6 tips for a May holiday in the Netherlands
With its long weekends and May holidays, May is the perfect time for a holiday in the Netherlands. Not only does the sunny weather invite you to go for a walk or a bike ride, but the cities come to life as well and you have one last chance to visit the blossoming tulip fields. We have put together the 6 best tips for a May holiday in Holland for you!
Our 6 tips for the May holidays
1. Rolling kitchens in Amsterdam
2. Back in time in the Hanseatic cities
1. Rollende Keukens - Food Festival in Amsterdam
Foodies and food truck fans are in for a treat. From 8 to 12 May, Amsterdam's Westerpark will be home to Rollende Keukens, a food festival serving up the tastiest treats. From fresh oysters with champagne and Neapolitan pizza to vegetarian and vegan delights. During the long weekend, hundreds of 'rolling kitchens' in the form of food trucks, converted buses and mopeds will gather on the site of the former Westergasfabriek to transform it into one big open-air restaurant. Besides enjoying culinary delights, you can also listen to music by various artists or watch a film. The Westergasfabriek is about a 25-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.
2. Step back in time in the Hanseatic cities
Travel back in time and visit one of the Dutch Hanseatic cities. In the Netherlands, you will find 9 beautiful Hanseatic cities, such as Zwolle, Zutphen and Doesburg. The cities each have their own character, yet they have all managed to retain their medieval charm. Stroll through the narrow alleys, shop in the boutiques and shops and enjoy a snack and a drink with a view of the historic buildings. You will also find beautiful museums here. Museum De Fundatie in Zwolle is highly recommended, while the Bakkerijmuseum in Hattem is a fun outing for families with children.
3. Say cheese at the cheese market in Alkmaar
The famous cheese market in Alkmaar has existed for more than 650 years and is still a special experience. Every Friday morning between March and September, you can watch the traditional Dutch spectacle of the cheese carriers at the Waagplein. Of course, you can also taste plenty of cheese and take a nice piece home with you. If all that cheese still does not satisfy you, you can visit the Cheese Museum afterwards. The historic centre of Alkmaar is highly recommended anyway, with its beautiful canals and pleasant squares.
4. On safari in the Hoge Veluwe National Park
Discover 5400 hectares of nature in the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Here you will find extensive forests, shifting sands and heaths. Go on a safari, because this is the habitat of the 'Big Five of the Veluwe': red deer, wild boar, roe deer, foxes, Scottish Highlanders. With a little luck, especially in the morning and in the evening around dusk, you will see a moufflon, a pine marten or a badger in the wild. Go out with a forest ranger to spot game or step on the pedals and explore the Hoge Veluwe National Park on the free white bicycles or hire a bicycle during your stay at EuroParcs De Hooge Veluwe, EuroParcs De Wije Werelt or EuroParcs De Zanding. You can often also rent children's bicycles, e-bikes and child seats.
5. Culture and food in Maastricht
On the border of Germany and Belgium lies the beautiful city of Maastricht. The capital of Limburg is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and is a colourful mix of past and present, cultures and (Burgundian) tastes. This makes Maastricht a popular place for a day's shopping or cultural sightseeing. Take a walk through the historic centre or settle down in one of the cafés or chic restaurants with beautiful terraces. A lovely place to enjoy the beautiful weather in May. In addition, Maastricht has great museums such as the Bonnefanten. Another highlight is a tour through the marl caves. The caves of St. Pieter, the ENCI Groeve or the Kazematten for instance. They were carved out by miners more than 1000 years ago. In the kilometre-long tunnel system you can even find a small chapel.
6. Wandering over the Brabant Sahara
The word 'Sahara' undoubtedly makes you think of the African desert. But did you know that the Netherlands also has a miniature Sahara? Get lost in one of the largest areas of drifting sand in Western Europe in Nationaal Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, which is not nicknamed the 'Brabant Sahara' for nothing. Sand dunes, heathland and woods alternate here. Various walking, cycling and mountain bike routes have been marked out, varying in length from 3.5 to 5 kilometres.
