Elst(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Est, the standout boutique option is Hotel De Gouden Kruik, a beautifully restored 17th-century inn located in the heart of the historic district. With exposed wooden beams, cozy rooms, and views of the tranquil canal, it blends heritage charm with modern comfort. The hotel’s restaurant serves authentic Hollandish cuisine, including slow-cooked beef stew with mashed potatoes, making it ideal for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience.

The city center of Est is the prime location for lodging, offering easy access to key attractions like the Town Hall, Market Square, and St. John's Church. This walkable neighborhood is filled with charming cafes, local boutiques, and family-run restaurants. Its vibrant evening atmosphere and quiet alleyways make it perfect for travelers who enjoy exploring on foot and soaking in local life.

Each summer, Est hosts the Windmills Festival, celebrating its rural heritage with live demonstrations of traditional windmill operation, farm animal displays, and craft markets. Visitors can try their hand at weaving straw hats or shaping clay pottery under expert guidance. The Est Museum also offers insightful exhibits on 17th- to 19th-century village life, providing a deep dive into Gelderland’s agricultural roots.

Yes, Hotel De Gouden Kruik offers spacious family rooms with extra beds and child-safe furnishings. The hotel features a small garden where kids can play safely. Nearby, Est Children’s Park has slides, sand pits, and interactive nature trails. The hotel also provides guided family tours to old windmills and working farms, turning sightseeing into an educational adventure.

For couples, the top choice is the top-floor suite at Hotel De Gouden Kruik, which boasts panoramic windows overlooking the St. John’s Church tower at night. Equipped with a deep soaking tub and ambient lighting, the room creates a private, intimate setting. The hotel can arrange a candlelit dinner on a secluded riverside terrace, enhancing the romantic ambiance with Dutch elegance.

Must-try dishes include Dutch cheese platters, bitterballen (deep-fried meat croquettes), and caramelized onion stewed chicken served at De Zon, a beloved local tavern. Don’t miss the freshly baked apple pie (appeltaart) from the Saturday market stalls—crisp crust with a sweet-tart filling, a true taste of Dutch tradition.

Est Train Station connects directly to Arnhem, Utrecht, and Amsterdam, with frequent services every 30 minutes. A trip to Amsterdam takes about one hour. While public buses are limited, the city is highly walkable and bike-friendly. Renting a bicycle allows easy exploration of nearby villages and windmill landscapes, ideal for a relaxed countryside escape.

Key landmarks include St. John’s Church (featuring one of the oldest clock towers in the Netherlands), the Town Hall (a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture), and the Old Mill (Oude Molen), now a museum showcasing grain milling history. The Canal Pathway lined with colorful murals is also a popular spot for photos and leisurely strolls.

Est has a temperate maritime climate—mild summers (15–22°C) and cool, damp winters (2–6°C). Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. On rainy days, explore the Est Museum or relax in a cozy café with a book on Dutch rural history, embracing the region’s unhurried lifestyle.

The Market Square hosts a weekly farmers’ market every Saturday, featuring handmade textiles, organic honey, artisanal soaps, and ceramics. Goudkantoor, a century-old shop, specializes in regional cheeses and pickled herring—perfect for sampling and gifting. Shoppers receive a free Gelderland Food Map, guiding them to hidden gem eateries and specialty stores throughout the region.