Delfland, Netherlands Travel Guide

Discover Delfland, a serene region in the Netherlands, where picturesque villages, historic windmills, and lush nature reserves await your exploration.

Delfland, a tranquil region in the Netherlands, offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and rich history. Nestled between the bustling cities of Rotterdam and The Hague, Delfland is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and expansive waterways. This region is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in the serene Dutch countryside. Explore the quaint towns of Delft and Schiedam, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with traditional Dutch houses, visit historic windmills, and savor local delicacies at cozy cafes. The region's extensive network of canals and rivers provides ample opportunities for leisurely boat rides or peaceful walks along the water's edge. Nature enthusiasts will find delight in the many nature reserves and parks scattered throughout Delfland. The Midden-Delfland region, in particular, is a haven for birdwatchers and hikers, offering a variety of trails that showcase the area's diverse flora and fauna. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying the calm ambiance, Delfland has something to offer every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Delfland.

Visit the Delft Blue pottery factories in Delft to see traditional Dutch craftsmanship in action.
Rent a bike to explore the scenic countryside and enjoy the many cycling paths.
Take a boat tour along the canals to experience the region from a different perspective.
Don't miss the Schiedam windmills, some of the tallest in the world, and learn about their history.
Check out local markets for fresh produce, cheese, and other Dutch specialties.

Top City Travel Guides in Delfland

The cities of Delfland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Rotterdam

The Hague

Delft

Destinations in Delfland

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Scheveningen Beach

Dutch Coast

Explore Delfland: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Delfland

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

De Pier

Experience the breathtaking views, delicious dining, and fun-filled entertainment at De Pier in Scheveningen, The Hague's iconic coastal attraction.

4.4

Rotterdam Zoo

Experience the magic of wildlife at Rotterdam Zoo, where conservation meets adventure in a stunning natural setting.

4.6

Madurodam

Explore the enchanting Madurodam, a miniature park in The Hague, showcasing the beauty and culture of the Netherlands in stunning detail.

4.5

Mauritshuis

Discover the masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age at the Mauritshuis, an art museum in The Hague featuring works by Vermeer and Rembrandt.

4.7

Best landmarks in Delfland

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

De Pier

Discover De Pier in Scheveningen, a unique seaside attraction offering dining, shopping, and stunning views of the North Sea.

4.4

Madurodam

Experience the Netherlands in miniature at Madurodam, where iconic landmarks and cultural treasures come to life in an enchanting setting.

4.5

Sea Life Scheveningen

Discover the enchanting underwater world at Sea Life Scheveningen, where marine life comes alive in an unforgettable family-friendly adventure.

4.0

The Pier SkyView

Experience breathtaking views, delightful dining, and fun at The Pier SkyView in The Hague - a must-visit destination for all tourists.

4.6

Best restaurants in Delfland

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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All Restaurants

The Pantry

Experience authentic Dutch cuisine at The Pantry in Amsterdam – where tradition meets taste in a family-friendly setting.

4.7

De Waterreus

Experience beachfront dining at De Waterreus in Scheveningen – where culinary delights meet stunning sea views.

4.0

El Niño Beach Club

Discover El Niño Beach Club: A vibrant beachside restaurant offering exquisite tapas and unforgettable seaside experiences in Scheveningen.

4.0

't Postkantoor

Experience the delightful flavors of Dutch cuisine at 't Postkantoor in Delft – where tradition meets modern culinary excellence.

4.4

Best bars in Delfland

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

El Niño Beach Club

Discover the vibrant El Niño Beach Club, where delicious tapas meet stunning seaside views in Scheveningen, The Hague.

4.0

Crazy Pianos

Experience the perfect blend of live music, exquisite Asian cuisine, and vibrant nightlife at Crazy Pianos in Scheveningen, The Hague.

4.2

Bar Bukowski

Experience the lively atmosphere and unique cocktails at Bar Bukowski, a must-visit spot in Amsterdam-Oost for brunch lovers and nightlife seekers.

4.4

Steam Scheveningen

Indulge in expertly grilled dishes and live music at Steam Scheveningen, a vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar by the beach in The Hague.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Delfland

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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All Nightclubs

El Niño Beach Club

Experience the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and culinary delight at El Niño Beach Club in Scheveningen.

4.0

Crazy Pianos

Discover Crazy Pianos in The Hague: a vibrant night club featuring live music, an Asian restaurant, and an unforgettable nightlife experience.

4.2

Zanzibar Beachclub

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Zanzibar Beachclub, where stunning beach views meet delicious barbecue cuisine in Scheveningen, The Hague.

3.8

PKHS

Discover the electrifying nightlife of PKHS in Tilburg, where vibrant music, stunning lights, and unforgettable experiences await.

4.3

Best shops in Delfland

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

De Pier

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of De Pier, a premier beach destination in The Hague, featuring shops, dining, and stunning ocean views.

4.4

The Passage

Explore The Passage, a stunning shopping mall and historical landmark in The Hague, featuring exquisite architecture and a vibrant shopping experience.

4.4

Shopping Center Stadshart Zoetermeer

Experience shopping, dining, and entertainment at Stadshart Zoetermeer, the vibrant shopping center that caters to every taste and preference.

4.2

De Bijenkorf (Den Haag)

Experience luxury shopping at De Bijenkorf in The Hague, where high-end fashion meets Dutch charm in a vibrant retail environment.

4.3

Explore Delfland on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Delfland, mapped for you.

