12 Fairy Tale Towns in the Netherlands

Towns like Lisse, Monnickendam, and Giethoorn are just some of the Netherlands’ most magical fairy tale towns. Known for its breathtaking canals, iconic windmills, and picturesque landscapes, the Netherlands is home to countless magical towns.

You’ll find everything from colorful canal houses and cobblestone streets to fascinating attractions like Iconic attractions like Kasteel Keukenhof, Valkenburg Castle, and De Dijk van Volendam.

To create this list, we considered towns with stunning architecture and captivating attractions, drawing from personal experiences, traveler reviews, and recommendations from locals. Whether you’re exploring quaint harbors or cycling through tulip fields, these 12 picture-perfect towns in the Netherlands will leave you spellbound.

Swipe and Vote: Choose Your Favorite

Which fairy tale town in the Netherlands should you pack your clogs for first?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Fairy Tale Towns in the Netherlands Marken

Marken (wooden houses galore) 1/5

Fairy Tale Towns in the Netherlands Monnickendam

Monnickendam (boats + eel) 2/5

Fairy Tale Towns in the Netherlands Naarden

Naarden (fortified star town) 3/5

Fairy Tale Towns in the Netherlands Lisse

Lisse (tulips + castles) 4/5

Small Towns Across the Globe Giethoorn Netherlands

Giethoorn (canal life vibes) 5/5

Results

Marken (wooden houses galore)

6 9

Monnickendam (boats + eel)

5 10

Naarden (fortified star town)

4 11

Lisse (tulips + castles)

8 7

Giethoorn (canal life vibes)

8 7

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Table of Contents

Lisse

Lisse is a beautiful fairy tale town southwest of Amsterdam. It’s best known for its vibrant tulip fields, historic architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll likely spend most of your time in Lisse admiring the breathtaking gardens at Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s most extensive flower gardens. This is an excellent place to enjoy an enchanted walk with your partner.

Nearby, you’ll also find the 17th-century Kasteel Keukenhof. Built in 1641, this grand castle belongs in a Disney movie. Other must-visit attractions in Lisse include Huys Dever, the LAM museum, and Salemkerk.

Once you’ve explored the town’s main attractions, enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride along the canal. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

Travel Tips

Rent a Bike: You can easily rent a bike at several shops in Lisse. I recommend biking along the canal to get a peaceful view of the town and tulip fields.
Visit Keukenhof in Midweek: If you can, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. The crowds are much smaller, and you’ll get better photos of the flowers without all the tourists in the background.
Check for Tulip Festival Events: If you’re visiting during the spring, keep an eye on local events for the annual Tulip Festival. Some events like guided tours or flower arranging demonstrations are available and really worth it!

Monnickendam

Monnickendam is a charming coastal town in Northern Holland famed for its scenic waterfront, vibrant architecture, and traditional houses. One of the great things about this quaint town is its proximity to Amsterdam. You can reach Monnickendam in less than 20 minutes from the capital.

In Monnickendam, you’ll thoroughly enjoy walking along the canal, searching for the town’s best attractions. If you’re anything like us, you’ll also enjoy watching the boats coming in and out of the harbor. Noteworthy points of interest in Monnickendam include Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren, De Palingroker, and Recreatiegebied Hemmeland.

Regarding food and drink, we recommend dining in the old-worldly De Waegh Monnickendam.

Travel Tips

Walk Along the Old Harbor: Take a stroll around the old harbor to see the historic boats. It’s a perfect spot for photos.
Visit Waterlandsmuseum Early: If you’re interested in history, stop by Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Try Local Smoked Fish: At De Waegh, you can try smoked eel, a local delicacy that is a must-try if you’re into seafood.

Marken

Marken, a small island town near Monnickendam, is one of the most memorable towns in the Netherlands. This magnificent destination is famed for its well-preserved traditional architecture, rich culture, and beautiful wooden houses. There is much to see and do in Marken, but you’ll likely enjoy walking around the town and admiring its beauty most.

Getting lost down the winding streets, finding cozy cafes and restaurants, and walking along the picturesque canal is enjoyable. However, there are several attractions you don’t want to miss. This includes the Wooden Shoe Factory Marken, Paard van Marken, and the Marker Museum.

You can easily and quickly reach Marken by bus from Monnickendam.

