The Netherlands isn’t just about windmills and tulips; it offers a surprising variety of tours that appeal to all interests and ages. Whether you’re paddling through the North Sea with a Zeeland Strand safari or unraveling the stories of Amsterdam’s historic streets, this country rewards curious travelers. We especially loved Zeeland’s beach safari, where you can actively discover marine life with a simple net—perfect for families or anyone wanting a hands-on nature experience. Or for a more relaxed, self-paced visit, the city scavenger hunts in Zierikzee or Goes turn sightseeing into an engaging game.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of tours—from historical walking tours in Amsterdam to WWII battlefield explorations in Groningen, and even immersive murder mysteries in Harderwijk. There are also fun outdoor activities like oyster picking in Zeeland or scenic driving routes in Walcheren. Each experience offers a different way to enjoy the country, whether by foot, boat, or app-based scavenger hunt. Now, let’s explore each of these top-rated tours in detail.
1. Zeeland Strand safari met visnet NL/DE
During our beach safari in Zeeland, you’ll use a large trawl net to find out what’s happening in the North Sea. Your guide will share fun facts about local marine animals, shells, and plants, making it a perfect mix of education and entertainment. The tour lasts just two hours but is packed with highlights—plus, it’s suitable for all ages, making it a fantastic activity for families or groups of friends. The relaxed beach setting allows for plenty of time to unwind after the activity, and the stories your guide shares make the experience memorable.
What makes this tour stand out is the interactive nature of the netting activity combined with insightful commentary. It’s an affordable way to get close to the ocean’s ecosystem without needing any prior experience. Guests comment on how their knowledge about nature increased, and the tour’s fun, relaxed pace makes it easy to recommend.
Bottom Line: An engaging, hands-on experience that combines learning with relaxation on Zeeland’s stunning beaches.
2. e-Scavenger hunt Zierikzee: Explore the city at your own pace
If you’re after a flexible and fun way to explore Zierikzee, this app-based scavenger hunt is a great pick. For around $36.76 per group, you get a route that guides you through the city’s most notable sights using GPS prompts, so you can skip a traditional guided tour and go at your own speed. The hunt takes about two hours but can extend as long as you like, with plenty of breaks. Along the way, you’ll learn about important landmarks like the Zuidhavenpoort (city gate), the 16th-century town hall, and the Sint-Lievensmonstertoren.
What makes this tour appealing is how it combines learning and adventure without the pressure of a fixed schedule. It’s an excellent option for families, friends, or couples wanting a customized experience. One reviewer notes, “Having fun whilst touring the town and finding out about the history that you might ordinarily miss,” which captures the experience well.
Bottom Line: A self-paced, interactive way to discover Zierikzee’s rich history while enjoying some friendly competition.
3. Amsterdam: Historic Walking Tour
This 2-hour walking tour through Amsterdam’s historic center introduces you to the city’s main sights, with a local guide sharing stories only a resident would know. The tour includes iconic locations and some lesser-known spots, providing a well-rounded introduction. The guide, often praised for their knowledge, answers questions and shares stories about the canals, architecture, and famous residents. It’s a perfect way to get your bearings and deepen your understanding of Amsterdam’s culture and history.
Tour participants describe it as “an engaging journey through time,” where they learned about aspects of the city they wouldn’t have discovered alone. It’s suitable for first-time visitors or those wanting to add context to their sightseeing. Prices are reasonable at $34 per person, making it good value for such an informative experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent introduction to Amsterdam that combines storytelling with sightseeing—ideal if you want a deeper understanding of the city.
4. Discover Amerfoort’s city center in this Outside Escape game tour
This self-guided outdoor escape game turns your walk through Amerfoort into an adventure. For about $29.70, you’ll follow clues, solve riddles, and discover landmarks like Muurhuizen, the city gates, and Hof square. The tour is designed to be completed in 1 to 2 hours, making it perfect for a quick exploration. It’s especially suited for families and small groups who enjoy puzzles and interactive storytelling.
What sets this tour apart is the game element—you’re solving mysteries while walking through the city, making history come alive. It’s a fun, active way to see the highlights without feeling like a traditional tour. Some reviews mention that it’s a “fun team-building exercise” and appreciate how it introduces the city’s culture and architecture.
Bottom Line: A playful, puzzle-based tour that’s perfect for active explorers wanting a dose of history with a twist.
