Notterdam is a small but surprisingly atmospheric city in the south of the Netherlands, which often remains in the shadow of the more famous Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Located in the province North Brabant, it is famous for its rich history, unique architecture and special, almost rustic, atmosphere, which contrasts so much with the bustle of large cities. There are no crowds of tourists here, but there are cozy streets, medieval churches and a leisurely pace of life that makes you forget about time.
The city is often called "Little Amsterdam" for its canals, bridges and historical buildings, but Notterdam has its own unique personality. It's a place where modernity meets tradition: cutting-edge cafés line Gothic cathedrals, and bike paths criss-cross the city, making it ideal for eco-tourism. If you're looking for an authentic Dutch experience without the tourist hustle and bustle, Notterdam is a great choice.
Geographical location and how to get there
Notterdam is located in the southern part of the Netherlands, in 15 km northwest of Eindhoven - the technological capital of the country. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, fields and forests, which makes it attractive for nature lovers. Proximity to the border with Belgium (total 30 km) makes it easy to combine a visit to Notterdam with trips to Antwerp or Brussels.
There are several ways to get to the city:
- 🚆 By train: from Amsterdam - transfer in Eindhoven (total time ~1.5 hours), from Rotterdam - direct trains (~1 hour). It is better to book tickets in advance on the website NS.nl.
- 🚗 By car: along the highway
A58(from Amsterdam) orA2(from Maastricht). Parking in the center is paid, but there are free areas on the outskirts. - ✈️ Via the airport: closest - Eindhoven (Eindhoven Airport), where does the bus go from
401to the center of Notterdam (20 minutes). - 🚲 By bike: The Netherlands is a paradise for cyclists. There is an excellent cycle path from Eindhoven to Notterdam
F34(12 km).
Tip: If you plan to travel within the region, consider OV-chipkaart - a transport card that is valid for trains, buses and trams throughout the country. It can be topped up online or at train stations.
- By train
- By car
- By bike
- On foot
- Other
History of Notterdam: from the Middle Ages to the present
The first mention of Notterdam dates back to XI century, when a small fortress was built here to protect trade routes. The name of the city comes from Dutch words "not" (walnut) and "dam" (dam), which symbolized fertile lands and a strategic position on the river Dommel.
B XIII century Notterdam received city status, and in XIV–XV centuries became an important religious center thanks to the monastery Saint Catherine, which attracted pilgrims from all over Europe. However, the flourishing of the city was interrupted Eighty Years' War (1568–1648), when Notterdam repeatedly passed from Spanish hands to Dutch rebels. Many historical buildings were destroyed, but some, like the church St. Martin's, have survived and are major tourist attractions today.
B 19th century the city experienced an industrial boom: textile factories and breweries opened here. One of them is Brouwerij De Koningshoeven - still in operation and famous for its Trappist beer La Trappe, which is brewed by monks. Today Notterdam is a mixture of ancient architecture and modern technology (the city has offices of companies such as ASML And Philips).
The Legend of the Bell of St. Martin's Church
According to local legend, the bell of this church rings by itself on Christmas night. It is said that in the 16th century, during the siege of the city by the Spaniards, the bell suddenly rang, frightening the enemies and saving Notterdam from ruin. Since then, this has been considered a good sign.
Top 5 attractions in Notterdam
Notterdam boasts unique places that you won't find in Amsterdam guidebooks. Here's what you should definitely visit:
- Church of St. Martin (Sint-Martinuskerk) - Gothic cathedral 15th century with impressive stained glass "The Last Judgment". Climbing the tower (120 steps), you will see a panorama of the city.
- Monastery of St. Catherine (Klooster Sint-Catharinadal) is a working convent where you can buy homemade cheeses and honey made by nuns.
- Brewery De Koningshoeven is the only Trappist brewery in the Netherlands. Tours include tasting La Trappe Blond And Quadrupel.
- Van Abbemuseum (Van Abbemuseum) - contemporary art in the building 1930s. Works by Picasso, Kandinsky and Mondrian are kept here.
- Dommel Canal (Dommel) is an ideal place for a bicycle or boat ride. In summer there are festivals with live music.
Unique fact: Notterdam is one of the few cities in the Netherlands where the medieval canal system with manual locks is still in operation. They are opened by hand once a week, a spectacle that attracts locals.
| Attraction | Cost of admission (2026) | Opening hours | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Martin's Church | €5 (tower), museum – €3 | 10:00–17:00 (Mon–Sat) | Every Saturday at 12:00 - free organ concert |
| Brewery De Koningshoeven | €12 (excursion + tasting) | 11:00–16:00 (Tue–Sun) | Only for persons over 18 years of age |
| Van Abbemuseum | €14 (benefits – €7) | 11:00–17:00 (Tue–Sun) | Free for children under 18 years old |
| Monastery of St. Catherine | Free (donations) | 9:00–18:00 (daily) | The store is open until 17:00 |
Gastronomy: what to try in Notterdam
Notterdam cuisine is a mixture of traditional Brabant dishes and modern culinary trends. Be sure to try:
- 🧀 Brabantse worstenbroodje - layer pie with minced meat, local fast food, which is sold on every corner.