Travel Tips

Explore Marken by Foot: Marken is small, so it’s best explored on foot. Wander through the narrow streets and find hidden gems like local cafes and charming shops.
Visit Paard van Marken at Sunset: The iconic lighthouse, Paard van Marken, is stunning at sunset. The soft light makes for perfect photos.
Take the Bus from Monnickendam: The bus ride from Monnickendam to Marken is quick and easy, taking just about 20 minutes. It’s an affordable way to get there without the hassle of driving or parking.

Naarden

Naarden is a mindblowing fortified town in North Holland recognized for its unique star-shaped fortifications. These impressive fortifications feature moats, bastions, and tall double walls. Meanwhile, inside the fort lies a traditional Dutch town that transports visitors back in time.

Naarden is a beautiful place to explore, but Naarden Old Town will steal your heart. You’ll discover a treasure trove of Dutch architectural wonders down the cobblestone streets. Highlights include Grote Kerk, the early 17th-century Town Hall, and historic houses.

Other must-visit attractions in Naarden include Het Nederlands Vestingmuseum, Oud Valkeveen, and Naardermeer. Naarden also hosts various events, such as the Bach Festival and the Naarden Photo Festival.

Travel Tips

Walk the Star Fort: Take a walk around Naarden’s star-shaped fortifications. The moats and bastions are best appreciated from a distance, and you’ll get stunning views of the town and its layout.
Visit Grote Kerk Early: The Grote Kerk is a stunning church, and visiting early in the day means fewer tourists.
Explore Naarden by Bike: Naarden is bike-friendly, and renting a bike allows you to cover more ground and explore surrounding areas like Naardermeer.

Bourtange

Bourtange is also best known for its fascinating star-shaped fortifications, making it a dreamlike destination for travelers. Tall ramparts, a moat, and postcard-perfect natural scenery surround this traditional Dutch town. It was built in 1593 during the Dutch Revolt and was used until 1851.

Visitors can still admire the town’s beautiful scenery and traditional architecture. Despite its small size, Bourtange has many things to see. Highlights include Het oude kruithuis, Vestingmolen Bourtange, and Heckmansbastion met kanonopstelling.

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Of course, you should also spend plenty of time walking around the town, especially along its ramparts. For a unique experience, you can pay to spend the night in the fortress, sleeping in a captain or soldier’s room.

Travel Tips

Explore Het Oude Kruithuis: This old gunpowder house is one of Bourtange’s most historic sites. It’s small but filled with interesting exhibits, and it’s a good way to learn about the town’s military history.

Volendam

Volendam is a beautiful lakeside town in the northern Netherlands. Like many of the Netherlands’ fairy tale locations, it offers travelers picture-perfect scenery, traditional architecture, and many exciting things to see. Whether walking along the marina or exploring the narrow streets, you won’t be short on things to see in Volendam.

However, some locations stand out more than others. For example, De Dijk offers traditional architecture, high-class eateries, and lovely lake views. Conversely, the maze of narrow streets and canals in Het Doolhof is lined with authentic houses and floral decorations.

Other popular points of interest in Volendam include Saint Vincentius Church, Cheese Factory Volendam, and Volendam Museum.

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Travel Tips

Visit the Cheese Factory: Don’t miss the Cheese Factory Volendam. You can watch cheese being made and sample a variety of local cheeses. It’s a fun and tasty stop, especially if you love dairy products.

Blokzijl

Blokzijl is an authentic Dutch town in the northwest of the Netherlands. Here, travelers can enjoy traditional architecture, picturesque scenery, a charming waterfront, and good vibes. As soon as you set foot in the town, you’ll understand what makes it special. You’ll find charming buildings, cozy cafes, quaint shops, and fascinating historical attractions at every turn.

While there is much to see in Blokzijl, you’ll want to allow plenty of time to relax. Enjoy romantic strolls along the waterfront, tuck into stroopwafels, and admire the sunset at the waterfront. Don’t miss Kanon, De Havenkolk, Pand Met Trapgevel, and Grote Kerk Blokzijl when visiting the main attractions.

It’s also worth noting that Giethoorn is only a 17-minute drive away.

Travel Tips

Admire the Sunset: The waterfront in Blokzijl is perfect for sunset views. Head to a café or just sit by the water with a stroopwafel.

Boxtel

Boxtel is one of the most underrated fairy tale towns in the Netherlands. Despite offering travelers medieval castles, traditional Dutch architecture, and an array of unique attractions, only some tourists consider visiting. However, this will work in your favor if you seek a more laid-back and relaxed vacation in the Netherlands.

