THE NETHERLANDS IN 2020 – The ultimate destination

From world-class exhibitions to gourmet experiences, not to mention stunning nature and unspoiled beaches, the Netherlands has it all, whatever the season. Get ready for your next trip with our jam-packed 2020 tourism and culture guide.

TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTO © NBTC

There are so many wonderful regions of the Netherlands that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Well, how about right at the top – in Friesland? This unspoilt northerly province boasts breathtaking coastal nature, not to mention the must-visit city of Leeuwarden. The capital of the province of Friesland, it has everything from vibrant shopping areas and cultural gems to great nightlife. There are also more than 600 monuments, so history buffs will not be disappointed, either!

Leeuwarden

Picturesque

Next on your list should be Amersfoort, an attractive city to the west of Amsterdam which is full of history. Admire the city’s well-maintained medieval buildings as you stroll the beautiful and compact city centre. You can also enjoy walking by the picturesque canals and sampling local specialties in the city’s many charming cafés and restaurants.

Heading into the centre of the Netherlands, the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden is full of hidden gems. Meaning literally ‘lands of five Lords’, the municipality was created on 1 January, 2019 through the merger of the former municipalities of Vianen, Leerdam and Zederik. There’s plenty to see and do, with countless historical monuments and scenic towns aplenty.

Leeuwarden.

History

Also bursting with history is Nijmegen, a fascinating city in the province of Gelderland. Located close to the German border, Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, and in 2005 celebrated 2,000 years of existence. Nijmegen and its surroundings form the perfect backdrop for hiking, cycling, and running. An annual highlight is the ‘Vierdaagse’ (Four Days March), which draws hikers from around the world every year.

Down in the south of the Netherlands, lies the peaceful municipality of Halderberge. There is so much to see, enjoy and do, whether you want to visit monumental buildings or go hiking amid the wonderful countryside.

Beach Noordwijk.

The great outdoors

Meanwhile, don’t miss the opportunity to see Goeree-Overflakkee, the southernmost delta island of the province of South Holland, Netherlands. With expanses of dunes and sandy beaches, not to mention beautiful nature reserves, Goeree-Overflakkee is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors.

Discover more about the top places to visit in the Netherlands here: www.discoverbenelux.com

Beach Noordwijk.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Daan Roosegaarde – Presence
Until 12 January 2020
Groninger Museum, Groningen

This must-see exhibition is Roosegaarde’s first major museum solo project, with the creative developing a new groundbreaking interactive artwork especially for the Groninger Museum. Unlike many exhibitions, which demand that art should be viewed from a distance, this inspiring installation encourages physical interaction.

Rembrandt-Velásquez
Until 19 January 2020
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Admire an overview of paintings by the two great masters of the 17th century from Holland and Spain at the unique Rembrandt-Velásquez exhibition. Thanks to a collaboration between the Museo del Prado and the Rijksmuseum, the Spanish and Dutch masterpieces will be showcased in pairs.

Young Rembrandt
3 November 2019 – 9 February 2020
Museum de Lakenhal, Leiden

This exhibition will show how Rembrandt’s incredible talent grew during the period 1624 to1634. Young Rembrandt will be presented in the completely restored and renovated Museum de Lakenhal (which was officially opened by King Willem-Alexander back in June).

Pieter de Hooch in Delft: From the shadow of Vermeer
Until 16 February 2020
Museum Prinsenhof, Delft

This is the first retrospective exhibition in Holland of the work of the famous 17th-century painter Pieter de Hooch. Among the works on loan are many famous paintings, such as the exhibition’s key work The Courtyard of a House in Delft (1658), from the National Gallery in London.

Thierry Mugler
Until 8 March 2020
Kunsthal, Rotterdam

The Kunsthal presents the first exhibition to showcase the work of French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, with an array of haute couture creations, documents and photographs on display.
Mugler’s designs are renowned for incorporating a variety of elements from fashion history and the punk movement.

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