About CONTACT

Gerrit Vandenberg

Local travel blogger, author, coach, tour guide

Education:

Bachelor's degree Tourism Management

Expertise:

Netherlands, Amsterdam, Blogging, Planning

Highlights:

Bachelor degree in Tourism Management
Certified Crambridge English CAE - advanced level (C1)
Travel planning coach at Hidden Holland
Private Tour Guide at Hidden Holland

Experience:

Gerrit is the driving force behind Hidden Holland, a destionation blog about the Netherlands—a country he knows like the back of his hand.

Gerrit's love for the Netherlands isn't just something he writes about – it's a part of who he is. Traveling, writing, or just having a chat over coffee, you'll always find him sharing a story or two about his favorite Dutch spots.

Gerrit's explored the country from North to South and East to West. From the beautiful canals of Amsterdam to the historic charm of Maastricht, and everywhere in between. What is most important for him is to show you the real Netherlands, both in Amsterdam and outside.

Wether that's a beautiful canal in Amsterdam away from the crowds, a hidden courtyard, or a painting at the Rijksmuseum you could otherwise pass without noticing.

While many visitors picture the Netherlands as just flat grasslands, windmills, and cows, Gerrit is passionate about showcasing a more realistic image.

He enjoys introducing travelers to the country's forests with stunning fall colors, unique islands which together form another UNESCO World Heritage location in the Netherlands, and yes, there are even some hilly regions.

The Netherlands isn't as flat as you might think!

He has always been to the to go source for family and friends to fine tuning their itineraries, besides crafting his own travel plans and he is excited to share that knowledge now with people at large trough his blog.

And he is just a video call away to help you craft your own.

Gerrit's writing is a unique blend of local insights combined with practical travel advice.

If you want a genuine taste of the Netherlands, Gerrit's articles on Hidden Holland are a great place to start planning your trip.

Education:

Gerrit has a degree in Tourism Management and passed the Cambridge English CAE at an advanced level. He's a big fan of continuous learning and often takes new courses. And he enjoys exploring museums to deepen his connection to Dutch history. He tries to visit 2-4 Dutch museums every month.

About Hidden Holland:

Hidden Holland is a local destination travel blog written by a local. It's the dream child of Gerrit. Learn more about his inspiring story "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms" here .

The blog is dedicated to the best of the Netherlands. Hidden Holland combines both the top attractions with local off the beaten track sights.

With practical articles you'll be empowered to travel with confidence no matter whether you'll stay only in Amsterdam or venture beyond. Handy how to guides, insides in Dutch culture, and destination guides are all there to ensure you'll have a smooth journey.

Hidden Holland reaches over 100,000 readers annually through its content. All content on hiddenholland.com is fact checked and reviewed by a local editor for accuracy. Every article gets an annual check-up to ensure it's always up-to-date.

Learn more about our editorial process here.

If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here.

Articles written by Gerrit

View over Maastricht. Well worth the trip from Amsterdam to Maastricht.

30 Things to do in Maastricht

When planning things to do in Maastricht, travelers find hills, French influences, caves where Rembrandt's art hid from Nazis—plus legendary pie 🥮.

Almond Blossom. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

The Best Van Gogh Museum Tips For A Enjoyable Visit

My Van Gogh Museum tips save you hours and frustration. I'll share my booking strategies, ideal timing, and logistic tips for your best visit possible.

The most traditional Dutch Food might be Stamppot. Here you see Boerenkool. It's Kale, potatoes, and smoked sausage.

50 Best Traditional Dutch Food

Think traditional Dutch food is bland? From crispy bitterballen to Indonesian favorites, discover the foods that will completely change your mind 🧀 🍪

Private tour guests in front of windmills at Kinderdijk.

Is Europe Safe for American Travelers Right Now?

Are you planning a European trip but worried about how you’ll be received? Here’s what you need to know from someone who lives here. More and more American travelers are second-guessing their international trips. You might feel nervous about traveling abroad, or uncomfortable about being connected to America’s current political situation. Sound familiar? You’re not ...

How to exchange currency in Amsterdam. Euro banknotes.

Best Ways To Exchange Currency In Amsterdam

Stop losing money to expensive airport exchanges and tourist traps. Learn where to exchange currency in Amsterdam for the best rates.

Tipping in Amsterdam for a coffee at a cafe.

Tipping in Amsterdam: When & How Much Do You Tip

Do you tip in Amsterdam? Get the insider scoop from a local on when to tip and when locals never do. Complete guide with specific amounts.

We visited the Zaanse Schans Windmills with our Go City Amsterdam pass.

Go City Amsterdam Pass Review (2026): Should You Choose It?

Go City Amsterdam Pass tested by a local tour guide. I wanted to know if you actually save money. Here's how much I saved and what to prioritize.

National Tulip Day Amsterdam picking garden Museumplein.

National Tulip Day In Amsterdam

What is National Tulip Day? National Tulip Day in Amsterdam officially kicks off the Dutch tulip season with free tulip picking for everybody. The next Tulip Day is on January 16, 2027, at Amsterdam’s Museumplein. That is just behind the beautiful Rijksmuseum. Expect incredible long lines and chaotic scenes. When something is free… But it’s ...

Me with private tour guests in the tulip fields.

Where Are The Tulip Fields in the Netherlands

Most visitors head to Keukenhof — but the largest tulip fields are elsewhere. See the best regions, bloom timing, and how to visit them.

Tulip Fields near The Hague by Claude Monet. Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam.

Dutch Flower Paintings

Experience Dutch flower season year round by visiting some famous Amsterdam museums. Find out which museums to visit and what masterpieces to look for.

Back Next