DISCOVER THE NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands is a small yet culturally-rich country known for its windmills, tulips, clogs and cheese (quite the mix)! With fascinating museums, bright canals, spectacular parks and historic cities to explore, it’s a paradise for those who believe that variety is the spice of life - and travel, too.

What’s so special about the Netherlands?
With a unique ‘polders’ landscape connected by locks, the Netherlands is a beautiful sight, whether you’re soaring above it or traveling through it. There’s a seemingly endless list of treasures to uncover here, ranging from quaint villages to lively cities crammed with experiences, local events and parks that seem custom-built for picnics under the sun.

things to know
about THE NETHERLANDS

  • Population: 17 million+
  • Capital: Amsterdam
  • Currency: Euro
  • Main airports: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Maastricht, and Groningen
  • Language: Dutch, though Frisian is also spoken in Fryslân, a northern province
  • Timezone: GMT+1
  • Fun facts: Sounding straight out of a fairytale, the official name of this country is the ‘Kingdom of the Netherlands’. It’s also the most densely-populated country in the EU.
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MODERN DUTCH CULTURE

According to recent data, the Netherlands is the sixth happiest country in the world, largely thanks to its healthy, social and interactive culture. The most athletic of the European countries, the Dutch are known for their love of sports, and lovers of a good bike ride will particularly find their bliss, here. Not only does the Netherlands purportedly contain more bikes than people, cycle tracks are a major feature of all its urban areas. It’s a dream for cyclists to navigate.

In addition, the Dutch have a long legacy of art, music, architecture and science, are known as a liberal people, and have a great love for food… especially snacks. Many enjoy the custom de borrel between lunch and dinner: a time for hunkering down and catching up with friends over fried treats and beer. It’s certainly a lifestyle we could get used to…

CHARMING CANALS ARE CALLING

The Netherlands is known for its huge number of canals – there are over 150 in Amsterdam alone! Sailing across their blue waters is a wonderful way to take in some sun and city sights at the same time, from Amsterdam’s iconic Singel to Utrecht’s Oudegracht canal, which is lined by dock cellars that date back centuries.

 

THE LAND OF CYCLISTS

If zipping around on a bike is your idea of a good time, then the Netherlands is the place for you. This destination is notorious for its large number of cyclists – you’ll find over 32,000km of cycle paths, here, connecting you to even the farthest corners of the country. Many bikes are also available to rent, so you can tailor your two-wheeled ride to your tastes.

EXCITING CITIES IN NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam

Bursting with culture, sights, eateries, shops, parks and experiences, Amsterdam has enough to do to fill a lifetime. In particular, it’s a hub of excellent museums, like the Rijksmuseum, as well as twisting canals and quirky neighborhoods – perfect for tourists seeking a taste of local life.

The Hague

Only one city situated on the North Sea has a beach, and that’s The Hague. Impressive monuments, luxury hotels, and a national political center populate its downtown, while the King’s Palace is located on the Noordeinde. Visit art museums, enjoy high-end shopping, take a tram to the beach and more during an eclectic and enchanting city break.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam engages closely with the water: with the largest port in Europe, it boasts a wonderful harbor tour and myriad waterfront cafes. Rotterdam is also home to cutting-edge architecture, including the world-famous Cube Houses, along with many buildings designed by architects such as Zaha Hadid.

Utrecht

Utrecht was an important trade center in the Middle Ages, a past that many of its historic buildings reflect. Between exploring its many museums and churches, enjoy leisurely strolls through its wealth of quaint streets and a visit to the Rietveld-Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

WHERE FAMOUS PAINTERS LEFT THEIR MARK

If you love art, it’s impossible not to be enthralled by The Netherlands’ creative footprint. For one, the Dutch Golden Age painter and etcher, Rembrandt, called this country his home: today, you can see many of his works at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. The city’s Van Gogh Museum also houses the world’s largest collection of its namesake’s works, including his famous Sunflowers.

REGIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS

North Holland, South Holland and Zeeland

The North Sea coastline of the Netherlands is very diverse, containing both wide sandy beaches and narrow dunes. For some island-hopping, explore the coasts of North and South Holland, while in Zeeland, you’ll find gorgeous beaches to the west and high cliffs with dramatic views to the east.

Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland

These three provinces are located on the border with Germany, and have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. You’ll find some great cities scattered around along with swathes of picturesque countryside, from the vibrant student town of Groningen to rural Drenthe. In addition, Friesland is famous for its canals, windmills and traditional wooden houses.

Gelderland, Overijssel, Utrecht and Flevoland

Gelderland boasts many historical landmarks along with options for hiking and cycling, while Overijssel is a peaceful province filled with rivers, canals, and lakes. Utrecht has made its stamp through its canals and medieval monuments, whereas geographically unique Flevoland has both the lowest point in the Netherlands and the highest.

North Brabant and Limburg

North Brabant is known for its picture-perfect countryside and charming small towns, while one of the best things about Limburg is the scenery. The rolling hills and lush green forests are in stark contrast to the rest of the Netherlands, which is mostly flat. If you want to get outdoors and be at one with nature, this should be your destination of choice.

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