8 popular sports in the Netherlands
The Netherlands, known for its picturesque windmills, vast tulip fields, and charming canals, offers a surprisingly wide variety of sports options. Although the country is flat and has no mountains, there are numerous activities that both locals and visitors can enjoy. From water sports on the numerous lakes and canals to cycling on Europe's best bike paths – the Netherlands has something to offer for every sports enthusiast. In this article, I will introduce you to the eight best sports you can try in the Netherlands.
1. Cycling: The Bicycle as King of the Road
The Netherlands is the ultimate cyclist's paradise. With an extensive network of bike paths and a flat landscape, the conditions for cycling are ideal. In cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen, the bicycle is the preferred mode of transport, and most locals own more than one bike.
Whether you take a leisurely tour through the city or cycle longer distances through rural areas, the well-developed bike paths and bike-friendly infrastructure make cycling in the Netherlands a sheer pleasure. Especially recommended are tours along the famous Dutch windmills, through the blooming tulip fields in spring, or along the coast of the IJsselmeer.
2. Speed Skating: The Fast Passion on Ice
Speed skating is more than just a sport in the Netherlands – it is a national phenomenon. The country has a rich tradition in speed skating and regularly produces world-class athletes. In the winter months, when the natural waters freeze, the Dutch flock to the ice rinks and lakes to indulge their passion for skating.
The Thialf ice rink in Heerenveen is the center of Dutch speed skating and a place every fan of the sport should visit at least once. For beginners, there are numerous public skating rinks open during the winter months, as well as many lakes suitable for skating when temperatures drop. Speed skating in the Netherlands offers you the opportunity to experience this fascinating sport up close.
3. Sailing: Wind and Water on Dutch Lakes
The Netherlands, with its numerous lakes, canals, and long coastline, is a perfect area for sailors. Particularly the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, and Frisian lakes are popular destinations for sailing enthusiasts. The expansive water surfaces, combined with usually consistent winds, provide ideal conditions for both novice sailors and experienced skippers.
Many sailing schools offer courses, so you can quickly learn the basics of sailing, even as a newcomer. The picturesque villages and towns located along the shores of the lakes and canals make sailing in the Netherlands an unforgettable experience. In addition to traditional sailing, there are also opportunities for kitesurfing and windsurfing, especially on the North Sea coast.
4. Canoeing and Stand-Up Paddling: Relaxation on the Canals
The numerous canals and rivers of the Netherlands provide perfect conditions for canoeing and stand-up paddling (SUP). Especially in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Leiden, you can explore historical architecture and vibrant city life from the water.
For nature lovers, there are countless canoe tours through nature reserves and national parks, such as the Biesbosch or the Weerribben-Wieden. Here, you can paddle through dense reed beds, observe birds, and enjoy the peaceful nature. Stand-up paddling has become increasingly popular in recent years and offers a relaxed way to explore the waters of the Netherlands while also training your balance and fitness.
5. Kitesurfing: Adrenaline Kick on the North Sea Coast
The Dutch North Sea coast offers some of the best kitesurf spots in Europe. The beaches of Scheveningen, Zandvoort, and Noordwijk are particularly popular with kitesurfers. The consistent winds and shallow sandy beaches provide ideal conditions for gliding over the waves and performing spectacular jumps.
For beginners, there are numerous kitesurfing schools that offer courses and equipment. Even advanced kite surfers will find exciting challenges and diverse spots in the Netherlands. Kitesurfing combines the thrill of the sport with the impressive coastal landscape and the relaxed atmosphere of beach bars and cafés.
6. Football: Passion on and off the Field
Football is the most popular sport in the Netherlands and holds significant importance for both professionals and amateurs. The Eredivisie, the country's top football league, has produced internationally recognized teams like Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord Rotterdam. A visit to one of the famous stadiums is a must for any football fan.
At the amateur level, many matches are played, and you'll find football fields in nearly every city and village where games and training routinely take place. The Dutch passion for football is palpable everywhere, and the sense of community fostered through the sport is impressive. If you want to play yourself, many clubs offer guest training or open play sessions where you can let off steam.
7. Hiking and Cycling: Experience Pure Nature
Although the Netherlands is flat, it offers numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling. National parks like Hoge Veluwe or De Maasduinen National Park invite you to take extensive hikes. Here, you can stroll through heathlands, forests, and sand dunes while discovering the local flora and fauna.
Cycling is also very popular, and there are many well-marked routes that lead you through picturesque landscapes. The "Pieterpad," the most famous long-distance hiking trail in the Netherlands, stretches over 498 kilometers from Groningen in the north to Maastricht in the south and provides a varied experience for anyone wishing to explore the country on foot.
8. Golfing: Teeing Off on Historical Courses
Golfing in the Netherlands has a long tradition, and the country offers some beautiful golf courses that harmoniously integrate into the landscape. Particularly in the provinces of North and South Holland, you will find some of the best courses, often situated near dunes and forests.
Many golf clubs are open to guests, and you can play on courses that are not only challenging but also scenic. Whether you want to play on a historic course with centuries of history or a modern, demanding course – in the Netherlands, you will find the right golfing facility. Golfing here offers not only a sporting activity but also a wonderful way to enjoy the peace and beauty of Dutch nature.
Conclusion: The Netherlands – Sporty Through the Land of Canals
The Netherlands offers an impressive variety of sports options, perfectly complemented by its flat landscape, numerous waters, and well-developed infrastructure. Whether you want to go cycling, kitesurfing, playing football, or trying one of many other sports – in the Netherlands, you'll find ideal conditions and a culture that celebrates sports in all its facets. Discover the sporty side of this diverse country and enjoy the combination of activity, nature, and culture.