The Most Beautiful Villages in the Netherlands for a Peaceful Escape

Whenever one hears about the Netherlands, what comes to mind is busy Amsterdam and their scanty canals. However, there is a darker side to this charm of a country, although the brilliant cities are there, and it is peaceful rural scenery with windmills, cobblestone streets, and postcard-scenery towns. Seeking a relaxing vacation with no traffic and calmness, visiting the quiet villages of the Netherlands is a refreshing adventure concerning the landscapes and cultural heritage.

Be it a quick weekend or a holiday, these picturesque towns are the perfect places to relax, absorb Dutch culture and have a more relaxed lifestyle. You should have your Visa to the Netherlands in hand before you begin planning on what you want to include in your itinerary to make your trip easy. When that is cleared up, these are the loveliest and quietest villages in the Netherlands that await your visit.

The Village Without Roads by Giethoorn.

The most renowned village in the Netherlands is known as the Venice of the North, and it is Giethoorn. It is special in that they have no roads, only canals, bridges made of wood, cottages thatched with palm thatch. Tourists come in through whisper boats or footbridges and their environment is filled with peaceful waterways and greenery.

Here, time seems to slow down. You are able to sail in the quiet canals, have a short coffee, and go to small museums portraying the history of the village. Giethoorn is the ideal answer to the question of what makes visiting the peaceful villages in the Netherlands such a good experience.

Marken - A Museum of Dutch Traditions.

Marken is a tiny fishing village that used to be an island and has not lost its traditional beauty over centuries. Dark green and white painted houses made of wood, small lanes, and people dressed in traditional costumes make you feel that you have returned to the past.

Marken can be easily utilized as a day trip because of its proximity to Amsterdam, and only a short distance will be covered. It is possible to walk along the seashores, sample fresh seafood and visit the Marker Museum, which reflects the seafarer history of the village. It is a beautiful village in the Netherlands with a lot of heritage and simplicity.

Windmills and Wooden Houses at Zaanse Schans.

Zaanse Schans is also among the most beautiful landmarks in the Netherlands and they usually feature in travel guides because of their windmills and old artisans. It is literally a part of Zaandam but it reminds me of a village in a different time.

You are able to see working windmills, demonstrations of clog making of wood and you can taste traditional Dutch cheese. The peaceful river landscape and the aroma of freshly baked stroopwafels are two reasons why Zaanse Schans must be on your itinerary of an excursion in the countryside.

The travelers intending to visit the country can easily apply to a Netherlands travel visa online to visit the various attractions in the country such as Zaanse Schans that reflect the culture of the country.

Volendam - A Seaside Treasure

Another beautiful fishing village in the surrounding of Amsterdam is Volendam which is a colorful blend of bustling harbors, seafood stands and quaint Dutch houses. It still has its true maritime spirit even though it is a well-known tourist destination.

You will be able to ride a ferry to Marken as well as visit its beautiful old town and have a photo-session in old Dutch outfits. There is no better spot to be on than the waterfront prominade to enjoy fresh herring or Dutch pancakes and enjoy watching the boats go past.

Even better, Volendam is so much tranquil and at the same time lively in some ways, it should be included in the list of peaceful villages one must visit in the Netherlands in case he or she loves the sea.

Bourtange - A Fortress Village in the Form of a Star.

Bourtange is a village close to the German border, and unlike other villages in the country, it is not like the rest. Constructed in the 16 th century in the shape of a star, this village presents a remarkable combination of history and architecture. It has a living museum feel due to its cobblestone streets, moat and reconstructed fortifications.

Bourtange particularly is enchanted at the time of year when snow falls over the ramparts and the Christmas markets festoon the atmosphere with jocularity. It is among the least visited and most interesting quiet Dutch villages, which suits the historians and architecture lovers.

Hindeloopen - Art, Sailing and Frisian Charm.

Hindeloopen is a small village located in Friesland province and is interesting due to its own style of art and culture of sailing. The houses are painted in bright colors, the alleys are narrow and the harbor is full of yachts, which forms a beautiful combination of tradition and dynamism.

Tourists would also know about folk art and maritime history of the village by paying a visit to the Hindeloopen Museum. During the summer, sailing activities are held in the village that brings people of different parts of Europe. It is a peaceful yet a lively area of the north of Netherlands that should be visited once you have earned your Netherlands Visa.

Rotterdam Kinderdijk - The Land of 19 Windmills.

Nor is there a better representation of the Netherlands than the windmills of Kinderdijk, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 19 well-preserved windmills of the 18th century constructed in this small village to regulate the water level.

You can ride bikes or walk, in the dikes, in the museums of windmills and have serene Dutch landscape. Not only is Kinderdijk a picturesque location, but also it is a symbol of Dutch ingenuity and unity with nature.

Edam - More Than Just Cheese

Edam may have fame throughout the world on the basis of its round red-waxed cheese, but the village is also pretty in its own right. Take a walk through its cobblestone streets that are lined up with canals, bridges and historic buildings. The classical cheese weighing street corner is the market square that has traditional demonstrations of cheese weighing in the summer seasons.

In addition to the corny popularity, Edam provides the tourists with the opportunity to have a restful time strolling, riding, or just drinking coffee by the canal. To the list of peaceful Dutch villages add this one and have a really Dutch countryside.

Veere - A Hidden Gem in Zeeland

Veere is a pretty harbor village, situated on the coast of Zeeland, and which had formerly been a large trading station with Scotland. It is now an upscale retreat that is characterized by cobbled streets, architectural old buildings and picturesque waterfront.

The tourists enjoy visiting the Grote Kerk (Great Church), the boutique stores, and enjoying a meal in a serviceable restaurant with a view of the marina. The calm nature and seashore laid back of Veere will give it top ranking as a destination of those seeking a relaxed and less popular coastal holiday in the Netherlands.

Thorn — The White Village

Thorn is known as the White Village because of its whitewashed houses and lovely streets, which can be traced to the Middle Ages. It is one of the most photogenic locations in the Limburg province due to its calmness and historical beauty.

The peaceful beauty of the village is ideal when walking across the old town and going to the magnificent Abbey Church. The beauty and tranquility displayed by Thorn is the ideal destination that tourists are looking in small towns in the Netherlands.

Traveling to the Dutch Countryside.

The Netherlands has a wonderful transport system, hence traveling around these beautiful villages is not a big problem. A majority of the destinations are accessible in less than a couple of hours either by train, bus or car. Biking is another excellent means of sightseeing since there are bicycle trails which link most of the rural territories.

In case you are visiting the country as a foreigner, you should apply for a Netherlands travel visa prior to visiting the country. You can require a Schengen visa depending on your nationality that permits short-term accommodation of up to 90 days. It is not complicated, you will just require valid travel documents, accommodation proof and travel insurance. Getting up early will save you time in a last-minute rush, and your travel will be hassle-free.

 Final Thoughts

Netherlands is not only a big city, but it is a country in which every small village has its own history of tradition, artisan ships, and beauty. The silent canals of Giethoorn, the Thorn, with its whitewashed beauty, both places provide an insight into the life of Dutch people in its pure and quiet form.

You can go alone or with a partner or family members. Visiting these quiet Dutch villages will ensure a relaxing and educative experience. So now prepare your Netherlands Visa, get your bags packed and be ready to explore the peaceful side of this beautiful nation village after village.