Delfland Essentials

Delfland is located in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. The nearest major airport is Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which is approximately 15 kilometers away. Alternatively, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is about 60 kilometers from Delfland. From either airport, you can take a train or a bus to reach Delfland. The Dutch railway system is efficient and well-connected, with frequent trains running to Delft and other towns within Delfland. If arriving by car, the A4 and A13 highways provide direct routes to the region.
Delfland offers a variety of transportation options. The public transportation network is extensive and includes buses, trams, and trains. OV-chipkaart, a rechargeable smart card, is used for all public transport. Cycling is also a very popular mode of transport, with numerous bike rental shops and well-maintained bike paths. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are available but can be more costly. For those looking to explore the countryside, renting a car can be convenient.
The official currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard. Contactless payments are common, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly popular. ATMs are widely available, and it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit smaller shops and markets that might not accept cards.
Delfland is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as markets and public transport hubs. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Delfland has several hospitals and medical facilities, and pharmacies are readily available. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, over-the-counter medications can be purchased at local pharmacies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and practically, especially if you plan to cycle. Smart-casual attire is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting churches and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate. Give up your seat to elderly passengers and avoid loud conversations. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A simple 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen' (Good morning) is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and beers. Delfland is known for its cheese and beer. Don't leave a large tip; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is usually sufficient.
To experience Delfland like a local, rent a bike and explore the scenic countryside and charming towns. Visit local markets, such as the Delft Market, to buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and speak good English. Don't miss the chance to visit the historic city of Delft, known for its beautiful canals, Delftware pottery, and the historic Nieuwe Kerk. For a unique experience, take a boat tour through the canals.

When is the best time to visit Delfland?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Delfland

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Delfland. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
- GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNee
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [ahl-syeh-bleeft]
- Thank youDank je
  [dank yuh]
- Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
- How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo ghaht het]
- Fine. And you?Goed. En jij?
  [hoot. en yay]
- Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [sprayk yuh en-guhls]
- I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-graif het neet]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk wil graag de menukaart zien, alsjeblieft
  [ik vil grahkh duh meh-nu-kahrt zeen, ahl-syeh-bleeft]
- I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik ayt khayn vlays]
- Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alsjeblieft
  [ik vil grahkh beh-tah-len, ahl-syeh-bleeft]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah vek]
- Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-leet-sie]
- Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel eyn dok-ter]
- I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben fer-dwahlt]
- I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zeek]
- I'd like to buy...Ik wil ... kopen
  [ik vil ... koh-pen]
- I'm just lookingIk kijk gewoon
  [ik kyke khuh-vohn]
- How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vayl kost het]
- That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh duur]
- Can you lower the price?Kun je de prijs verlagen?
  [kun yuh duh prays fer-lah-ghen]
- What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laat is het]
- It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is eyn ur]
- Half past (10)Half (tien)
  [half (teen)]
- MorningOchtend
  [okh-tend]
- AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
- EveningAvond
  [ah-vond]
- YesterdayGisteren
  [gis-te-ren]
- TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-ghen]
- 11
  [eyn]
- 22
  [twee]
- 33
  [drie]
- 44
  [vier]
- 55
  [vijf]
- 66
  [zes]
- 77
  [zeven]
- 88
  [acht]
- 99
  [negen]
- 1010
  [tien]
- Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is eyn/de...?]
- What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-dres]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kun je me (op de kaart) laten zien?
  [kun yuh muh (op duh kaart) lah-ten zeen]
- When's the next (bus)?Wanneer komt de volgende (bus)?
  [van-neer komt duh vol-ghen-de (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ...)
  [eyn ti-ket (naahr ...)]

History of Delfland

Delfland, a region in the western part of the Netherlands, traces its origins back to the early Middle Ages. Initially, it was a marshy area, transformed over centuries through intricate water management systems. The name 'Delfland' originates from the Dutch word 'delven,' meaning 'to dig,' referencing the numerous ditches and canals dug to reclaim land from the water.
The city of Delft, central to the Delfland region, rose to prominence in the 13th century. It received its city rights in 1246 and quickly became a significant center for trade and industry. The city's strategic location along the Schie River facilitated its growth as a hub for the cloth industry and beer brewing.
One of the most dramatic events in the history of Delfland was the Delft Explosion of 1654. A gunpowder magazine in the city exploded, causing massive destruction and loss of lives. The explosion was so powerful that it was heard miles away and left a significant impact on the city's development. The disaster also influenced the work of local artists, including the famous Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer.
During the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, Delft became renowned for its distinctive blue and white pottery, known as Delftware. Inspired by Chinese porcelain, local artisans developed their unique style. Delftware became highly sought after across Europe, contributing to the city's prosperity. This period also saw the flourishing of the Dutch East India Company, with Delft playing a crucial role in global trade.
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to Delfland. The development of steam-powered machinery and the expansion of the railway network transformed the region. Delft and its surrounding areas saw the rise of new industries, including ceramics, textiles, and engineering. The Technical University of Delft, established in 1842, further cemented the region's reputation as a center of innovation and education.
Delfland, like much of the Netherlands, was deeply affected by World War II. The region suffered from German occupation, and many buildings were damaged or destroyed. After the war, significant efforts were made to rebuild and modernize the area. The post-war period saw a renewed focus on water management, with the construction of advanced flood defenses and the reinforcement of dikes and canals.
Today, Delfland is a vibrant region that blends its rich historical heritage with modern innovation. It remains a leader in water management, with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. The picturesque city of Delft, with its charming canals, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks, continues to attract tourists from around the world. The region's commitment to preserving its history while embracing the future makes it a unique and fascinating destination.