Cottages in the Netherlands
Discover nature, breathtaking landscapes, and get to know what popular destinations such as the Netherlands have to offer! Fulfill your dream getaway by renting a beautiful and unique house in the hidden nature of the Netherlands on Nature.house! The chosen house with a slow-paced environment will guarantee a relaxing, adventurous, and life-changing holiday. Our holiday houses in the Netherlands are away from the crowds and mass tourism. It is the perfect getaway from the fuss of the big cities!
Location
The Netherlands is a European country situated in the western part of the continent. It has 12 provinces and is a neighbouring country of Germany (east) and Belgium (south). In the northwest of the country, there is the North Sea. The country has maritime borders also with the United Kingdom. The four largest cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Amsterdam is the capital city, however, in The Hague, there are the buildings of the States-General, Cabinet, and Supreme Court. Moreover, the Port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and the third busiest port in the world after the ones in China and Singapore.
The natural treasures of the Netherlands
Flora
Plants and animals that thrive in temperate climates can be found in the Netherlands. The country is famous for its flowers, for example, the well-known Dutch tulips. Did you know that even though they are considered a Dutch symbol now, the gentle and vividly coloured tulips were imported from the Ottoman Empire (nowadays’ Turkey) in the 16th century? In the past, the flower bulbs were used as money until the market collapsed. This moment in Dutch history is also known as Tulip Mania.
The most breathtaking views with multi-coloured tulips can be spotted at many tulip fields in the north of Holland and behind the North Sea dunes. The most famous ones are the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, which are located approximately 40 kilometers away from Amsterdam. Moreover, near these gardens, more exactly 5 kilometers away, you can visit the tulip farm De Tulperij in Voorhout. There you can see spectacular flower fields and find out more about tulips even from the farmer and his wife. In fact, the tulip season runs from the end of March until mid-May. All over Holland, known also as the largest flower shop in the world, there are organised tulips festivals and parades during this time and it’s a great opportunity to take a bike and discover the natural treasures by cycling in the Netherlands. Don’t miss the chance to see the Flower Parade Bollenstreek because you will definitely not regret it.
Flowers such as daisies, buttercups, and the purple heather that blooms on the heaths in September can be discovered while hiking in the Dutch long-distance trails, such as E2, E8, E9 through Rotterdam, and E11 from The Hague. The most common trees that grow in the Netherlands are oak, elm, pine, linden, and beech. Therefore, how does it sound to spend a weekend or more in a holiday house in the Netherlands and being even closer to nature?
Fauna
In the Netherlands, wild or large animals are practically nonexistent. Mammals such as the red deer, wild pigs, foxes, badgers, fallow deers, mouflons, rabbits, hedgehogs, and bats can be found in the Netherlands. In total, 541 bird species have been registered. This sounds exciting for bird-watchers, right? The number composes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. You will be able to see a multitude of these animals while visiting the Dutch national parks or while hiking or cycling across the country. If you are a passionate bird-watcher or animal lover, then what do you think about renting a house in the middle of the Netherlands’ nature to discover more of its natural spots and wildlife?
Renting a house in the Netherlands
The most exciting part of our accommodation is that the houses are always in natural areas, secluded from the big cities. Firstly, your privacy is guaranteed and secondly, you are surrounded by unspoiled nature. This way you can finally enjoy the peace and quietness that you are longing for. Being a Dutch company, our holiday houses in the Netherlands are quite diverse. You can have a romantic getaway with your loved one in one of our tiny houses and cozy chalets, or an adventurous journey with all of your friends in a spacious villa. Perhaps, you want to have the May holidays and Easter spent with your whole family away from home, or a beautiful Christmas celebration in a foreign country? Spring in the Netherlands reveals stunning landscapes of colorful gardens and verdant meadows. For group accommodation, it is best to check out the villas, bungalows, or farms. If you haven’t been to an agriturismo holiday yet, this is your chance to meet the farming culture firsthand and live like the locals. There's also the possibility to stay in a small holiday park, where you will meet fellow nature lovers.
Our homes differ in their level of luxury. So before booking, think about this: how long are you staying in the home, and what kind of activities would you like to enjoy? If you just need a hideaway for the weekend, then pick a more simple dwelling, like a tent or a yurt. Autumn or winter, it doesn’t make a difference. Just check which camping homes are equipped with general heating, and you won’t have a problem with the cold. If you want to take one of your camping homes to a nice place in nature, our landlords can offer you their lands to stay. Check the micro camping sites here. We also have many cottages and apartments, along with the b&b type of accommodation. The next choice you have to make is about the natural surroundings you mostly prefer. The Netherlands is flat, so you don’t have the option to stay in mountainous regions, but you still have other possibilities. You can pick a home that is deep in the woods, where you can watch the wild animals from your cottage. You can wake up to the sound of waves and the smell of sea breeze if you choose a home near the sea. That would be a refreshing experience, not only for the summer months. Or perhaps you want to enjoy a peaceful environment of the fields or a lake with fishing possibilities nearby? Choose an option from the boxes on the left side of the page. Combinations are also possible! You can also book a holiday in another European country. Check our offers here.
What activities can you do in the Netherlands’ nature?
