Surprising regions of the Netherlands for a weekend getaway
12 Januari 2024
23 Januari 2026

12 surprising regions in the Netherlands for a weekend road trip

Do I have any tips for less obvious regions in the Netherlands for a weekend getaway? For anyone who's already seen the famous Veluwe, I've done some research and compiled this list of surprising regions for a road trip in your own country. Of course, these aren't regions you've never heard of, but I bet you (just like me!) don't know all twelve tips by heart yet. Here's what you'll find: Friesland, Twente and Drenthe It's high on my list of places to explore. Of course, I've already selected a nice hotel for you in each region, because a road trip isn't complete without good food and sleep. Still have vacation days to take? These tips are perfect for a weekend, but you can also combine different regions into one longer road trip. Have fun planning!

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𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the best free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself at various locations in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can make it, we’ll go again. 📍In this video, I show you where you can fill your bucket. Comment *oester* for the comprehensive guide with all the details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules. Important to know: – Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket) – For personal use only – Do not scoop or scrape the seabed – Go at low tide Handy things to bring: Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes, and garbage bags (for the oysters *and* dirty clothes). And of course: bring an oyster knife, lemon, and champagne too 🍋🥂 Because you’ll want to taste something right away, won’t you! The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing. In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them, without much effort. Comment oyster and I'll send it to you right away! Who do you want to go oyster gathering with soon? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up. 📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it) 📍 Rijksmuseum 📍 Fruit Garden of West 📍 Westerpark 📍 Jozef Israëlskade 📍 WG site 📍 Nelson Mandelapark 📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen 📍Amstelpark By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment. I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck _______________________________________________ 🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
3 x home that has the ultimate green space. Not too big, everything within walking distance, but plenty of nice hotspots!! These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲! I have massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨ Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway? Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀 @ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant. Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations. Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓! 🖊️ @anne_de_buck ____________________________ Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.

12 surprising regions in the Netherlands for a weekend away

The Betuwe (Gelderland): This region in Gelderland borders the provinces of Utrecht and South Holland and is known for its fruit growing, such as apples, pears, and cherries. The Hanseatic city of Tiel is probably the most famous town in the Betuwe, and in the Geldermalsen area, you can enjoy lovely walks along the Linge River. I always enjoy visiting the Mariënwaerdt Estate in Beesd for a lovely walk and pancakes in the brasserie. For example, stay at the B&B the Ox and the Horse with a view of the Linge or stay at the Mariënwaerdt Estate in the Outdoor living cottage.

surprising regions of the Netherlands weekend getaway

MariËnwaerdt Estate

Utrechtse Heuvelrug (Utrecht): The area around Driebergen, Doorn, and Amerongen… just outside the Randstad, yet you'll experience an oasis of tranquility on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. One of our favorite forests for walking is the one near Lage Vuursche. Afterward, have a drink at the hotspot Buiten in de Kuil, and you've got a wonderful city escape. Stay in one of the beautiful country estate hotels, such as Parc Broekhuizen.

Area Lage Vuursche

West Friesland (North Holland): I recently went to Alkmaar for the first time and was surprised at how lovely it is. The West Friesland region comprises several cities, including Alkmaar and Hoorn in the northwest of North Holland. In Hoorn, for example, stay at the recently opened hotel-restaurant. Ysbrantsz or in Alkmaar at Wolf of Luttik. Would you rather stay in nature? In the area around Hoorn you will find several nice nature houses can be found, for example at the Markermeer.

surprising regions of the Netherlands weekend getaway

© Boutique Hotel Ysbrantsz

Drenthe: The advantage of less international travel? Really getting to know your own country! I was already in Drenthe this summer, and I'm going back this winter. The area around Zeegse, Schoonlo, Dwingeloo, and the Onlanden (for example, I'll have lunch at the Onlanderij). This winter I'm going to explore it all. Where will you be staying? Together with Peugeot, I've already compiled 11 tips for beautiful holiday homes for you >>

beautiful holiday homes Drenthe

© Nature house in Drenthe

Veluwe Zoom (Gelderland): On the edge of the Veluwe, you'll find this lesser-known but oh-so-beautiful nature reserve. Go for a walk around the Posbank and stop for lunch or coffee at Paviljoen de Posbank. In good weather, you can see all the way to Germany! Stay overnight at the completely renovated B & B Hotel & Lodges Beekhuizen of Country estate Beekhuizen.

