The total land area of the country is 33,720 square kilometers, giving it a population density of 508 people per square kilometer. Better start saving up for that dream car, people! The Netherlands is notoriously flat and around 40 per cent of the country actually lies below sea-level. The lowest point, meanwhile, is Zuidplaspolder, which is 7m below sea level. Watch later. In the Oxfam Food Index of 125 countries, they rank number one for having the most plentiful, nutritious, healthy, and affordable food; above France and Switzerland. The main dike project here is called Delta Works which is a series of cutting-edge dam systems which control all the water entering the area from the neighboring North Sea. There is also an aquarium section that was built in 1882 that features diverse species like sharks, eel, and colorful tropical fish. Efteling is the biggest amusement park in the Netherlands and is located at Kaatsheuvel. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Amazingly, the transformation was purely political. That said, the occasional plate of bitterballen won’t do too much damage, right? Beatrix decided to keep Queen’s Day on this date to honor her mother. It perfectly blends classic European charm with modern development. Are you moving to the Netherlands but can’t speak a word of Dutch? 17. Now, here’s a rather surprising fact about the Netherlands. The Dutch have been wearing these hard shoes (or klompen) since medieval times to protect their feet while doing hard labor. As well as scoring major points for health and happiness, the Dutch are also the most physically active population in Europe. Dutch is the sole official language of the Netherlands, although English is also spoken by the majority of the population. It sprawls across more than 35 acres and has 900 different species of animals many of which are housed in ornate and spacious compounds that were designed in the 19th century. Phew! The castle sits atop Dwingelrots or Castle Rock and you can also take in the neighboring 14th century basilica called St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica. In the 1630s, ‘Tulip Mania’ gripped the Netherlands, and prices rose until bulbs cost as much as houses! That works out at more than 2,000g per person; the highest per capita consumption of licorice in the world. 15 Top Things to Do in The Netherlands By Dhruvalakshmi Paithankar on Aug 24, 2018 * Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and book something (there is never any extra cost to you for using these links). And is it true they’re all hooked on licorice? Luckily for people living in the Netherlands, the Dutch are pretty savvy when it comes to pumping the land dry using an intricate system of windmills, pumping stations, polders, and dikes. This is absolutely not to be missed if you are in Amsterdam and offers a poignant and personal view on this well known story. Here you can see how an old wooden windmill works as well as view live clog making demonstrations. A small fishing village, Volendam is full of traditional Dutch delights such as wooden houses, clogs, and scenic landscapes. That being said, it’s the perfect kind of place for a long weekend break, too. Some of the signature attractions for cheese lovers here include a large cheese market and a famous cheese-weighing hall. Things to look out for at the church include the dominating bell tower which is the highest in Holland and contains 51 bells as well as the ornate wooden pulpit and the huge pipe organ. With no fewer than 4,861 direct flights every week, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers the greatest direct connectivity of all European airports. Yes, it’s true. People are often confused about whether to refer to ‘the Netherlands’ or ‘Holland’ when talking about the low-lying country. Just some of the sights include a shipyard, a grocery store, a pewter factory, and a range of dainty green wooden houses. The city is a placed a meter or so below sea-level. This decline is thought to be connected with an increase in the demand for pain relief which can’t be administered at home. Copy link. The park is divided up into different zones that are known as realms and each one focuses on a different ancient myth or legend. 34. And with a whopping six million of them being produced each year, you certainly won’t have any trouble finding your size – that’s if you’re bold enough to wear them! Dutch brewers exported $2.1 billion worth of beer in 2019, with almost 40% going to US markets. Discover more interesting facts about the country in our brief introduction to the Netherlands. Each of the fun tourist destinations included in our list of top cities are easily accessible to visitors via public transit, often with journey times of less than an hour (you can even get to the country's largest and most visited city, Amsterdam, via high-speed train from London in just a few hours). Whether you are looking for top things to do in Amsterdam Netherlands or unique things to do in Colorado Netherlands, the country has everything to fulfill your travel cravings. The annual study ranks 156 countries, taking into account factors such as healthy life expectancy, freedom, trust, corruption, and social support. Dutch men are also the tallest globally, standing on average at 182.53cm. Grote Kerk is found in The Hague and is a large church that is built from red brick in Gothic style. This includes the clever (if not so elegant) bakfiets which combine a bike with a large container at the front to transport children, pets, and shopping. While Amsterdam Centrum is famous for its picturesque canal ring, it’s also home to thousands of historical … Windmills are everywhere in the Netherlands. Netherlands March 20, 2020 July 16, 2020. Other Dutch airports can be found in Maastricht, Rotterdam, Groningen, and Eindhoven. This is largely owing to the fantastic infrastructure throughout the country, which allows people to walk and cycle for work or fun. Others, such as Molen de Valk in Leiden, meanwhile, are used to grind grain into flour. A total of 104 airlines fly to 97 countries and 332 direct destinations from Schiphol. And more than 40% of the total population of the country live in the Randstad; an agglomeration of the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Share. Oude Haven is the Old Harbor in Rotterdam which happens to be the oldest port in the Netherlands having first started operations in 1350. As of 2012, they are not permitted to sell hard drugs, sell cannabis to minors, advertise drugs, or sell large quantities (over 5g of cannabis) in a single transaction. The best places to enjoy nature in the Netherlands Holland has glorious landscapes and areas of natural beauty to offer, from heath and forests to seaside idylls. Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a riot of color with blooms of every hue as far as the eye can see. The 75-year-old monarch signed the instrument of abdication in Amsterdam, announcing that her son was ready to reign and that it was time for the throne to be held by a new generation. Dating from the 13th century the hall backs on to a huge courtyard covered in cobbles and this is considered to be one of the centers of Dutch politics in the modern day as this is also the spot where the Opening of Parliament ceremony is conducted every year. If you want to see the whole of the Netherlands but don’t have time then travel to Madurodam in The Hague. As well as being one of the happiest nations on the planet, the Dutch are also one of the healthiest when it comes to diet and nutrition. This is good news if you are single and seeking a tall, (not so) dark, and handsome man in the Netherlands! 19.9k. Tulips are the signature flowers of this country and the Garden of Europe just outside of Lisse is the largest public garden anywhere in the world. The home has been restored although the hiding place in which the family lived is much as it would have been when Anne Frank lived here. Instead, it was held on her mother’s birthday on 30 April. This compares to just 2% in the UK. Zaanse Schans is located around 15 kilometers to the north of Amsterdam and is styled as an open-air museum where you can take a stroll around a traditional Dutch village and find out how ancient craftsmen would have worked. The Netherlands has the best work-life balance of 38 countries tracked by the OECD Better Life Index. So if you want to grow a few inches taller, it might be worth hitting the Dutch cheese markets! Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a happening night life, it can easily be found in this country. Yes, you read that right. Over 100,000 bikes are reported stolen each year in the Netherlands, so be careful where you park your wheels. Due to its relatively small size it is easy to visit the Netherlands fairly quickly and to see a lot of the country in a short space of time. There are 19 windmills here that date from 1722-1761 and this is the largest group of these structures anywhere in the Netherlands. The park is covered in woodland and features other quirky exhibits such as a sculpture park, and just some of the residents you will find in the park include red and roe deer. This unusual geography is deeply intertwined with Dutch history and has helped to produce many things that are commonly associated with the Netherlands including the … Historically, Holland was the area that contributed the most to the Dutch kingdom’s economy and wealth; thus becoming a common name to indicate the entire country, although used incorrectly. The Crazy Tourist – 25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands. One of the most interesting facts about Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is that it is built on eleven million poles. Crowds of visitors flock to the town every year to take in its picture-postcard worthy attractions such as traditional painted wooden houses as well as fishing boats. Like many windmills in the Netherlands, this also includes a museum and invites guests to peek inside and learn about its history. This drop-loving nation can’t get enough of the stuff and consume around 32 million kilos of it every year! Situated in the north of the Netherlands is Volendam which makes a great day trip if you are also visiting neighboring Amsterdam. The company also developed and popularized many home electronics in Europe, such as TVs and blenders. The Netherlands is often thought of as a small country primarily made up of small towns and cities but actually it has some wonderful national parks. Independent of those things, the Netherlands still provide the perfect European experience. 30 surprising facts about the Netherlands, the Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Things to do in the Netherlands – The ultimate Top 50! The airport is 100% government-owned and handles around 60 million passengers per year. Much of the museum focuses on traditional Dutch artifacts like ancient handicrafts and sculptures from the medieval period but you will also find exciting modern art. The train station of Amsterdam Centraal alone needs 9000 poles to be supported whereas a normal house needs only 10. