Here you'll find general information about the Netherlands, essential for planning a perfect tour of the Netherlands (Nederland), the land of Rembrandt, tulips, cheese, canals, windmills, and much more.

 

The Netherlands (Nederland in Dutch) is a member state of the European Union. It is the head of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which also includes three other constituent nations: the Caribbean nations of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. It borders Belgium to the south, Germany to the east, and the North Sea to the north and west. The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, but the government, parliament, and sovereign residences are all located in The Hague (Den Haag), where the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court are also located.

They are among the founding member states of the ECSC, the EEC, and the European Union. The current sovereign is King Willem-Alexander, while the Prime Minister is Mark Rutte. They had a vast colonial empire that in the 17th century, at its peak, made them the most powerful state in the world in trade and capitalism.

In Italian, the terms Netherlands and Holland are often used interchangeably. In reality, the term Holland refers to only two of the twelve provinces that make up the Netherlands: North Holland and South Holland. Identifying the whole (in this case, the Netherlands) with simply one of its parts (in this case, Holland) is a classic example of synecdoche. Similarly, the adjective Dutch is used to refer to everything that pertains to the Netherlands in general rather than specifically to Holland.

The Story
Subdued by Julius Caesar in the 1st century BC, the southern Netherlands formed the frontier of the Roman world until the disintegration of the Empire. The country was subsequently settled by Saxons, Batavians, Frisians, and Franks. In the 8th century, the Netherlands was part of the Carolingian Empire founded by Charlemagne, and in the 10th century, of the Holy Roman Empire. Various semi-independent principalities subsequently arose there, although they remained formally subject to the Empire until the 15th century, when they came under the direct control of the imperial family of the Habsburgs. In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation was welcomed by the Dutch population. Emperor Charles V eventually accepted the situation, but after his abdication (1556), the intransigence of his heir Philip II (King of Spain) provoked a revolt, which broke out in Flanders in 1566 and then spread throughout the country. The main objections were the restrictions on local autonomy implemented by Philip II's centralizing policy, as well as the strengthening of the Inquisition's powers. Numerous Calvinists engaged in the looting of churches and the destruction of sacred images, and the King of Spain responded by sending the fearsome Duke of Alba to the Netherlands. In 1567, he established the so-called "Tribunal of Troubles" and executed hundreds of rebels. William of Orange managed to escape to Germany and return home in 1572 with a fleet: a new insurrection against the Spanish presence broke out.

Voc Ship

The predominantly Catholic provinces of Belgium, having regained their former autonomy thanks to the mediation of Alexander Farnese, returned to peace with Spain, while the northern provinces, now known as the Netherlands, continued their struggle. Thanks in part to Philip II's bankruptcy in 1575, the rebels finally managed to declare independence in 1581, but it was not until 1648, with the Peace of Westphalia at the end of the Thirty Years' War, that Spain also recognized their true autonomy and sovereignty. In the 17th century, the Dutch founded numerous colonies in India, Indonesia, Africa, and the Americas, whose trade was managed by the Dutch West India Company. However, the century ended with a series of wars that marked the end of the Netherlands' expansion.

The subsequent 18th century was relatively peaceful until the French Revolution of 1789. A few years later, the French invaded the Netherlands, where they first established the Batavian Republic and then the Kingdom of Holland, until they were annexed by France. The Congress of Vienna restored the Dutch state, transforming it into a monarchy. The kingdom lost several non-European possessions, but Belgium and Luxembourg were incorporated into it. This situation did not last long: in 1830, Belgium achieved independence thanks to French aid, and in 1839, Luxembourg also became independent.

The Netherlands proclaimed its neutrality in both world wars. In the First World War, this was largely respected. However, in the Second World War, the country was occupied by the Wehrmacht during the French campaign. The country was placed under the administration of a German Reichskommissariat: Arthur Seyß-Inquart; many Jews were deported and mass executions took place. The resistance that developed was widespread and well-organized, but the Allies relied little on it. In 1942, the vast colonial empire in the Pacific (Indonesia and adjacent islands) was also occupied by Japan. In September 1944, the Allies, having liberated France and Belgium, reached the borders of the Netherlands, but stopped there due to fuel shortages and troop fatigue. Field Marshal Montgomery launched Operation Market-Garden, a major airborne offensive, which, however, failed due to unexpected German resistance, misunderstandings within the high command, and adverse weather conditions. The resulting deaths and destruction were enormous. The Germans reorganized, fighting the country against the Allied advance. Liberation did not come until May 1945.

