NETHERLANDS GUIDE

Discover Benelux | The Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination
There are so many wonderful regions of the
Netherlands that it can be difficult to know
where to begin. Well, how about right at
the top – in Friesland? This unspoilt northerly
province boasts breathtaking coastal
nature, not to mention the must-visit city
of Leeuwarden. The capital of the province
of Friesland, it has everything from
vibrant shopping areas and cultural gems
to great nightlife. There are also more than
600 monuments, so history buffs will not
be disappointed, either!
Picturesque
Next on your list should be Amersfoort, an
attractive city to the west of Amsterdam
which is full of history. Admire the city’s
well-maintained medieval buildings as you
stroll the beautiful and compact city centre.
You can also enjoy walking by the picturesque
canals and sampling local specialties
in the city’s many charming cafés
and restaurants.
Leeuwarden.
Heading into the centre of the
Netherlands, the municipality of
Vijfheerenlanden is full of hidden gems.
Meaning literally ‘lands of five Lords’,
the municipality was created on 1 Janu-
ary 2019, through the merger of the former
municipalities of Vianen, Leerdam
and Zederik. There’s plenty to see and
do, with countless historical monuments
and scenic towns aplenty.
History
Also bursting with history is Nijmegen,
a fascinating city in the province of
Gelderland. Located close to the
German border, Nijmegen is the oldest
city in the Netherlands, and in 2005 celebrated
2,000 years of existence. Nijmegen
and its surroundings form the perfect
backdrop for hiking, cycling, and running.
An annual highlight is the ‘Vierdaagse’
(Four Days March), which draws hikers
from around the world every year.
Down in the south of the Netherlands, lies
the peaceful municipality of Halderberge.
There is so much to see, enjoy and do,
whether you want to visit monumental
buildings or go hiking amid the wonderful
countryside.
The great outdoors
Meanwhile, don’t miss the opportunity to
see Goeree-Overflakkee, the southernmost
delta island of the province of South
Holland. With expanses of dunes and
sandy beaches, not to mention beautiful
nature reserves, Goeree-Overflakkee is a
paradise for lovers of the great outdoors.
Leeuwarden.
Discover more about the top places to
visit in the Netherlands from page 32.
Issue 71 | November 2019 | 29