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

In Rijswijk, the top boutique choice is Hotel De Bokkenstein, a 17th-century former inn nestled in the heart of the old town. Its original stone façade and timber-beamed ceilings blend seamlessly with modern comforts, including heated floors and soundproofed rooms. Located just steps from Rijswijk Square and the St. John’s Church, it offers an authentic Dutch atmosphere. The hotel also hosts seasonal events like Winter Lantern Nights, where guests enjoy candlelit dinners and live folk music. With personalized service and locally sourced breakfasts, it captures the essence of traditional Dutch hospitality while delivering exceptional privacy and elegance.

Another gem is B&B De Gouden Sjaal, a restored farmhouse with handcrafted wooden furnishings and a cozy courtyard garden. Guests can participate in local workshops such as pottery or cheese-making, deepening their cultural connection. Both properties emphasize sustainability and heritage preservation, making them ideal for travelers seeking immersive, character-rich stays.

The historic city center of Rijswijk is the most walkable area, offering direct access to key landmarks within a 5-minute stroll. Highlights include Rijswijk Square, home to the vibrant weekly market featuring fresh produce, artisan bread, and regional cheeses. Nearby, the Old Bridge (Oude Brug) spans the Waal River tributary, providing picturesque views, especially at golden hour. The St. John’s Church Tower offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside and is perfect for photography enthusiasts. With no traffic congestion and well-maintained cobblestone streets, this district is ideal for leisurely exploration. Stay near Beekstraat Street for easy access to cafés, galleries, and hidden courtyards, all within a peaceful, low-traffic environment.

Visitors to Rijswijk can immerse themselves in the annual Old Town Lantern Festival (Oude Stad Lantaarnfeest), where handcrafted lanterns illuminate the entire historic district. Locals dress in 18th-century attire, street musicians play traditional Dutch folk tunes, and artisans demonstrate time-honored crafts like wood carving and pottery. Another highlight is visiting the Rijswijk Craft Museum, where guests can join interactive workshops—such as making stroopwafels or weaving linen—using techniques passed down through generations. During spring, guided boat tours glide through the Gelderland Canal Network, revealing fields bursting with tulips along the waterways. These authentic, community-driven experiences offer a rare glimpse into the region’s living heritage and strong cultural identity.

Yes, many hotels in Rijswijk provide complimentary or affordable bicycle rental. Hotel De Bokkenstein and B&B De Gouden Sjaal both offer high-quality mountain and city bikes equipped with helmets, maps, and GPS-enabled locks. The bikes are maintained regularly and are ideal for exploring the Gelderland Greenway Network, which leads to nearby towns like Arnhem and scenic riverside villages. This eco-friendly transport option allows guests to discover rural landscapes, ancient farms, and quiet forest trails at their own pace. Some hotels even organize themed cycling tours—such as “Tulip Trail” or “History on Wheels”—making biking not only convenient but also a core part of the travel experience.

Breakfasts at Rijswijk hotels often feature authentic Dutch delicacies. Expect freshly baked stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffle cookies), house-made jams, local butter, and dark rye bread. Many establishments, such as Hotel De Bokkenstein, source ingredients directly from Gelderland farms, including pasture-raised eggs and organic dairy. A traditional option is gevulde koek (filled cake) served with hot coffee or tea. Some hotels also serve Dutch herring with onions and pickles or smoked sausage with boiled potatoes. Breakfast areas are decorated with vintage touches—like antique clocks and floral wallpaper—enhancing the cozy, homey atmosphere. This emphasis on local provenance and family-style service turns breakfast into a sensory introduction to Dutch culinary culture.

The most photogenic locations in Rijswijk include the Old Bridge (Oude Brug), a 16th-century stone arch spanning the Waal River, whose reflection glimmers beautifully in morning mist. The St. John’s Church Tower, with its red-brick spire, offers sweeping views of the rooftops and distant farmland—perfect for skyline shots. Rijswijk Square features colorful facades adorned with Dutch impressionist murals, creating vibrant backdrops for portraits. For nature lovers, the Waal River Wetlands Trail provides stunning autumn foliage and reed beds ideal for long-exposure photography. All these sites are centrally located and accessible on foot, requiring no entry fees. Their timeless beauty and lack of commercialization make them favorites among travel photographers seeking authenticity.

Absolutely. Rijswijk’s hotels are highly welcoming to solo travelers. B&B De Gouden Sjaal features a shared lounge with books, board games, and a cozy fireplace, encouraging spontaneous connections. Hotel De Bokkenstein offers quiet, soundproofed rooms with private balconies, ensuring both solitude and comfort. Staff are multilingual and eager to help plan personalized itineraries—whether visiting off-the-beaten-path cafés or organizing guided walks through the surrounding countryside. The town itself is small, safe, and slow-paced, with minimal nightlife noise, making it ideal for introspection and relaxation. Locals are known for their warmth, often striking up friendly conversations. Solo travelers will find a sense of belonging and peace in this tranquil Dutch village.

During winter, Hotel De Bokkenstein transforms into a cozy retreat with its heated fireplace lounge and snow-themed amenities. Guests can enjoy Christmas Market Evenings, complete with mulled wine, handmade gingerbread, and live carol singing by the church choir. The hotel also offers private spa suites with panoramic windows overlooking snow-covered rooftops and frozen gardens. For adventurous guests, guided snowshoe hikes through the Gelderland forest trails reveal silent woods, ice-laden trees, and occasional deer sightings. Some packages include a hot chocolate and fondue dinner under the stars. These winter experiences combine traditional Dutch festivities with serene natural beauty, turning cold months into a magical stay.

Rijswijk hotels deeply embed local culture into their architecture and daily operations. B&B De Gouden Sjaal uses reclaimed oak beams, handwoven Dutch rugs, and vintage farm tools as decor, reflecting its origins as a 19th-century farmhouse. Public spaces feature rotating exhibitions of local artists’ work, often inspired by regional landscapes. Breakfast menus clearly label ingredient sources—e.g., ‘eggs from Heerlen Farm’—and staff share stories about local customs during check-in. Some hotels host weekly Dutch language corners or folklore storytelling nights. This thoughtful integration ensures that every detail—from lighting fixtures to wall art—tells a story of Rijswijk’s past and present, transforming each stay into a cultural journey rather than just a place to sleep.

For couples seeking romance, Hotel De Bokkenstein’s Rose Suite is a standout—featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Rijswijk Square, a private balcony, and a custom scent diffuser with lavender and vanilla. The hotel offers candlelit dinners in the garden or rooftop terrace, featuring dishes like truffle risotto and smoked herring with pickled onions. Another dreamy option is B&B De Gouden Sjaal’s Starlight Loft, a secluded top-floor room with a private sky deck and telescope for stargazing. Couples can enjoy sunrise rides along the Waal River path, followed by a picnic with local wine and cheese. The hotel also provides handwritten love notes and a bottle of regional sparkling wine. Every detail is crafted to nurture intimacy and create lasting memories in a serene Dutch setting.