7 Most Hospitable Towns In Netherlands

Gezelligheid is a Dutch concept often translated as coziness, conviviality, togetherness, or a warm sense of social comfort. It means spending time with loved ones or simply the joy of doing things together. The small towns in the Netherlands take this concept to heart by being warm and friendly, inviting visitors to join in on the fun and adventure. In Giethoorn, for instance, the locals are very proud of their waterways and want visitors to enjoy them to the fullest. In Thorn, there is an instantly cozy, welcoming vibe that suits gezelligheid perfectly. To explore the absolutely friendliest side of the beautiful Netherlands, the following seven towns are the ideal place to start.

Winsum

Voted the country’s prettiest village in 2020, Winsum is one of those towns where locals and visitors amicably chat about the weather before heading out to explore some of the attractions. These include 59 national monuments, windmills, and the Winsumerdiep. The local windmill, De Vriendschap, was originally constructed in 1785 and subsequently moved to its current location in 1801, alongside the 1851-built De Ster. Both of these mills are still active, and when the sails turn, visitors can visit and see what they look like on the inside.

Want to experience the Winsumerdiep? Rent a boat or canoe at Marenland and cruise beneath bridges linking Winsum with Obergum, including De Boog, which has connected the two since 1808. And for a bit of the welcoming vibe that the Netherlands is known for, visitors can head to The Jongens uit de buurt next to the water. There are a terrace and a playground here for families who want to enjoy the views and the excellent food.

Zierikzee

Visitors who want an authentic Dutch day trip in a town that is not overcrowded and exudes hospitality should head to Zierikzee. The old harbor here features boat tours that travel past historic forts and the Zuidhavenpoort, a 15th-century gate. It is also possible to walk along the forts, following in the footsteps of the guards that once protected the town.

If you're up for a heart-pounding adventure, rent a bicycle and make your way across the Zeelandbrug. The bridge stretches five kilometers (three miles) from Schouwen-Duiveland to the mainland. Back in Zierikzee, visitors can admire the historic 16th-century Stadhuis and the imposing 62-meter-tall Dikke Toren (Monster Tower). Afterwards, they can have an excellent seafood meal at the Brasserie Maritime while enjoying the views of the harbor.

Giethoorn

Giethoorn is the place where visitors go to see bridges and canals while indulging in stroopwafels and walking off the calories on the Giethoorn Walking Routes. Called the Dutch Venice, Giethoorn is car-free, and many parts are only accessible by boat. One of the best ways to experience the town is by boat, allowing visitors to make their way through the canals. Bicyclists can also do so across the countryside in order to see the town from a different angle.

There is a lot of history to learn at the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, where there are fascinating artifacts, documents, and photographs on display. If you want to get to know the friendly locals, spend some time at the House of Cheese. This shop is filled with all kinds of cheeses, including truffle and rainbow cheese. There is also a private dining room at Restaurant Old Blue where visitors can enjoy delectable sandwiches, comfort food like fish and chips, and mouthwatering desserts.

Sneek

Sneek is one of the bigger towns in the Friesland, but no less charming than its smaller counterparts. It is a quiet, serene place with friendly residents and no massive tourist crowds. Sneek is so close-knit that the people here have their own dialect called Snekers. The town dates back to the 10th century and today still features several historical buildings, including the old Town Hall. Visitors exploring the town can stop by the Waterpoort, an ancient city gate that was originally built in 1492 and rebuilt in 1613. The gate is surrounded by canals, which allow for scenic boat tours. If you visit in the summer, you can learn the art of waterskiing at the Waterskibaan. And at the Sneekermeer, there is plenty of opportunity for water sports and sailing.

Thorn

Thorn, also known as the White Village, sits near the Belgian border and was once an Imperial Abbey ruled by women. After French rule ended Thorn’s abbey-state status in the late 18th century, residents are said to have bricked up windows and painted homes white in response to window-based taxation. These white-painted bricks gave Thorn the distinction of being a "white village." Today, visitors can see these houses for themselves and marvel at how well they have been preserved.

They can also take a leisurely stroll to the Town Square to see the stunning historic Abbey Church. Visitors who want to combine their Thorn visit with outdoor adventure can take the drive (or cycle) to Maasplassen, where they can enjoy water sports on the lakes, or head to National Park de Groote Peel for birdwatching.

Woerden

Woerden is all about farmers’ markets, especially when it comes to cheese. Visitors can experience a traditional farmers' cheese market every Saturday between May and August. It is a lovely opportunity to meet some of the locals and find out more about the cheese-making process. The Cheese Warehouse, built in 1937, offers visitors the chance to see how cheese is made and enjoy a bit of a cheese-tasting paired with a glass of local wine.

Other must-do activities are visiting the De Windhond flour mill. The mill is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Woerden, allowing visitors to learn more about how millers worked hundreds of years ago. At Farm de Boerinn, visitors can rent a canoe to explore the waterways or go for a round of golf.

Lisse

A trip to the Netherlands would be incomplete without a detour to Lisse, where the famous tulips bloom in the spring. The tulips are a spectacle to behold, with local farmers allowing visitors to explore the edges of the tulip fields. A few minutes away lies the incredible Keukenhof Gardens, where even more stunning tulips grow. The best time to see these flowers is during the spring when they are in full bloom.

In Lisse, there is also the option to take the Tulip Bicycle Tour, allowing visitors to get close to the tulip fields. There is even a Tulip Landrover Tour during which a local drives visitors past the fields. Visitors who want even more of the flowers can enjoy the Flower Parade that happens every year in April. The parade features dozens of flower-decorated floats that make their way through Lisse’s streets. And to end the day on yet another flower-themed note, the Floralis offers the latest movies and arthouse films for visitors to enjoy.

Experience Dutch Hospitality

The thread running through these towns is gezelligheid, warmth, and connection. These charming Dutch towns are filled with locals bursting with pride over their beautiful homes and wanting to share that beauty with visitors. You can enjoy the views of the landscapes, the flowers, and of course, the delicious cheese, while getting to know those who have lived in the area for years. Once you step foot into these places and start exploring, you will find that these towns are some of the friendliest in the Netherlands.