The Netherlands is a country with a long history. It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, boasting numerous museums and beautiful landscapes.
If you’re looking to indulge in sports while vacationing in the country, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the most popular sports in the country that are played by people of all age groups. Let’s get into it.
10 Most Popular Sports in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, most people are familiar with football (soccer) as the most popular sport. This sport is popular among both men and women of all ages. While it is popular in the country, football is also popular in other countries across the world.
Basketball is another popular sport in the Netherlands. Apart from being popular for its physical benefits, this sport is also liked for its spectacular plays and exciting games. Furthermore, cycling has seen a steep rise in popularity across the world. It not only keeps people fit but also helps them develop their reflexes and coordination.
Tennis is one of the oldest sports in the world, with millions of players worldwide. Its popularity is no wonder as it offers high-level competition yet can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Besides, volleyball has been a favorite sport for many people since it has many variations such as indoor and beach volleyball that cater to different preferences and interests.
Top 10 Most Popular Sports in the Netherlands
1 Football/Soccer: 1.2M members
2 Tennis: 560K members
3 Golf: 383K members
4 Gymnastics: 300K members
5 Hockey:(Field Hockey) 250K members
6 Baseball
7 Basketball
8. Swimming (women): 140K members
9 Volleyball: 125K members
10 Cricket
Badminton is another popular sport for all ages that involves two players per team hitting a shuttlecock across the net between them using their hand or arm. The sport requires skill, speed, agility, and precision. Meanwhile, table tennis can be played by two participants on a table with a net between them using a small bat or racket. The fast-paced game requires sharp eye-hand coordination and reflexes as well as good oomph to hit the ball hard enough to score points on the opponent’s side netting.
Apart from these popular sports, karate has gained immense popularity due to its unique benefits such as intense workouts and flexibility-building exercises that can be done at any age without compromising on challenging fun activities or safety concerns
Football (Soccer)
Football is the most popular sport in the Netherlands or Dutch. The national team has won the World Cup four times and the European championship twice, making it one of the most successful national football teams in the world. Other popular sports include association football, rugby union, and basketball. These sports thrive not only among the local communities but also in international tournaments such as the Olympics and the World Cup. Every FIFA World Cup they were selected to play and many times they reached the semi-final of the World Cup. It’s also the most popular sport in Argentina, Brazil, France, and also more countries.
The Dutch league system is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe. The Eredivisie, which is popularly known as ‘the Dutch Premier League’, attracts the most top-notch players from around the world because of its high level of competitiveness. Football clubs in the Netherlands have gained immense popularity and many have become popular globally as well.
Football (soccer) has been played in the Netherlands for many years now. The sport has a long history here and it is considered one of the country’s national symbols. There are many football clubs in the Netherlands that provide great opportunities for players to develop their skills and expertise.
2. Tennis
The Dutch love to play tennis on Clay Courts. The country is home to professional players like world No. 1 Stan Wozniacki, world No. 3 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, and the world’s most popular female player Serena Williams. The Dutch also enjoy playing tennis on Hard Courts. The most popular courts in the country are the Amstel Open Tennis tournament, which takes place near Amsterdam, as well as the Hamburg Masters tournament, which is held in Germany. There are many Tennis players of Dutch like Robin Haase (Men), and Kiki Bertens (women).
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The Dutch are also some of the best players in the world when it comes to tennis. They have won a number of top-rank titles in different categories over the years and have been ranked among the world’s top 10 men’s players since 2009. There are many tournaments and competitions that take place throughout the year in the Netherlands related to tennis. In recent years, table tennis has become increasingly popular in the country too, with many people dabbling with this sport for both recreational and competitive purposes.
3. Golf in the Netherlands
The Dutch love to play golf. The country has some of the best golf courses in the world and it is one sport that is popular among people from all walks of life. This makes it a perfect sport for social gatherings as well as professional tournaments and competitions. There are many clubs and courses in the Netherlands, with some of the most popular ones being Rotterdam’s Ede Golf Club, Culemborg’s Valkenburg Golf Club, Heerlen’s Castle Howard Golf & Country Resort, De Koog near Utrecht, and Amsterdamsche Schotse.
4. Gymnastics
Gymnastics is another sport that is popular in the Netherlands. This sport has seen a resurgence in recent years and many people are now opting to take up gymnastics as their primary form of exercise. Gymnasts from all over the world come to train in the Netherlands, giving Dutch gymnasts plenty of competition. The country’s most popular gyms include Haren Gymnasium and Olympisch Stadion Amsterdam, which are both located in Haarlem.
