Seven Of Our Favourite Autumn Activities In The Netherlands

Last weekend, we officially waved goodbye to summer and said hello to Autumn. While you may not be doing cartwheels about colder weather and rummaging for your raincoat, fear not! Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a food lover, or a fan of art, this season has much to offer. Here are our top seven recommendations of what to do in the Netherlands this fall.

1.Take a stroll through one of the many Dutch parks and forests

As the leaves turn from green to a vibrant blend of reds, oranges, and yellows, Dutch parks and forests come alive! Whether you’re strolling while listening to your favourite podcast or playlist or going for a refreshing run to de-stress from a busy day at work, the next few months are the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Some of our favourite spots to admire the change of seasons include the Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Amsterdamse Bos, and the dunes of Texel up in the north of the country.  

2. Dance the night away at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) – 18-22 October

If you love music and dancing, you really shouldn’t miss the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). It’s one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world, and people come from all over the planet to be part of it. During ADE, you can join more than 1000 events, including electrifying dance parties, workshops, and exhibitions. ADE is the ultimate party for electronic music fans, and it’s a fantastic excuse to dance until dawn! 

3. Wave hello to Sinterklaas

November marks the arrival of Sinterklaas, a cherished Dutch tradition and the local equivalent of Santa Claus. Witness the grand entry of Sinterklaas into various Dutch cities, accompanied by his trusty helpers, the Pieten. The parades, music, and festive atmosphere make this a heartwarming experience for children and adults alike. Don’t forget to indulge in some kruidnoten, traditional Dutch spiced cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own with this recipe! 

4. Admire Dutch design during the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven – 21-29 October

Every October, Eindhoven shows the world why it’s also sometimes referred to as the “City of Design and Light”. The Dutch Design Week is one of Europe’s largest design gatherings, showcasing the creations and concepts of hundreds of designers and attracting visitors from all over the world. There is a multitude of activities at 110 venues throughout the city, including exhibitions, lectures, award ceremonies, networking opportunities, discussions, and celebratory events. 

5. Fall Cuisine

While the Netherlands may not be widely renowned for its culinary offerings, we think Dutch autumn dishes are a delight for the taste buds. Warm up with a bowl of erwtensoep (pea soup), complete your borrel with some bitterballen (deep fried meatballs), and calm down that sweet tooth with some speculaas (spiced cookies). Be sure to visit our blog for more information! 

6. A night at the museum

Without the large groups of tourists that come during the Summer, Autumn is a great time to visit popular Dutch museums and attractions when they are much less crowded. For a special thrill, benefit from the museum nights in The Hague (7 October) and Amsterdam (4 November). Explore the galleries and exhibitions in a new light, both literally and figuratively, as you soak in the rich art and culture of the Netherlands. 

7. Stay inside and put up your feet

Let’s face it, the Dutch climate can be quite unpredictable, particularly during the Autumn season. When you just don’t feel like going out, stay in your comfortable apartment, relax on the sofa and snuggle up with a book or a heartwarming Christmas film. It’s one of our favourite activities for this season 😉