destination, and your planning to stay 10 days? Good for you! With this 10 day itinerary, I’ll help you fill in your day to day schedule.

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands, day to day schedule: 

Day 1: Amsterdam Sightseeing & Canal Tour

Day 2: amsterdam bicycle & museum tour, day 3: zaanse schans / volendam, day 4: keukenhof / leiden, day 5: the hague, day 6 & 7: rotterdam .

• Day 8: Breda 
• Day 9: Optional Activities

Day 10: Utrecht

Let’s find out the best activities per day, the best places to stay in each city, and the different highlights! 

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands

A visit to The Netherlands for 10 days might sound long for many, but there’s a lot to explore in this small country. I traveled throughout the country a lot, and as a Dutchie, I can tell you all the best places to visit, and I know many local things to do in different cities.

Before we dive into this 10-day itinerary for my home country, I want to tell you about a few other articles about The Netherlands. When you plan a shorter trip for like a week, you might want to read our  One Week Itinerary to The Netherlands  first. Which is, you probably can guess it, an itinerary for 7 days ;). If you still doubt how long your trip to The Netherlands should be, you can read our article  How Many Days Do You Need in The Netherlands   and also read this definitely helpful itinerary.

Let’s start this 10 day trip to The Netherlands in Amsterdam. Maybe you wonder why almost every itinerary starts in Amsterdam? That’s because most people arrive in Amsterdam when traveling to The Netherlands. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, the largest international airport in the country, is located in Amsterdam. So it is just the most convenient to start in our capital. 

Amsterdam is the largest city of The Netherlands, it is the capital of the country, but it is not where our government resides. That’s the city The Hague, but later more on The Hague when we’re reaching day 5 in this itinerary. 

In Amsterdam, you can easily spend like 5 or 7 days if you like. There’s much to see and explore in Amsterdam, it is just fun to hang around, and experience life as a local. However, for this itinerary, we stay in Amsterdam for two days. One the first day we planned a sightseeing tour, so you directly get the hang of the city. Get off with a good start and learn the local vibe. 

Amsterdam is perfect for walking around and exploring the old historic center. You can, of course, book a guided tour, but it is also fun to go exploring yourself.

When you’re going to walk around yourself, make sure to visit areas like  Jordaan, De Pijp, Albert Cuyp Market, Dam.  In our article;  How Many Days in Amsterdam ,  you’ll find more detailed information about these neighborhoods. 

Canal Belt Tour

The Amsterdam Canal Belt is probably one of the most famous canal belts in the world. It is a Unesco World Heritage site, and during the 17th century, it was the most important ‘road network’ in the city. It was during the heydays of the Dutch Eastern Company, at that time, the most important maritime trade company in the world. The canal belt was connected to the Amsterdam Port, and with the canal boats, it was easy to transfer products and goods from the port to the city. Also, it was the fastest way for the working class to reach the port and go to work every day. 

Today the canal belt is still important in Amsterdam, but its mainly used by the locals for leisure activities. And for tourists to go around the city and get to know Amsterdam from a different perspective. Everything is different from the water! You don’t need to back your tour in advance. The tour boats leave from many different locations throughout the city, and most of them are guided tours, offered in all kinds of languages. 

Let’s get around the city in the Dutch way, on a bicycle!

Fun Fact Alert!   Did you know there are more bicycles in The Netherlands then citizens? Read more fun facts in our article  The Fun Facts of The Netherlands . 

Cycling around Amsterdam is straightforward, convenient, and safe. Make sure to follow the designated bicycle paths, and always follow the traffic lights, and you’ll be okay. The best place to rent a bicycle in Amsterdam is via  MacBike ; with over 30 years of experience, they were probably one of the first commercially bike rentals in the city. They have several locations throughout the city, which makes it convenient to drop off your bike. 

An excellent bicycle tour in Amsterdam, which will take around half-day, is to follow the canal belt, go around de Pijp area, Jordaan, and end up in Vondelpark. Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam and probably the most beautifully designed city park in The Netherlands. It is great to drop off your bike close to the park, and then head inside to park to hang out and enjoy some lunch. A lunch which you can easily buy at one of the many take away food stands in the city! 

We recommend to ask at the rental company for a roadmap and ask if they can select the route via the different areas. Due to road works, the traffic situation in Amsterdam changes a lot, so it is better to ask for the most recent situation at the rental shop. 

Places To Stay In Amsterdam

Booking a hotel or apartment in Amsterdam is overwhelming. There are more than 2000 listings on Booking.com alone! So to help you choose, we selected a few hotels and apartments. We didn’t stay at any of them, but when we saw the customer reviews, we felt it was safe to recommend these. We always check the customer reviews on Booking.com and the only book I place for ourselves when the listing gets a recent (reviews not older than 2 months) review score of 9+. 

Recommended places to stay in Amsterdam are: 

• Heritage Canal House 
• Apartments De Hallen
• Hostel The Flying Pig Downtown  (Budget Choice)
• Hotel The Toren 

Let’s get more cultural. The Netherlands is known for its small fisherman villages and unique historical windmills. You can capture both in just one day by visiting Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Both areas are easy to reach, traveling from Amsterdam. You’ll get there within an hour. It is recommended to choose a place to stay in Amsterdam or close to Amsterdam for the first 3 days. On day 4 we recommend traveling with public transport to a different city. 

