5 Fairytale overnight stays in the Netherlands

There are places to stay where the boundary between reality and fantasy is very close. Where you wake up in a castle tower room that seems straight out of Rapunzel's fairy tale. Where a tiny house in the woods suggests that Hansel and Gretel have just left. Where you sleep in a giant egg, as if the fairy tale of George and the dragon has not yet ended. And where a nostalgic train carriage could easily have been the Hogwarts Express. These enchanting overnight stays are all about wonder. About the feeling you had as a child when you first heard fairy tales and thought: what if it could be real? Well, so it can. In this blog we take you past some of the most fairytale-like accommodations in the Netherlands. Ideal for romantics, dreamers and adventurers looking for something truly special.

Always wanted to spend the night like a fairy princess? In this enchanting medieval tower room, in the middle of the province of Utrecht, that wish comes to life. Whether you're trying on Cinderella's glass slipper or waiting for someone to yell "let your hair down" like Rapunzel, here you'll sleep high and regally, in one of the region's oldest castles. The round room at the top of the tower exudes romance and history. Antique furniture, art and curiosities create a warm and regal atmosphere. From the double bed you look out over the idyllic countryside, as if you stepped away from the modern world for a moment. Upon arrival you will be personally welcomed by the castle residents themselves, who will lovingly tell you about life in this special place. Sometimes a tour of the castle is possible. This place is ideal for a romantic weekend getaway: explore the green surroundings with its castles, forests and country houses, or visit Utrecht and Amersfoort, both within half an hour.

Nibble nibble nibble ... who is nibbling at my cottage? This fairytale residence is deeply hidden in the woods of the Gooi, as if you were walking right into the story of Hansel and Gretel. Among the tall trees stands this charming witch's cottage and the scent of adventure is already in the air. The birds whistle you awake, the leaves whisper secrets, and if you look closely, you may see the witch beckoning from behind the window. The cozy forest cabin accommodates 2 to 4 people and has everything you need for a magical stay. Inside you will find two cozy bedrooms, a luxurious bathroom, a warm living room and a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own fairy tale meal. Outside the trees await, inside peace reigns. Here you are in the middle of the Goois Nature Reserve, an oasis of tranquility where you just might encounter a deer, fox or curious squirrel. And if you do want to return to the kingdom of man: the charming town of Naarden-Vesting is nearby and within 30 minutes you are in Amsterdam or Utrecht.

Always wanted to sleep in a train that looks straight out of a Harry Potter movie? Then this beautifully renovated carriage from the 1920s is just the thing for you. Just like in the iconic Hogwarts Express, here you step into a world full of nostalgia, woodwork and authentic details, but without dreuzels or vanishing box. Located on a former train station in northern Friesland, this carriage offers a unique and cozy overnight experience. The carriage features two identical sleeping compartments, each with its own entrance, toilet and private bathroom. You enter with a classic key, as if you are about to embark on a magical adventure. The warm decor, comfortable train seat and antique cabinet with kettle complete the atmosphere. And as if that were not special enough, at the station you will also find a nostalgic pancake restaurant, also in a train! And the former waiting room has been transformed into a charming railroad shop. This unique place to sleep is also ideal as a base for a day trip to Ameland: the ferry is just a 10-minute drive away. In short: an enchanting stay for train lovers, nostalgics and secret magicians in training.

And of course, in a blog about fairytale overnight stays, a real dragon's egg also belongs. Not just any decoration, but a real egg you can sleep in. On a child-friendly campsite in the middle of the Veluwe you can find this special accommodation, ideal for a parent with child(ren) who want to experience something magical together. Who doesn't know the story of George and the Dragon? Or the enigmatic egg from the cartoon 'If you know what I mean' by Olivier B. Bommel? This egg evokes that same sense of wonder. You sleep in a large, round bed (2x2 meters) in the shape of an egg. There is room for two adults or one adult with two children. Inside you will also find a bench and a drawer for your belongings. The sanitary building with shower and toilet is nearby and is modern and clean.The campsite itself is full of liveliness, with play equipment, entertainment and other facilities. And even more adventures await outside the site: discover the Apenheul, Julianatoren amusement park, the Dolfinarium or Burgers' Zoo. But nature here is also an experience in itself: the Veluwe offers endless forests, moors and hiking trails. For little adventurers with big dreams, this dragon egg is an overnight stay to remember.

Always wanted to live like a hobbit, with your feet in the grass, your head in the clouds and nothing but peace around you? This fairy-tale tiny hobbit house on a small-scale glamping site in North Brabant is the ultimate Lord of the Rings location to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Inspired by the simplicity and charm of the Shire, this stay feels like your own little piece of Middle-earth, but in the Netherlands. The cozy cottage is perfect for a mini-retreat or romantic stay for two. The park has a relaxed, almost fairy-like atmosphere. Start your day with yoga, relax in the sauna or dream away in a hammock under the trees. At night, the campfire awaits, where, like Frodo and Sam, you'll share stories under the stars. The surrounding nature is at least as epic as the setting of a fantasy movie: walk among the ancient trees of Boswachterij Dorst, spot Scottish highlanders, or canoe across the swimming pond. Fancy something cultural? Tilburg, with its art, cafes and creative hotspots, is just around the corner. A place where time fades, wifi becomes unimportant and you find adventure in the simplicity of being. Exactly as the hobbits would do.

Whether you want to dream away in a medieval tower room, cocoon with your lover in a forest cabin, or adventure with your child in a dragon's egg, fairy tales exist. You just have to find the right place. On Vipio you will discover many more magical accommodations. From romantic castle rooms to cozy cabins in the forest and even mysterious hobbit houses. So what are you waiting for? Open that enchanted book, flip to the next chapter and write your own fairy tale on Vipio.

Do you have an accommodation that you yourself would spontaneously want to get lost in? A place with a story, a touch of magic and a unique atmosphere? Then maybe your stay fits perfectly into Vipio's book of fairy tales. Let travelers dream in your castle, forest cabin, treehouse or other special stay. Discover the possibilities on our rentals page or send an email to sales@vipio.com and become part of our magical stays.