In 1948, the Netherlands formed the Benelux Customs Union with Belgium and Luxembourg. Beginning in 1949, the Netherlands gave up much of its colonial empire. Thanks in part to US aid from the Marshall Plan, the loss of the colonies did not lead to economic hardship; on the contrary, the Dutch economy experienced a period of rapid growth. In 1954, colonial relations between the Netherlands, Suriname, and the colony of Curaçao and its dependencies (later called the Netherlands Antilles) were severed. Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles obtained statehood, which guaranteed them autonomy in their internal affairs: the Netherlands renounced a portion of its sovereignty over the kingdom (in matters of foreign affairs and citizenship). The statute established a new federal kingdom. In 1975, Suriname left the Kingdom of the Netherlands and became an independent republic. In 1986, Aruba (until then part of the Antilles) obtained statehood and became independent from the Antilles, but remained within the Kingdom.

From then until 2010, the Kingdom of the Netherlands consisted of three parts: the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles, and Aruba. On October 10, 2010, following a referendum, the Netherlands Antilles split: the islands of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius (BES Islands) became municipalities with special status of the Netherlands, while Curaçao and Sint Maarten were granted the status of constituent nations of the Kingdom.

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Population: With over 18 million people and a population density of 518 inhabitants per km2, the Netherlands is the most populous country in the European Union and one of the most populous in the world. The total area of the Netherlands is 41,500 km2. Amsterdam is the capital, but the government resides in The Hague. Over 40% of the total population lives in the Randstad, the conurbation of the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.

Languages: The official language is Dutch. The population of the province of Friesland can choose between Dutch and Frisian, the only officially recognized regional language. The regional languages of Low Saxon and Limburgish are also spoken in the Netherlands. In other parts of the Netherlands, residents often use a local dialect in addition to standard Dutch. Many Dutch also speak German and English.

Landscape: Water dominates the Dutch landscape. Three major European rivers (the Rhine, the Meuse, and the Scheldt) reach the ocean through the Netherlands, creating a major delta. Twenty-six percent of the Netherlands is below sea level. In a long battle against the waters, the Dutch have built a system of dikes, levees, and barriers to protect themselves from the water. The Netherlands' landscape is much more diverse than green spaces with grazing cows.

Economy: The Netherlands is known as a politically stable country with a solid financial policy. The Dutch economy is one of the most open in the world, and the Netherlands is also among the world's top five exporters. Three-quarters of the working population works in the tertiary sector, a quarter in industry, and only 4 percent in agriculture. Despite these figures, the Netherlands is a major exporter of agricultural products. Major Dutch companies include, for example, Shell, Unilever, Akzo Nobel, Philips, Aegon, ING Group, Rabobank, Heineken, TNT, and Randstad.

Sports: The most popular sports in the Netherlands are football, hockey, tennis, cycling, golf, volleyball, basketball, handball, swimming, and ice skating. The Dutch are renowned worldwide for their football and speed skating. The color orange is associated with the Dutch Royal Family and represents the national identity of the Netherlands. This is why fans dress in orange. During some sporting events, the entire country turns orange, sparking the so-called "orange fever."

National anthem: The Dutch national anthem is "Het Wilhelmus," which consists of 15 stanzas about Prince William of Nassau, Prince of Orange. The national anthem is played at some official events, but most Dutch people know it from football matches.

Society: The Dutch are creative, open-minded, and pragmatic. They are also quite direct, sincere, and open in their interpersonal relationships. The Dutch are known for their tolerant attitudes on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and the use of (soft) drugs.
 

Netherlands in a Nutshell

• OFFICIAL NAME: Kingdom of the Netherlands (Nederland)

• POPULEN: Approximately 18 million, with an average density of 518 inhabitants/km2 (one of the highest in the world)

• ETHNIC GROUPS: Approximately 85% of the population is Dutch and Frisian, with the remaining 15% being Indonesians, Moroccans, Turks, Germans, Surinamese, and West Indians.

• SURFACE AREA: 41,526 km2

• GEOGRAPHY: The Netherlands (Nederland) is divided into 12 regions (Provinces), which are further divided into 483 municipalities (Gemeenten).

