Slowlands - Where we live at our cities' pace and beyond

Whether it's wandering the streets of Amsterdam-Noord, strolling along Rotterdam's quays or exploring the traditional courtyards of Utrecht – in the Netherlands, tranquillity can also begin in the middle of the city. Slow travel is not just about slowing down but about being consciously aware of your surroundings. From the fortified town of Gorinchem to the bustling NDSM shipyard, and from the Strijp R neighbourhood in Eindhoven to Sonsbeek Park in Arnhem, everywhere you go as a visitor, you are invited to stop and take it all in.

Your encounter with our culture begins in the city. Admire Vermeer's work at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague and immerse yourself in Van Gogh's colours at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Then hop on the train to Delft with its historic canals and then disembark in Schiedam, where you'll not only find the world's tallest windmills but also have the chance to sample the delicious spirits this authentic distilling town is known for. The proximity of such places makes it easy to enhance your city break with the most beautiful heritage sites and pure rural tranquillity.

Travelling within our dynamic cities and their surroundings can be done sustainably and without stress. For example, by getting on a bicycle (or e-bike) to explore the nearby green countryside. There is no need to race and count the kilometres, so stop at a village square for a fresh coffee and a currant bun. Cycle through the National Parks of the Netherlands, where paths wind through heathland, dunes or forests. Park your bike for a bit to spot birds, smell the natural scent of the trees or pine needles and, above all, embrace the quiet stillness.

In short: cycling is a conscious choice for simplicity. You can follow several popular junction routes that will take you past the loveliest locations besides giving you the option to head off in an unplanned direction. A dirt road can sometimes lead to a hidden marshland or a charming teahouse. By being open to surprises and not sticking to a tight schedule, you will experience the Netherlands the way it was meant to be: free and unconstrained. This will allow you to become familiar with the rhythm of the city while at the same time discovering the countryside's quiet cadence, thus experiencing how slowing down becomes part of your urban discovery.

When thinking of Dutch food, many might automatically think of stroopwafels, Limburg vlaai pastry and Gouda cheese. But there's so much more than that! In Dutch cities, sustainable dining is no longer a trend but a natural choice. From creative vegan bistros in Rotterdam to casual fine dining restaurants in Utrecht where seasonal vegetables come straight from the local market: you can taste the attention to provenance and quality everywhere. City chefs often work with short supply chains, take inspiration from modern greenhouses in the region, and surprise you with creative, mindful dishes.

Those who want to enjoy a drink can also find surprising options in the city. More and more restaurants are serving wines from Dutch vineyards, which are often organic and accompanied by a local story. Combine a city walk with lunch at a zero-waste café, or enjoy a vegan dinner where each course aligns with the season. This allows you to taste the flavour of the city and its commitment to a more sustainable future.

Combine those cultural moments with special overnight stays. Spend the night in a restored church in Friesland or opt for a treehouse in De Hoge Veluwe National Park to experience the calm tranquillity of the forest after a day of admiring art. Mixing heritage with unique accommodation will add unforgettable layers to your trip. You can end a day full of beautiful impressions with a moment of rest to allow everything to sink in.

By choosing accommodations that exude history and are connected to their surroundings, you contribute to their preservation. You support local owners, experience places you would otherwise miss and create a link between the story of the Netherlands and your own journey. This deliberately conscious pace makes your stay more rewarding, sustainable and personal. Each step becomes part of a larger whole in which culture, nature and your experience come together.

The Dutch are not always perceived as warm and welcoming. Which is rather odd because if you take the time to stay somewhere for an extended period of time, you'll soon experience the genuine hospitality of our country. In a small village, you could be given a free stroopwafel at the local bakery or some liverwurst at the butcher, which is always a source of fun and interesting conversation. And a conversation in the Netherlands is often accompanied by a delicious cup of coffee. These spontaneous chats make you feel at home here very quickly.

Such moments of real connection distinguish slow travel from a superficial visit. When you stay somewhere for longer, you will be quicker to appreciate the little things. That's why we encourage you to really take your time to listen to stories about the country and its products; these kinds of conversations are what will make your trip unforgettable. Through the eyes of the locals, you get to see the sights and taste the soul of the region.