Discover North Netherlands | A Visitor's Introduction to North Netherlands

Why Is The North Netherlands Worth a Visit?

The North Netherlands is worth visiting for its landscapes, history, and authenticity. This is a region where cycling paths lead past sheep-grazed dikes, where villages have stood for over a thousand years, and where locals greet you with genuine warmth. Drenthe draws nature lovers and history buffs alike with its national parks and prehistoric monuments. Friesland is a watersports paradise, with lakes, canals, and the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. Groningen combines a lively university city with peaceful countryside dotted with historic churches and grand farmhouses (borgen).

It’s a part of the Netherlands where you can breathe deeply, take your time, and discover a side of Dutch life that’s both traditional and refreshingly down-to-earth.

North Netherlands Highlights: Things to See and Do in the North Netherlands

Drenthe

• Hunebedden & Hunebed Centre (Borger) – These prehistoric stone tombs are the oldest monuments in the Netherlands, with 52 scattered across Drenthe. The Hunebed Centre offers fascinating context and reconstructions of Stone Age life.

• Dwingelderveld National Park – Europe’s largest wet heathland, with peaceful walking and cycling trails and two flocks of grazing sheep.

• Kamp Westerbork – A moving WWII memorial and museum at the site of a former transit camp.

• Drents-Friese Wold National Park – Spanning Drenthe and Friesland, this nature reserve offers heath, forest, and shifting sands.

• Orvelte – A living museum village with thatched farmhouses, artisan workshops, and seasonal fairs.

Friesland

• Leeuwarden – The provincial capital and a former European Capital of Culture, with canals, the leaning Oldehove tower, and the Fries Museum.

• Frisian Lakes (Friese Meren) – Perfect for sailing, canoeing, and waterside relaxation in towns like Sneek and Heeg.

• Wadden Islands – Ameland, Terschelling, Vlieland, and Schiermonnikoog offer sandy beaches, cycling paths, and nature reserves, accessible by ferry.

• Elfstedentocht Route – The legendary Eleven Cities ice-skating route can also be cycled or boated in warmer months.

• Skûtsjesilen – Traditional Frisian sailing races in summer, with colourful sails and a festive atmosphere.

Groningen

• Groningen City – A lively university city with the historic Martinitoren tower, cutting-edge Groninger Museum, and a buzzing café culture.

• Bourtange Fortress – A perfectly restored 16th-century star-shaped fort near the German border.

• Menkemaborg & Fraeylemaborg – Stately borgen (manor houses) open to visitors, surrounded by gardens and parkland.

• Wadden Sea & Lauwersmeer National Park – UNESCO-listed tidal flats and rich birdlife, perfect for wadlopen (mudflat hiking) and nature watching.

• Appingedam – A historic town known for its “hanging kitchens” over the water and medieval streets.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

The main transport hub is Groningen city, about 2 hours by train from Amsterdam. Leeuwarden and Assen are also on the national rail network. Regional buses and local trains connect smaller towns, but a car is useful for rural exploration.

Parking

In cities, use paid parking garages or Park-and-Ride facilities. Smaller towns and countryside spots often have free parking.

Dining

• Drenthe – Hearty rural fare, pancakes, and seasonal game.

• Friesland – Fresh fish from lakes and sea, suikerbrood (sweet bread), oranjekoek (spiced cake).

• Groningen – Local specialities like eierbal (deep-fried egg snack) and Groninger koek (spiced cake).
  Each province has a growing craft beer scene and plenty of cosy bruine cafés.

Shopping

Leeuwarden and Groningen city have the widest choice of shops, from Dutch design to regional crafts. Small towns often have weekly markets selling local produce and baked goods.

When to Visit

Spring and summer are ideal for cycling, sailing, and island trips. Autumn offers colourful heathlands and quieter towns. Winter is special if the canals freeze for skating, especially if an Elfstedentocht happens (rare, but legendary).

Local Events

• Sneekweek (Friesland, August) – Europe’s largest inland sailing event.

• Noorderzon Festival (Groningen, August) – Theatre, music, and art in the park.

• TT Assen (Drenthe, June) – World-famous motorcycle race.

• Skûtsjesilen (Friesland, summer) – Traditional sailing races.

Exploring Beyond the North Netherlands

From here, you can easily reach the northern German coast, the Frisian Islands further east, or head south to the Veluwe in Gelderland.