Zaanse Schans

Famous for its historic windmills. During its heydays, you could find hundreds of active windmills in this area. Zaanse Schans was the first industrial area of Western Europe. After the Dutch invention of the crankshaft, the production snowballed. The crankshaft made a vertical saw movement possible, allowing the windmills to saw much more wood in the same amount of time. 

Most wood sawing was used for shipbuilding in that day because the Dutch Eastern Company needed seaworthy ships for their trade routes in Southeast Asia. 

Today only a handful of windmills are still located at Zaanse Schans, but it is a unique place to visit. You’re literally stepping back in time. A place you can’t find somewhere else. 

Zaanse Schans is also perfect for a half-day cycling tour through the Dutch countryside, exploring more of the windmills that are a bit further away. You can read more about this area, and other unique historic windmills in our article  Where Can You Find The Best Windmills in The Netherlands.  

The fisherman’s village Volendam is probably the best-known fisherman village in The Netherlands. It is not the most authentic. To visit the more authentic and less touristy fisherman village, you probably want to go to Edam. However, Volendam is also great for a visit, and easy to reach coming from Zaanse Schans. 

Volendam is known for people still walking in traditional clothing, the large dike, and daily freshly caught seafood. It is probably the best place to taste typical Dutch Food, raw herring. Which is a delicacy according to many Dutch people, I’m not a fan, but you need to try it once! (In our article   Typical Dutch Food ,  you can find more information about raw herring and other unique Dutch dishes)

Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world. It is a must-visit while you’re in The Netherlands. However, it is seasonal. The Keukenhof only opens for roughly 8 weeks a year. In 2020 they open between March 21 and May 10. 

Every year their opening weeks are around these dates, you can find the most recent information on  their website .

Keukenhof is located close to Leiden in a small village Lisse. So when the Keukenhof is closed, you might want to visit Leiden, which is a lovely medieval city to visit. Or you can spend an extra day in Amsterdam or The Hague. 

Annually the Keukenhof gardeners plant over 8 million flower bulbs. And because of the warm winters, they need to plant even more flower bulbs because the flowers grow to fast. So with stacking the different flower bulbs, they assure perfectly blossoming flowers during their opening weeks. 

The area is part of what we call in The Netherlands,  the Bulb Region,  an area where you can visit the famous flower fields and walk around a sea of colors during the blossoming period. 

Fact Alert! The Netherlands is the biggest flower-bulb exporter in the world! Read more about this interesting fact in our article  Why is The Netherlands Famous For Tulips?

When you’re interested in spending more time around the Dutch flower fields, you might be interested in reading the article ‘ Where Are The Tulip Fields in The Netherlands? ‘,  where we describe the best places and best time to visit the tulip and flower fields. 

Best city in the country! Okay, I’m not objective. I lived in The Hague almost my whole life, so I’m what we say in The Netherlands,  Hagenaar (A citizen from The Hague).  Anyway, today I live in a suburb close to The Hague. A small city on its own, but more in the countryside. My roots are still in the government city, so I’m always getting enthusiastic when I’m writing about The Hague. 

The Hague is known as the government city and the city where the Royal Family lives. It is the third-largest city of The Netherlands, and walking around the historic city centers feels like you’re walking around in a large village. The city is located very close to the beach. Scheveningen Beach, the most famous beach in the country, which is an official part of The Hague, is like 15 minutes away from the city center. 

The Hague Highlights

Spending a day in The Hague can be a bit busy, there’s much to explore. We wrote the article  One Day In The Hague , a complete itinerary , which we recommend reading. In that article, we cover all the highlights like visiting  Binnenhof (Government building), Mauritshuis (unique museum), Royal Palace Noordeinde, Scheveningen Beach, and many more. 

Places To Stay in The Hague

Spending a night in The Hague is lovely. You can sleep in the building next to the Royal Palace Noordeinde, and feel a bit like a Dutch Royal for one night. Or you might stay at Hotel Des Indes, which is one of the oldest hotels in the country. We selected a few hotels, which are all linking to the Booking.com page so you can check them out for yourself. Don’t forget to check the recent customer reviews before booking your stay! 

• Hotel Des Indes   (It’s one of the oldest hotels in The Netherlands!)
• The Penthouse The Hague Tower
• Hotel Indigo – Palace Noordeinde    (Located next to the Royal Palace)
• Kingkool City Hoste l (Budget Choice) 

Traveling from The Hague to Rotterdam is like 40 minutes, tops. When you hop on the intercity train (the fast train in The Netherlands), you can reach Rotterdam in like 25 minutes. 

Rotterdam is the most modern city in The Netherlands. It is known for its unique and bright architecture. It is a unique city to visit. When you’re staying in Rotterdam for only one day, you’ll definitely have a great time, but I feel you need to hurry a bit and miss out on some unique things to visit. 

Of course, you can decide to visit Rotterdam for one day (you can find a  one day Rotterdam itinerary  in this article I wrote), but staying two days, you can enjoy the city even more. One the first day, I would recommend following the one-day itinerary, which takes you along all the city highlights and is perfect for your first day.

Second day in Rotterdam

On the second day in Rotterdam, I would recommend visiting Kinderdijk, which is a Unesco World Heritage site.  Kinderdijk  is famous as one of the first large water management systems in The Netherlands. 

After visiting Kinderdijk, you can either hang out in one of the large city parks and relax for a bit. Or visit Port of Rotterdam, which is the largest container port of Europe. When you’re interested in this form of industry, it is recommended to book a guided tour in advance. 

Als, this second day is perfect for spending some more time in one of the areas you liked, and enjoy life as a local. 

Places To Stay in Rotterdam

There are many places to stay in Rotterdam, so I made a small selection of some unique places which are not your everyday hotels. Like we said, Rotterdam is known for its unique architecture, so why not stay in a unique building for a night. 

• Euromast  –  Romantic Getaway, with a unique city view
• Hotel New York  –  Sleep in the old office of the Hotel America Line
• SS Rotterdam  –  One of the old cruise ships of the Holland America Line
• Wikkelboats  –  A tiny house in the old harbor, a home made of cardboard! Fun and unique place to stay
• Cube Houses Hostel  –  You can sleep in one of the unique cube houses, it will be a budget choice because they only offer dormitory rooms. 
• Cube House Apartment  –  Want to have a cube house for yourself for a few nights? You can book an apartment to stay overnight .

Day 8: Breda

The province of North Brabant (Noord Brabant in Dutch, and often referred to as  Brabant ) is known for its Burgundian Lifestyle. The vibe is different in Brabant. Life is a bit slower, things are not rushed like in Amsterdam or The Hague. 

Breda is one of the unique cities to visit in Brabant, and while you are there make sure to visit the following highlights; 

Castle of Breda

An important building in Dutch history. It was the castle where Hendrik van Nassau the 3rd lived and stayed in the Nassau family (Dutch Royal Family) for many generations. The castle is located on a military academy, and you can only visit it via a guided tour, which you can book on the website of the  local tourism office . 

Citypark Valkenburg

This city park is known for its many fountains and a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. 

This inner square in the middle of the city center is a unique place to visit. It is a peaceful and quiet place to walk around, away from the bustling city. This historic inner square was used as a shelter for homeless and poor people. 

Places to Stay in Breda

Breda has many places where you can stay. When you take a look at the listings on Booking.com, you’ll notice that many accommodations are highly ranked. Which confirms the fact that Breda is known for its Burgundian Lifestyle. Hospitality is one of the most important factors of this lifestyle. 

We recommend taking a look at  the different accommodations  and choose something you like. You can’t hardly go wrong while booking a place to stay in Breda. 

Day 9: Optional Activities – Own Interpretation

This is probably something you’re not used too when reading a travel itinerary. However, there are many things to explore while visiting The Netherlands, I felt it was essential to leave at least one day open for your own interpretation. 

You might want to stay longer in one of the cities we mentioned earlier, which you can do more relaxed when you don’t have a tight schedule. Or maybe you have a city in mind you absolutely want to visit while you’re in The Netherlands, and we didn’t mention before. It is all possible, either way, we selected this day for you, so you can choose the things you like to do in The Netherlands. 

Recommended cities to visit

Here are some cities you might find inspiring to visit. 

• Gouda: which is famous for its traditional cheese market and unique historical center
• Den Bosch: A unique Medieval center. In Den Bosch, you can also experience the truly Burgundian lifestyle
• Giethoorn: a small village in the northern part of The Netherlands, known as  Venice of the North.  The city consists entirely of canals, there are no roads inside the village! 
• Groningen, a vibrant student city, located in the North of The Netherlands. Groningen is known for its natural park Lauwerslake, which is the park with the most unique biodiversity in The Netherlands. 

In our article  Best Cities in The Netherlands ,  you can read much more information about 26 unique cities to visit. 

On the last day of this itinerary, before you leave the country and head back home, or maybe travel a different country in Europe, it is time to visit Utrecht. 

Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in The Netherlands and was once the economic heart of the country. During Roman times, Utrecht was an important settlement for the Romans to cross the rivers. You can still visit a Roman archaeological site under the Dom Tower in Utrecht. 

The most famous highlight of Utrecht, and maybe the most famous tower of The Netherlands, is the belltower  Dom Tower (Domtoren in Dutch).  The church tower was built in the 14th century, and since then, it is a significant landmark in the region. It is the only bell tower in The Netherlands where the unique church bells are still rung by hand. A heavy job, because some of the bells weigh 32000 kilograms! The bells are set in motion by the expert of the Bellringers Guild. They use a unique hanging technique on ropes, using their full body weight to get the bells in motion. 

It is possible to visit the belltower, but only via a guided tour. I highly recommend this tour, because you learn a lot of the Dutch history and the unique tower. The only downside is that the tower is not accessible for people with mobility issues. The stairs to the tower are very small, so they can’t build an elevator inside. 

