21 Magical Places You Won't Believe Are In The Netherlands

It's a small country, but it has a lot to offer.

1. Hogwarts?

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It's actually the Hofvijver in The Hague, a gorgeous pond surrounded by the Dutch parliament buildings. There's even a little tower where the prime minister has his office. Not a bad workplace, right?

2. Narnia?

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Unless Aslan and Mr. Tumnus have moved to Groningen, a city in the North of the Netherlands, then you won't find them here. Groningen is surrounded by swampy polders housing those famous Dutch windmills.

3. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory?

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Unfortunately you can't eat this purple river, it's actually one of the many beautiful flowerbeds in the Keukenhof, one of the world's largest flower gardens.

4. A desert?

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No this is a sand dune you'll find on the Wadden Islands, also known as the The Frisian Islands. Worth a trip if you love long walks on the beach and don't mind getting muddy feet.

5. Hmmm, Australia?

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The Wadden Sea area is home of the grey and the common seal, and visitors can spot them chilling on the shore or playing with their young ones.

6. Mars?

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Not exactly, this photo was taken in the winter in the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, a stunning national park in the south of the Netherlands. You can explore the park on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback.

7. The Lion King?

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No this isn't Africa, this is a park called Heuvelrug in Utrecht. When you're exploring the area you should keep an eye out for the pine marten, an adorable looking mammal, a bit like a cat crossed with an otter.

8. Westeros?

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Nope, it's an aerial view of the star-shaped city of Naarden, in the North Holland province.

9. Canada?

Flickr: marthaenpiet

This another stunning national park, de Hoge Veluwe, with the most picturesque walk and cycle routes that the Netherlands has to offer. First person to spot a deer wins!

10. The Secret Garden?

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This beautiful heath landscape is also in the Veluwe. Doesn't it make you want to roll around and write Romantic poetry?

11. Houses floating in mid air?

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This was taken in Landal Esonstad, near Anjum in The Netherlands.

12. Does a Bond villain live here?

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They wish! This is Schenveningen beach in The Hague. Great for a very cold dip in the winter or a nice relaxing swim in the summer. You can do a daredevil bungee jump from the pier if you're brave enough!

13. Fireworks in China?

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Scheveningen hosts the International Firework Festival every year (it's held in August this year). Grab a picnic blanket and feast on some chips while you enjoy the show.

14. Paris?

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Sorry Paris this is Amsterdam with its many colourful canals.

15. A Berlin rave?

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This psychedelic tunnel of coloured light is in the Ganzenmarkt in Utrecht.

16. Did Hansel and Gretel get lost here?

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This forest is in a national park called Dwingelderveld in Drenthe. Lots of woodland, moors and wildlife to explore.

17. Pride and Prejudice?

Flickr: bertknot

This rather fancy garden belongs to Paleis Het Loo, a palace that's over 300 years old. The interior of the palace is worth a visit, you can pretend to be royal for the day.

18. A Medieval town?

Flickr: tomroeleveld

This photo was taken along the waterside of the picturesque town of Delft.

19. Could this be Alcatraz?

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Not quite, this is an artificial island called Pampus near Amsterdam, and it's open to visitors.

20. Japan?

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Not Japan, but it is a Japanese garden in Clingendael Park in The Hague. Also great for wedding photos if you're wondering.

21. California?

Flickr: yoyental

No need to go to the US, this paddleboarder is doing his thing in Friesland. Stand-up paddleboarding or (SUP) is a favourite sport amongst the locals.