Holiday in Delft

What makes Delft special as a destination?

Delft is one of the most charming small towns in the Netherlands and a vibrant monument of the Golden Age. The city between The Hague and Rotterdam is world-famous for its iconic blue-and-white porcelain, Delft Blue, and as the birthplace of the painter Johannes Vermeer, whose painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is among the most famous works in art history. However, Delft is much more than a museum – it is a lively university town with one of the most renowned technical universities in Europe. The old town of Delft is a perfectly preserved ensemble from the 17th century, crisscrossed by canals, lined with linden trees and brick buildings. The market square forms the heart of the city, flanked by the Nieuwe Kerk with its 109-meter high tower, which houses the tombs of the House of Orange, and the Renaissance town hall. The Oude Kerk, diagonally opposite, contains Vermeer’s grave and impresses with its notably crooked tower. The Royal Porcelain Factory De Porseleyne Fles, founded in 1653, is the last remaining Delft Blue factory and opens its workshops to visitors. Here, one can watch the artists painting the characteristic vases, plates, and tiles and admire the centuries-old technique of tin glazing. At the Vermeer Centrum, the life and work of the great master of light are brought to life in a multimedia exhibition. Delft can be perfectly explored on foot or by bicycle. The canals invite boat tours, while antique shops and small galleries beckon for browsing. Every Thursday, the market square transforms into a colorful flower and cheese market. From Germany, Delft is excellently reachable by train: The Hague and Rotterdam are only 15 minutes away, and Amsterdam is just under an hour. The compact size of the city makes it ideal for a day trip or a romantic weekend.