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is an ode to one of the greatest artists ever to have lived. This makes the Netherlands the most densely populated country in the EU and one of the most densely populated countries in the world. UNESCO World Heritage Site 2. Limburgish, Dutch Low Saxon, and Gronings are also minority languages, although these are often only heard across the Dutch-German border where they belong to a common Dutch-German dialect continuum. These clunky shoes were ideal as they are sturdy, waterproof, and easy to clean. Gin (or jenever) was actually invented in the Netherlands in the 16th century and reportedly became popular in Great Britain after William of Orange (King William III) occupied the English, Scottish, and Irish thrones with his wife Mary. You can visit from April to October and there are designated times throughout the year when the sails of the windmills spin and you can see them in all their glory. Here you will find a mini version of the Netherlands on a 1:25 scale and you can see all the county’s top destinations including cute windmills, main landmarks, and decorative features like bridges. The Netherlands has a lot more cool cities and towns that are worth visiting than you would think! Labyrint Drielandenpunt . Others, meanwhile, flock to one of the most famous places to visit in the Netherlands, the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, to marvel at the spectacular sea of tulips. Not so chill after all. Where to Stay in The Hague. Whether you’re living in the Netherlands or just visiting, learning some fun facts about the country will help you get to know it better; not to mention impress your friends at your next trivia night. What is it like to work in the Netherlands? One of the other iconic structures located on the harbor is Het Witte Huis or the White House which has the claim to fame of having been the first skyscraper in Europe. Windmills. Although you will still sometimes see them in the fields in rural areas of the Netherlands, nowadays they are largely sold as tourist souvenirs. This is due to … Info. https://housinganywhere.com/Netherlands/living-in-the-netherlands It is also one of the oldest theme... 2. The Netherlands is often incorrectly referred to as Holland, and is one of the most vibrant and interesting countries in Europe. If you like licorice, then you’ll literally feel like a kid in a sweetshop in the Netherlands. Other attractions include the Technology Museum and the Markt which is the main traditional market that opens every Thursday. That was until January 2020 when the Dutch government officially dropped its country’s nickname, ‘Holland’, referring to itself as The Netherlands, in an effort to rebrand its ‘international image’. Getting out into the countryside is often one of the highlights of a trip for many, especially if you visit famous areas like the traditional villages that are filled with iconic windmills and tulips. They come for the famous artworks, unique architecture and historic cities and canals. You will also find some graceful windmills although out of the 600 that would have dotted the area in the days of old, only 5 now remain and can be visited by the public. Now, every third Saturday in January, the Dutch celebrate National Tulip Day – the official start of the tulip season – with free flower picking and flower festivals. That said, they are becoming less common than they were in the 1990s. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. There are also displays of how life on houseboats has changed and pictures of the canals as they would have been in the days of old. Today, it is the Netherlands’ oldest shopping arcade and has official UNESCO monument status. In The Hague, most of the main attractions and architectural landmarks lie between the city centre and the sea so it makes sense to base yourself here if you’re visiting for the first time. Another fun fact about the Netherlands centers around the country’s national holiday, King’s Day (or Koningsdag). One of the best ways to take in the scenery is by bicycle and fortunately much of the Netherlands is flat which means you can easily navigate the landscape and enjoy the great Dutch outdoors. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. It is estimated that less than 400,000 people speak Frisian, which is also an official language in the northern province of Friesland. This means virtually banning petrol- and diesel-powered cars in favor of battery-powered vehicles. This is what first made us fall... 2. The little village of Marken is known for being one of the prettiest spots in the Netherlands, particularly thanks to its strategic location on the Ijsselmeer Lake. You may change your settings at any time. There are also other areas such as the Raveleijn which is a magical world with a nightly performance that tells the story of 5 siblings who battle and defeat an evil monster. Most tourists only visit Amsterdam, but there is more to explore in this tiny country. Municipalities can determine whether to allow coffee shops to operate within their boundaries and if so, how many. And it appears that the jovial Dutch have plenty to be thankful for, scoring high levels of social and institutional trust, as well as social connection. If you are in, or are going to, the Netherlands this is the video for you. The museum is located in a building that dates from the 17th century and has a wide display of sex related memorabilia. The main reason to come here is to take in the beautiful windmills that date from the 18th century and this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the Dutch flag being red, white, and blue, orange is actually the national color. It stands as an important city for many reasons including being the birthplace of the EU and the Euro currency. Volendam is so pretty that is was painted by greats like Renoir and Picasso and it has a dainty harbor that backs on to fisherman’s houses and more canals. Speaking of the king, Willem-Alexander is known to have a passion for flying. Share Tweet Pinterest Flipboard Pocket Whatsapp Mail. The pretty waterways are one of the best loved attractions in Amsterdam and you can explore the idyllic routes by taking a boat tour or a water taxi that lets you hop around a range of locations. And when it was time to replace the VHS in 1997, Philips created the DVD. The cute town of Delft is nestled in between The Hague and Rotterdam and makes a great day trip. #9. You won’t find many things more iconically Dutch than a pair of wooden clogs. This later evolved into the Blu-ray disk.
Master Of None Thanksgiving Episode, John Kotter Amazon, Most Retweeted Tweet 2012, Playmobil Food Truck 70075, Mexican F1 Drivers 2021, Official Instagram Bio, And Here I'll Stay Lyrics,
Leave a Comment