Utrecht Canal Belt

The canal belt of Utrecht is not a large as the Amsterdam Canal Belt, but it also played an essential role in the development of the city. Before Amsterdam was a thriving city, Utrecht was the economic heart of The Netherlands, and that’s mainly because of the unique location of the city, and its canal belt. Almost the same story as in Amsterdam, only Utrecht was further away from the sea. Which is why Amsterdam had more of an advantage over time. 

It is unique to take a tour around the Utrecht canal belt and explore the city from the water. 

Read more about Utrecht in our article,  What Is Utrecht Famous For?

Places to Stay in Utrecht

There are many places you to stay in Utrecht, we selected three accommodations which got good customer reviews on Booking.com. 

• Hotel Beijers  
• Loft 188 Apartments   
• Bunk Hotel Utrecht   (Budget Option) 

Read More About The Netherlands

You probably want to learn more about The Netherlands before your trip starts. We wrote many articles about our home country you might find interesting, you can see the full list of articles following  this link . 

Some articles you might find interesting are; 

• Best Things to Do in The Hague

What is Rotterdam Famous For?

• Typical Dutch Food Guide
• Weird Things About Dutch People
• Is The Netherlands Worth Visiting   (Recommend read for when you’re still deciding if you should go)

The Netherlands – European Hub

Traveling from The Netherlands to other countries in Europe is straightforward. You can easily catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Paris, which also stops in large cities in Belgium. Or catch a European flight to one of the many countries. A flight from Amsterdam to Greece takes only a few hours. And within 3 hours you can reach Lisbon, Portugal! There are many possibilities to choose from if you want to extend your flight. You might want to read our  booking recommendations , which can be helpful when booking your next trip. 

Some exciting countries to visit in Europe are: 

We spent almost 3 months traveling around Greece during 2019 and had a great time. The country is beautiful. Of course, you can visit the mainland and go to  Athens , which is a unique city to visit. Or you can go island hopping and visit one of the many islands in Greece. It is al possible! 

The weather in Greece is almost always sunny and warm. And the prices are low, especially when you visiting one of the lesser-known islands. When you visit some popular destinations, prices can be though. 

We wrote  several articles about Greece  with you might find interesting to read. An interesting article for when you want to go island hopping in Greece is our  10 Day Island Itinerary For Greece Islands . 

A road trip through Italy is like the romantic getaway everyone is dreaming of. When you’re traveling to The Netherlands, it is easy to make this dream come true. You can just hop on a flight and fly in a few hours to every major city in Italy. You can find all our articles about Italy on  the Italy category page . 

We also traveled through Italy last, and I love the country. Perfect Food, lovely people, beautiful cities, and almost always perfect weather. I especially love the Tuscany region, you might want to read our article  What is Tuscany Best Known For ,  where we describe the best highlights of the area. One of our favorite cities to visit in Italy is Rome, make sure to read our article  What is Rome Known For?

Similar Posts

How many days do you need in delft, is the netherlands worth visiting, what can you do in rotterdam for one day, 14 weird things about dutch people that will surprise you, is rotterdam similar to amsterdam.

• (0)0 31 6 4846 3277
• [email protected]

MindTravellers

Guided plant medicin ceremonies for inner awakening.

Make your journey at the largest in the Netherlands in professional, safe and legal plant medicine ceremonies.

"The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others" - M. Gandhi.

Mindtravellers, a safe and warm atmosphere

We have created a quiet, warm and loving environment, where you will quickly feel at home. A place where you can completely surrender to the experience that awaits you. MindTravellers not only takes you on a journey of discovery of your consciousness, but also takes care of your physical and emotional well-being.

Our clean, cozy and inviting environment provides the perfect backdrop for your profound inner experiences, allowing you to embrace the journey with ease and comfort. After an intense inner journey with psychedelics, rest and recovery are essential.

By participating in a ceremony you can fully share the experience in the sharing the next day. By putting words to your experience, everything starts to have meaning and the ‘new plan’ (quitting alcohol, no more fears, etc.) becomes more feasible. After the sharing we can take a walk so that you wake up refreshed and rested to start the new day.

We invite you to join us on this transformative journey, knowing that you are in safe and caring hands.

Beyond Ayahuasca, Transformative Experiences

Ayahuasca is a traditional spiritual elixir from the Amazon. An ayahuasca ceremony offers profound personal insights, but is illegal in the Netherlands.

That is why MindTravellers does not offer an ayahuasca ceremony, but focuses on other very similar life-changing ceremonies. These ceremonies, held in a serene and loving environment, support you both physically and emotionally on your journey to self-discovery.

Instead of an ayahuasca trip, MindTravellers offers a safe alternative where you can experience a profound inner experience.

Welcome to MindTravellers!

Go to a deep layer of awareness and emotional processing at MindTravellers

Psilohuasca ceremony.

Experience the special combination of visionary plants with psilocybin, which leads you on a deep journey of self-exploration and inner awakening.

Magic Truffle Ceremony

Find your inner compass and make room for your feelings instead of denying them.

Read more about our magic truffle ceremonies

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Ceremony

Embark on a unique path of introspection with our Hawaiian Baby Woodrose ceremonies, exploring the depths of your consciousness with this special visionary plant.

