Six of the Most Beautiful Small Towns & Villages in the Netherlands

There are lots of things that make the Netherlands such a great destination for a cycling trip. The beautiful - and beautifully flat - countryside, the extensive network of cycle paths, and general bike-friendly infrastructure and culture obviously stand out.

But another real feather in its hat (cycling helmet) is how many lovely places there are, within a relatively short distance of one another, just waiting to be discovered by bike. 

From the Frisian coast to the verdant Achterhoek, here’s our pick of a few of the most beautiful small towns and villages in the Netherlands you should visit on your next cycling trip.

 

 

IJlst, Friesland

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbour Sneek, IJlst is a standout among the historic "Frisian Eleven Cities" for its unique urban planning. 

If you’re cycling the Elfstedentocht route, the town offers an incredibly photogenic stop with its lime trees and quiet waterways crisscrossed with historic bridges. 

But the town is really defined by its overtuinen or ‘waterside gardens’ (Waterlandvanfriesland.nl). These distinctive gardens are situated across the street from the homeowners' canal-side properties, creating a lush, green corridor directly along the water’s edge.

Insider tip: While the canal views tend to win all the plaudits, the true industrial gem here is Houtzaagmolen De Rat (Wikipedia.org). This isn’t just a scenic windmill; it’s a fully functioning wood-sawing mill that’s been in operation for over three centuries. If the sails are turning, you can often go inside to watch massive tree trunks being sawn into planks using wind power alone.

 

 

Bronkhorst, Gelderland

Bronkhorst really leans in to its title of "the smallest city in the Netherlands”, a charter it received in 1482 despite its village-like size. 

It’s got a lot more going for it than just its (diminutive) stature, though. It’s a remarkably preserved little place, featuring a tight cluster of restored farmhouse-style dwellings and cobbled streets that feel entirely disconnected from modern times.

Located in the Achterhoek region near the banks of the River IJssel, it’s a key highlight on the Hanseatic cycling routes and a sleepy, atmospheric contrast to busier - but still very small and charming - cities like Zutphen.

Insider tip: Head for the Kunstgemaal, located just outside the village, a historic steam pumping station that’s been converted into a contemporary art gallery (Mijngelderland.nl). 

 

 

Spaarndam, North Holland

Situated on a dike separating the River Spaarne from the former IJ bay, the pretty village of Spaarndam served as a crucial point on the waterways between Haarlem and Amsterdam. 

These days, if you’re on your way from Amsterdam to the dunes of the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park you’ll find it an equally good place to stop off. The village centre is dominated by historic locks and sluices that have managed water levels in the Rijnland region for centuries, creating a scenic harbour environment filled with traditional barges.

Insider tip: While the statue of Hans Brinker draws the crowds, the engineering marvel here is the Kolksluis (Wikipedia.org). Small and easily overlooked, it dates back to 1280 and is thought to be the oldest working shipping lock in Europe.

 

 

Hindeloopen, Friesland

Hindeloopen is a bit different. It’s culturally distinct from the rest of Friesland, owing its wealth to a long history of maritime trade with Scandinavia and the Baltic states. As a result it developed its own dialect, costume, and a highly decorative style of painting (Hindelooper schilderkunst) that adorns local furniture and interiors.

These days, the town is a pretty maze of narrow streets and old sea captains’ houses that opens out on to the windswept Zuiderzee coastline and the North Sea beyond.

Insider tip: Visit the Sylhús (Lock House) at the harbour entrance (Friesland.nl). Traditionally, this was where the leugenaarsbank (liars' bench) was located - a spot where old fishermen would gather to swap tall tales of derring-do at sea. 

 

 

Durgerdam, North Holland

Durgerdam is home to one of the most iconic skylines in the Waterland region. It’s characterised by a single, long row of wooden houses, many painted in light hues or traditional dark green, sitting on top of a dike facing the Markermeer. 

It’s a popular pit-stop for cyclists coming from Amsterdam, providing a quick transition from busy, bustling city centre to coastal calm. The village is a protected cityscape (beschermd dorpsgezicht), ensuring that its 17th and 18th-century buildings remain pleasingly picturesque.

Insider tip: The seemingly peaceful view of the water hides a gripping local story known as the "Drama of Durgerdam". A small monument commemorates the time in 1849 when local fishermen were stranded on an ice floe for 14 days during a harsh winter. 

 

 

Edam, North Holland

The name might be synonymous around the world with cheese, but Edam is actually a city built on shipbuilding. During the Dutch Golden Age, its shipyards were among the most productive in the country. This wealth in turn funded the construction of the rich brick architecture, tea houses, and canals that still line the town centre today.

Unlike the slightly tourist-heavy harbour of Volendam nearby, Edam is quiet and refined, making it a good place to stop off for lunch if you’re cycling through the area. The town centre’s home to a few interesting monuments, including the imposing Grote Kerk (Laagholland.com), which is home to some fabulous early 17th-century stained glass windows.

Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the Kwakelbrug, a wooden drawbridge with a steep vertical incline (Laagholland.com). It’s one of the few remaining examples of a hand-operated bridge designed to allow high-masted ships to navigate narrow urban canals.

 

Fancy exploring some of these Netherlands towns and villages on two wheels? Check out our selection of self-guided cycling holidays.