5. Hockey (Field Hockey)
The Dutch love hockey and the sport is highly popular in the country. The Netherlands has a number of world-class field hockey clubs, most notably HC Rotterdam and Feyenoord Rotterdam. These clubs compete in both domestic and international tournaments, making Dutch field hockey one of the most popular sports in the country.
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6. Baseball
Baseball is another sport that is popular in the Netherlands. Dutch players have been competing at the highest level of baseball for many years now and the country has produced some world-class stars, such as Hansel Robles of the Cleveland Indians and Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves. Dutch teams compete in international tournaments all over Europe and Asia, making it one of the most popular sports in Holland.
The Netherlands has won the European Baseball Championship twenty times and is consistently ranked in the top ten of the WBSC World Rankings. Although baseball is a tiny sport in the Netherlands, it is played extensively throughout the Caribbean islands (the old Netherlands Antilles).
7. Basketball
The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s top basketball leagues, including the Euroleague, the Dutch Basketball League (DBL), and the Dutch Cup. The country is also popular with players and fans for its streetball games, which have gained popularity globally.
Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations for basketball fans, hosting top-level matches in both the Amsterdam ArenA and the SSE Arena. The Netherlands has a history in handball, with several Dutch teams ranked highly in international competitions. There are many opportunities to watch top-level basketball matches in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. If you’re a fan of basketball, the Netherlands is definitely a destination you need to check out.
8. Swimming
The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s best swimming venues, with the Zwembad De Boele in Utrecht and the Sporthal Zevenhuizen being popular among swimmers. The former host’s popular open-water events such as the annual IJscopen, which is one of Europe’s most popular open-water swimming events. The latter is a popular training venue for many national teams, including the Netherlands’ own national team.
Dutch swimmers are among the most successful in the world, with many Olympic and world champions to their names. World-famous Dutch swimming clubs like AZS Schermer are famous for nurturing young talent and giving them a platform to show their skills. Swimmers from these clubs compete at all levels, from beginner to elite competition. The Netherlands also has a strong reputation for water polo, which is played at both club and international levels. Moreover, its flat terrain and windy conditions make it perfect for cyclists of all levels of experience.
9. Volleyball
The Netherlands has a long history of volleyball and it is one sport that the country’s athletes do well in. The national team regularly competes at European championships, as well as several world championship tournaments. Moreover, there are many clubs throughout the country that field competitive teams. In addition to club play, most schools also have volleyball programs for students aged 6-18 years old. This sport is popular with both men and women players of all ages and fitness levels.
10. Cricket
Cricket is another sport that the Netherlands has been successful in. The national team has competed at world championship tournaments and hosted an international cricket event, the ICC World T20. In addition to playing against other countries, cricket clubs throughout the country field competitive teams. Additionally, there are several popular domestic tournaments that are regularly attended by both amateurs and professionals alike.
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The Netherlands is also well-known for its cycling sport. The country has a long and successful cycling history, with the Tour de France being one of the most popular cycling events in the world. Furthermore, many Dutch athletes have gone on to compete at world championship tournaments and Olympic games.
Cycling
Cycling is one of the most popular sports in the Netherlands. Dutch cycling is known for its technical and challenging terrain. The Dutch cycling season runs from May to October and includes several major cycling events, such as the Amstel Gold Race and the Tour of Flanders. The most popular cycling European circuit is the cobbled sectors of the Tour of Flanders, which are known for their steep climbs and challenging descents.
This makes it a popular cycling event among professionals, amateurs, and spectators alike. Apart from this, there are many cycle paths and lanes found all over the country that make cycling an enjoyable sport for both beginners and experts.
The National Federation of Cycling (NFC) organizes a number of major cycling events each year. These include national championships, world championships, Olympic games qualifiers, world cup stages, and team time trials. By doing so, the federation aims to promote cycling as a sport among people of all ages. For those who want to experience more than just cycling, there are tour operators that offer various cycle tours throughout the Netherlands.
Badminton
Badminton is a popular sport in the Netherlands. It is popular among people of all ages and fitness levels. Badminton is played using a shuttlecock and a racquet. The net is high, and the shuttlecock is smeared with rubber. A game lasts as long as 21 points are scored. Badminton can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, from amateurs to professionals.