What do MindTravellers say about us

I look back with gratitude on the wonderful journey I was able to make at MindTravellers. Beforehand I hoped to gain more insight into a life question, but this experience has brought so many insights and answers that I can call it life changing, in addition to these insights and answers there was the beautiful feeling of coming home.

From the first informative phone call with MindTravellers you will feel the passion and enthusiasm. I always felt very safe and well guided before, during and after the trip, Rob was always ready to answer all questions, even in the time after the ceremony. The beautiful space, the beautiful music, the loving care of Rob and Denise, the freshly made beds, the delicious food after the ceremony and in the morning, sharing the experiences and the nice walk all contributed to making it for me. was the perfect place to make this trip.

My experience at MindTravellers was beyond amazing. The space that Rob has created is warm, welcoming, inviting, safe, and trustable. The care that is provided before, during, and afterwards is exactly what one needs for their journey. There are thoughtful touches and ideas in the program to give the best experience. There are even comfortable beds and facilities for the overnight stay. Rob provides useful information well in advance, and gives personal attention before and after to really make sure that you are well. The setup is absolutely wonderful and I would totally recommend it for anyone considering a place for their journey. Even if you don't speak Dutch, you'd feel welcome and included.

I look back on a very special and enriching experience. The room where the ceremony takes place is truly beautiful. Rob is very professional and helpful, making the trip in a relaxed atmosphere. There was delicious food afterwards and comfortable beds. I would recommend Mindtravelers to everyone.

I look back on a fantastic experience in a beautiful, safe environment! The people here work with passion and the best intentions, and these are palpable. Everything had been thought of and you will be guided in everything. If you are thinking of taking the step, this is a great location to do so. Thank you!

A very special experience that took place in a professional, warm and safe environment where you were well taken care of during the entire process. This allowed me to completely surrender to the experience. There was also plenty of room afterwards for sharing experiences (if you wanted to), grounding yourself again and there was careful aftercare in which I felt the committed heart from MindTravellers. If you feel the calling to encounter ayahuasca, I definitely recommend MindTravellers.

This experience was very special for me, I got to learn a lot! Rob and Janine are very nice people and guided us well. For me, this is the start of a very beautiful path that I will continue to walk. I certainly want to develop further in this area. The location is in a quiet area and beautiful greenery. We were well taken care of!

It was a first for me (definitely the first, I've never "tasted" anything before). The experience was 100% positive. The environment and the people who accompany us are pleasant. We got answers to all our questions and the explanations were really plentiful. At no point did I feel insecure, despite the spectacular and very introspective effects. Music literally takes control of the brain. Delicious ! After the ceremony there is also an interesting debriefing. The meals and sleeping conditions are also very good. I've traveled (a little, a lot, I don't know because it was the only time)...I enjoyed it. In all cases I came out a little "exhausted", but completely relaxed from all tensions (stress, spine, knees). It has done me a lot of good and I miss the music enormously. Otherwise, I don't feel any addiction, except the desire to continue on another journey. A little later it is a matter of not exaggerating and in any case waiting for the beneficial effects in the weeks that follow. I advise everyone!

Want to take big steps in your personal development?

Then go on a trip with MindTravellers. On an inner journey to unknown, unexplored areas within yourself. To the place where you gain access to other perspectives and illuminating answers. A destination that you cannot easily reach with normal conversations. A Psilohuasca experience or a Magic Truffle experience can enrich you enormously.

With the help of our plant medicines you descend into yourself to explore new areas. Your subconscious shows you surprising panoramas. Insights and wisdom to investigate important life questions from a different perspective. This way you can transform recurring blockages and become the person you really want to be.

Does this appeal to you? Read more about MindTravellers experiences and Magic Truffle experiences here.

Keep me updated

Curious about all developments within MindTravellers? Subscribe to our newsletter and we will keep you informed.

At MindTravellers we offer ceremonies in which you can experience the power of psychedelics under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• Experiences
• 0031 648463277
• Nijverheidsweg 7, 4104 AN Culemborg, Nederland​

LGBTQ+ Special Interest Group >

University research at mindtravellers >.

• All rights reserved - MindTravellers
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Statement / Cookies

Ben je klaar om eindelijk beter Nederlands te praten?

Feel at ease as you learn Dutch in a supportive space.

Welcome to Safe Haven Dutch Coaching!

I know your struggle— ik kan je helpen!

Sign up for private coaching lessons and embark on a growth journey. do any of these phrases sound familiar to you 😳.

"I finished a Dutch course, but I don't have the experience I would like. I find myself shutting down in daily situations."

"I want to finally get fluent for once, but I lack the motivation and accountability to stay on track." 😔

"I haven't improved my Dutch in a long time. Now I want to study, but I don't know which method to use. There are so many books and methods and I feel lost! Help!"

"Group lessons didn't help—I barely got any personal attention. I would love a private tutor to guide me in this process, but I don't know where to find one."

"I don't know how to structure a Dutch sentence. I've learned the basic rules—but it feels anything but intuitive, and I doubt myself ALL the time." 😩

"I want to start learning Dutch, but I don't want to feel so alone in the process. I want someone who understands me to guide me!"

