Ten things to experience in the Netherlands
Van Gogh Museum
At this museum in Amsterdam, you’ll experience the extraordinary paintings of Vincent van Gogh, while gaining insight into his fascinating and dramatic life. It features the largest collection of paintings by van Gogh in the entire world.
Anne Frank House
One of the most fascinating, and heartbreaking tales unfolds before your eyes at this museum in Amsterdam. Here, you’ll step inside the former hiding place of Anne Frank to learn the history of the eight people in hiding and those who helped them during the war. Anne Frank's diary is also on display here.
Rijksmuseum
The National Museum in Amsterdam is the largest in The Netherlands and attracts more than a million visitors a year. It features the world’s largest collection of paintings by the Dutch masters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Jacob van Ruisdael, Maarten van Heemskerck and much, much more.
Rembrandt House Museum
Rembrandt called this place home for nearly 20 years, from 1639 until going bankrupt in 1658. Today, his home is a museum. Aside from seeing how this Dutch master lived, you can also see an impressive display of Rembrandt’s etchings and other important exhibitions.
Madurodam
Between the center of The Hague and the seaside resort of Scheveningen, lies the Netherlands’ s “smallest” city. Madurodam is a miniature city depicting famous buildings and scenes in The Netherlands replicated on a scale 1:25. From the canal houses of Amsterdam to the Alkmaar cheese market, it’s a sight not to miss during your Netherlands rail travel adventure.
Dom tower
In the city of Utrecht, you’ll find the tallest church tower in The Netherlands - stretching 368 feet into the sky. It was originally part of the unfinished Cathedral of Saint Martin (also known as Dom Church). After the rest of it collapsed in 1674, this gothic-style tower stood on its own.
Keukenhof
If train travel in The Netherlands brings you here in the Spring, this place is a must-see! You’ll gaze upon a sea of flowers, including colorful tulips, narcissus and hyacinths, all juxtaposed against a backdrop of massive trees, tranquil ponds and trickling fountains. Located near Lisse, Netherlands, this is the world's largest flower garden.
Het Loo Palace
Located in Apeldoorn, this is the only Dutch royal palace that is open to the public. Spend the day admiring the stunning paintings, grandiose rooms, carriages, formal gardens, vintage cars and more.
Efteling
Open since 1952, this is one of the oldest theme parks in the world and the largest in The Netherlands. Located in Kaatsheuvel, this attraction-packed theme park is reminiscent of Disneyland and is double the size of the original Disneyland park. Spend the day discovering all the adventure this 160-acre playground has to offer.
Sea Life
Located in the seaside resort of Scheveningen, a breathtakingly fascinating marine world awaits you. From stingrays and sharks - to starfish and piranhas, you’ll see them all here.
When to travel to Holland
So, when is the best time to put that Netherlands rail pass to good use? Summer is the most popular time to visit, but really – anytime is good. It’s bustling with excitement from May to October, so if you want to avoid the rush, you may want to come in winter.
