April 11, 2012
3 Small Dutch Towns with Big Personalities
Sometimes big cities are exactly what makes you want to go home when traveling. But they doesn’t have to be! Get out of the urban sprawl and its bustling business with these three quaint towns in the Netherlands for a quieter vacation that is still bustling with personality and charm.
Delft
A canal town flowing with charm, Delft is a beautiful small village in the south of the Netherlands. Known for famous painters and historic royal homes, Delft combines classic culture and calm outdoors arenas for travelers to explore. Filled with beautiful, lush parks and large foot-traffic-only walkways, this town is one destination where you can set your own pace and discover the Dutch lifestyle and its colorful history. Wander the water lined streets or take in the town’s rich monuments and museums for an easy escape and peaceful day trip.
Nes
Just off the north coast of the Netherlands, Nes is nestled on the quaint island of Ameland – a worthy wander away from the major cities. Featuring a small downtown filled with little shops and local cafes, Nes is the hub for exploring this picturesque island. The fourth inhabited Dutch Wadden island, Ameland has around 3,500 residents between its four small villages. With varying landscapes from a growing complex of dunes to a long stretch of beach and fairytale island woods, Ameland showcases quiet diversity for visitors. Most travelers reach the island by ferry from the mainland, but for a truly unique experience, wait for low tide. As the waters ebb out to sea, you can walk between Friesland to Ameland across the sea channel.
Giethoorn
Weaved together by a series of canals and waterways, Giethoorn, a small village in the province of Overijssel, is known in the Netherlands as the “Venice of the North.” With lush trees and shrubs lining the canals, this road-less town of only around 3,000 residents is a beautiful getaway from the city. To avoid disturbing the peace and tranquility of this watery wonderland, citizens travel by foot, bike or “punters” – a type of boat powered by a quiet electric motor. Spanning the slowly moving water, around 50 little wooden bridges connect the village.
Have you been to any of these small towns with big personalities?
Photo Credit: Reflections, Delft, sub_lime79; Giethoorn, sara_vh.
Spread the word: