The Netherlands can and should be enjoyed all year round. It's a country that never sleeps with festivals and celebrations taking place at very short intervals. But arguably some of the best events on the cultural agenda happen during the summer months. It's also the time of year when the weather is at its most enjoyable. No excuses not to rent a bike and discover the country on two wheels like most locals do!
Places to Enjoy the Dutch Summer
An obvious choice during the summer months is to hit the beach. Fortunately, the Netherlands are home to a range of lovely seaside resorts perfectly suited for a fun day out. One of the most-loved towns is Scheveningen that offers visitors the chance to saunter along its 984ft pier, and explore numerous entertainment pavilions. Other resorts to look out for are Zandvoort, Katwijk, and Den Helder.
If you're a fan of heights, pay a visit to the tallest lighthouse in Europe, situated in Huisduinen, and boasting sprawling views across the local nature reserve.
City lovers should discover Maastricht, a vibrant student town that is big enough to provide entertainment yet small enough for you to be able to avoid the hot and bothered crowds you'd find elsewhere.
Events in the Netherlands
From April through to October the Netherlands is host to the Floriade World Horticulture Fair, a paradise for gardeners from around the globe. The exhibition is so big it only takes place every ten years! More than two million visitors are expected to attend the fair held in the region of Venlo in North Limburg, easily accessible from the international airports in Eindhoven, Maastricht, Dusseldorf and Koln.
The festival is more than just a showcase of what's new in the world of horticulture. It's a fun event for the whole family with a jampacked cultural programme of concerts, plays, parades and other shenanigans.
Host region North Limburg is known for its asparagus, mushrooms, beer and flans so those are things any visitor should aim to savour.
The Uitmarkt at the end of August every year rings in the start of the national cultural season. It is as such one of the largest cultural festivals in the Netherlands, and well worth a visit. Theatres, museums and other venues across Amsterdam play host to spectacular performances featuring established and upcoming stars. Children haven't been forgotten by the organisers who've made sure the city's famous Vondelpark is home to Uitmarkt Junior with child-friendly films, plays and workshops.
In July Rotterdam is home to the North Sea Jazz Festival attracting world-renowned performers like Rufus Wainwright, Lenny Kravitz, Van Morrison and Rumer. Concerts are scheduled to take place at large and small venues throughout town with the occasional pop-up show as well so all of the 1300 artists get to show off what they've got. When in town, have some fresh seafood. The city is Europe's largest port after all.
One of the best features of the Netherlands is its compact size letting visitors stay in a hotel in Amsterdam one night, and be in a different part of the country in just a few hours the next day. The local railway system is fast, comfortable and air-conditioned. You could even look into taking day trips to bordering Belgium and Germany.
Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from what hotel in Amsterdam to choose, to what to wear to a festival. View Harvey's other articles to find out more.
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