Veluwe Zoom

Eleven Cities Tour area (Friesland): Although I've been to Friesland a few times, I really need to take the time to explore the villages at my leisure. Have you ever driven past all the villages that are part of the Eleven Cities Tour? It's on my list for this fall. I recently received a tip about Dokkum (one of the cities) as a city that's definitely worth a visit. It seems like a great base for exploring Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, and Franeker. Where would you like to stay? In the old Abbey of Dokkum which recently (re)opened as a hotel.

Eleven Cities Tour area

Achterhoek (Gelderland): Last summer, I visited the Achterhoek region of Gelderland for the first time. It's located near the German border (where you can spot flamingos almost every spring at the Zwillbrocker Venn). Surrounded by forests, castles, and meadows, it's a beautiful region for a weekend escape from the city. For example, visit Ruurlo Castle and spend a day in Winterswijk. As for restaurants, Orangerie de Pol and Welgelegen are worth mentioning. If you have young children, be sure to visit Erve Brooks and Hof van Eckberge for fun. Stay at places like boutique hotel de Lochemse Berg or rent a Relaxation in the Achterhoek cottage with a hot tub.

Relax in the Achterhoek

Twente (Overijssel): Not to be confused with the Achterhoek region, Twente is located in the easternmost part of Overijssel, with cities like Enschede, Almelo, and Hengelo. If you take a mini road trip to Twente, nature is never far away. Stay at one of the culinary estates, and you won't even have to leave your hotel in the evening. It's so nice to curl up by the fireplace in the late afternoon after a brisk walk. Looking for tips on accommodation and dining? See, for example, The Black Ruijter (1 Michelin star), The Holtweijde estate (with wonderful spa) or Boutique hotel 't Lansink (also with a 1 Michelin star restaurant).

Autumn in Twente

Schouwen-Duiveland (Zeeland): Hiking in the beautiful forests of the Westenschouwen Forestry, where I often went as a child for a breath of fresh air on Sundays. Oyster picking along the Oosterschelde, a seal-watching tour on a trawler, and strolling through the old streets of Zierikzee. Schouwen-Duiveland is perhaps the most beautiful "island" in Zeeland for completely unwinding. Last summer, we stayed at, among other places, the Lordship of Noordwelle, The Zeeland Heaven en Boutique Hotel Zeeland Girl.

Dike water, Schouwen-Duiveland

Zeeuws Vlaanderen (Zeeland): In December, we've finally planned a culinary weekend in Zeeuws Vlaanderen. Although I was born in Zeeland, I haven't often been to the southernmost part of my province. And yet, it boasts some of the best restaurants in the Netherlands. During the day, we'll be touring winding roads among the meadows and discovering the seaside resort of Cadzand. We'll be staying at the Beach hotel in Cadzand for a culinary weekend where we will eat at Pure C, among other places (food bucket list!).

The Strandhotel Cadzand-Bad

© The Beach Hotel

The Weerribben (Overijssel): One of the provinces I'm not so familiar with (apart from the charming city of Zwolle) is Overijssel. If, like me, you're keen to explore some lesser-known parts of the Netherlands this season, you should definitely consider the De Weerribben nature reserve near Giethoorn. It's a lowland peat bog and a labyrinth of ponds, lakes, and meadows. Staying and eating at The Lindenhof in Giethoorn (with two Michelin stars) is still high on my bucket list.

© Weerribben-Wieden via Marketing Oost

South Limburg: I ​​experienced the beauty of South Limburg (also known as the Tuscany of the Netherlands) a few years ago during a weekend getaway. As soon as we get our new electric car, this region will be high on my list of places to visit for a leisurely tour. It's always fun to combine it with shopping in Maastricht, or perhaps the Christmas market in Valkenburg, depending on the season. There are several excellent wellness hotels in the area, such as Little Switzerland, or modern B&Bs such as Maison Village where it's nice to relax after a day in the woods. Prefer a cottage instead of a hotel? Resort Maastricht is a modern park just outside the city.

South Limburg

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 | MORE TIPS FOR A ROAD TRIP IN THE NETHERLANDS: See also here 11 tips for nice holiday homes in Drenthe, 11 tips for nice hotels on the Wadden Islands en 23 tips for accommodations right by the sea.

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⋙ Tip for anyone with wanderlust. Daydream about my travel books: Staycation book (22 guides for the Netherlands and Belgium), Feed Your Wanderlust (with tips for tours / far-away destinations), Wanderlust – Your Urban Travel Style Guide (full of tips for planning the perfect city trip).

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With love,

Anne

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