10 Small Towns in the Netherlands That Are Worth to Visit

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The Netherlands is a very popular travel destination. Every year, millions of tourists come here to see its windmills, tulip fields, and canals. But most people only go to big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. If you are looking for something different, there are many beautiful small towns in the Netherlands that are just as special and often much less crowded. These places are perfect if you want a more peaceful and authentic experience of Dutch life.

From historic fishing villages to flower towns and medieval streets, these small towns in the Netherlands each have something unique to offer. Here are ten great places to add to your travel list.

Often called the "Venice of the Netherlands," this small village has no roads, only canals and footpaths. The best way to see it is by renting a small boat and going through the waterways. You will pass thatched-roof farmhouses, wooden bridges, and peaceful gardens. If you enjoy nature and quiet places, this is one of the most charming spots in the country.

This open-air village is one of the best places to learn about traditional Dutch life. There are real working windmills, old wooden houses painted in green, and workshops where you can see how Dutch cheese and clogs are made. It is a great place to spend a few hours if you want to see what life looked like in the Netherlands hundreds of years ago.

Sitting right on the edge of a large lake called the Markermeer, this is a well-known fishing village with a lot of character. The old harbor is lined with colorful boats and small restaurants serving fresh smoked eel, a local specialty. You can also see locals wearing traditional Dutch costumes here, and there are a few good museums about the town's history.

This small town is best known as the home of Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world. Every spring, the fields around Lisse are covered in colorful stripes of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. If you come between March and May, you can see millions of flowers in bloom. It is a truly beautiful sight that you will not forget.

Located in the northern province of Groningen, this quiet town is a good example of rural Dutch life away from the tourist crowds. The area around it is flat and green, and it is a great place for cycling along the countryside. There are also several old churches and historic mounds called "terps" nearby, which were built by early settlers to stay above flood level.

This medieval port town in the Zeeland province has kept much of its old character over the centuries. The historic center has tall gates, a beautiful old harbor, and streets lined with centuries-old buildings. The Sint Lievensmonstertoren, an unfinished church tower, is one of the most interesting sights in town. It is also a good starting point for exploring the Zeeland coastline.

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Netherlands, it was built in a perfect grid pattern in the 14th century and it still looks almost the same today. The town is surrounded by old walls and a moat, which you can walk along. Inside, there are small streets, a large church, and a harbor. It is a peaceful and very photogenic place to explore.

Most people know this town because of its famous cheese, but there is much more to see here. The old market square is one of the largest in the Netherlands, and the historic town hall in the center is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The Sint Janskerk church is also worth a visit, as it has some of the longest and most colorful stained-glass windows in the world.

Known as the "White Village," almost all of the buildings here are painted white, which gives it a very unique and calm appearance. Located in the southern province of Limburg, this small town has a rich religious history as it was once home to an abbey that had great power in the region. The old abbey church and the quiet streets make it a lovely place for a slow afternoon walk.

This historic port town played an important role in the Dutch Golden Age, when it was a major center for trade and exploration. The old harbor area still has many well-preserved 17th-century merchant houses. The Westfries Museum is a great place to learn about the town's seafaring past. If you enjoy history and walking along waterfront streets, it is well worth a visit.