The Netherlands, with its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and quirky culture, offers a treasure trope of unique film locations waiting to be discovered. Beyond the iconic windmills and tulip fields, lies a world of fascinating museums, breathtaking architecture, and stunning natural wonders. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the Netherlands’ most unusual and captivating film locations, complete with practical information on permits, costs, and travel plans. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or an emerging talent, get ready to uncover the hidden gems of the Netherlands and bring your creative vision to life.
Unconventional Museums
Witches’ Weighing House (Oudewater)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: €5-10 per person for entrance fee
- Travel: Take a 30-minute train ride from Utrecht Centraal to Oudewater, then a short walk
The Funeral Museum (Amsterdam)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: €10-15 per person for entrance fee
- Travel: Take tram 4 or 16 to the Leidseplein, then a short walk
Teylers Museum (Haarlem)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: €12-15 per person for entrance fee
- Travel: Take a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal to Haarlem, then a short walk
Kattenkabinet (Amsterdam)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: €7-10 per person for entrance fee
- Travel: Take tram 4 or 16 to the Leidseplein, then a short walk
Quirky Landmarks
Nederlands Kremlin (Slikkeveen)
- Permits: May require permission for commercial shoots; contact local authorities
- Costs: Free to visit, but donations appreciated
- Travel: Take a 45-minute drive from Amsterdam or rent a bike
Pampus Island (Amsterdam)
- Permits: Ferry tickets required; book in advance for large groups
- Costs: €20-30 per person for ferry tickets and island tour
- Travel: Take a ferry from the Amsterdam harbor (duration: 20-30 minutes)
Japanese Gardens (The Hague)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: €10-15 per person for entrance fee
- Travel: Take tram 1 or 10 to the Clingendael stop, then a short walk
Efteling (Kaatsheuvel)
- Permits: Requires permission for commercial shoots; contact their film department
- Costs: €50-60 per person for a day ticket
- Travel: Take a 1.5-hour drive from Amsterdam or a train to Tilburg, then a bus
Historic and Architectural Gems
Kasteel Duivenvoorde (Oegstgeest)
- Permits: Requires permission for commercial shoots; contact the castle management
- Costs: €15-20 per person for guided tours
- Travel: Take a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam to Leiden, then a short taxi ride
Begijnhof Amsterdam (Amsterdam)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: Free to visit
- Travel: Take tram 1, 2, or 5 to the Spui stop, then a short walk
Rembrandt’s School (Leiden)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: Free to visit (exterior)
- Travel: Take a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam to Leiden, then a short walk
Jan Steen’s House (Leiden)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: Free to visit (exterior)
- Travel: Take a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam to Leiden, then a short walk
Natural Wonders
Delta Works (South Holland and Zeeland)
- Permits: May require permission for commercial shoots; contact local authorities
- Costs: Free to visit, but some attractions may have entrance fees
- Travel: Take a train or drive to the various locations (e.g., Neeltje Jans, Haringvlietdam)
Afsluitdijk (North Holland and Friesland)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: Free to visit
- Travel: Take a 1.5-hour drive from Amsterdam or rent a bike
Beaches and Dunes (e.g., Scheveningen, Kijkduin)
- Permits: No special permits required for photography
- Costs: Free to visit
- Travel: Take tram 1 or 9 to Scheveningen or bus 23 to Kijkduin
Sourcing Crew and Equipment
For shoots in the locations mentioned, crew and equipment can be sourced from major cities nearby:
- For locations in and around Amsterdam (e.g., Begijnhof, Pampus Island, Kattenkabinet), crew and equipment can be sourced from Amsterdam, which has a thriving film industry with numerous production companies and equipment rental houses.
- For locations in South Holland (e.g., Witches’ Weighing House, Kasteel Duivenvoorde), crew and equipment can be sourced from cities like Rotterdam or The Hague.
- For locations in North Holland (e.g., Afsluitdijk), crew and equipment can be sourced from Amsterdam or nearby cities like Haarlem.
- For locations in Zeeland (e.g., Delta Works), crew and equipment can be sourced from cities like Middelburg or Vlissingen.
- For locations in Brabant (e.g., Efteling), crew and equipment can be sourced from cities like Tilburg or Eindhoven.
These cities offer a range of production companies, studios, and equipment rental houses that can provide the necessary support for your film project.
Crew Costs
The cost of hiring crew members in the Netherlands can vary depending on experience, role, and location. Here are some estimated daily rates for common crew positions:
- Director: €800-€1,500
- Producer: €600-€1,200
- Cinematographer: €800-€1,800
- Camera Operator: €400-€800
- Production Assistant: €250-€400
- Gaffer: €400-€700
- Grip: €300-€600
- Sound Recordist: €400-€800
Keep in mind that these rates are estimates and may vary depending on the specific project requirements and the crew member’s level of experience. It’s essential to discuss and agree on rates with your crew members before the shoot.
Hotel costs in the Netherlands vary depending on the location and star rating. Here are some estimated costs:
Hotel Prices by Location
Amsterdam:
- 3-star hotels: $53-$84 per night (approximately €45-€70)
- 4-star hotels: $84-$117 per night (approximately €70-€100)
Rotterdam:
- 3-star hotels: $22-$30 per night (approximately €20-€25)
- 4-star hotels: $45-$89 per night (approximately €40-€75)
The Hague:
- 3-star hotels: $32-$105 per night (approximately €25-€90)
- 4-star hotels: $105-$167 per night (approximately €90-€140)
Utrecht:
- 3-star hotels: $59-$113 per night (approximately €50-€95)
- 4-star hotels: $113-$176 per night (approximately €95-€150)
Hotel Prices by Star Rating
- 3-star hotels: $138 per night (approximately €120)
- 4-star hotels: $176 per night (approximately €155)
- 5-star hotels: $254 per night (approximately €220)
Some popular hotels in the Netherlands include:
- Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark: $117 per night
- Xo Hotels Park West: $98 per night
- The Flying Pig Uptown: $44 per night
- Grand Hotel Amrth Kurhaus The Hague: $167 per night
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time of year and availability. It’s always best to check with hotels directly or use a booking website like KAYAK or Booking.com to find the best deals. Contact us today if you are interested to film in this region.