• CAPITAL: Amsterdam

• OTHER CITIES: The Hague, Delft, Haarlem, Utrecht, Groningen, and Maastricht

• FLAG: Red, white, and blue with horizontal stripes

• OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Dutch, Frisian

• NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES: Belgium to the south and southwest, Germany to the south and southeast

• WATER COURSES: 5,046 km

• MAIN RIVERS: In the Netherlands (Nederland), there are many estuaries that originate from European rivers and flow into the country, one of these being the Dutch Delta.

• MAIN LAKES: A large portion of the Netherlands consists of land reclaimed from the sea or from coastal lagoons and marshes. These spaces are called polders.

• MAIN MOUNTAINS: The highest peak is the Vaalserberg, a mountain just 321 meters high. The rest of the country is flat, with approximately 24% of the land below sea level.

• WINDMILLS: There are approximately 1,180.

• CURRENCY: The euro replaced the guilder on January 1, 2002.

• AIRPORTS: The largest is Schiphol Airport (AMS). Other smaller airports include Rotterdam Airport (RTM), Maastricht Airport (MST), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), Eelde Airport (QYT), and Twente-Enschede Airport (ENS).

• CLIMATE: A temperate maritime climate with mild winters, rarely experiencing biting cold. Summers are quite mild. June to September is pleasantly cold, making it the best time to visit.

• RELIGION: The Netherlands has always been considered a very tolerant country, even in religious matters. Nearly 40% of the population is atheist, while the remainder is divided between Protestantism (especially the Calvinist form of the Dutch Reformed Church), which is more widespread in the north, and Catholicism, which is widespread in the southern provinces.

• ECONOMY: Despite the country's small size, the Netherlands is one of the 15 largest economies in the world. Its primary resource is agriculture, and its exports are very strong.

• GOVERNMENT: The Netherlands has been a constitutional monarchy since 1815. Since 1848, it has also been a parliamentary monarchy. King Willem-Alexander of the Orange is the current sovereign of the Kingdom and Head of State.

• TELEPHONE CODE: 0031

• COUNTRY CODE: NL

• TIME ZONE: GMT +1 – The Netherlands is on the same time as Italy
   

Delft Blue Pottery

Delft Blue pottery, renowned throughout the world, has been produced in Delft since the 16th century. Between 1600 and 1800, this porcelain was very popular among wealthy families, who would show off their collections at every opportunity. Although Delftware manufacturers called their pottery "porcelain," it was a more humble version of authentic Chinese porcelain. Delft Blue pottery was not made with typical porcelain clay, but with a type of clay that was then coated with a tin glaze after firing. Despite this, Delft Blue pottery enjoyed enormous success, reflected at its peak by the presence of as many as 33 factories in Delft. Today, only one remains, Royal Delft.

Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

In Paris, climb the Eiffel Tower, in Barcelona, visit the Sagrada Familia, while a stay in Amsterdam is incomplete without a canal cruise. And while it may seem like a tourist trap, it's actually a fantastic experience that allows you to learn a lot about Amsterdam's history. The tour takes in the Westertoren church, the canals, the Anne Frank House, the Skinny Bridge near the Carré Theatre, the old port, the Oosterdok basin, and numerous other attractions, both well-known and lesser-known. You'll see the splendid buildings that line the canals, complete with staircases that indicated the status of their residents based on the number of steps. In short, a beautiful tour full of interesting facts.

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Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland, although geographically it is located at an intermediate latitude within the country. The municipality of Amsterdam has 934,927 residents (2024) of over 170 nationalities, while the metropolitan area has a population of approximately 2.5 million. The city center, surrounded by 12th-century canals, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.

Amsterdam boasts one of the largest Renaissance centers in Europe. Numerous buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, also known as the Golden Age, are now considered historical monuments and are located around a series of semicircular canals. These surround the old port that once faced the Zuiderzee, now separated from the rest of the open sea and known as the IJsselmeer (= Lake IJssel). The city is famous for hosting the Rijksmuseum (the state museum), the Van Gogh Museum, the Concertgebouw, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Anne Frank House, the memorial to homosexuals killed in the Nazi death camps, and a huge number of bicycles.