The Netherlands is the perfect destination for both short and long vacations! If you want to explore the diverse nature of the country within one holiday, it’s not a problem! The Netherlands is relatively small, so the distances between its charming villages and natural places can be covered by bike. Just like Denmark, the country is a top destination for cycling trips with its flat surface and cycling routes everywhere. In fact, this will allow you to feel like a real Dutch person who prefers cycling instead of driving. There is a cycling route of 40-50 kilometers in South Holland, in Alblasserwaard and Vijfheerenlanden, that passes the well-known Dutch windmills, which are part of the UNESCO heritage. Also, there are several Van Gogh cycling routes in Gelderland, Etten-Leur, Zundert, and the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde 600 meter cycle path. The path is situated near Eindhoven and it is worth visiting it especially during the night as it is made out of twinkling coloured stones that remind visitors of Van Gogh’s famous painting “Starry Night”. If you are interested in finding out more about the Dutch painter, then you should definitely cycle through the Nuenen route, which is connected to the Roosegaarde path and goes to the town where Van Gogh has spent an important time of his life. Are you a cycling enthusiast but also a gourmet? Then there is a route especially recommended to you. It is the region of Zeeland and there you can delight your taste buds with fish delicacies not only at small village taverns but also at Michelin-awarded restaurants.
From forests, rivers, rural areas, and polder landscapes, to the coastal strips and beaches in the Hague and Zeeland, you’ll be surprised by the hidden beauty of the Netherlands. Other popular activities include walking, boat trips, and fishing. Also, the Netherlands has several superb hiking routes that will help you explore the Veluwe National Park or Arkemheen-Eemland National Park. Some of our landlords from whom you can rent holiday houses in the Netherlands offer information packs with suggested activities and day trips in the area.
Natural Sites in the Netherlands
Hoge Veluwe National Park
Located just a few kilometers away from Arnhem, a city in the eastern part of the Netherlands, it is the largest nature reserve in the country. What is unique about planning an itinerary here is that you can discover diversified landscapes from forests to sand dunes. Also, it is the perfect place for spotting wild animals or watching birds in their natural habitat. Nature.house offers you a wide variety of accommodation nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park, from cottages, b&b to even camping spots or farms. You can find on the website a suitable place for you and your family or friends.
Keukenhof Tulip Garden
A place that you will never forget about is definitely the Keukenhof Tulip Garden, which is situated just thirty minutes away from The Hague, Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Leiden. It is the largest flower park in the world and the home of more than 7 million flower bulbs. Impressive, right? You can spend there some wonderful time with your loved ones by walking, cycling, taking pictures, or just admiring the spectacular view. The park is open only in spring, between mid-March and mid-May. Therefore, don’t miss the extraordinary scenery, plan your vacation in the Netherlands, and book a holiday house through Nature.house. Check out the website for the accommodation which is more suitable for you.
Weerribben-Wieden National Park
It has the largest bog in the northeast of Europe and was created by humans in the 14th century by peat cutting. The superb scenery of the red beds, which might change depending on the season, lakes, canals, and watching rare animals such as otters and black terns represent the reason why you will have a memorable and relaxing trip there, being away from the daily stress and crowds of the cities. Taking the boat and exploring the park will connect you for some moments to nature.
Picturesque destinations in the Netherlands
Giethoorn
Known as the “Venice of Holland”, it is a charming village in the northern part of the Netherlands. It is worth visiting it as you can discover its fairytale houses and natural spots not only by walking but also by taking the boat. You will feel for a moment like you are in Italy. Giethoorn is located really close to the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Therefore, you can plan to spend a wonderful weekend there. At Nature.house you can find splendid cottages or other types of accommodation that will offer you an even more extraordinary experience.
The Wadden Sea
It is a one-of-a-kind place that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 and is a natural treasure located between Den Helder, in the Netherlands, and Esbjerg, in Denmark. It is connected to approximately fifty islands, however, the first five of them (Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog) are called the Dutch Wadden Islands and are also known as the “pearls in the sea”. There you can experience mudflat walking and perhaps see some of the ten million migratory birds that stop there for some time. You have the chance to take the ferry and visit multiple islands. Sounds like an unforgettable trip, right? Fortunately, on Nature.house you can rent a lovely house in that part of the Netherlands and enjoy your time discovering what nature has to offer.
Zeeland
Are you a beach lover? Then Zeeland is where you should go. However, it’s not a destination only recommended to tourists who prefer going to the beach but also to anyone who enjoys spending time in nature, walking, cycling, visiting nature reserves, and not to forget mentioning about spotting porpoises, flamingos, seals, fallow deers, or sea eagles. It is a region located in the south-west of the Netherlands and if you go there you shouldn’t miss trying several fresh fish delicacies from the North Sea, such as mussels and oysters.
Climate
Something you might be concerned about when it comes to planning a holiday in the Netherlands is the weather. It is known the fact that there are a lot of rainy and cold days. The country has a temperate maritime climate with temperatures between 3 °C and 6 °C during winter and it can reach a maximum of 25 °C during the summer in some regions of the country. Therefore, there are mild winters and cool summers. This type of climate is influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. If you have decided to plan a holiday within the Netherlands, don’t forget to take an umbrella or your raincoat, waterproof shoes, and some clothes that can keep you warm.