That's okay! We all have to start somewhere! Being a beginner is normal and okay—but some guidance can help!

That's why I offer several different courses to help you get moving again.

At the end of a course with me, you will:

Have more awareness of what you need in order to clear the way for an increased fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing Dutch

Experience a safer feeling, being more sure of the fact that you have the right to claim your own place in this country and be welcomed exactly as you are!

Have an expanded comfort zone, knowing that what you're saying is correct—even though it may 'feel' strange to say

Grow in self-esteem as a beginner, having gained new experiences of being respected and welcomed in daily Dutch life

Feel more confident in your ability to bring your own message across fully in Dutch in common daily situations

Become more firmly rooted in your new identity as a Dutchie, understanding daily language and slang

Embark on your own growth journey now!

Mijn cursussen.

Free Trial Lesson

A complimentary intake assessment for all potential new students

In-Person Dutch Coaching @Safe Haven

In-Person Dutch Coaching at my Business Location. Lesson length: 1 hou...

In-Person Dutch Coaching @Home

Dutch at your Doorstep: Coaching at your Home. Lesson length: 1 hour

From €27.50

Groningen Dutch Walking Coaching (60m)

Discover Dutch with private lessons—walking through the beautiful, vib...

Online Dutch Coaching (60m)

Embrace your Dutch online! Private online Dutch coaching on Zoom. Less...

Dit ben ik!

I am Florian, and my mission is to support your success in learning Dutch. I prioritize creating an enjoyable and interactive environment for lessons.

Crucial to this is fostering a sense of safety, where mistakes are welcomed as valuable learning opportunities. Embracing these mistakes is vital for expanding your comfort zone.

This is where the magic truly occurs! Furthermore, actively engaging with the real world and incorporating movement significantly accelerates the learning process.

I have a deep appreciation for the immense benefits that come with one-on-one coaching. Through individual lessons, you receive personalized attention that greatly enhances the effectiveness of your learning experience.

A coach like myself offers personal guidance, providing the necessary structure and vision. Additionally, I possess years of expertise and a wealth of learning materials for you to explore—a tremendous advantage!

My role is to assist you in understanding your struggles, gradually exposing your weaknesses. I will then motivate you to progress and keep moving forward! You've got this! 👏🏻😁

Here's what others are saying about me.

Honest reviews..

I actively encourage all my students to leave me honest feedback.

Reviews are gathered on, and hosted by, third-party review collection service, Trustpilot. In case you’re interested, read my review policy.

Want to share your experience? 🧡

It would truly help me improve my services! Please leave me a review on Trustpilot and on Google .

Welcome to Inner Travel – the Netherlands

a website from:

Take your inner journey with the largest provider in the Netherlands. We organize ceremonies for inner awakening using Psilohuasca. This can be done individually or in small groups, always under the guidance of experienced professionals. These safe inner journeys open the gates to insights that are almost inaccessible in everyday life. 

Psilohuasca is a very good and legal alternative to the other well-known native drink that is also used for spiritual and healing purposes. Our ceremonies give you access to a world of experience that is richer than you can imagine. If you are open to self-knowledge and are willing to take responsibility for your own life, then the inner journey we offer is definitely for you.

What is an Inner Journey?

A Psilohuasca Ceremony consists of the preparation, an inner journey and the aftercare afterwards. The part where you have a mind-expanding experience is also called the inner journey. The visual phase of this journey is something that is different for everyone. Some experience multiple dimensions, others come into contact with themselves in the past or future. For almost everyone who has experienced an inner journey with us, the journey brings insights. Insights that you will have to follow up on later, in daily life, to experience the full potential of this ceremony. That is why we offer extensive aftercare in the form of good food, a comfortable bed and extensive sharing in which you can share your experience with others who have just experienced a similar inner journey. By sharing and interpreting your story with our counselors, who have years of experience in this area, it is possible to convert insights into ideas and plans for ‘normal’ life after this inner journey. We advise participants in this wonderful experience to take a few days to ‘land’ and settle in before returning to the rhythm of everyday life. Have you become interested? Much more information and our contact details can be found on our site. Click on one of the buttons above to go to the site.

Why is it also called a plant medicine ceremony?

In itself, the explanation of the term plant medicine is simple. The active ingredients that provide a broader mind during your inner journey come from plants, pure nature. The well-known tea (Aya), which originally comes from the tropical rainforest, is a combination of leaves from the Psychotria Viridis and the vine Banisteriopsis Caapi. This drink is no longer permitted in the Netherlands, but fortunately a very effective legal alternative has been replaced, namely Psilohuasca. The latter is a combination of psilocybin, derived from truffles, and an MAO inhibitor. Just like the original plant medicine, this combination ensures a longer and stronger effect of the mind-expanding components of the truffles. The effect is then the same. A plant medicine ceremony can allow you to see mirrors of your own soul. Being confronted with unhelpful things that you consciously or unconsciously maintain. Sounds interesting to you.  Then book your plant medicine ceremony today  . Part of the registration is an extensive intake form that allows us to assess whether a plant medicine ceremony is suitable for you, so we guarantee a safe and balanced experience for all our participants.

