Thomas Lucas If you’re looking for an exciting holiday destination to escape to this winter, look no further than the Netherlands. From indulging in comforting local cuisine in Amsterdam to feasting your eyes on the mesmerising paintings of the Dutch Old Masters in The Hague, there are plenty of things to do in the Netherlands in winter.
Wherever you decide to base yourself, the glowing lights of the Netherlands offer a wonderful winter getaway. Even if you are visiting after Christmas, there are still lots of things to do in the Netherlands between January and March. Here are some ideas to inspire your winter break.
1.Dine on delicious Dutch food in Amsterdam
The Dutch know there is nothing more comforting than a light-as-air pancake drizzled in melted chocolate on a chilly winter day. As you wander the canal-laden streets of Amsterdam over the colder months, look out for a traditional ‘pannenkoekenhuis’ to indulge in some local specialities. Those with a sweet tooth can savour the taste of delicious stroopwafels and crepes in these cosy eateries.
If you want something savoury, you’ll soon discover that in the Netherlands, the humble potato is routinely transformed into a culinary superstar. From crispy, melt-in-the-mouth croquettes to skin-on fries served with lashings of ‘fritessaus’, a winter weekend in the Netherlands brings the chance try lots of signature dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
2.Explore an Ancient Fairy Tale Castle in Utrecht
You might think that exploring castles is an activity best reserved to the summer months, but a visit to De Haar Castle in the Netherlands over winter will prove you wrong. One of the most exquisite medieval castles in the world, it is at its most enchanting when a light dusting of snow covers the dramatic turrets and stunning surroundings. Located on the outskirts of Utrecht, this castle could be straight out the pages of a storybook, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time with a walk around this fairy tale fortress.
Rich in stories itself, De Haar Castle was the private residence of the noble Van Zuylen family, whose descendants still stay in the castle today. Easy to reach by car, the castle is among the most visited Dutch attractions and well worth including in your winter break itinerary.
3.Ice Skating in Rotterdam
Did you know that ice skating is a favourite pastime of the Dutch? Traditionally, when canals in cities like Amsterdam used to freeze over, locals would hurry to skate on the ice. Nowadays, Dutch winters aren’t usually cold enough to freeze the canals, but Schaatsbaan Rotterdam is a great alternative. This incredible Rotterdam ice rink boasts a 400-metre tunnel and a 1600-metre racetrack to challenge the most ardent ice skaters.
At night, rainbow lights illuminate the rink and music blasts around the complex for a truly magical skating experience. Top up your energy levels with a decadent hot chocolate served at the winter square outside the rink. Depending on the weather, the sides of the tunnel open up, so you can enjoy an authentic outdoor ice-skating experience.
4.See incredible art in The Hague
Known for being the political epicentre of the Netherlands, The Hague also has a surprisingly artistic side to discover. During winter, there is nothing better than seeking shelter from the cold with a soul-soothing trip to an art gallery. A visit to The Hague brings the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with masterpieces in Maurithuis, one of the most sensational art galleries you are ever likely to come across. It’s home to a plethora of masterpieces such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, The Goldfinch by Fabritius, The Bull by Potter and many more.