5. e-Scavenger hunt Goes: Explore the city at your own pace
This self-guided scavenger hunt in Goes offers a relaxed way to see the town’s top sights. For $35.54, your group can walk at your pace, solving clues about landmarks like the Maria Magdalena Church, the castle ruins, and the Historical Museum De Bevelanden. The app allows you to start and pause as you wish, which means you can combine sightseeing with leisurely coffee breaks.
Designed for up to six people, this tour provides a thorough overview while keeping things light and fun. It’s especially appealing for families or groups wanting to learn about Goes’ history without a fixed timetable. Reviewers say it “adds excitement to the visit,” and the flexible pacing is a big plus.
Bottom Line: An easygoing, interactive way to explore Goes that balances education with leisure.
6. e-Scavenger hunt Zwolle: Explore the city at your own pace
For those visiting Zwolle, this app-based scavenger hunt brings the city’s landmarks and stories right to your phone. About $36.76 per group, the tour lasts around three hours, guiding you past highlights like Hof square, the Grote Kerk, and the Sassenpoort. The route is flexible—start whenever you like, take breaks, and enjoy the process at your own speed.
Its appeal lies in how it makes sightseeing interactive and educational for both adults and children. One reviewer called it “an engaging way to explore and learn,” making it ideal for families or groups wanting independence combined with storytelling.
Bottom Line: A flexible, engaging way to learn about Zwolle’s key sights without the constraints of a traditional tour.
7. e-Scavenger hunt Bergen op Zoom: Explore the city
This activity in Bergen op Zoom combines a scavenger hunt and self-guided walking tour. For $36.76, you’ll visit places like the Markiezenhof palace, the Gevangenpoort, and the Sint Gertrudiskerk. The tour allows you to explore at your own pace over 2 to 4 hours. It’s perfect for families, history buffs, and budget-conscious travelers who want to see the city’s main sights without a rigid schedule.
The route showcases Bergen’s medieval architecture and vibrant market squares, making it a practical way to get a feel for the city’s rich past while solving puzzles along the way. Reviewers highlight its fun, casual approach: “A fun alternative to a traditional city tour,” they say.
Bottom Line: An interactive, relaxed way to explore Bergen op Zoom on your own terms.
8. e-Scavenger hunt Venlo: Explore the city at your own pace
Venlo’s interactive app tour invites you to uncover its monuments, museums, and historic streets. For $36.76, you’ll follow clues across the city, including stops at the Holland Casino, the Sint Martinuskerk, and the Venlo House. It’s a 2 to 4-hour activity, flexible enough to suit any schedule. It’s ideal for groups of friends, families, or anyone interested in a casual, informative walk.
The experience emphasizes learning about Venlo’s past while having fun, and you only need your phone—no extra equipment. One review mentions, “Vragen zijn niet te moeilijk,” indicating it’s accessible for a wide range of participants.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, enjoyable way to discover Venlo’s key sights with minimal fuss.
9. e-Scavenger hunt Zutphen: Explore the city at your own pace
Zutphen’s self-guided scavenger hunt offers an interactive exploration of its streets and stories. For around $36.79, you follow clues that lead you past Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, Waterpoort, and the Apple Market. The flexible timing—about three hours—lets you explore at your leisure, working through riddles and tasks with your team.
This tour is good for history lovers and families who appreciate puzzles. Reviewers note that it’s “highly engaging and fun,” though some mention the platform’s outdated look. Still, it’s a unique way to see Zutphen beyond typical sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A fun, puzzle-filled route that makes Zutphen’s streets come alive.
10. Groningen: Battlefield tour
Step into Groningen’s WWII history with this battlefield tour led by an expert guide. It covers remnants of wartime damage, photos, and maps, providing a vivid picture of Groningen’s role during the war. The guide, a member of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides, adds depth with detailed stories and insights. The tour lasts 2 hours, and you’ll see locations that are still marked by the war’s impact.
This experience is suitable for those interested in history, military or collecting stories of resilience. The guide’s expertise ensures a thought-provoking, educational visit. It’s a small, private tour that appeals to history enthusiasts who want more than just a surface-level overview.
Bottom Line: An in-depth, meaningful tour for history buffs wanting a detailed WWII perspective.
11. Escape Xperience in Amersfoort: Legends and Folk Tales
This interactive city game lets you explore Amersfoort’s famous legends and folk tales while solving puzzles. For about $32.41, you visit landmarks like the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, Waterpoort, and Stadsmuur Sint Annastraat, each tied into a story that you unravel through challenges. The game is self-guided, so you can start when it suits you, and it takes roughly 1 to 3 hours.