Polls open in the Netherlands, starting key voting period for the EU Parliament, with the far-right tipped to make gains

THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- Polls open in the Netherlands, starting key voting period for the EU Parliament, with the far-right tipped to make gains.

Trending Reader Picks

Vanna White bids farewell to Pat Sajak

• Jun 6, 9:12 PM

New seats added to UN Security Council

• Jun 6, 12:08 AM

Stock market today: Asian stocks are mixed ahead of key U.S. jobs data

• Jun 6, 2:50 AM

Tornado hits Michigan, killing toddler, while Ohio and Maryland storms injure at least 13

• Jun 6, 1:21 AM

Man charged in Gilgo Beach serial killings kept a document he used to 'blueprint' his crimes, prosecutors say

• Jun 6, 9:55 AM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Landman,’ ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Starring Eddie Redmayne Lead SkyShowtime’s Upcoming Content Slate (EXCLUSIVE)

By Ellise Shafer

Ellise Shafer

• ‘Hit Man’ Director Richard Linklater Says Studios ‘Really Didn’t Want to Make the Film’: Movies Get ‘Greenlit by the Marketing Department’ and Have ‘Become Really Safe Choices’ 16 hours ago
• New ‘Hunger Games’ Novel by Suzanne Collins Set for 2025 18 hours ago
• Anjelica Huston to Lead Agatha Christie ‘Towards Zero’ Adaptation From BBC and Britbox International 2 days ago

SkyShowtime has revealed its upcoming content slate for 2024 and beyond, including the anticipated new series “ Landman ” from Taylor Sheridan and “The Day of the Jackal” starring Eddie Redmayne .

Related Stories

Why long-form tiktok videos make perfect sense, shane gillis series 'tires' renewed for season 2 at netflix ahead of series premiere, popular on variety.

Returning favorites will include new seasons of the “Frasier” reboot, “Funny Woman,” “Poker Face,” “Tulsa King,” “Lioness” and “Yellowstone.” SkyShowtime will also add new movies to its library, including “Bob Marley: One Love,” “Mean Girls,” “Migration” and “The Holdovers.”

“SkyShowtime is very excited to share the strong lineup of new originals, exclusive series and blockbuster hits coming to the service in 2024 and beyond,” SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan said in a statement. “We continue to represent the best of Hollywood to our members, with star-studded titles such as ‘Landman’ and ‘The Day of the Jackal’ on their way, in addition to new seasons of audience favorites such as ‘Yellowstone’ S5B and ‘Frasier.’ We are also proud to announce new SkyShowtime original series ‘Las Pelotaris 1926,’ ‘Mamen Mayo’ and documentary ‘Schmeichel,’ reinforcing our commitment to delivering a premium selection of both local and international entertainment to our members across Europe.”

See the full lineup with premiere dates below.

Celebrate the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love, peace and unity. In this powerful and uplifting film, discover Bob Marley’s incredible story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music that changed the world. “Bob Marley: One Love” stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch and James Norton.

“Frasier” (S2): TBA

Season 2 of “Frasier” will continue to film in front of a live studio audience at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The series follows Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in the next chapter of his life after he returns to Boston to face new challenges, forge new relationships and – with hope – finally fulfill an old dream or two. In addition to Grammer, the series stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Freddy, Frasier’s son; Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan, Frasier’s old college buddy turned university professor; Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, Alan’s colleague and head of the university’s psychology department; Jess Salgueiro as Eve, Freddy’s roommate; and Anders Keith as David, Frasier’s nephew .

“Funny Woman” (S2): 2024

The second season of “Funny Woman” finds Sophie on a high. She is the nation’s favorite TV comedy star; she’s got a group of good friends and her romance with Dennis is full of promise. But trouble is just round the corner: Dennis’s divorce will take three years; Sophie’s new sitcom flops and she uncovers a devastating family secret. Sophie escapes the turmoil by taking a leading role in a film opposite a glamorous French movie heart-throb. The film is a hit and Sophie’s slick new U.S. agent offers her a fresh start in Hollywood… Series two sees Gemma Arterton return as charismatic comedian Sophie Straw alongside Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan and Roisin Conaty.

“Klitschko: More Than a Fight” : 2024

“ Klitschko: More Than a Fight,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kevin Macdonald, offers viewers unprecedented access to former heavyweight boxing world champion Vitali Klitschko, along with his brother Wladimir, who together dominated the sport for more than a decade. Now the longest serving Mayor of Kyiv, this feature-length documentary charts Vitali’s journey from the ring to political office, ultimately leading the defense of the capital when it was attacked by Russian forces in February 2022.

“Landman” : 2024

“Mamen Mayo” : TBA

SkyShowtime original series “Mamen Mayo” is a mockumentary series which combines dark comedy with family drama. Each episode will follow inheritance mediator Mamen Mayo and her law firm “Mediaciones Mayo” as she attempts to resolve the conflicts of interest within families entangled in inheritance disputes.

