Picturesque nature by the water

Perhaps when you are thinking about a holiday in a cottage by the water the first thing that comes to your mind is solitude. Yes, that’s true. You will be in a place where you can relax while being away from the crowds and daily stress. However, you won’t be so alone. Depending on the region that you will choose to go to, you will be surrounded by a lively fauna… The animals, birds, amphibians, and insects are the main “locals” of those places. If you decide to stay in a holiday house by the water, you will definitely spot several species of fish. Moreover, in this type of habitat, you may be able to see superb swans, ducks, frogs, or turtles. Some mammals such as badgers, otters, and minks are also typical of this landscape. If you are a passionate bird watcher or simply a wildlife lover, take your binoculars and camera with you and be ready to discover wonderful natural treasures. This is what you should mainly expect to see if you are going to a holiday house by the water. Of course, these are not the only species that you will be able to see. There are several forests, natural reserves, and national parks where you can admire other animals, insects, and birds.

Are you interested to know more about the plants that are typical to this kind of place? The flora by the water is unique and specific to this type of environment. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to spot some lovely colored water lilies, which simply beautify the landscape. Besides the well-known algae, there are some other species of aquatic plants, such as the cattails, sedges, tamarack, and black spruce, that you may be able to admire while you are on vacation. The river birch, willows, and the cottonwoods are a few examples of the trees that grow near water and create spectacular scenery. You can see all of this and even more if you rent one of the holiday houses by the water that is available on Nature.house. Don’t miss the chance to connect with nature and have a memorable vacation alongside your family or friends! Children will have a lot of fun outdoors while you are enjoying the peacefulness of the place. If you choose to ski on water or perhaps have a trip in a canoe or a kayak, you will definitely get to see the aquatic fauna and flora even closer.

What activities can be done near a holiday house by the water?

Are you willing to have some fun and escape for a while from your daily routine? If your answer is yes, then we have plenty of suggestions for what you can do. Our recommendations are specially made for those who choose to book a cottage by the water. These activities are outdoors and perfect for your body, mind, and soul. A break from your hectic schedule and electronic devices is always welcome and it will definitely improve your wellbeing. On the website of Nature.house, you can find holiday houses by the water that offer you canoes, kayaks, or surfboards. However, if your selected accommodation doesn’t provide you with these, the landlords know several companies from which you can rent. Depending on the region where you decide to go, you may be able to rent even a sloop or a sailing boat. You can enjoy a lovely afternoon on a boat alongside your family or friends. Take with you a basket with food and some drinks and you will definitely have a relaxing time together.

Have you ever tried to ski on water? It is a really fun activity for those who want to do something adventurous. If you decide to ski on water, you will get for sure the necessary dose of adrenaline. There is also a lot to be done by those who are less courageous. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters and admire the beautiful scenery. If you are a really patient person, then you should grab a fishing rod with you, spend some time by the water, and perhaps you are lucky enough to catch your meal. Furthermore, there are several excursions by ferries that will show you the natural wonders of the region while being on the water. In case you are not a water sports fan but you still want to admire the lakes and rivers, numerous hiking and cycling trails are waiting for you. It sounds like a lot of fun to spend time outdoors, right? Therefore, renting a holiday house by the water can be great accommodation even for families with children as they won’t have time to get bored at all. What are you waiting for? Check now the offers on Nature.house and rent the desired cottage by the water.

Natural sights close to our cottages by the water

De Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Netherlands

It is located in the Dutch region of Gelderland and covers an impressive number of 5,400 hectares. What is really interesting is that the landscape of the park was created during the last period of the Ice Age. The dry or wet heaths, grasslands, fens, sand drifts, and forests are all part of the natural scenery of this place. De Hoge Veluwe National Park is the paradise of a splendid fauna and flora. Trees such as birch, beech, oak, and pine represent 65% of the total surface of the national park. When it comes to fauna, if you are lucky enough, you might spot foxes, badgers, pine martens, and even the famous “big four”: the wild boars, mouflons, red and roe deers. Moreover, if you are passionate about bird watching, then this might be heaven for you. There are approximately a hundred species of birds in this national park. Take your binoculars with you because you might spot the nightjar or the black woodpecker. Also, there you can visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which has an impressive sculpture garden and the largest private Van Gogh collection in the world. This is the place where nature meets art. Furthermore, De Hoge Veluwe National Park offers 1,800 white bikes to the visitors who want to explore its 40 kilometers of cycling paths and charming nature.

Glaskogen Nature Reserve, Sweden

Get lost in 28,000 hectares of nature in the Glaskogen Nature Reserve. Take your comfortable shoes and explore the beautiful views along the 300 kilometers of hiking trails. Moreover, if you are on an adventure holiday in Sweden, then you should definitely take a canoe or try to ski on water and enjoy some time in nature. Also, passionate bird-watchers can spot a wide variety of birds, such as the nutcracker, whitethroats, and goldcrests. In the middle of the forest, there is Lenungshammar, a tiny village which is the home for almost 30 inhabitants. You will definitely relax in a peaceful place like that. If you rent a holiday house by the water that is located in Sweden, you will be even closer to these natural attractions.

