Netherlands Travel Guide

Table of Contents  >  North Holland  >  Schagen  > Kunsttuin Winkel — The Dutch Kremlin Courtesy of Kunsttuin Winkel Do you associate the term ‘Kremlin’ exclusively with the iconic, colorful castle in the heart of Moscow, Russia? Brace yourself for a revelation — there’s a ‘Kremlin’ in the laid-back idyll of Holland too! Tucked away in the charming, small village of Winkel in North Holland is a one-of-a-kind dreamscape known as ‘The Dutch Kremlin,’ the result of one man’s unwavering dedication and creativity over 40 years. Allow me to lead you through this fascinating world! The Dutch Kremlin is an otherworldly sculpture garden and must-see art exhibition located approximately 1–2 hours from Amsterdam. Just seeing a photo piqued my interest, and my visit whet my appetite to delve deeper into its mysteries. The Nederlands Kremlin is the brainchild of Ger Leegwater, a welder turned artist who pursued and realized his dream of transforming his backyar...

  Table of Contents  >  North Holland  >  Schagen  >  Dierenpark Van Blanckendaell in Tuitjenhorn Courtesy of  Dierenpark Van Blanckendaell Have you ever imagined spending a day amidst diverse species of animals, ranging from farm animals to exotic ones, all in one place? Well, look no further. Dierenpark Van Blanckendaell offers you an unforgettable experience that takes you from one continent to another in a matter of steps, all while retaining the view of an old Dutch mill, a testament to the park’s history. Founded on a picturesque farming landscape, what started as a small zoo, with sheep, Bennett Wallabies, and llamas, has now expanded into a full-fledged zoo housing 70 species of animals. Roam in the park, befriend the Capuchins, prairie dogs, cockatoos, Koi carps and be amazed by every sight you meet. A detailed map is handed to you at the entrance, allowing you to organize your day, witnessing animals, each tagged with facts abou...

Table of Contents  >  North Holland  >  Julianadorp  > Camping Helmzicht Courtesy of Camping Helmzicht We normally don't list campsites, but this one is special because guests can participate on unique tours around a fully operational flower bulb nursery, (small) vineyard, and partcipate on beach expeditions (during the day and night!) The campsite located behind North Holland farmhouse from the early 1900s, and the beach is a 15-minute walk away with a beach pavilion. The camping site is in the middle of the largest contiguous flower bulb area in the world. You can stay here with a tent, caravan, or camper. If you don't have any of these, there is also a glamping tent for rent. Monique (owner) is an ambassador of the Wadden Sea and affiliated with the organization 'het Groene strand'. She regularly takes the guests on ‘beach expeditions’ and lets them experience nature on the beach. If the weather conditions are right, she also takes guests to the...

Table of Contents  >  North Holland  >   Hoorn, Zwaag, and Enkhuizen  > Sprookjeswonderland Nestled in the heart of Enkhuizen, at 9 Kooizandweg, lies a magical getaway brimming with enchantment and vibrant colors — Sprookjeswonderland. In English, it’s quite literally “Fairytale Wonderland”. This whimsical park is more than just a treasure trove of storybook come-to-lives. It’s a wondrous realm with beautiful flower gardens, an enticing playground, and a delightful petting zoo. The park, however, is not open all year round. Typically, it operates from March to October and makes a grand festive reopening in mid-December , coated in winter wonder, appropriately known as “Sprookjeswinterland”. Here, it remains open until the first week of January. The daily visiting hours are from 11 AM to 6:00 PM. In 2023, the Fairytale Wonderland celebrated a landmark 50th anniversary! June 14 of the same year marks exactly five decades since the first Fairytale Ma...

Table of Contents  >  North Holland  >   Hoorn, Zwaag, and Enkhuizen  > Huis Bonck Courtesy of Huis Bonck Huis Bonck is a rare gem nestled in a small peninsula between the historic harbors of Hoorn. Houses like Huis Bonck, a stunning example of Dutch architecture and artistry from the early 17th century, are almost nonexistent in the Netherlands, making this a priceless journey back in time. Huis Bonck was built in 1624 with a distinctive stepped gable and underwent a number of significant changes over the years. The ornamental gable was eventually replaced by a simple, straight cornice. Only the nearly five-meter-high ground floor was designed for living, which is unique to many Hoorn homes. Candles were quite expensive in those days, and the tall windows ensured there was enough light in the house to continue working. The first floor of the house most likely served as storage for merchant goods, with the basement, attic, and rear area forming essentia...

Table of Contents  >  North Holland  >  Bergen, Uitgeest, Castricum, Heiloo, and Egmond  > Sea Aquarium Bergen Photo by  Shaun Low  on  Unsplash At Sea Aquarium Bergen in Bergen aan Zee, you can immerse yourself in a captivating and enchanting underwater world. This family-run aquarium has over 320 maritime species, including seals, sharks, piranhas, rays, and more. It’s a great place to go on a rainy day or a fantastic learning adventure for the whole family. Dare to walk beneath a sperm whale skeleton or cross a bridge suspended above a piranha-infested pond. The “Zee Aquarium Bergen” provides a captivating experience filled with eye-catching and extraordinary sea creatures from all over the world. Visitors can now admire over 4,000 fish in various basins totaling over 280,000,000 liters of water, thanks to a recent renovation and expansion. Explore the mysterious Amazon Jungle, which is teeming with piranhas and exotic reptiles. Travel...