Autumn in the Netherlands
Autumn transforms the Netherlands into a land of warm colours, with a cosy atmosphere and surprising discoveries. Once the hustle and bustle of summer is over, our forests, heathlands and historic cities and towns turn into peaceful places, giving you the chance to enjoy the surroundings in a completely different way. The days get shorter but the atmosphere gets even warmer. Autumn is the perfect time for walks in the fresh air, visiting museums or evenings spent dining on regional dishes in charming restaurants.
- Enjoy beautiful autumn colours in our peaceful nature reserves.
- Savour Dutch autumn flavours: from game dishes to local wines.
- Wander through lovely, historic streets and warm up in a cosy café.
Autumn holidays in the Netherlands
An autumn holiday is a unique way to experience the Netherlands. Whether it’s a weekend in a historic city like Amersfoort or Leiden or a week surrounded by nature, this season shows the country at its most atmospheric. Many of our holiday parks are located in the middle of a forest or in the dunes, and accommodations often offer special autumn packages, as well as providing beautiful walking routes and local tips. Families with children will find a great selection of activities: from castle treasure hunts to creative workshops in museums.
Discover the colours of nature
In autumn, Dutch landscapes turn into paintings of red, orange and golden yellow. De Hoge Veluwe National Park is a popular classic but there are plenty of other, lesser-known areas worth exploring. Consider the vast forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug or the Blauwe Meer in the Leggelderveld nature reserve in Drenthe. Go for an autumn walk in the Veluwezoom national park or through the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen, where the combination of water and ancient trees will make you feel like you have entered a fairytale world.
And in autumn you have a much better chance of coming across wild animals in these nature reserves than in any other season. Hedgehogs, squirrels and other small wildlife prepare for hibernation and are constantly gathering food, while it is rutting time for deer. And don’t forget to look up during your walk! Summer birds are leaving for warmer places and winter birds arrive. You do not have to be a twitcher to appreciate this extraordinary sight.
Cities full of atmosphere
Dutch cities have a unique charm in autumn. Go for a stroll through the streets while the leaves are falling, discover cosy cafés and visit exhibitions or film festivals. Middelburg or Deventer are perfect for an autumn visit: their city centres are compact, with many historic sites and various cultural surprises. Join an architecture walk in Rotterdam or discover the multifaceted museums in Groningen. In major cities such as Amsterdam or Utrecht, the parks and canals are even more special in autumn and these cities are ideal bases for visits to surrounding villages and nature reserves.
Enjoy the flavours of the season
Autumn is also about enjoying regional products. In many regions, you can sample game dishes, pumpkin soup, or stews with locally-grown vegetables. Visit one of the many farm shops or local markets in the Achterhoek or Limburg, where you can taste how rich and diverse Dutch cuisine is during this season. The wine regions of South Limburg and Gelderland are also great places to visit in autumn, as this is when the grape harvest takes place and winemakers open their cellars to visitors.
Peace and quiet
The peace and quiet is one of the biggest advantages of travelling in autumn. Famous sights are less crowded, giving you more time and space to really enjoy yourself. For example, combine a visit to Delft with a cycling trip through the surrounding polders, or explore the dunes and quiet Meijendel beach near The Hague. It's a relaxing way to experience the Netherlands, away from the hustle and bustle.
Events and activities
Autumn in the Netherlands also means a fantastic selection of events. From art and photography biennials to small-scale music festivals, there is always something happening. There are also numerous autumn walks and cycling routes that are particularly stunning at this time of year. Children will love the autumn activities in castles, country estates and nature centres, where they learn about history, animals and seasons through play. Basically, autumn really is the best time to explore the Netherlands.
The Expert: Sanne van Gemerden
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Elevate your senses in Dwingelderveld
Pay a visit to Dwingelderveld National Park in the province of Drenthe. Unlike the heathland in the Veluwe, which is always purple and hilly, the region of fens and heath in the Dwingelderveld is more open and expansive. It has a different look and is a treat for your senses. It's also a good idea to take in the various scents of the landscape during autumn. I just love the way that season smells!
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A change of pace
Try to change-up your pace when walking in the forest. Walk a bit faster or slower than you normally do and you’ll notice different things. You will experience the walk differently, which is great for your senses. Try to talk less when walking with others. This will enhance your other senses and might increase the quality of your walk.
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Spot herds of Sayaguesa cattle
The Drents-Friese Wold National Park, located on the border of southwest Drenthe and southeast Friesland, is one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands. In fact, it is one of the last, large, contiguous forests in the Netherlands. Its landscape is home to a vast variety of heather and animals, such as the herd of Sayaguesa cattle from northern Spain. This hardy breed can deal well with cold and hot weather and are completely self-sufficient. They decide where and what they eat and where they sleep.