The 5 Most Beautiful Autumn Destinations in the Netherlands for a Weekend Getaway

Autumn is the perfect season to get away from it all. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a relaxing fall vacation with the family, or looking to rent a comfortable holiday home surrounded by nature, the Netherlands has plenty of beautiful autumn destinations to offer. But where can you find the most beautiful fall colors in the Netherlands? And where can you stay in a lovely holiday home after a long walk? From the vast forests of the Veluwe to the peaceful natural landscapes of Drenthe and the rolling hills of South Limburg, here are five beautiful autumn destinations in the Netherlands where you can combine nature with a comfortable stay through Leisure Time.

The Veluwe is one of the most beautiful destinations for a fall vacation in the Netherlands. In October and November, its vast forests transform into a colorful landscape of golden yellow, orange, and red. The combination of forests, heathlands, and drifting sand dunes makes this natural area particularly diverse.

One highlight is Speulderbos near Garderen, known for its distinctive, twisting trees. Veluwezoom National Park and the Posbank are also popular spots for autumn walks. The landscape is especially impressive on crisp mornings when mist hangs over the heathlands.

In addition to hiking, the Veluwe is an excellent place for cycling and wildlife spotting. With a little luck, you might see red deer or roe deer along the way.

Why visit the Veluwe in autumn?

• Explore colorful forests and vast heathlands.

• Take walks through Speulderbos or Veluwezoom National Park.

• Enjoy peace, open spaces, and fresh air.

• Combine a day in nature with a relaxing evening in your own holiday home.

Looking to rent a holiday home on the Veluwe? Leisure Time offers accommodations in locations including Putten and Hoenderloo. These make excellent bases for exploring the surrounding forests and natural areas.

Explore the options: Holiday homes in Putten and holiday homes in Hoenderloo.

If you’re looking for peace and nature this autumn, Drenthe is an excellent destination. The province is known for its extensive natural areas, forests, heathlands, and traditional villages built around historic village greens. In autumn, changing leaves and morning mist create a wonderfully atmospheric landscape.

One of the most beautiful places for a walk is Dwingelderveld National Park, where forests, heathlands, and small lakes alternate throughout the landscape. Drents-Friese Wold National Park is another great choice for nature lovers who enjoy long walks through varied scenery.

Along the way, you can discover mushrooms, spot birds, and enjoy the silence. If you’d like to experience some of Drenthe’s culture as well as its natural beauty, visit one of the historic villages or explore the region’s famous prehistoric megalithic tombs, known as hunebedden.

Why visit Drenthe in autumn?

• Walk through Dwingelderveld National Park or Drents-Friese Wold National Park.

• Enjoy peaceful walking trails and vast natural landscapes.

• Discover prehistoric megalithic tombs and charming Drenthe villages.

• Unwind in a comfortable holiday home after an active day outdoors.

Leisure Time also offers a range of accommodations for a fall vacation in Drenthe, including locations in Gasselte, Diever, and Hoogersmilde. This allows you to combine a stay surrounded by nature with plenty of opportunities to explore the area.

Explore the options: Holiday homes in Drenthe.

The province of Overijssel is also home to wonderful places to experience autumn. The regions of Salland and Twente combine forests, heathlands, historic country estates, and scenic rural walking trails. In autumn, the warm colors of the trees create a beautiful backdrop for a weekend getaway.

On the Sallandse Heuvelrug, you can hike across rolling heathlands and through forests. Holterberg is a well-known destination for nature lovers, offering beautiful trails through varied landscapes.

Twente is another wonderful choice for a fall vacation. Here, you can walk along traditional hedgerows, through forests, and down quiet country lanes. Along the way, you can take a break in a village or stop at a cozy café or restaurant.

Why visit Overijssel in autumn?

• Explore the walking trails of the Sallandse Heuvelrug.

• Enjoy forests, heathlands, and rolling landscapes.

• Discover the peaceful countryside and traditional villages of Twente.

• Enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway with a comfortable holiday home as your base.

Leisure Time offers holiday accommodations in Overijssel, including locations in Terwolde, Hoge Hexel, and Zuna. From these locations, you can explore different parts of the province and combine your autumn weekend with hiking, cycling, and relaxation.

Explore the options: Available holiday accommodations in Overijssel.

If you’d like to combine autumn walks and beautiful views with great food, South Limburg is an excellent choice. Its rolling landscape is unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands and offers plenty of opportunities for an active yet relaxing weekend getaway.

