Get ready for an adventure like no other as Holland transforms into a haven of autumnal beauty. From the bustling cities of Amsterdam to the sprawling landscapes in Friesland, Holland has so much to explore in October. So let us help you plan your itinerary for your holidays to Holland this October.

The Best Things To Do in Holland this October

1. Exploring the Wadden Sea and the Frisian Islands

visit the wadden islands on your october trip to the netherlands
Kicking off our list of the best things to do in Holland this October is a visit to the Wadden Sea and Frisian Islands.

Along the northern coast of the Netherlands lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wadden Sea, a natural wonderland teeming with biodiversity. Embrace the crisp autumn air as you embark on a mesmerising journey to the Frisian Islands, where you can explore

After your exploring, tuck into traditional Frisian delicacies as you sample freshly caught seafood and hearty stamppot, a comforting Dutch dish with mashed potatoes - perfect for the autumn chill. And don't forget to savour a warm cup of Beerenburg, a traditional Frisian herbal liquor, to truly immerse yourself in the local flavours.

2. Loonse and Drunense dunes in Brabant
dunes in brabant during autumn

In the Loonse and Drunense dunes, also known as the Brabant Sahara, you will find forest, heathland, and a lot of sand. This is because it is one of the largest shifting sand areas in Western Europe. Yes, you will find it in this little country!

There is plenty to do here for both young and old. For example, hiking enthusiasts among us can enjoy various routes through the area. Do you prefer to explore the area by bike? You can! There are also many cycling routes. There's even a light trail for children through the park making it possible to look for you to look out for nocturnal animals together.

And if you're near Den Bosch, don't hesitate to discover this beautiful city perhaps with an interactive city game. Within two hours you will be guided along this route along all the fun and special sights while you play riddles and assignments on your phone.

3. Picking oysters in Zeeland

oysters in a bucket

Oysters, you hate or you love them. If you love them, Zeeland is the place to pick them. You can actually find mussels, oysters and crumpets all around the Oosterschelde Nature Reserve.  The best time to pick the oysters is between September and April. It is best to collect it yourself two hours before and two hours after low tide. It's something different from a walk on the beach!

Do you want to stay at the beach? Then you have come to the right place, Fletcher Zuiderduin Beach Hotel. After a day of oyster picking, you can go to the Zuiderduin Beach Club to have a drink as you listen to the soothing waves.

But if you're not a fan of oysters, there's so much more to experience in the area. Visit Middelburg to admire the 1100 monuments that the city has. More in the mood to enjoy the local refreshments or to shop? This is also possible in this Zeeland city. The charming Fletcher Hotel Restaurant Middelburg is located right in the city centre. From here you are in the middle of the Dorpsplein within a few minutes.

4. Spotting wildlife on the Veluwe

wildlife on the veluwse in the netherlands

If you want to fully enjoy autumn, the Veluwe is the perfect place. During this period, the forests change from green to beautiful golden and brown colours. The Veluwe has an area of ​​approximately 32,000 hectares. Here the wildlife has complete freedom to move. This naturally increases the chance of spotting wildlife. Go out with a ranger and look for boars, foxes and red deer. Or go on an excursion yourself and discover Hoge Veluwe National Park.

5. Sightseeing in Haarlem

the centre of haarlem autumn

Discover Haarlem during the Haarlem autumn festival. Eat a tasty pumpkin soup, drink the best bock beer and stroll through the many shopping streets. Haarlem has something for everyone, from young to old. The city has several sights that you don't want to miss:

  • The Sint-Bavokerk: this show-piece is located in the middle of the Grote Markt. You can admire the famous Christian Müller organ here
  • The Dome Cathedral: this unique cathedral is one of the most important churches in the world. The building is larger than Cologne Cathedral and has twelve towers
  • Molen de Adriaan: this is the famous city mill. You can climb this under the guidance of a guide
  • The Haarlem nursery garden: do you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? The garden offers a large natural playground. You can also go here for organic food or a delicious drink

To get the best out of Haarlem, it's nice to stay right in the centre, don't you think? Hotel Lion d'Or offers this possibility. This comfortable 4-star hotel is located in the old centre of Haarlem. The right place to discover the city from here!

6. Enjoying Nature in Maastricht

maastricht the netherlands city centre

In October, Maastricht has the right combination of beautiful nature and sights for the whole family and can be easily reached from Amsterdam by train in just under 3 hours. Maastricht is a charming town in the province of Limburg that is spoiled with stunning nature.

Are you a real adventurer and do you like a bit of excitement? Then we recommend that you visit the Maastricht caves. These caves take you into the underground world of corridors that is located under the city. You can walk through this, but it is also possible to book a scooter tour. Truly an experience!

Are you especially curious about what else the city has to offer? Discover this together with family and friends through the interactive city game about Maastricht! If you want to taste the real Maastricht, stay at the Boutique Hotel Grote Gracht. The hotel is five minutes away from the Vrijthof Square.

7. Exploring Peaceful Friesland

go to the friesland lakes during october in holland
When looking for things to do in Holland in October, step into the vibrant city of Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, where medieval charm blends seamlessly with contemporary culture. Wander through the cobbled streets adorned with historic buildings and quaint cafes, or delve into the city's rich artistic heritage at the Fries Museum.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, the surrounding countryside offers endless opportunities for exploration. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a scenic trek along the Elfstedentocht route, tracing the path of the legendary ice skating tour through picturesque villages and idyllic landscapes.

And no visit to Friesland would be complete without experiencing the iconic Frisian lakes. Whether you're sailing across the shimmering waters or cycling along the scenic shores, the tranquil beauty of these pristine lakes in the Netherlands is sure to be a sight you won't forget

8. Cheese Tasting in Alkmaar

visit the alkmaar cheese market on october in holland
One thing is true about the Dutch is that they really love their cheese. So when spending October in Holland, make sure you head to Alkmaar to immerse yourself in its rich culture by visiting its famous cheese market. Wander through the bustling stalls adorned with wheels of cheese, where vendors proudly display their dairy delights. Join in the lively atmosphere as you witness the age-old tradition of cheese weighing and trading, and don't forget to indulge in a tasting session to sample authentic Dutch cheese.

Alkmaar is well-connected to the Dutch railway network, making it easily accessible from major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Direct trains run frequently throughout the day, with the journey taking approximately 30-45 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station so if you've booked your hotel in the Dam you can easily visit Alkmaar on a day trip. Visitors can purchase train tickets from ticket machines at the station or online through the Dutch railways website.

Gift an October Holiday to the Netherlands with Hotelgift

give a hotel gift certificate as the best easter gift
When you buy a hotel gift certificate from Hotelgift, you can give the gift of travel to the Netherlands and hundreds of other top destinations worldwide. Just buy a hotel gift card online in a few clicks, send it to your recipient via post, email or give it to them in person and they can redeem it online on a hotel of their choice! With a hotel gift card, you wave goodbye to drab, material gifts that lie at the back of the wardrobe for years and say hello to empowering your loved one to make new memories in new surroundings.