Amsterdam is also famous for its red-light district, De Wallen, and its numerous coffee shops licensed to sell marijuana and cannabis derivatives. Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands: those who practice it are considered freelancers and are taxed like any other entrepreneur. Cannabis, however, is not legal, but tolerated; this means that the sale of less than five grams per customer and possession of quantities up to thirty grams are not prosecuted.

In 2004, to promote Amsterdam's image worldwide, the city administration chose a slogan for the city, I AMsterdam (I am Amsterdam). The old slogan was Amsterdam heeft het (Amsterdam has it).
The city's official motto is Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig (Brave, Determined, Merciful). The three St. Andrew's crosses on the flag are associated with these three words, although they came into use before the motto.

 

Diamonds

For over 400 years, Amsterdam has been the "City of Diamonds." One of the best places to experience the thrill of diamond cutting and polishing is at Gassan Diamonds. A multilingual staff will guide you through the world of diamonds, jewelry, and watches. You'll have the opportunity to see how the Amsterdam Cut is made and be introduced to a dazzling new cut: the Gassan 121. Gassan Diamonds is located in a former steam-powered diamond factory in the center of Amsterdam. You'll watch diamond cutters at work while a guide walks you through the entire process. You'll learn all about carats, colors, clarity, and cuts, while also learning a bit of history about this Amsterdam craft. A visit to Gassan Diamonds will add a touch of brilliance to any itinerary.

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Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

If you're in Amsterdam, you must visit the Dutch national museum: the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Located in the city center, the Rijksmuseum houses an extraordinary collection of Dutch art and history. Masterpieces of the national museum; the Rijksmuseum collection presents the history of the Netherlands in an international context, from 1100 to the present day. Here are some historical and cultural icons not to be missed:

• The Night Watch ('de Nachtwacht') will take your breath away.

• Paintings by 17th-century masters, including Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.

• Dollhouses dating back to 1676.

• The finest Delftware, from tea sets to vases.

See Rijksmuseum here

 

Van Gogh

Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam:

Vincent van Gogh was the greatest Dutch post-Impressionist painter of the 19th century. His works greatly influenced 20th-century art. During his lifetime, his art was little appreciated. He managed to sell only one work. Today, the Van Gogh Museum attracts around 1.5 million visitors a year. Nowhere else in the world are so many paintings by Vincent van Gogh collected. The collection consists of over 200 canvases, 500 drawings, and 750 written documents. All of this offers a comprehensive overview of his life and work.

The Van Gogh Museum's absolute masterpieces are:

• Van Gogh's self-portraits,

• Sunflowers,

• The Potato Eaters,

• Vincent's Bedroom in Arles.

In addition to works by Vincent van Gogh, the museum has a collection on Van Gogh's life and works by his friends and artists he influenced.

Vincent Van Gogh's Village in Nuenen:

"Following in Vincent's Footsteps" ... The Vincentre is the name of the new Van Gogh Museum, a unique exhibition on Van Gogh's life in Nuenen. During your visit to the museum, you can discover how van Gogh lived and painted his masterpieces. See the Van Gogh Museum here.

Mills – Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a still-inhabited area and an open-air museum, a few kilometers north of Amsterdam. Here, you can experience firsthand how the Dutch lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. The area is made up of period houses, a shipyard, a pewter factory, a cheese factory, a century-old grocery store, clog workshops, and, most importantly, numerous windmills. About 250 years ago, over 600 windmills were packed into this relatively small area, which together constituted the first industrial site in history. They performed a wide range of industrial activities, including sawmilling, grinding ore for the production of paints and varnishes, and producing mustard, oil, and paper. Today, the mills offer breathtaking views, especially when viewed from the Zaan River. Three of these historic mills are open to the public. Zaanse Schans is pure Holland. All the Dutch icons are here: clogs, windmills, and cheese. This open-air museum attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. You won't be disappointed! See Zaanse Schans here.

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Hoge Veluwe & Kröller-Müller National Park

The Hoge Veluwe is the largest national park in the Netherlands, and includes the Kröller-Müller Museum, an art museum with a vast Van Gogh collection and sculptures, forests, and a hunting lodge. It is approximately 83 km from Amsterdam. Park visitors can use one of the 1,700 white bicycles available free of charge to explore the 26 miles of trails, which also pass through the sculpture garden. You can also stroll along the Veluwe heaths accompanied by a shepherd.
Helene Kröller-Müller's dream was to create a house museum. Thanks to her husband's money and the help of an advisor, she managed to acquire 11,500 art objects. The Kröller-Müller Museum was inaugurated in 1938 within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. The Kröller-Müller Museum offers a lot, but its main attractions are two:

The Van Gogh Collection: the largest private collection of Van Gogh works in the world (not counting the Van Gogh family collection).

