Apple Cake and Crowd-Free Museums: Why The Netherlands in Autumn is Magical

When the golden light of September settles over Amsterdam’s canals and the crisp air of October sweeps through Dutch parks, you know the season has changed. The Netherlands in autumn is unlike anywhere else: fewer crowds, better prices, and a softer, more reflective atmosphere. With Amsterdam celebrating its 750th anniversary in 2025, there’s never been a better time to see the country draped in fall colors. To find out what is the essence of what makes this season here so magical, we spoke with Travel Director Ilja Kok, who shared her insights on Dutch traditions, hidden gems, and the joys of the season.

“The Golden Hour of the Year”

“For me, autumn is the time of year when life slows down a little,” Ilja explains. “The Dutch weather in September and October is often surprisingly pleasant: crisp air, soft sunshine, clear blue skies – though a thin jacket is always necessary. I like to think of it as the ‘golden hour’ of the year, when the light and atmosphere take on a warm, reflective quality.”

As locals adjust, the concept of gezelligheid (coziness and togetherness) deepens. Candles flicker in windows, cafés hand out blankets for terrace seating, and life naturally shifts indoors, without losing the lively spirit that defines Dutch culture.

Scenes Straight from a Painting

Fall transforms the Netherlands into a canvas of color. “The canals reflect the golden leaves, creating scenes reminiscent of a 17th-century painting by Jacob van Ruisdael,” Ilja says.

In Amsterdam, the Jordaan’s tree-lined streets turn gold, while Vondelpark becomes a carpet of red and orange leaves, alive with joggers, cyclists, and families savoring the last sunlight. The Nine Streets and Begijnhof are especially atmospheric, lit with candles and dotted with cozy boutiques.

For early risers, Ilja shares a personal favorite: “As a rower, I love gliding along the Amstel in the early morning, with the city slowly waking up to another crisp autumn day.” Beyond the capital, Zaanse Schans and Muiden glow with misty mornings around windmills and castles.

Festivals and Events to Warm Your Evenings

Netherlands in the fall is swinging in festival season, most of them based around food:

• Jordaan Festival (September–October): A neighborhood party filled with song, laughter, and gezelligheid.

• Amsterdam Museumnacht (November): Dozens of museums stay open late, hosting performances, special exhibitions, and live DJs.

• Plum Festival, Muiderslot: This celebrates the plums and food around Amsterdam Castle

• Pure Markt (select Sundays): A famous, traveling seasonal market with artisanal goods and local flavors.

These events bring together the best of Dutch culture – music, food, and community spirit.

The Best Things to Do in the Netherlands in Autumn

When the days grow shorter, museums become especially inviting. “The Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum are perfect on a rainy afternoon, while smaller gems like the Rembrandt House or Museum Van Loon feel intimate and cozy,” Ilja says.

This year, Museum Van Loon hosts a groundbreaking exhibition: “Flourish: Kehinde Wiley x Museum Van Loon” (until November 30, 2025). Wiley, known for his official portrait of Barack Obama, has created a series of portraits that enter into dialogue with the museum’s historic interiors and Dutch colonial past.

For outdoor lovers, cycling is quintessentially Dutch. Vondelpark offers easy city rides, while the Hoge Veluwe National Park – the country’s largest – is spectacular in fall. Here, purple heathlands and amber forests frame trails leading to the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to Van Gogh masterpieces.

Day trips add another layer to the experience: Utrecht’s medieval canals, Delft’s blue pottery, and Haarlem’s boutiques all glow in golden light.

Dutch Comfort Food for Chilly Days

Fall is the season of comfort food in the Netherlands. “Autumn is perfect for hearty dishes using seasonal ingredients like beetroot, root vegetables, and pumpkins,” Ilja says.

Her ideal weekly menu paints the picture:

• Monday: Stamppot with kale and sausage, the ultimate Dutch comfort dish.

• Tuesday: Mushroom risotto, creamy and warming.

• Wednesday: Indonesian nasi goreng, reflecting the country’s colonial culinary influences.

• Thursday: Roasted root vegetables with pumpkin and beets.

• Friday: Drinks with friends and a platter of bittergarnituur (fried snacks).

• Sunday: Cocooning at home with pea soup (erwtensoep) and hearty rye bread.

And dessert? “Nothing beats Dutch apple tart with whipped cream and a strong cup of coffee,” Ilja smiles. Seasonal bock beer or a glass of red wine complete the picture.

Hidden Gems in the Fall

Beyond the famous cities, Ilja recommends exploring lesser-known spots:

• Muiden & Monnickendam: Waterside towns with magical fall colors.

• Hanseatic cities on the IJssel River: Zutphen, with its September chocolate festival, and Deventer, with its December Charles Dickens Book Festival.

• Delft: Quintessentially Dutch, with canals, historic architecture, and cozy cafés.

“Walking on cobblestoned streets or along the riverbanks in these towns, surrounded by golden leaves, is truly unforgettable,” she adds.

Practical Tips for Fall Travel

Fall weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. “Scarves, gloves, and a windproof jacket are essential,” Ilja advises. Comfortable shoes are also a must for exploring cobbled streets and parks.

Despite the chill, locals embrace the outdoors – cycling, walking, and even boating in sweaters with thermoses of hot chocolate. It’s a season where Dutch resilience shines, blending outdoor activity with cozy evenings.

Day Trips from Amsterdam

One of the joys of the Netherlands in the fall is how easy it is to explore beyond Amsterdam. Within two hours, you can discover:

• Haarlem: Historic streets and boutique shops.

• Giethoorn: The “Venice of the North,” magical with misty canals.

• Leeuwarden: Frisian history and culture.

• Alkmaar & Gouda: Famous for cheese markets and quaint canals.

• Zwolle: A historic center ideal for architecture lovers and foodies.

“Autumn adds fewer crowds, golden light, and cozy charm, making every trip even more memorable,” Ilja says.

Why Visit the Netherlands in the Fall

The Netherlands in the fall offers the perfect balance: vibrant festivals, golden landscapes, and comforting flavors – all with fewer tourists. Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations add an extra sparkle, while smaller towns and parks show the country’s more intimate side.

Whether you’re leaf-peeping along canals, cycling through Hoge Veluwe, or savoring apple tart in a candlelit café, autumn here is a season of reflection, warmth, and beauty.

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