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Windmills, Tulips & Tiny Villages: Scenic Highlights Near Amsterdam


Close-up of pink and orange flowers by a river, with windmills in the background against a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Peaceful scene.

When most people picture Amsterdam, it’s the canals that first come to mind. But just beyond the city, the Dutch countryside opens up into landscapes that feel like a painting—bright tulip fields stretching to the horizon, historic windmills turning gently in the breeze, and storybook villages where wooden houses and cobblestone lanes whisper centuries of history. Discover some of the scenic highlights near Amsterdam.


At Toastable Travel, we have planned some dynamic and colorful group adventures to Amsterdam. We haven't had the joy of experiencing the Netherlands in person yet, but we will soon. We're leading a group trip to Amsterdam in April 2026, and we can’t wait to soak in these incredible sights alongside fellow travelers. Planning this trip has been a reminder that sometimes anticipation is half the joy—researching windmill villages, colorful tulip fields, and seaside dunes already feels like stepping into a postcard.


Zaanse Schans: A Step Back in Time

Windmills with orange sails near water; clear blue sky with clouds. Green and black houses in the background. Peaceful rural setting.

Just a short train ride from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is everything you imagine when you think “classic Holland.” Wooden clogs drying on racks, green-painted houses with tidy shutters, and—of course—rows of majestic windmills along the river. Many of these windmills still work, grinding spices, sawing timber, or producing oil just as they did in the 18th century.


Visitors can wander the village lanes, pop into workshops, and even climb up inside a windmill for sweeping views over the Zaan River. It’s an easy day trip, but one that offers an unforgettable step back in time.


The Duin-en-Bollenstreek: Tulip Country

Vibrant tulip garden with pink, yellow, and white blooms under tall trees. A wooden shed and lamppost are visible in the peaceful setting.

If you’re traveling in the spring, nothing compares to the Duin-en-Bollenstreek, also called the Dune and Bulb Region. This stretch between Haarlem and Leiden bursts into a rainbow each year as tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils blanket the fields.


Picture yourself pedaling a bicycle along quiet farm roads with seas of color on either side—or walking the coastal dunes with the sea breeze in your hair. Whether you love flowers, photography, or just the wonder of seasonal beauty, this region is pure joy.


Why These Little Escapes Matter

What excites us most about including places like Zaanse Schans and the bulb fields is the way they connect travelers to everyday Dutch life. Amsterdam’s museums, cafés, and canal houses are iconic—but it’s in the countryside where you catch your breath and see another side of the Netherlands.


These are the kinds of moments we look forward to sharing on our 2026 trip: standing together in a tulip field, taking group photos in front of a windmill, and discovering the quieter corners of Dutch beauty.


Ready to Wander Beyond the Canals?

Amsterdam is just the beginning. Adding Zaanse Schans or the bulb fields into your itinerary transforms a great trip into something truly unforgettable.


Our April 2026 Amsterdam group trip will include opportunities like these, but we also love creating custom trips for travelers who want their own perfectly paced escape. If you’ve been dreaming of windmills, tulips, and charming villages, this is your sign to start planning.



Highlights Near Amsterdam

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