The best activities during autumn
Autumn is the perfect time to experience the beautiful colours of the season and enjoy all the beauty that the Netherlands has to offer. Walking in nature through coloured leaves, drinking a delicious hot chocolate with a cosy sweater in front of the fireplace or scoring a new autumn wardrobe while discovering new cities. While some people can't wait to put on warm sweaters again, others prefer to lie on the beach in 30 degrees. But don't worry! There are plenty of fun activities and outings during the autumn break. In this blog you can read a number of activities that you can undertake this autumn.
Get some fresh air in the colorful forests
Rain or shine, forest walks are a must during autumn. The trees shed their leaves in beautiful autumn colours and the fresh air lets you completely relax.
The Utrecht Ridge
The Utrechtse Heuvelrug, for example, is a beautiful nature reserve, characterized by its hilly landscape, rich forests and historic estates. Enjoyment is guaranteed during a walk in this nature reserve. Also be sure to visit one of the many castles and fortresses that the area has to offer. Hiking trails through this area offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to experience the seasonal changes in full glory.
Hoge Veluwe National Park
Or plan a nature walk through the Veluwe to see the golden glow of nature at its best. Autumn transforms the Dutch landscape here into a colorful tableau that is ideal for scenic walks. The Veluwe offers a diverse landscape of dense forests, heathlands and sand drifts.
Take a long walk through the colourful forest, cycle along marked routes or spot wild animals such as red deer and wild boar. Is it dry and can you enjoy the sun? Take a thermos and the tastiest autumn snacks with you and arrange a cosy picnic in the forest.
So put on your walking boots and prepare for a day full of natural beauty and relaxation in two of the most beloved nature reserves in the Netherlands.
A day out
With the shorter days approaching and the occasional rain shower, we understand that sometimes you would rather stay indoors. But there are plenty of activities to do during the fall, both indoors and outdoors.
Going out for a city trip
Explore the historic streets of Dutch cities such as Maastricht, Leiden or Groningen during a city trip. Each of these cities offers a unique autumn experience with atmospheric cafés and shops. You will immediately have a good excuse to shop for a new autumn wardrobe. The best shopping cities in the Netherlands? Bastion knows what to do with that! Click here to discover the best shopping cities in the Netherlands.
Out for relaxation
Would you rather escape the autumn cold? Spend a day in a spa or thermal baths. The ultimate way to relax and escape the colder days. Enjoy a wonderful relaxing massage, aromatherapy sessions or wonderful facial treatments. You will definitely return refreshed and renewed!
Going out to an amusement park or zoo
Is there still a day coming up when the sun shines? Then visit a fun amusement park or zoo such as the Efteling or DierenPark Amersfoort!
The Efteling is a fairytale experience in itself. Located in Kaatsheuvel and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. Step into a world where fairytales come to life. From the enchanting Fairytale Forest to the breathtaking roller coasters such as the Baron 1898 and the Flying Dutchman. There is always something magical to discover in the Efteling.
DierenPark Amersfoort is another great day out for families with young children. Located in the heart of the country, you will come face to face with different animal species. From majestic lions and tigers to playful monkeys and sea lions. For the little ones, there is the “Klim Alles-route”, where they can climb above the bear and crawl under the hyenas. Also be prepared for the feeding times of the animals. During these educational shows and feeding presentations, visitors can learn more about the animals and their behavior.
Out and about to soak up some culture
Our cities are also bursting with museums. For example, visit the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, a beautiful natural history museum in Leiden for young and old. The museum shows a glimpse into the biodiversity on earth: the evolution of animals, plants and all life.
Are you a true art lover? The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam remains one of our favorites. During a visit you will discover Dutch Golden Heritage: iconic paintings from the Golden Age, painted by great Dutch masters such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer.
Among the pumpkins and apples
Fall is the perfect time to visit a local farm, such as Buytenhof in Rhoon or Het Fruithoes in Sint-Truiden. In the Netherlands, you can often pick your own fruit at these apple and pumpkin farms! Fall is the season of harvest. Not only can you pick fresh apples and pumpkins, you can also participate in various fall activities. Take the opportunity to eat fresh apple pie or make your own pumpkin lantern for Halloween. In the run-up to Halloween, many farms often offer themed activities such as carving pumpkin lanterns, spooky hay rides and even night-time treasure hunts that are fun for both young and old. Of course, you can also choose to buy a pumpkin and carve and decorate it yourself at home!
Photo: Outside of Rhoon
Festivals and events in the fall
The autumn months are bustling with festivals and events.
Halloween
To stay in the Halloween spirit, there are several Halloween events in the Netherlands where the most creepy outfits can be worn. Go to a fun party in the neighborhood or organize one yourself!
11th of the 11th
Do you like fancy dress parties? Then hang around a little longer, because in October the 11th of the 11th and Oktoberfest will take place! The start of the carnival season is celebrated on November 11th, especially in the south of the country. Will you go to Oeteldonk in red, yellow and white? Or would you rather go to Kielegat in a crazy costume? This day marks the beginning of a period full of beautiful costumes, exuberant parades and of course lots of beer.
Oktoberfest
Where a lot of beer is drunk is the Oktoberfest. The annual folk festival in Munich has been in the Netherlands for years, and this year we have to believe it again. The Oktoberfest is breaking loose again in various cities in our frog country. Put on your lederhosen, eat a delicious Bratwurst and tap liters of beer! Will you celebrate the Oktoberfest in Nijmegen, Apeldoorn, Tilburg or will it be Breda?
Amsterdam Dance Event
For those who prefer to leave their costumes in the closet, there is still plenty to do in the fall. The popular Amsterdam Dance Event returns in October and attracts music lovers from all over the world every year. More than 2000 artists perform during the five-day event at over 450 parties in Amsterdam. Don't miss this unique dance event and dare to dance in our capital.
Overnight stay in the fall with a discount
Completely exhausted after all that walking in the woods, partying at various parties or after a long day at the zoo? Whatever your plans are this fall, Bastion Hotels offers the perfect base! With our Autumn Deal you can now benefit from up to 20% discount on 1, 2 or 3 nights in one of our 34 hotels.
- Up to 20% discount on 1, 2 or 3 nights
- Breakfast can be booked as an option
- Valid for stays between October 18 and November 3, 2024
- Free cancellation until 12:00 one day before arrival
Check out the Autumn deal here for more information.
Book your stay and discover the versatility of the Dutch autumn season for yourself!