The sculpture garden, which has become one of the largest in Europe. Located within the Hoge Veluwe National Park, it's astonishing to see how the sculptures, garden, and park blend together.

See the Kröller-Müller Museum here

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Frans Hals in Haarlem

In the 17th century, many wanted to see their wealth and status reflected on canvas. Portraits became very popular, and Frans Hals became known as the country's finest portrait painter. The Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem features many works by 16th- and 17th-century masters and is home to the largest collection of Frans Hals's works.

Frans Hals's Masterpieces

Frans Hals is best known for his so-called "schutterstukken," group portraits of the civil guards of the time. Being commissioned to paint their portraits was considered a true honor and a remarkable achievement. Frans Hals received commissions for five of these works.

But what made Frans Hals truly great was his ability to dare something different. His paintings were characterized by exceptional likenesses and typical settings, and they almost seemed alive. He knew how to perfectly capture the spirit of the times and keep it alive on canvas. Admiring one of his group portraits feels like disrupting a friendly gathering.

Monet and Corbet

Frans Hals's work had a significant impact in the 17th century. The great masters of Impressionism, such as Monet, Corbet, and Manet, visited the Frans Hals Museum to admire his works. Now it's your turn to discover the masterpieces of Frans Hals and his contemporaries.

Museum in Bloom

Every spring, the Frans Hals Museum is adorned with flowers. Volunteers decorate the rooms and corridors with fresh bouquets and other floral decorations. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers are expertly arranged in various vases from the museum's collection and displayed to the public.

A museum at two locations

Since March 30, 2018, the Frans Hals Museum and De Hallen have merged under one name, with the aim of demonstrating that art history tells a constantly evolving story. Contemporary art only takes on meaning when compared to the art that preceded it, and the juxtaposition of artworks from different eras tells new stories and enriches the viewer's experience. At both locations, you can visit exhibitions in which ancient art meets modern art, establishing interesting and stimulating relationships. See the Frans Hals Museum here.
 

CURIOSITY

• A quarter of the Netherlands lies below sea level.

• There are approximately 1,000 historic mills still in operation in the Netherlands.

• Despite making up only 0.008% of the world's land area, the Netherlands is the third-largest exporter of agricultural products after the US and France, yet only 5% of the population works in agriculture.

• The Dutch's favorite candy is called "drop" licorice and is salty.

• The Dutch are the tallest people in Europe.

• Amsterdam is built entirely on stilts.

• Every Dutch person owns a bicycle, and the number of bicycles is double that of cars.

• The Netherlands has the highest concentration of museums in the world; Amsterdam alone has 42.

• In the province of Friesland, there are as many cows as inhabitants.

• The highest point in the Netherlands is at an altitude of 321 meters and is called "Mount."

• Amsterdam is The capital of the Netherlands, but the government is based in The Hague.

• Rotterdam is the world's largest seaport.

• Amsterdam is home to people of 200 different nationalities.

• Amsterdam has 1,281 bridges.

• The Dutch are the second largest coffee consumers in the world, surpassed only by Scandinavians.

• From 2005 to 2008, nearly 30% of children were born at home.

• One in 10 Dutch people between the ages of 15 and 20 has smoked marijuana in the last month (one of the lowest percentages in Europe).

• In the Netherlands, one in 50 people is of Moroccan origin.
   

Tulips & Keukenhof

The vast expanses of colorful tulips that fill the Dutch fields in spring remain so beloved by tourists that they have become a powerful symbol of the country. The name tulip derives from the word "turban," and indeed the flower itself takes on almost that shape. However, its origins are not Dutch, but rather, they bloomed spontaneously in the regions of Iran. From there, they were brought to the Netherlands, where they enjoyed enormous success, giving rise to a veritable "collective mania" for this flower, a passion that has cultivated over time to the point where it has become one of the country's greatest symbols. In the Netherlands, tulips are present year-round, but especially during the flowering period, in late April-early May, they can be found everywhere, and not only can you admire them but you can also buy them at very low prices.

