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If you’re anything like me, you’re probably not that interested in visiting big cities and famous tourist destinations. You probably want to find the places that the locals go to chill and all the charm that comes with daily living. Famous tourist spots are notorious for being overcrowded and lacking in authenticity. I have been lucky enough to live in the Netherlands for the past few years and find some less-known gems. Here are some less popular places you should visit in the Netherlands.

1. Beekse Bergen

Located close to Tilburg, Beekse Bergen is an African Wildlife Park. The park is great for everyone from children to elderly folk. What is so great about the place is that there are 3 different ways that you can see it. You can drive through it, walk through it and even take a boat ride around it. I went once and will definitely go back again. The featured image of this post was taken in this wildlife park.

2. La Trappe Brewery

This incredible brewery is also located in a Trappist monastery. They offer tours, have a beautiful terrace, and a lovely tasting room where you can also purchase food. The staff is all so nice and the ground is stunning. It really transports you to a different time period. I highly recommend you try the oak-aged beer. It is only sold at the brewery, and the taste is unparalleled. 

3. Heusden

This small city is all about the charm. It boasts old stone windmills, cute cafes, a port, and military fortifications. When you walk to Heusden, the first things you see are the moat and forts. It’s quite a sight and is a great way to learn some Dutch history.

4. Loonse en Drunense Duinen

This nature park is located in the south of the Netherlands. Beyond being a forest, it also has a lot of sand dunes. It’s wonderful for walking or even cycling as most of it is pretty flat.

5. Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park sits very close to the Dutch city of Haarlem. The park has a lot of impressive Scottish Hylanders (Cows from Scotland) roaming around. The whole park is quite hilly compared to all of the places listed above. It also sits on the beach and has sand dunes. You may also want to consider visiting Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate. It’s a hotel close by that is magnificent. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you can sit in the gardens and enjoy a cup of coffee or a cold beer. It’s really something.

6. Island of Texel

This Dutch island sits close to the mainland. All you need to do is hop on the ferry from the city of Den Helder, and you’ll be on Texel in less than 30 minutes. It’s a great place to get away during the fall, winter, and spring if you want some peace and quiet. Summer isn’t the best time to visit Texel because it becomes quite crowded with people.

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Have you visited any of these places? Which one was your favorite? What places have you been to that are less well known? Why should people visit them? Drop a comment below.