| Average elevation | 30 m (98 ft) |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Vaalserberg: 322.7 m (1,059 ft) |
| Lowest point | Zuidplaspolder: 6.76 m (22 ft) below sea level |
| Elevation range | 329 m (1,079 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city | Eindhoven: 20 m (66 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city | Almere: 2 m (7 ft) below sea level |
The Netherlands is a low-lying country with a vast network of waterways and canals that crisscross the landscape. The elevation of the country varies from several meters above sea level to a few meters below. This gives the country a relatively flat topography.
The flat topography of the country has made it vulnerable to flooding. Throughout history, the country has had to undertake extensive land reclamation, drainage, and flood protection measures to maintain the land and its people.
The elevation of the country does increase slightly towards its eastern, southern, and southeastern borders, with altitudes rising to over 200 meters above sea level. These areas are characterized by rolling hills and scenic landscapes.
Overall, the elevation of the Netherlands has had a profound effect on the country's development, influencing everything from infrastructure and agriculture to the way people live and interact with the land.
The highest point in the Netherlands is Vaalserberg. It is located in the province of Limburg and rises to an elevation of 322.7 meters (1,059 feet) above sea level.
The lowest point in the Netherlands is Zuidplaspolder. It is located in the province of South Holland and has an elevation of 6.76 meters (22.2 feet) below sea level.
The Netherlands shares a similarity in flat topography with neighboring countries like Denmark and Belgium. However, the Dutch landscape is unique due to its extensive water network and the extensive land reclamation efforts undertaken over the centuries.
Of the 10 cities listed below, Eindhoven is the highest at 20 m (66 ft) above sea level, and Almere is the lowest at 2 m (7 ft) below sea level.
| City | Elevation | Elevation in feet |
|---|---|---|
| Eindhoven | 20 m | 66 ft |
| Tilburg | 14 m | 46 ft |
| Nijmegen | 13 m | 43 ft |
| Utrecht | 5 m | 16 ft |
| Breda | 5 m | 16 ft |
| Amsterdam | 2 m | 7 ft |
| Groningen | 2 m | 7 ft |
| The Hague | 0 m | 1 ft |
| Rotterdam | -1 m | -4 ft |
| Almere | -2 m | -7 ft |
The highest point in Netherlands is Vaalserberg, at 322.7 m (1,059 ft) above sea level.
The lowest point in Netherlands is Zuidplaspolder, at 6.76 m (22 ft) below sea level.
The average elevation of Netherlands is 30 m (98 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
Of the cities listed for Netherlands, Eindhoven is the highest, at 20 m (66 ft) above sea level.
Of the cities listed for Netherlands, Almere is the lowest, at 2 m (7 ft) below sea level above sea level.
Elevation in Netherlands ranges from 6.76 m (22 ft) below sea level at Zuidplaspolder to 322.7 m (1,059 ft) at Vaalserberg, a difference of 329 m (1,079 ft).