In Boxtel, you must visit Kasteel Stapelen, Museum Vekemans, and Kampina. Kampina is a beautiful nature reserve that outdoor enthusiasts love to hike around. Meanwhile, children can have fun at Oertijdmuseum, a natural history museum with life-size dinosaur statues.

Further out of the town, you should also visit Nemelaer Castle (11 minutes) and the grand Heeswijk Castle (18 minutes).

Travel Tips

Visit Kasteel Stapelen: Kasteel Stapelen is a beautiful castle that has functioned as a monastery in the past.
Explore Heeswijk Castle: Take a short drive to Heeswijk Castle, one of the most impressive castles in the area. It’s a bit farther out, but definitely worth the 18-minute drive for its stunning architecture and grounds. It is a restored 11th-century fortress with a museum on 19th-century life, guided tours, and various events.

Spakenburg

Spakenburg’s vibrant traditional houses, picturesque marina, and charming cobblestone streets make it one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Although this lovely town is only 40 minutes away from Amsterdam, the two places are worlds apart in terms of atmosphere. Unlike Amsterdam, Spakenburg is quiet and relaxed.

In Spakenburg, most travelers walk around the town center, visit the most popular tourist attractions, and photograph the beautiful architecture. Historisch Centrum Spakenburg is arguably the most attractive part of the town. Here, you can admire the authentic buildings, walk around the harbor, and explore the local market.

Other notable attractions in Spakenburg include Wrakken van Spakenburg, Spakenburg Windmill, and Museum Spakenburg.

Travel Tips

Stroll Around the Harbor: The harbor in Spakenburg is charming, with colorful boats and traditional houses lining the water.
Stop by the Spakenburg Windmill: The windmill is fully operational on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering free access for visitors to explore.

Delft

Delft’s vibrant town center is jam-packed with stunning architecture, scenic canals, and exciting attractions, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Netherlands. Located about an hour from Amsterdam, Delft is a beautiful place to walk and explore. You’ll never get bored of admiring the magnificent architecture, visiting unique attractions, and eating your weight in delicious Dutch cuisine.

Down Delft’s picturesque cobblestone streets, you’ll find fascinating attractions like the Old Church, Nieuwe Church, and Stadhuis Delft. Delft is also home to the Royal Delft Museum, which highlights the story of Delft’s world-famous signature blue-and-white pottery. Oostpoort Bridge is also a key highlight you don’t want to miss.

Travel Tips

Climb the Nieuwe Church Tower: If you’re up for a bit of a climb, head up the Nieuwe Church Tower for panoramic views of Delft. .
Visit Royal Delft Museum: Don’t miss the Royal Delft Museum to learn about the iconic blue-and-white pottery. You can also see pottery demonstrations, and it’s a great souvenir spot if you want to take home something unique. It is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Entrance costs €15 for adults, €7 for children aged 7 to 12, while children under 6 enter for free. The ticket includes an audio tour.

Giethoorn

Giethoorn is one of the most magical towns in the Netherlands. Mostly car-free, this quaint destination is known for its scenic waterways, picturesque footpaths, colorful buildings, and lush scenery. Bordering a section of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, it’s also an excellent place to explore the natural side of the Netherlands.

The main draw to Giethoorn has to be its centuries-old thatched-roof cottages. Accessible only by small bridges or boats, these cottages will transport you into your favorite storybook. You’ll want to spend time in Giethoorn walking around the town and kayaking along the canal.

You can also learn more about Giethoorn’s rich history in the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus.

Travel Tips

Rent a Boat: To fully experience Giethoorn, rent a small boat or kayak. It’s the best way to see the town’s iconic thatched-roof cottages from the water.
Visit the Museum Giethoorn: If you’re interested in the history of this unique town, stop by Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus. It’s small but full of interesting exhibits of the village and its traditions.

De Rijp

De Rijp is known for its magnificent scenery, gorgeous traditional architecture, and beautiful canal system. Combined with a peaceful atmosphere, these three things give De Rijp its fairy tale feel. The best way to get a feel for the town is by walking along the canal and visiting the museums.

This will allow you to see the best architecture and learn more about De Rijp. Popular museums in the town include Museum In ‘t Houten Huis and Museum Jan Boon. Other significant points of interest include Galerie De Eilandspolder, Praktijk Bewustzijn, and St.Bonifatius De Rijp.

Outdoorsy travelers can also hire a boat to go around the Eilandspolder.

Travel Tips

Visit Museum In ‘t Houten Huis: This museum is a great way to learn about the town’s history. It’s small but packed with interesting exhibits on local life and the area’s development. The windmill is open Tuesday to Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.