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Vague Holland-in-the-Winter Idea, Suggestions Please

Posted by on

Hi.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other nearby towns a couple of summers ago. Fine art museums, historical sites and photography were my focus. I did not get to see the Van Gogh-filled Kroeller-Mueller Museum in Otterlo. I've just learned they will exhibit 88 of his works in the fall and winter of 2026, so it seems like a good time to return!

If all goes well, I will go in November or December. I wonder about walking around in the winter - is it terribly cold and windy?

For a 12-night trip, I'm considering Amsterdam (4 nites) and Otterlo area (2 nites) with 6-nites elsewhere. I'm looking for a direct train ride to an art-filled destination.....Paris by train, Brussels or another city?

It's all quite vague at this point and could use your suggestions.

Thanks very. much.
Lee

Posted by
2315 posts

It’s hard to predict weather, but a combination of rain, wind and temperatures just above freezing point with the humid climate we have here, weather can be very uncomfortable in November and December. Nevertheless weather can be surprisingly mild too. But for indoor activities it’s anyway a good period for travelling.

It’s also the period of the Christmas decorations, giving a special vibe to many places. Some country houses or castles organize Christmas Fairs like De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar) near Utrecht.

Posted by
272 posts

Honest to God, the coldest I have ever been was in Amsterdam in December. Something about being three feet below sea level, three feet from the North Sea. Maybe you’ll get lucky. Safe travels.

Posted by
254 posts

I've been traveling regularly to Europe for over 50 years.

At this stage I don't really spend much time in cities.

Except in winter. That's when I will gladly visit cities.

And Paris in the winter is really great. In fact, the three times I have been to Paris were twice in January and once in February.

Heck, you can walk right up to the Eiffel Tower and say, "Deux, si'l vous plait" and off you go. In summer, you can wait for hours.

If the weather is bad you pop into a cafe and when you need to move, you go down to the Metro. And if the weather is nice then you can build your daily itinerary to stay walkable.

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