Surprisingly romantic spots in The Netherlands

Sure these places are amazing to visit on this special day, but why not celebrate Valentine’s Day in a different way this year?

The Netherlands is full of romantic places that are perfect to go to with your partner, although it doesn’t have to be your lover. The places in this article are perfect to go to with anyone you love spending time with, such as your best friend, sibling, or if you are your own true partner in crime, all by yourself!

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1. Giethoorn

Also called ‘Venice of the Netherlands’, Giethoorn is a perfect place to start this list of romantic spots with. The village is located in the province Overijssel, in the East of the country. What is so special about Giethoorn? It is a car-free village with old, traditional thatched-roof houses that are surrounded by wonderful gardens and waterways. Many people take a boat trip through these wonderful waterways, that almost feel like you’re in a magical attraction of a fairytale-themed amusement park. Can you imagine floating through this peaceful village with your Valentine?

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2. National Park ‘de Biesbosch’

In the Biesbosch it might feel like it is just you and your Valentine: with a surface of 90 km² you will have a lot of space for yourself, especially on a quiet day. And what a wonderful sight it is, where different rivers meet, and beavers and many different birds live. Go for a walk, take a boat trip, go canoeing (if you dare in the February-cold) or go horse riding.

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3. The Wadden Islands and the coast of the Netherlands

Did you know the Netherlands has a long (by Dutch standards) coastline and five islands located on the north side of the country? They are beautiful throughout the whole year because you probably won’t go for a swim in February, but the Dutch beaches are the best to go for a walk on while the weather is cold. Dress up warm, and if you have long hair, make sure to tie your hair up in a ponytail, as the beaches can get very windy!

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After an adventurous walk with your Valentine, go drink a hot Chocomel (the Dutch brand of chocolate milk, the best!) with whipped cream and a slice of apple pie. Read more about the coastline and islands in our Guide to the Netherlands’ coastal cities and islands.

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4. Maastricht

Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, is another surprisingly romantic spot to spend your Valentine’s Day. Walk through the cobblestone streets, stroll along the Meuse river and watch the lights reflect in the water at night before going to a hidden cocktail bar. Around the city of Maastricht, you will find many castles, no wonder the city gives off fairytale vibes.

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Maastricht is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam. From here you can take a day trip, but you might want to spend a little more time in Maastricht as it is a train ride of 2,5 hours. In that case, check out our Maastricht itinerary!

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5. Canals and bridges of Amsterdam

If there is one thing that is romantic in the Netherlands, it is walking alongside the canals of Amsterdam. When the sun goes down the lights, turn on, and the city centre looks like a painting. Although the city centre of Amsterdam is quite busy, there are many canals where it is quiet and that will feel like a completely different world! Cross the picturesque bridges, and in particular the Skinny Bridge, because legend says that if you kiss here, you will be in love forever… Would you rather view the bridges from the other side? Have a 3-course dinner while cruising the Amsterdam canals!

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6. Kinderdijk

Take a walk at Kinderdijk (Children’s Dike) and imagine what it was like in the Netherlands back in the day. Kinderdijk is a village not too far from Rotterdam and is a UNESCO site. It is known for the 19 wonderful windmills that make the area look as picturesque as it can be.

Today they symbolise Dutch water management and were built to keep the low-lying land of the Alblasserwaard dry. Placed opposite each other between the green, flat fields, they form an iconic Dutch image that makes you feel as if you’re walking through a postcard!

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7. Bloemenmarkt Janskerkhof in Utrecht

What is Valentine's Day without flowers? Every Saturday, Janskerkhof in Utrecht turns into an ocean of flowers: the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market). You can find different types of flowers, plants, pots, and, most important… roses! Get your Valentine some roses or different flowers, to switch it up, or take some cute photos with the colourful flowers and plants in the background.

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8. Wine tasting in Limburg

Wine tasting isn’t just something that is a thing in France and Italy, no, Limburg has amazing vineyards as well! In the southern province you will find Wijngaard Apostelhoeve, Winery Fromberg, Thiessen Wijnkoopers and more. Most vineyards offer tours as well, which is interesting if you want to learn more about the process of making the popular beverage. This is perfect to combine with a trip to Maastricht.

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9. The castles of the Netherlands

Another romantic, magical thing to do in the Netherlands is visiting one of the many castles. There are about 700 of them, so no matter where you are, there should always be one not too far (which is easy in a small country like the Netherlands!). The most popular ones are Kasteel de Haar, Muiderslot and Slot Zuylen. Do you want to have the full experience and feel what it is like to sleep in a castle just like princes and princesses did back in the day? There are different castles where you can stay the night, such as Kasteel Sterkenburg or Romantik Hotel Kasteel Daelenbroeck.

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10. Noordwijk Beach

And last but not least, Noordwijk Beach. Close to the historical, wonderful city of Leiden, Noordwijk is another amazing beach to visit, even in winter. Go for a walk through the impressive dunes, have some delicious, warm, tomato soup at the beach restaurant the Zeemeeuw or watch the sea from Branding Beach Club, which turns into the Winter Lodge in winter. Want to relax even more? Stay the night in one of the many wellness hotels in Noordwijk, such as Van der Valk Palace Hotel Noordwijk or Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin.

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