- 🍺 La Trappe - Trappist beer brewed by monks. Especially appreciated Quadrupel (10% ABV)
- 🥧 Kruidkoek - a spicy honey pie served with butter. It is best eaten in a cafe De Zwaan.
- 🍲 Zulte - a thick soup made from pork and vegetables, which is prepared according to ancient recipes.
Where to eat:
- 🍽️ Restaurant De Lindenhof is a Michelin star restaurant specializing in seasonal dishes.
- 🍺 Café De Kei - a cozy place with 20 types of beer and live music on Thursdays.
- ☕ Koffiebranders - a coffee shop where beans are roasted on site. Try them flat white.
⚠️ Attention: In the Netherlands, it is customary to tip only if you have received particularly good service - usually 5-10% of the bill. Tipping is not required in cafes and bars.
If you order bitterballen (Dutch meatballs), eat them immediately - the filling is hot inside, which can burn if it cools down.
Practical information for tourists
Notterdam is an easy city to navigate, but there are a few things to know:
- 🚲 Bicycles: There are more of them here than people. Rental costs ~€10/day (for example, in OV-fiets at the station). Always park in special racks - otherwise the bike will be towed away.
- 💳 Payment: cards are accepted everywhere, but in markets and small cafes it is better to have cash (€).
- 🗣️ Language: Almost everyone speaks English, but locals will appreciate it if you learn a few phrases in Dutch, for example: "Dank je wel" (thank you).
- 📅 Working hours: Shops are usually open until 18:00, many are closed on Sundays.
Where to stay:
- 🏨 Hotel Central — 3-star hotel in the center with free breakfast.
- 🏡 B&B De Pastorie — a cozy guesthouse in a former priest’s house.
- 🏕️ Camping De Berckt — campsite 5 km from the city (ideal for families).
☑️ What to take with you to Notterdam
⚠️ Attention: The Netherlands has strict rules regarding litter. People who throw trash bins outside will be fined €100–200. Always look for containers labeled "Afval".
Hidden Gems: Non-Touristy Places
If you want to see Notterdam through the eyes of locals, go to these places:
- 🌳 Park De Hoge Fronten - a former fortress converted into a green area overlooking the river. People like to have picnics here.
- 📚 Library De Marienburg - a medieval building with a modern interior. There is a cafe on the top floor with a view of the city.
- 🎭 Theater De Speeldoos - a small puppet theater where performances are staged for children and adults (on Fridays - in English).
- 🛍️ Market at Markt — on Wednesdays they sell fresh cheeses, fish and antiques. Try it boerenkaas (farm cheese)!
Life hack: if you're in the city on the first Saturday of the month, don't miss it "Kunstroute" — an open day in the workshops of local artists. Maps with the route are issued at the tourist center.
Notterdam is an ideal day trip from Eindhoven or Maastricht, but it's best to stay 2-3 days to really experience the atmosphere.
Events and festivals
Notterdam delights visitors with events all year round. Here are the brightest:
- 🎆 Carnival (Carnaval) - February. Three days of costume parades, music and street parties. The main rule: everyone calls each other "prins" (prince) or "prinses" (princess).
- 🎵 Festival "Jazz in Duketown" - June. Free jazz and blues concerts in open areas.
- 🍷 Wine and Cheese Day (Wijn & Kaas Festival) - September. Tasting of local cheeses and wines from the region Limburg.
- 🎄 Christmas market - December. On the square Markt sell mulled wine, pancakes (poffertjes) and handmade gifts.
Advice: if you come to the carnival, book a hotel in advance - the cities are crowded, and prices rise 2-3 times.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to visit Notterdam?
Citizens of Russia and CIS countries need a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands for up to 90 days. You can apply for it at the Dutch consulate or visa centers. Cost - ~€80, processing time - 10-15 days.
Is it possible to drink tap water?
Yes, the Netherlands has one of the best water systems in the world. Tap water is not only safe, but also tastes better than bottled water. Locals drink it without boiling.
What is the currency in Notterdam?
The official currency is the euro (€). You can exchange money in banks (ING, ABN AMRO) or exchange offices at the station, but the rate there is less favorable. It is better to withdraw cash from ATMs (look for the sign "Geldautomaat").
Is it safe to walk around Notterdam at night?
Notterdam is one of the safest cities in the Netherlands. However, as elsewhere, you should avoid empty alleys and parks late in the evening. The center is always full of people thanks to bars and restaurants.
Where to buy souvenirs?
Best places to shop:
- De Witte Tijd — a store of vintage items and local handmade goods.
- Kaashuis De Hoeve — a shop with 50 types of Dutch cheeses.
- VVV Kantoor (tourist office) - they sell magnets, postcards and miniature windmills.