Keukenhof is the most beautiful spring park in the world! Seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths enliven an area of over 32 hectares with their scents and colors. The pavilions feature 30 flower and plant exhibits. The seven inspirational gardens offer insights and an overview of the latest gardening trends. The many works of art in the park are enhanced by the displays among the flowers. The park is only open for 8 weeks (from mid-March to mid-May). An experience not to be missed!

See the Tulip Park here
 

Frisian Islands

North of the Dutch mainland, along the border between the Wadden Sea and the North Sea, lie five Dutch islands, known as the Frisian Islands. Starting from the one closest to the mainland, the islands are Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog. Situated one after another, the series ends with two small, uninhabited islands, Rottumeroog and Rottumerplaat. The islands welcome a total of approximately 1,137,300 visitors annually (2008) from both the Netherlands and abroad. In 2009, the Frisian Islands were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Each of the Frisian Islands has its own unique character, linked to its history, population, size, landscape, and diverse recreational offerings. Many tourists are drawn to the islands in search of relaxation, nature, and long hiking or cycling tours. Texel and Terschelling fill up with groups of young people in the summer.
The Frisian Islands are rich in diverse landscapes: wide beaches, vast dunes and marshlands, pastures, and even coniferous and deciduous forests. The Wadden Sea is the largest and most important tidal wetland and has the largest system of coastal ridges and mudflats. The nutrient-rich water makes the Wadden Sea a kind of "incubator" not only for fish but also for marine mammals such as the harbor seal and the grey seal. The Wadden Sea region is also an important stopover for migratory birds. Around 10 to 12 million birds migrate from their breeding grounds in Siberia and Scandinavia to their wintering grounds in Europe or Africa, stopping in the West Frisian Islands to replenish their fat reserves. Up to 6.1 million birds can be found in the Wadden Sea area at the same time; Texel is the largest spoonbill colony in the Netherlands. The islands also boast numerous unique plant species.
With such a rich flora and fauna, it's no wonder the Frisian Islands are a popular destination for tourists, who come here to find tranquility and admire nature. Professional tour guides are available for walking tours in the Wadden Sea at low tide (Wadlopen). In addition to the numerous hikes on the islands, there is also an extensive network of cycling paths. The distances are accessible to all, the landscape is diverse, and with kilometers of cycling paths, the islands, with little car traffic, are perfect for a relaxing bike ride. Nature lovers who enjoy a challenge can combine cycling in the Wadlopen with sailing from island to island.

The Frisian Islands are easily and quickly accessible from the mainland. Two double-decker ferries depart every hour from Den Helder for a twenty-minute crossing to Texel. Vlieland and Terschelling can be reached from Harlingen via either the express service (approximately 45 minutes) or the regular service (up to 120 minutes). Ameland can be reached from Holwerd in about 45 minutes, and the ferry departs from Lauwersoog four times a day. Special boats allow visitors to visit several islands in a single tour, a practice known as 'Wadden hopping'.

 

The Great North – Authentic Holland

The province of North Holland (Noord-Holland) boasts numerous traditional villages along the shores of Lake IJsselmeer. Here, in addition to water sports and fishing, you can cycle along the coast, one of the most beautiful routes in the Netherlands. You'll pass picturesque and lively towns, whose foundation dates back to 1602, the same year as the Dutch East India Company.

The island community of Marken was only connected to the mainland in 1957, when the local dike was built. Many residents still wear traditional costumes, and many of the older houses were built on promontories to protect them from flooding. If you want to spend a day immersed in the typical Dutch atmosphere and landscape, you can take a trip to Monnickendam. Nearby Broek in Waterland is a beautiful 17th-century town surrounded by magnificent scenery. Volendam's folk atmosphere is more alive than ever! Among the main attractions are the traditional costume exhibition and fresh fish, which can be enjoyed near the small harbor. The town also boasts many unusual houses. Be careful not to get lost in the maze of alleys and streets. A short distance away is Edam, with a rich nautical history and best known for its cheese of the same name. Just like in Alkmaar and Gouda, you can visit the cheese market here during the summer. The history of Enkhuizen comes to life at the Zuiderzeemuseum, a museum accessible only by water, where typical Zuiderzee houses, shops, and factories have been recreated. The Beemster was the first polder in the Netherlands and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this area are Graft and De Rijp, two truly beautiful villages.

