Cottages in the Netherlands

Discover nature, breathtaking landscapes, and get to know what a popular destination such as the Netherlands has to offer! Enjoy your nature getaway by renting a beautiful and unique holiday house in the hidden Dutch wonders, on Nature.house! These villas with a slow-paced environment will guarantee a relaxing yet adventurous holiday. Our vacation houses in the Netherlands are away from the crowds and mass tourism. It is the perfect escape from the fuss of the big cities!

Location

The Netherlands is a European country situated in the western part of the continent. It has 12 provinces and is a neighboring country of Germany (east) and Belgium (south). The country has maritime borders also with the United Kingdom. The four largest cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Amsterdam is the capital city, however, The Hague is home to the States-General, Cabinet and Supreme Court. Moreover, the Port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and the third busiest port in the world after the ones in China and Singapore.

The natural treasures of the Netherlands

Flora

Many plants and animals that thrive in temperate climates can be found in the Netherlands. The country is famous for its well-known Dutch tulips. Did you know that even though they are considered a Dutch symbol now, the gentle and vividly coloured tulips were imported from the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey) in the 16th century? In the past, the flower bulbs were used as money until the market collapsed. This moment in Dutch history is also known as Tulip Mania.

The most breathtaking views with multi-colored tulips can be spotted at many tulip fields in the north of Holland and behind the North Sea dunes. The most famous ones are the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, which are located approximately 40 kilometers away from Amsterdam. Moreover, near these gardens, more exactly 5 kilometers away, you can visit the tulip farm De Tulperij in Voorhout. Here, you can find eye-catching flower fields and find out more about tulips from the farmer and his wife. If you want to be there at the right moment, the tulip season runs from the end of March until mid-May. The Netherlands, known also as the largest flower shop in the world, hosts tulips festivals and parades during this time and it’s a great opportunity to take a bike to discover the natural treasures by cycling. Don’t miss the chance to see the Flower Parade Bollenstreek, you will not regret it.

Other flowers such as daisies, buttercups and the purple heather that blooms on the heaths in September can be discovered while hiking in the Dutch long-distance trails, such as E2, E8, E9 through Rotterdam, and E11 from The Hague. The most common trees that grow in the Netherlands are oak, elm, pine, linden, and beech. Spend a weekend or more in one of our chalets and you discover them all!

Fauna

In the Netherlands, wild or large animals are practically nonexistent, but mammals such as the red deer, wild pigs, foxes, badgers, fallow deer, mouflons, rabbits, hedgehogs, and bats can be spotted. In total, 541 bird species have been registered. This sounds exciting for bird-watchers, right? The number includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. You will be able to see a multitude of these animals while visiting the Dutch national parks or while hiking or cycling across the country. If you are a passionate bird-watcher or animal lover, then a nature house is just what you need!

What activities can you do in the Dutch nature?

The Netherlands is the perfect destination for both short and long vacations! If you want to explore the diverse nature of the country within one short holiday, it’s not a problem! The country is relatively small, so the distances between its charming villages and natural places can be covered by train or even by bike. Just like Denmark, the country is a top destination for cycling trips with its flat surface and cycling routes everywhere. In fact, this will allow you to feel like a real Dutch person who prefers cycling instead of driving. There is a cycling route of 40-50 kilometers in South Holland, in Alblasserwaard and Vijfheerenlanden, that passes the well-known Dutch windmills, which are part of the UNESCO heritage. Also, there are several Van Gogh cycling routes in Gelderland, Etten-Leur, Zundert, and the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde 600 meter cycle path. The path is situated near Eindhoven and it is worth visiting it especially during the night as it is made out of twinkling coloured stones that remind visitors of Van Gogh’s famous painting “Starry Night”. If you are interested in finding out more about the Dutch painter, then you should definitely cycle through the Nuenen route, which is connected to the Roosegaarde path and goes to the town where Van Gogh has spent an important time of his life. Are you a cycling enthusiast but also a gourmet? Then head to the region of Zeeland where you can delight your taste buds with fish delicacies not only at small village taverns, but also at Michelin-awarded restaurants.

From forests, rivers, rural areas, and polder landscapes, to the coastal strips and beaches in the Hague and Zeeland, you’ll be surprised by the beauty of the Netherlands. Other popular activities include walking, boat trips and fishing. The Netherlands also has several superb hiking routes that will help you explore the Veluwe National Park or Arkemheen-Eemland National Park. Some of our landlords from whom you can rent holiday houses in the Netherlands offer information packs with suggested activities and day trips in the area.

Sights in the Netherlands

Hoge Veluwe National Park

Located just a few kilometers away from Arnhem, a city in the eastern part of the Netherlands, it is the largest nature reserve in the country. What is unique about planning an itinerary here is that you can discover diverse landscapes, from forests to sand dunes. It is also the perfect place for spotting wild animals or watching birds in their natural habitat. Nature.house offers you a wide variety of holiday houses nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park, from cottages, B&Bs to even camping spots or farms. You can find on the website a suitable place for you and your family or friends.

Keukenhof Tulip Garden

A place that you will never forget is the Keukenhof Tulip Garden, which is situated just thirty minutes away from The Hague, Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Leiden. It is the largest flower park in the world and the home of more than 7 million flower bulbs. Impressive, right? You can spend there some wonderful time with your loved ones by walking, cycling, taking pictures or just admiring the spectacular view. The park is open only in spring, between mid-March and mid-May. Therefore, don’t miss the extraordinary scenery, plan your vacation in the Netherlands and check our website to choose one of the many accommodations.

Weerribben-Wieden National Park

It has the largest bog in the northeast of Europe and was created by humans in the 14th century by peat cutting. The superb scenery of the red beds (which might change depending on the season), lakes, canals and watching rare animals such as otters and black terns represent the reason why you will have a memorable and relaxing trip there, being away from the daily stress and crowds of the cities. You can choose to take the boat and explore the park, which will connect you to nature even more.