“Las Pelotaris 1926” : July 5

Created by Marc Cistaré, “Las Pelotaris 1926” is a SkyShowtime original series that follows Chelo, Idoia and Itzi — three female pelota vasca players who are struggling to achieve their dreams in the 1920s. These successful professional sportswomen will face the consequences of breaking the mold in a world where ambition and freedom are not an option for women. Alongside Mexican actress Zuria Vega and Spanish actresses Claudia Salas and María de Nati, the series stars David Chocarro and Marco de la O, Vicente Tamayo, Héctor Kotsifakis and Antonio Gaona in leading roles. Additional cast includes Colombian actress Viviana Serna, Spanish actresses Alex Onieva, Krista Aroca and Eva Rubio, and Spanish actors Jesús Castejón and Peter Vives, alongside the veteran Mexican actor Eligio Menéndez.

“Lioness” (S2): TBA

From Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, “Lioness” is based on a real-life program and follows Cruz Manuelos (Laysla De Oliveira), a rough-around-the-edges but passionate young Marine recruited to join the Lioness Engagement Team to help bring down a terrorist organization from within. Zoe Saldaña will play Joe, the station chief of the Lioness program tasked with training, managing and leading her female undercover operatives.

“Mean Girls” : June 21 (Portugal), June 25 (Netherlands), June 26 (Nordics and Spain), Aug. 28 (CEE)

From the comedic mind of Tina Fey comes a new twist on the modern classic, “Mean Girls” — the hit theatrical musical comedy based on the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical of the same name. New student Cady Heron is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George and her minions Gretchen and Karen. However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels, she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis and Damian, she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.

“Migration” : TBA

“Poker Face” (S2): TBA

SkyShowtime original series “Poker Face” stars Emmy-nominated Natasha Lyonne as Charlie, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. She hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and, with every stop, encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve.

“The Day of the Jackal” : TBA

This contemporary reimagining of the iconic thriller stars Academy, Tony and BAFTA award-winner Eddie Redmayne as The Jackal, an unrivaled and highly elusive lone assassin, and Lashana Lynch as Bianca, a tenacious MI6 agent in a relentless, global pursuit to catch him. Úrsula Corberó, star of global hit series “La Casa De Papel” (“Money Heist”), stars in the series as Nuria, someone at the heart of The Jackal’s personal life, entirely unaware of who he truly is. Other stellar cast include Charles Dance featuring in the role of Timothy Winthrop, Richard Dormer as Norman, Chukwudi Iwuji as Osita Halcrow, Lia Williams as Isabel Kirby, Khalid Abdalla as Ulle Dag Charles, Eleanor Matsuura as Zina Jansone, Jonjo O’Neill as Edward Carver and Sule Rimi as Paul Pullman. The 10-part adaptation is based on the seminal novel by Frederick Forsyth and subsequent award-winning 1973 film from Universal Pictures.

“The Donovans” : TBA

With the most powerful clients in Europe, The Donovans will see family fortunes and reputations at risk, odd alliances unfold, and betrayal around every corner; and while the family might be London’s most elite fixers today, the nature of their business means there is no guarantee what’s in store tomorrow.

“The Holdovers” : TBA

The powerful story of the unlikely bond formed by a rebellious student, a notoriously disliked professor and the school’s head chef as they are the only ones left on-campus for Christmas break, helping each other understand that they are not beholden to their past. This heartwarming film stars Golden Globe winner Paul Giamatti, Academy Award winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph and newcomer Dominic Sessa.

“Schmeichel” : TBA

A giant of football – Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is the most decorated goalkeeper in Premier League history and one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Part of the remarkable Danish underdog team who won the Euros in 1992, he went on to become a rock for Manchester United during their most successful era under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson. Documentary “Schmeichel” is an incredible family story about success, failure and redemption that will document the highs and lows of his astonishing 22-year career. “Schmeichel” is directed by Owen Davies, with Simon Lazenby and Victoria Barrell from Sylver Entertainment as producers and with Dogwoof serving as executive producers.

“Śleboda” : TBA

“Tulsa King” (S2): 2024

The series — created and executive produced by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan — follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi, just after he is released from prison after 25 years and is unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a crew from a group of unlikely characters to help him establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet. Season 1 recurring stars Annabella Sciorra and Tatiana Zappardino have been upped to series regulars for the second season, alongside an incredible ensemble cast that includes Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Max Casella, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza and Jay Will, with Garrett Hedlund and Dana Delany.

“Yellowstone” (S5B): November

“ Yellowstone” chronicles the Dutton family, who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds and hard-earned respect – the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders – an expanding town, an Indian reservation and vicious business rivalries. “Yellowstone” is co-created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan and John Linson.

More from Variety

Adi shankar signs with wme (exclusive), scarlett johansson vs. sam altman is the ‘black widow’ sequel we didn’t know we needed, wme hires julie haffner as head of motion picture business affairs (exclusive), endeavor posts q1 loss as it awaits silver lake acquisition, peacock content spending patterns show shifting priorities, becky g signs to wme (exclusive), more from our brands, ariana grande declares ‘the boy is mine’ on ‘fallon,’ confirms penn badgley will star in video, can italy’s lake garda finally compete with como—or will it become a victim of its own success, adam silver is sorry for lengthy nba media negotiations, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, get 7-day max free trial — binge hacks, house of the dragon season 1 and more, verify it's you, please log in.