Eastern provinces

Our expert The Netherlands

Eastern provinces

The eastern provinces This type of landscape is common in the Netherlands, as the eastern regions were mainly encroached on the sea: most of them would be submerged in water without their seawalls. Martin Siepmann/ age fotostock

In the east of the country, which consists of the provinces of Overijssel, Gelderland and Flevoland, there are few inhabitants and even fewer tourists; a delight for nature lovers. The landscapes, which stretch as far as the eye can see, mostly consist of marshland. From time to time, charming little villages or authentic, imposing country houses punctuate the region's parks. Weerribben National Park and Wierden Nature Reserve are among the largest natural marsh regions in Western Europe. The High Veluwe National Park, the country's largest national park with 13,600 acres, holds vast forests and heather heaths and is an ideal peace haven for hiking and cycling.
In the swampy plain around Kinderdijk, stand 19 exceptional windmills.