In the Hague, there are several badminton courts that are open to the public. There are also badminton leagues in most Dutch cities. Badminton is an Olympic sport, and the Dutch national badminton team is one of the strongest in the world. The Hague has several badminton courts that are open to the public, making it a popular sport among its people.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is one of the most popular sports in the Netherlands. There are many ice rinks in the country, making it easy to find a spot to practice your skills. Many people love to go out on the ice and participate in various competitions. Ice skating is also a great way to stay active during winter months. If you are new to ice skating, there are plenty of beginner classes available to teach you the basics. Whether you’re new to the sport or not, ice skating can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
The Dutch have a reputation for being some of the best ice skaters in the world. Ice skating is a great way to experience Dutch culture and history. It’s a popular sport for both amateurs and professionals, so there’s no shortage of exciting things for everyone to enjoy.
Rugby
Rugby is the national sport of the Netherlands. The sport is popular in the country, attracting a large number of people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Even though rugby union has been popular in the country for several decades, many people are still discovering it. The sport is popular among people beyond traditional age groups as well.
The Netherlands has a strong rugby history, with many top players playing abroad. The national team has also been successful in international competitions, including the World Cup and the Olympics. In recent years, the women’s national team has been equally impressive, having won several titles at various levels.
The Netherlands is ranked 5th in the world in rugby union. The country’s love for the sport has resulted in a strong infrastructure, which attracts top players from around the world. Many professional leagues have emerged over time and provide a platform for young talent to develop and prove themselves as elite players in the world circuit.
Dutch Ball sport
Volleyball
Basketball
Tennis
The Dutch people love their ball sports and there are plenty of popular ones to enjoy. Tennis is the most popular sport in the country, with both amateurs and professionals playing at various levels. The Netherlands has a rich tennis history, with many world-class players have emerged from the country over time.
In recent years, the women’s national team has made big strides, winning several titles at international tournaments. Lowland Volleyball club Rotterdam is considered to be one of the best volleyball clubs in Europe and they have been successful in reaching several.
People also ask to know
What sports are most popular in the Netherlands?
The most popular sports in the Netherlands are football (soccer), basketball, and tennis. Other popular sports include volleyball, handball, and skateboarding.
The popular sport of football (soccer) is another popular sport in the Netherlands. Several top teams play in Europe and Asia, with Ajax Amsterdam winning several domestic titles as well as European titles on several occasions over the years.
Horse racing is popular as well, with races held at famous racecourses across the country. Besides, sport fishing is also popular in the country, thanks to its great sport fish populations that attract swimmers as well as fishermen in droves. The Netherlands has a large number of beach volleyball courts, making it a great destination for athletes looking to enjoy some quality beach volleyball action any time of year.
What is the difference between Dutch and international sports?
The main difference between Dutch and international sports is that Dutch sports are generally more physical. This means that athletes tend to play with a lot more force and aggression than in international sports. Dutch sports are also often referred to as “hardball” sports, which is due to the fact that they are played on hard surfaces like grass or clay.
International sports tend to be more spectator-friendly. This means that athletes typically don’t have to worry about hurting each other and the sport is typically more entertaining for spectators.
What are some of the popular sporting events in the Netherlands?
The most popular sporting events in the Netherlands are association football, basketball, tennis, and cricket. Out of these, association football is the most popular sport. The Dutch national football team has won several international championships, most notably the 1974 World Cup and the 1988 European Championship.
Basketball is also popular in the Netherlands, with the Dutch Basketball Association being one of the most successful leagues in the world. There are multiple Grand Slam titles and a large number of professional players in the country.
Tennis is also popular in the Netherlands, with the country having a strong history in the sport. Multiple Grand Slam titles have been won by Dutch players and the country has a large number of fans all around the world who love watching tennis matches.
How can I watch live sports events in the Netherlands?
Depending on your preferences, there are a number of ways to watch live sports events in the Netherlands.
One way to watch live sports events is through a streaming service such as ESPN or Fox Sports. These services allow you to watch live sports events without having to have a satellite TV subscription.
Another way to watch live sports events in the Netherlands is through a cable or satellite TV provider. This means that you can watch live sports events without having to purchase any tickets.
You can also watch live sports events in the Netherlands by subscribing to a sports channel. This allows you to watch live sports events airing on channels like Fox Sports, ESPN, and Sport1.
Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets to games or events happening in the Netherlands. This way, you can be sure that you’ll be able to see the game or event that you’re interested in.
What is baseball called in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, baseball is known as softball or Honkbal Hoofdklasse
Last Word
The popular sports in the country include association football, field hockey, basketball, cycling, swimming, and more. Apart from these popular sports, there are also sports like cricket, netball, and ice skating that are also played. The people of the Netherlands love to participate in games and activities.
Everyone is welcome at the popular sports events held across the country. If you’re looking for an activity to do with friends or family members during your vacation in the Netherlands. You can choose from the above-mentioned sports. They’re sure to be a popular addition to any vacation.