Ideal for families or groups wanting to combine sightseeing with storytelling, it keeps things lively and engaging. Reviewers describe it as “a fun and interactive way” to discover the city, making history feel part of an adventure.
Bottom Line: A storytelling-driven, puzzle-solving experience perfect for curious explorers.
12. Exciting Murder Mystery – Interactive city walk in Harderwijk
Unravel a murder mystery while strolling through Harderwijk. For about $80.29, teams of 2-6 people follow clues, solve riddles, and explore the town’s most interesting spots over roughly three hours. The game is self-guided and flexible, allowing you to choose your start time and pace.
This activity is suited for families, friends, or team-building groups looking for a blend of fun and challenge. The storyline adds a layer of excitement, and the casual pace makes it accessible for most fitness levels. It’s a good value considering the length and entertainment factor.
Bottom Line: A lively, story-rich activity for those who like solving puzzles while exploring a charming Dutch town.
13. Treasures of Walcheren (Sjatten van Walher)
This scenic car puzzle tour through Walcheren guides you along winding dikes, charming villages, and beautiful landscapes. For $46.95, you’ll navigate using maps and a rally app, discovering hidden gems and historic sights without the crowds. It’s perfect for those who want a self-driven adventure with a bit of a challenge, suitable for all skill levels.
The route includes off-the-beaten-path roads and picturesque stops, making it ideal for road trip lovers. It’s a flexible way to explore the countryside while solving clues that add fun to your journey. Reviewers appreciate how it’s “off the beaten path,” giving them a different perspective on Walcheren.
Bottom Line: A rewarding puzzle tour that combines scenic beauty with a hands-on navigation challenge.
14. Zeeland Wild Oyster Picking Tour with drink and BBQ
Experience Zeeland’s Oosterschelde National Park with this oyster-picking tour, which includes a guided walk, learning about the ecosystem, and sampling fresh oysters. For around 2 hours, you’ll enjoy picking oysters responsibly, then celebrate your catch with sparkling wine and a BBQ. The tour starts at the De Heerenkeet restaurant, where the guide shares insights about the tidal landscape and oyster safety.
This tour offers a culinary twist on nature exploration, making it perfect for food lovers or anyone interested in local seafood. The fresh oysters and informative experience come at a good value, especially when paired with the drinks and BBQ offerings. Reviewers highlight the “taste of fresh oysters straight from the reef” as a highlight.
Bottom Line: An immersive, tasty experience combining seafood, scenery, and local knowledge.
15. Escape Tour Amersfoort – Self-Guided City Game
This self-guided city game in Amersfoort challenges you to find the secret exit of the city by solving riddles and puzzles. For about $34.51, teams of 1-4 can start whenever they want and explore landmarks like the Waterpoort, Hof square, and the Stadsmuur. The game lasts around 2 hours, but can be paused for breaks.
It’s especially suited for adventurous types and families who enjoy puzzles, storytelling, and active exploration. The game’s engaging storyline makes history fun, and the flexible start time allows for planning around your travel schedule.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, challenge-based activity that combines sightseeing with problem-solving.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When selecting a tour in the Netherlands, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you love outdoor activities, the Zeeland beach safari offers a hands-on marine experience. For those wanting history and culture, the Amsterdam historic walking tour or Groningen battlefield tour are excellent choices. Families or groups aiming for independence might prefer the self-guided scavenger hunts, Goes, or Zwolle, which let you explore at your own pace without a fixed schedule.
If your interest leans toward culinary experiences, the oyster picking with BBQ in Zeeland offers not just learning but tasting. For a more active day, the Walcheren rally provides scenic driving with puzzle-solving. Lastly, for something quirky and story-driven, the Amersfoort legends game or the murder mystery walk will add a thrilling twist to your trip.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands offers a diverse range of tours that suit different types of travelers. For a hands-on nature adventure, Zeeland’s strand safari is perfect. History buffs will appreciate the battlefield tour in Groningen, while puzzle lovers can’t go wrong with self-guided city hunts in Zwolle or Zutphen. Foodies should consider the oyster picking tour to combine local flavors with outdoor fun.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, and think about your interests—whether it’s culture, outdoor activity, or family fun—to pick the perfect experience. The variety means there’s something for all, and with the detailed reviews and descriptions, you’re well equipped to choose a tour that makes your Dutch visit truly memorable.
