Ascension Day

Make it longer

Take Friday 7 May off and get 4 days in a row (Thu 6 May – Sun 9 May).

Plan more breaks with the leave planner.

Where to go for Ascension Day

Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday, and many people take the Friday off to make a four-day weekend. Late spring makes it a natural time for lakes, national parks and the northern provinces.

Budget-friendly

• Leeuwarden · Friesland

  Leeuwarden has the leaning Oldehove tower and the Fries Museum. The Frisian lakes to the south suit sailing and canoeing, and ferries from Harlingen reach the Wadden islands of Vlieland and Terschelling.

  Typically around 6 May: high 12°C (54°F), low 9°C (48°F), rain on 31% of days.

  natureoutdoorscultureattractions

• Groningen

  A student city with the Martinitoren tower, the Groninger Museum and lively squares. The surrounding countryside has old villages and churches, and the Wadden Sea coast is within cycling distance.

  Typically around 6 May: high 16°C (61°F), low 6°C (43°F), rain on 41% of days.

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• Zwolle · Overijssel

  A Hanseatic city with a star-shaped moat and the Sassenpoort gate. It is a practical base for Giethoorn and the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, where boats and canoes follow canals past thatched farmhouses.

  Typically around 6 May: high 17°C (62°F), low 6°C (44°F), rain on 41% of days.

  naturehistoryoutdoorsattractionsfamily

Mid-range

• Arnhem · Gelderland

  The Hoge Veluwe National Park, with free white bikes and the Kröller-Müller Museum's Van Gogh collection, is just north of the city. The Netherlands Open Air Museum and the John Frost Bridge add history.

  Typically around 6 May: high 17°C (63°F), low 6°C (44°F), rain on 41% of days.

  naturecultureoutdoorsattractionsfamily

• Cologne · Nordrhein-Westfalen

  A direct train ride from Amsterdam and Utrecht, Cologne has its Gothic cathedral, Roman and art museums along the Rhine and traditional brewery taverns serving Kölsch beer with Rhineland dishes.

  Typically around 6 May: high 18°C (64°F), low 7°C (44°F), rain on 39% of days.

  cityhistorycultureattractionsfood

Splurge

• The Hague · Zuid-Holland

  The Mauritshuis holds Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, and the city is the seat of the Dutch government. A tram ride leads to the beach and pier at Scheveningen and its fish restaurants.

  Typically around 6 May: high 15°C (60°F), low 8°C (46°F), rain on 40% of days.

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Trip ideas chosen by Public Holidays World, not sponsored. “Typically” lines are past averages, not forecasts; when the date is within about 9 days, a forecast is shown too. For trips abroad, check your government’s official travel advice and entry rules before you book.