The Geul Valley is a wonderful place to experience autumn. Walk along the winding Geul River, discover green valleys, and enjoy the changing scenery of forests, meadows, and traditional half-timbered villages. The area around Vijlenerbos is also popular with hikers who enjoy elevation changes and sweeping views.

After your walk, settle down on a terrace or enjoy some Limburg specialties. Treat yourself to a slice of traditional Limburg fruit pie with your coffee or enjoy a leisurely dinner at a charming restaurant.

Why visit South Limburg in autumn?

• Hike through the Geul Valley and the forests of South Limburg.

• Enjoy rolling hills and panoramic views.

• Discover charming villages and historic towns.

• Combine nature with great food and a comfortable stay.

If you’re planning a stay in Limburg, Leisure Time offers accommodations in Maastricht. This allows you to combine a city break with trips into the South Limburg countryside.

Explore the options: Holiday homes in Maastricht.

If you’re looking for a different kind of autumn experience, Schouwen-Duiveland in Zeeland is a wonderful choice. Here, autumn is about more than colorful leaves. You’ll also find expansive beaches, dunes, fresh sea air, and peaceful natural areas.

Around Burgh-Haamstede, you can enjoy lovely walks through the dunes and forests of the Kop van Schouwen. A long beach walk is also well worth it in autumn. With the wind in your hair and the sound of the waves in the background, you’ll naturally begin to unwind.

After a refreshing walk, warm up in a cozy café or head back to your holiday home. The combination of nature, open spaces, and the Zeeland coast makes this destination ideal for couples, families, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Why visit Schouwen-Duiveland in autumn?

• Enjoy long beach walks along the Zeeland coast.

• Explore the dunes and forests around Burgh-Haamstede.

• Enjoy peace, open spaces, and fresh sea air.

• Combine nature with a relaxing coastal stay.

Leisure Time offers a range of accommodations in Burgh-Haamstede, including holiday homes close to the forest and beach. This allows you to experience autumn on the Zeeland coast at your own pace.

Explore the options: Holiday homes in Burgh-Haamstede.

Autumn is an ideal season for a weekend getaway in the Netherlands. You don’t have to travel far to take a break from your daily routine. Just a few days in a different setting can be enough to recharge your batteries.

A holiday home also gives you complete freedom. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, head out for an autumn walk, and enjoy a peaceful evening on the couch.

Depending on the accommodation, you can choose additional comforts such as a sauna, hot tub, jacuzzi, or fireplace. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage for two or a spacious vacation home for the whole family, it’s wonderful to return to your own private space after a day outdoors.

At Leisure Time, you can explore different types of holiday accommodations throughout the Netherlands and choose a place that suits your preferences, travel group, and favorite destination.

Where can you find the most beautiful fall colors in the Netherlands?

The Veluwe, Drenthe, and the forests of Overijssel are wonderful destinations for enjoying fall colors. In South Limburg, you can also admire rolling landscapes and colorful forests. The exact timing of the fall foliage varies from year to year and depends on the tree species.

What are some great destinations for an autumn weekend in the Netherlands?

The Veluwe is ideal for forest walks and heathlands. Drenthe is perfect for those seeking peace and nature, while Salland and Twente offer varied hiking trails. South Limburg is a great choice if you want to combine nature with good food. Schouwen-Duiveland is ideal for beach walks and enjoying the fresh sea air.

Where can you rent a holiday home for a fall vacation?

At Leisure Time, you’ll find holiday homes in various locations throughout the Netherlands, including Putten and Hoenderloo on the Veluwe, several locations in Drenthe and Overijssel, Maastricht, and Burgh-Haamstede in Zeeland. Availability varies depending on the dates and accommodation.

What should you pack for an autumn vacation in the Netherlands?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing, and a waterproof jacket. The weather can change quickly in autumn. A thermos of coffee or tea is also a welcome companion on a long walk through the forest or along the beach.

Whether you choose the colorful forests of the Veluwe, the peaceful landscapes of Drenthe, the walking trails of Overijssel, the hills of South Limburg, or the Zeeland coast, the Netherlands offers plenty of opportunities for a wonderful autumn getaway.

Enjoy long walks, discover charming villages, and experience how nature changes with the seasons. Then choose a comfortable holiday home as your base and explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Ready for a few days away? Explore the selection of holiday homes in the Netherlands with Leisure Time and find your ideal place to stay this autumn.