The Netherlands may be famed for its dynamic cities, but its idyllic countryside is equally captivating. Spend the night on a farm, learn the art of cheesemaking, feed farm animals, or put on your rubber boots and harvest seaweed. These and other agritourism experiences and activities let you immerse yourself fully in the Dutch rural landscape, uncovering its rich history and culture. From Friesland’s serene meadows to Zeeland’s coastal treasures, discover the authentic charm and heritage that make the Dutch countryside so special.
Stay the night on a farm
Take a deep breath and unwind in the idyllic Dutch countryside. Farm stays are an opportunity to connect with nature, savor regional products, and experience the simplicity of countryside living. Various farms have camping facilities or guest rooms. The centuries-old farmstead Erfgoed Bossem in Twente offers guests a tranquil retreat. You can enjoy the comfort of a boutique farmhouse room, stay in a spacious glamping tent, or sleep under the stars in a Star Cube tiny house. The tasting room serves slow food made with regional products.
From sea to plate
No matter the season, you’ll find Ellen and Guido from WildWier knee deep in the waters of the Oosterschelde or the North Sea, harvesting seaweed. Their fresh Zeeland seaweed is on the menu at sustainable restaurants, including De Nieuwe Winkel in Nijmegen and Restaurant Rotonde in Rotterdam. Learn all about these delectable algae during a low-tide seaweed walk, then sample sushi made with wild seaweed. Foodies are sure to enjoy the three-hour Tasting Safari or Cooking in Boots workshops.
Age-old artistry
The love affair with cheese in the Netherlands is no secret, and the art of making this delicacy goes back centuries. Kaasboerderij Weenink, a cheese farm in the Achterhoek region in Gelderland, that offers activities and tours, and hosts an annual market selling regional products. During their cheesemaking workshop, you’ll discover everything that goes into making cheese. Learn all about the various types of cheeses — and sample them! Once your cheese has ripened for two weeks, you can collect it or have it delivered.
Agritourism in the Netherlands isn't a gimmick. It's a genuine movement — one rooted in a desire to reconnect urban visitors with the land, the food it produces, and the people who tend it. From the serene pastures of Friesland to the briny coastline of Zeeland, the Dutch countryside makes a compelling argument that slow travel isn't just a trend. It's a revelation.