Cheese & Alkmaar

The Alkmaar cheese market is, of course, the town's main attraction. Every Friday from April to September, starting at 10:00 a.m., you can observe how cheese has been traded for centuries, always using the same methods. If you visit Alkmaar, you absolutely cannot miss this lively folkloric spectacle held on Waagplein square.

As early as 1365, when there was only one weighing house, cheese was traded on Waagplein square. Early in the morning, the cheese wheels are arranged in long lines, and inspectors and traders check for visual perfection. Approximately 30,000 kilos of cheese, equivalent to 2,200 wheels, then await the arrival of buyers.
Characters inextricably linked to this market are, of course, the cheese carriers. However, the "placers," the "pullers," and the "weighers" are also important figures. They all belong to a guild that keeps many traditions alive. The Alkmaar Cheese Market is an interesting event that deserves to be explored in more depth.

 

The Great Dam

The Great Dam (= Afsluitdijk), or "dam," was built between 1925 and 1933. The dam is 32 km long, 90 m wide, and reaches a height of 7.25 m above sea level. It connects the province of North Holland (village of Den Oever, in the municipality of Wieringen) with the province of Friesland (village of Zurich, municipality of Wunseradiel) and is crossed by a highway. Around the sixteenth kilometer, halfway along the dam, there is a refreshment point with parking, a bar, rest areas, and a structure with a flyover that allows pedestrians to cross the highway and admire the view. It was inaugurated by Queen Wilhelmina on May 28, 1932. The Great Dam is the most important of the Zuiderzee Dams, which separated The Zuiderzee inlet from the North Sea, transforming it into a freshwater lake and allowing the reclamation of the territories that now constitute the province of Flevoland.

Polder

A polder is a Dutch invention that forever changed the face of the Netherlands and has subsequently been used in various other parts of the world. A polder is a stretch of sea artificially drained through dikes and water drainage systems. The Netherlands is so called because a large portion of its territory is below sea level. To increase the land needed for agriculture and a growing population, the Dutch built increasingly larger and more ingenious dikes and canals. The hydraulic engineering works needed to overcome the sea began in the Middle Ages, with the construction of the first wooden, earth, and stone dikes to protect the land from flooding. The first experiments in draining stretches of coastal marshland or open sea were carried out in the 12th century around the city of Bruges. The technique was perfected primarily by the Dutch. in the following centuries. Today, over half of the world's land surface obtained using polder techniques is located in the Netherlands. With this system, still in place, the Netherlands has increased its territory by approximately 7,000 km2 (the entire surface area of Umbria, for example, is 8,500 km2). One of the most significant examples of polders is the Beemster polder, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, created in 1612 in North Holland. It owes its fame to its careful planning according to Renaissance-style criteria and to its almost complete preservation of its original state. In the 17th century, the refinement of techniques led to the introduction of windmills, which exploited the force of the wind to suck up water and then discharge the remaining water into the sea within the dikes. Today, this task is carried out by large electrically operated pumps, known as pumping stations, capable of evacuating hundreds of thousands of litres of water per minute. Among the works that "stole" large areas from the sea in the 20th century is the North Dike (1600 m long). 30 km) transformed the Zuiderzee gulf into a freshwater lake, the IJsselmeer.

 

The Hague (= Den Haag)

The Hague is one of the most extraordinary cities in the Netherlands. Not only because it is the seat of government, but also because of its numerous monuments, historic neighborhoods, and location near the coast. The Hague is also known as "the city of peace and justice" and is called the royal residence, as many members of the Dutch royal family live there.

Het Plein and Grote Markt squares, lined with cozy bars and restaurants, are bustling every day of the week. The wide selection of shops matches the city's diversity. Here you'll find everything from luxury department stores with the most prestigious international brands to small boutiques and trinket shops located in lively alleys. The Hague also offers a wealth of world-class art and culture.

Finally, The Hague proves that a modern skyline can coexist perfectly with an ancient historic center. A true gem is Scheveningen Beach, the most famous seaside resort on the Dutch coast, where you can sunbathe in the summer and take a breath of fresh air in the winter. You haven't truly seen Holland until you've visited The Hague!

For more information, see this article on WHERE to go here.

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