There aren’t many countries with so much land below sea level. There aren’t many – if any – countries this flat. There aren’t many countries with so much reclaimed land. There aren’t many countries this densely populated, and yet so liberal. There aren’t many countries with so much water and wind, or so many boats, sails, bikes, birds, dykes, polders, windmills, flowers, fish, bridges, cafés, cheese – and tall people. And there certainly aren’t many countries who can claim such a vibrant colour (vivid orange in this case) as their own. Simply put, there is no place like the Netherlands.
Start with the Dutch cities. Who hasn’t heard of Amsterdam, the capital of culture, coffeeshops and canals? Its mesmerising beauty is hard to overestimate, and yet a surfeit of stunning metropoles are only hours, or even minutes, away by train. Haarlem, Groningen City, Rotterdam, Utrecht City, Den Haag, Leiden, Delft, Maastricht – the list seems endless, a mind-boggling concept considering the size of this small nation.
Outside the cities, the Netherlands once again borders on over-achievement. Its bucolic splendour of national parks and sheep-patrolled polders is perfectly complimented by shimmering lakes, sandy coastlines, and a chain of windswept islands. Best of all, it can all be seen from the comfort of a bicycle seat.
As we’ve already said, there’s no place like the Netherlands. But don’t take our word for it; come join the Dutch in their gezellig ways – you won’t be disappointed.
Quote from LP, till then I realize how nice it would be to visit this small but fantastic country!! Maybe more could be found and could be felt after you are really there. Yap, I am on my way!
Top Picks For The Netherlands
1 Amsterdam
The Dutch capital: an achingly beautiful hedonistic playground, complete with world-class museums and galleries
2 Haarlem
Pint-sized city with oodles of charm, excellent museums, and historical significance
3 Hoge Veluwe National Park
Astounding parkland with an art museum of epic proportions smack bang in the middle of it all
4 Maastricht
Unique Dutch city with a medieval heart, vibrant nightlife and hills
5 Delft
Delightful town, home to Vermeer and distinctive blue-and-white pottery
6 Edam
Picture-perfect town and namesake of that famous Dutch cheese
7 Rotterdam
Architecture, architecture and more architecture – and a couple of clubs here and there
8 Texel Island
Diverse island offering beaches, forests, sand dunes, walking, cycling and a plethora of comfy beds
9 Delta Project
Epitome of Dutch endeavour, creating huge dykes and dams, and protection from floods
10 Frisian Islands
String of islands with pristine beaches, miles of cycling and walking paths, and plenty of spots to lose the crowds
11 Groningen
Party central of the north, and home to one of the country’s most architecturally bizarre museums
12 Weerribben National Park
Surreal wetland oasis favoured by migrating birds and nature lovers
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