Het Zwin, Belgium

Are there any bird experts or passionate photographers reading this? There is one specific place where we’d suggest you go and that is the Het Zwin Nature Park, also known as the “International Airport for Migratory Birds”. It is located in the northern part of Belgium, close to the Dutch border. At any time of the year, you can visit the park and observe the cormorant, curlew, oystercatcher, redshank, greylag goose, and even the white stork! The list of birds you can encounter in Het Zwin doesn’t end here. Among the rest of the most interesting species are the beautiful spoonbills, the gentle black-tailed godwit, the black-headed gull, and the little egret. This bird airport is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, but in fact, any nature lover will appreciate the place. The land transitions between sea and mud flats, salt marshes, beaches, polders, forests, and rolling dunes. These diverse landscapes harbour a wide variety of animals and plants. Except for birds, you can meet tree frogs, marsh rabbits, sheep, cattle, and koniks. You can explore the Belgium bird paradise on foot or cycling.

Where can you find cottages by the water?

There is a multitude of destinations where you can find holiday houses by the water. Below you will read about some of the most popular ones.

The Netherlands

It is a European country situated in the western part of the continent. It has 12 provinces and is a neighbouring country of Germany (east) and Belgium (south). In the northwest, there is the North Sea. Discover the nature and breathtaking landscapes of the Netherlands! Fulfill your dream getaway by renting a beautiful and unique cottage by the water on Nature.house! The chosen house located in a slow-paced environment will guarantee you a relaxing, adventurous, and unforgettable vacation. We say unforgettable because you can even try to ski on water or rent a canoe or a kayak. Sounds fun, right? Our holiday houses by the water are located in the Dutch regions that are rich in nature, such as Gelderland, Utrecht, Zeeland, or South Holland.

Belgium

It is divided into the Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north and the French-speaking Wallonia in the south. You can enjoy the gorgeous views of the beach in Flanders, whereas in Wallonia you can relish the many hills and vast woodlands. East Flanders, Luxembourg, and Liège are just a few regions where you can find several cottages by the water. Here you can walk around for hours without encountering a single soul! This is what our Belgian cottages and their surroundings have to offer: a peaceful and quiet environment.

Sweden

It is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe and is the fifth biggest one on the old continent, securing a land area of 173,814 square miles. Sweden is not only known for the pop group ABBA but also for its rich forests. More exactly, about 2/3 of the country's area is covered by forests. Sweden is well-known for being a spot from where you can admire the Northern Lights. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you should add to your bucket list. When exploring Sweden, you will be surprised by the wide offer of different activities and breathtaking landscapes that you will not want to miss. Snowboarding in Sweden is a must if you are a sports fan and you plan your trip during the winter season.

France

It is known as being the global center of art, science, and philosophy. Besides Paris with its worldwide famous Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, it offers a vast amount of different breathtaking landscapes. When visiting this destination, there will be something for people of all ages and with different preferences. This is the reason why there is no surprise that France is one of the world's most popular places for tourists! Sounds like the perfect destination for your vacation? Check out on Nature.house the offers that are available in the French regions, such as Auvergne, Aquitaine, and Limousin.

Looking for the right accommodation?

Even from the beginning, the mission of Nature.house has been to connect people with nature. That’s the reason why all the holiday houses are located in nature, away from mass tourism and crowded cities. You can find a wide variety of types of accommodation. If you want to experience living above the ground, then the treehouse is for you. Perhaps you are looking for more intimate places, therefore, tiny houses or log cabins can be suitable for what you want. In case you would like to rent a larger place, cabins and chalets are also available for you. That’s not all! Have a look on Nature.house to see the entire offer. Have you wondered what the “Contactless stay” green label is? It means that when you arrive at that accommodation, you don’t have to come into contact with anyone during your stay or share rooms with someone else. On the website, you can find a multitude of cottages by the water that has a green label. Check it out now!

Climate

Western Europe

The climate in Western Europe is considered to be an Oceanic one. However, in the Pyrenees and the Alps, the weather is typical for alpine regions. Overall, you should expect some cool summers and cool winters. Therefore, Western Europe is a perfect place for outdoor activities where you will have the perfect time to reconnect with nature. Check out the holiday houses by the water that are offered on Nature.house. The Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany are some of the most popular destinations.

Eastern Europe

The climate in Eastern Europe is very diverse and before you plan a holiday, you should check the weather for that specific destination. Some countries experience a lot of rainfall, while others have plenty of snow for a couple of months. What is important to take into consideration is that there are 3 types of climate, such as humid continental (which is the main one in most of Eastern European countries), semiarid (Eastern Ukraine), and Mediterranean climate (Greece, Turkey, Southern Bulgaria).

Northern Europe

In Northern Europe, the climate significantly varies from maritime and maritime subarctic to arctic and temperate/continental. Overall, it is known that the winters are cold and the summers are mildly humid in this part of Europe. Are you perhaps interested in visiting Sweden? On Nature.house, you can find several cottages by the water that are located in this northern country. Choose the one that suits you best and get ready to go on a memorable vacation.

Southern Europe

Southern Europe is well-known for its Mediterranean climate. During the summer the weather is hot and dry, while the winters are mild and wet. Therefore, Western Europe is a lovely destination where you can go especially during the summer because you won’t get bored at all. You will be able to try a multitude of water sports and admire the liveliness of nature. Are you willing to go there? Select one of the holiday houses by the water in Italy or perhaps Spain and enjoy an unforgettable vacation alongside your loved ones.