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

For first-time visitors, the historic city center of Holsen is the ideal area to stay. It offers easy access to key attractions like the Hollandse Kanaal canal and the charming Hooglandse Kerk church. The area is walkable, safe, and filled with cozy cafés and local shops.

Stay at Hotel de Gouden Kruis, a beautifully restored 17th-century inn with authentic Dutch architecture and modern amenities. Alternatively, Hotel De Sint Janshof provides family-friendly accommodations with a peaceful garden and bike rental services—perfect for exploring the surrounding rural landscapes and scenic canals.

In Holsen, tourists should visit the Hooglandse Kerk to admire its stunning 17th-century stained-glass windows, a masterpiece of Dutch religious art. Every summer, the town hosts the Holsen Folk Festival, featuring traditional music, artisan markets, and folk dances that highlight regional heritage.

Guests can also join hands-on workshops in wood carving and pottery led by local artisans, offering an immersive look into Dutch craftsmanship. For a serene experience, rent a bike or take a canal cruise along the Hollandse Kanaal, where you’ll witness the quintessential Dutch landscape of windmills, polders, and quiet villages—a living testament to the country’s water management culture.

Hotels in Holsen offer exceptional value compared to major Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht—prices are typically 30-50% lower. For example, Hotel de Gouden Kruis offers double rooms from just €90 per night, including breakfast and free parking.

Many boutique hotels also provide affordable family-style dinners using locally sourced ingredients. With most of the city center being pedestrian-friendly, guests can explore on foot without needing a car, reducing transportation costs. Holsen is perfect for travelers seeking authentic Dutch charm at a budget-friendly rate.

The best area for walking in Holsen is the Hollandse Kanaal riverside trail. This 6-kilometer green path runs through historic villages and nature reserves, offering scenic views of old windmills, wildflower meadows, and wetlands teeming with birdlife.

Start your walk from the Hooglandse Kerk, heading west toward the village of De Vliet, where you’ll find the well-preserved 18th-century Molen van De Vliet windmill. Early morning or late afternoon walks are especially peaceful—ideal for spotting locals enjoying dogs or fishing, immersing yourself in the slow-paced Dutch countryside lifestyle.

In Holsen, must-try dishes include Holsen-style stroopwafel—crisp waffle cookies filled with rich caramel syrup, freshly made at local shop De Oude Bakker. Another highlight is Gouda cheese stew, prepared with locally produced Dutch Gouda cheese, potatoes, and onions, creating a hearty, savory dish perfect for cooler days.

Along the Hollandse Kanaal, fishermen’s restaurants often serve fresh herring with raw onion, a classic Dutch delicacy. These flavors reflect the region’s agricultural roots and maritime traditions, offering a true taste of rural Netherlands.

Public transport in Holsen is practical and well-integrated. The E-bus route 12 connects the city center, train station, and major attractions with buses every 30 minutes.

Inter-city trains from Arnhem and Nijmegen stop at Holsen Station, with travel times of about 25 minutes. Additionally, the city offers a bike-sharing program (Fietsverhuur) with affordable rates and numerous stations across the city—ideal for short trips and exploring nearby villages.