Active holidays in The Netherlands

The land of tulips and canals is a paradise for cyclists

The Netherlands is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. And not just because of its windmills, tulip fields and canals. The small country is incredibly diverse. The landscape is characterised by the element of water.

Row of colorful historic canal houses in Amsterdam reflected in the water, with pink cherry blossoms in the foreground and boats moored along the canal. — Amsterdam in spring

Our trips in the Nethterlands

Beautiful beaches and tulip fields

The Netherlands borders the North Sea with great coasts and beaches in the west and north. The North Sea islands of Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog with the widest beach in the Netherlands and Friesland are popular paradises for bathing, water sports and nature.

If you want to combine a beach experience with tulip fields, Noordwijk on the North Sea is the place for you. The seaside resort of Zandvoort is not far from Amsterdam. The beach and nature reserve offer many outdoor activities. The sunny region of Zeeland with its fantastic beaches, idyllic seaside resorts, historic villages and picturesque harbours lies in the estuary delta of the Rhine, Schelde and Maas on the south coast.

Extensive field of pink tulips in the Netherlands with rows stretching to the horizon under an overcast sky. — A field of pink tulips

Our active holidays in the Netherlands

Cycling holidays in the Netherlands

White passenger vessel MS Fluvius cruising on a river with passengers on deck, surrounded by green trees along the riverbank.

Bike & boat holidays in the Netherlands

Show all active tours in the Netherlands

A paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts

Almost a third of the area of the Netherlands is lower than sea level. The struggle of the people against the water has created the characteristic dikes and green polder landscapes.

Other heaths and the largest forest in the country can be found in the Veluwe. It's a paradise for hikers and cyclists. Veluwe also has the national parks De Hoge Veluwe and Veluwezoom. The most famous windmills in the Netherlands are those of Kinderdijk near Rotterdam, which are UNESCO world heritage sites.

Aerial view of cyclists riding on a winding bike path through green North Holland landscape with water channels on both sides. — Cyclists in the green polder landscape

Golden sunset over sandy dunes with beach grass on Texel island. The North Sea stretches to the horizon under orange and yellow clouds. — Sunset on the island of Texel

Three cyclists with touring bikes pause on a cobblestone street lined with traditional Dutch brick houses featuring red tile roofs. — Cycling through Dutch villages

Wooden pathway with railings leading through sand dunes to a beach in Holland. Dune grass covers the sandy hills under a clear sky. — The Netherlands offers countless dunes and long sandy beaches

Tourist boat on Amsterdam canal passing colorful Dutch gabled houses with red tile roofs under blue sky with white clouds. — Boat in Amsterdam’s famous canals

Cheese shop with Gouda cheese

Windmills — Idyllic landscape with windmills

Traditional boats moored in Hoorn harbor with historic tower and gabled houses under blue sky. Wooden posts line the waterway. — Historic harbour in Hoorn

Holland’s cities are worth a visit

The capital Amsterdam is known for its cosmopolitan flair and charm. Museums, historical sights and the famous canals inspire the visitors. The Hague, the cosmopolitan city by the sea, enchants with its historic centre. Rotterdam with its imposing skyscrapers is a magnet for lovers of modern architecture and art.

Among the culinary delights of the Netherlands are poffertjes, a kind of small thick pancake served with butter and lots of icing sugar.

Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam