The Netherlands may be renowned for its winding canals and traditional tulips, but there’s a far quirkier side to this country just waiting to be discovered. So why not take a detour on your next trip and bring home a wealth of stories? From kooky architecture to bohemian art havens, all of these spots are within two hours’ drive of our Rotterdam port. Take a look at some of the more unusual things to see in the Netherlands.
1. The hotel with 70 facades: Hotel Inntel, Zaandam
This is one hotel that refuses to blend into the background! Zaandam has long been known for its charming green cottages, and architect Wilfried van Winden wanted to take this reputation to another level. Hotel Inntel in Zaandam features around 70 cottage façades, each with different window layouts, making this zany hotel well worth a visit. Nestled in among the varying shades of green is one blue façade, a nod to Monet’s ‘The Blue House in Zaandam’ painting that inspired van Winden.
2. A never-ending poem: The Letters of Utrecht
In 2012, a social sculpture called ‘The Letters of Utrecht’ was launched in the form of a poem that (potentially) never ends. Now every Saturday, a stonemason inscribes a stone on the canal path with one letter, which over time begins to form words and sentences. The letters are dictated by various members of Utrecht’s Guild of Poets (which has involved seven contributors so far), and it’s hoped that the tradition will continue for thousands of years to come.
To find the beginning of the poem, head to the corner of Lange Smeestraat and Oudegracht (the Old Canal). The first lines, roughly translated, read: You have to start somewhere to give the past a place, the present is getting less and less. The further you are, the better. Go ahead now, leave your tracks.
3. The Cube Houses, Rotterdam
When Dutch architect Piet Blom was asked to solve the dilemma of building houses on top of a pedestrian bridge, his answer was the striking Cube Houses of Rotterdam. Each house represents a tree – despite their bright yellow colour – and all feature three floors and slanting walls. As well as viewing their extraordinary exterior, you can also tour the interior of the Kijkkubus (show cube) to see how it all fits inside. Want to spend the night in one of these iconic homes? You’re in luck – one of them is listed on Airbnb.
4. The Van Gogh bicycle route, Eindhoven
The Netherlands is well known for its affiliation with bikes – and in Eindhoven, you’ll find one of the most beautiful cycle routes in the country. The Van Gogh Bicycle Path comes alive every evening with stones that light up the trail in the pattern of the painter’s famous Starry Night. The path was designed by Daan Roosegaarde, who installed stones with a special coating that absorb solar rays during the day and reflect it at night. The 600m path winds through many iconic sites that influenced Van Gogh, such as the Collse Watermolen and Opwettense Watermolen windmill – so delay dinner and go for a romantic evening ride first.
5. Giethoorn: the village without roads
If you want to experience the otherworldly calm of a place sheltered from the rush of cars and bicycles, head to Giethoorn. The heart of the village has evaded the advances of modern life and has zero roads – just shallow canals and wooden bridges. Nicknamed the Venice of Holland, you can take a gondola, rowboat or ‘whisper boat’ with a small, silent engine and glide past the traditional thatched rooves and tulips of this peaceful destination. You’ll find clearly signposted parking a short walk away.
6. NDSM Wharf Amsterdam
Take the free ferry from Amsterdam’s Central Station to NDSM Wharf and you’ll find yourself transported to a bohemian haven in minutes. There you’ll find old warehouses turned into improvised art markets, ramshackle bars buzzing with live music, and peaceful green areas to sit back with and a good book and a stunning view across the city. This local favourite is the perfect place to take the weight off your feet after a day exploring the sights of Amsterdam.
Ready to explore some of the more unusual things to see in the Netherlands? Book onto one of our crossings to Rotterdam today.
