The Netherlands, though a small country, captivates visitors and admirers worldwide. But what makes the Netherlands truly special goes far beyond its beautiful canals and charming villages.
Having been born and raised in this beautiful country, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for Dutch culture and what makes it so unique over the years. Personally, I love the canals, find peace in the Dutch countryside, and, of course, have tasted my way through countless varieties of Dutch cheeses!
So Actually What Makes The Netherlands So Special To Visit?
What’s fascinating about the Netherlands is how the Dutch have approached social issues with a forward-thinking mindset. Their pragmatic drug policies reflect a nation that isn’t afraid to lead the way. Additionally, when it comes to languages, the Dutch are truly impressive, effortlessly switching between multiple languages, showcasing their global outlook.
However, it’s not just the people that make the Netherlands special. The country’s landscapes resemble something out of a postcard—think iconic windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and the lively energy of its bustling cities. All this exists in a place that’s largely below sea level, a feat made possible by their world-renowned water management skills. It’s a destination where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand, creating a story that’s as captivating as it is unique.
1.Iconic Windmills:
The Netherlands is famous for its windmills, which have graced the landscape since the Middle Ages. Dating back to 1221, these structures played crucial roles in land reclamation and water management. Over the years, windmills powered various industries, including paper production and shipbuilding. Although their numbers have dwindled from over 9,000 in the 19th century to around 1,200 today, the remaining windmills offer visitors a glimpse into Dutch history and engineering. Many are open to the public, especially during National Windmill Day in May.
2.Tulip Fields:
The Netherlands is famous for its beautiful tulip fields, which burst into vibrant color each spring from mid-April to early May. This stunning display attracts visitors worldwide. The Bollenstreek region, stretching from Haarlem to Leiden, is especially known for its scenic tulip routes, ideal for cyclists and walkers looking to enjoy the floral beauty.
3.Canals
The Netherlands is known for its extensive canal network, especially in Amsterdam, which has more canals than Venice with over 100 kilometers of waterways. Built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, these canals were key to the city’s development and economy. The UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, or Grachtengordel, features beautiful mansions, charming bridges, and cozy cafés. Today, the canals are used for tourism, recreation, and sustainable transportation, generating over €2 billion in annual revenue and supporting around 50,000 jobs.
4.Fietsenstalling
The Netherlands is also well-known for its impressive number of bicycles, particularly its bicycle parking solutions, called “fietsenstalling.” These facilities are crucial in a country with more bikes than people. Utrecht train station features a remarkable parking garage that can hold 12,500 bicycles, far surpassing the largest cycle hub in the UK.
5.Exploring Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum that brings Dutch history to life, showcasing the 18th and 19th centuries. Located just a short trip from Amsterdam, it features traditional windmills, wooden houses, and workshops. With 11 functioning windmills, including De Huisman for spices and De Kat for paint pigments, visitors can discover the region’s industrial heritage. The site also includes a cheese farm, clog workshop, and bakery museum, offering a rich experience of Dutch crafts and culinary traditions.
6.Dutch Tolerance:
The Netherlands is recognized for its spirit of tolerance, which is rooted in its history and culture. This approach has economic benefits, as embracing diversity supports business growth.
In Amsterdam, this multicultural atmosphere is evident in various restaurants and shops. The country’s progressive views on religious freedom and personal liberties also make it a safe haven for those escaping persecution.
7.Dutch Cheese:
The Dutch are renowned for their exceptional cheese production, making the Netherlands the world’s top cheese exporter. Cheese, or “kaas,” is a key part of the economy and a major draw for visitors. Gouda, the most famous Dutch cheese, represents over half of the country’s cheese production.
8.Herring (Haring):
The Netherlands is famous for its unique approach to preparing and consuming herring. This small, silvery fish, abundant in northern Atlantic and Pacific waters, holds a special place in Dutch cuisine and culture. The Dutch method of preserving herring, known as “maatjesharing,” involves a specific process called “gekaakt” (gibbing).
9.Delft Blue Pottery:
The Netherlands is also unique for its iconic Delft Blue pottery, a type of tin-glazed earthenware that originated in the city of Delft during the 17th century. This distinctive blue-and-white pottery features intricate designs, often depicting floral patterns, landscapes, and scenes from daily life. During the Dutch Golden Age, Delft Blue became highly sought after, with numerous workshops and factories in Delft producing these ceramics.
10.Wooden Clogs:
The Netherlands is well-known for its iconic wooden shoes, called clogs or “klompen.” These traditional shoes have been part of Dutch culture since medieval times, with the oldest known pair dating back to 1230. Made from lightweight poplar wood, clogs offer excellent insulation, keeping feet warm in winter and cool in summer, and they are waterproof, making them ideal for the Netherlands’ wet climate. Remarkably, clogs are also certified as legal safety footwear, able to withstand up to 300 kg of pressure.
11.Stroopwafels:
The Netherlands is famous for its delicious stroopwafels, which are sweet treats made of two thin, round wafers filled with caramel syrup. Originating in Gouda in the early 19th century, they were initially called “poor people’s cookies.” Today, stroopwafels are enjoyed worldwide and even featured in some international fast-food chains. Traditionally, they are placed atop a hot drink to warm the syrup and soften the waffle. Recently, they’ve also gained popularity among athletes as a convenient energy source during workouts and competitions.
12.Cycling Culture:
As told above, the Netherlands is renowned for its strong cycling culture, which is integral to daily life. With over 35,000 km of dedicated bike paths, the country is a cyclist’s paradise and one of the safest places to ride in Europe.
13.Dutch Apple Pie:
The Netherlands is famous for its delicious Dutch apple pie, a cherished dessert in the country’s culinary tradition. This iconic treat features a crumbly, buttery crust filled with chunky apple slices, often spiced with cinnamon and sometimes including sultanas. Its deep dish style, with options for a lattice or crumb topping, sets it apart from other apple pies.
14.Olliebollen:
Delicious oliebollen also makes the Netherlands special. These deep-fried pastries, often filled with raisins or apples and dusted with powdered sugar, are a key part of Dutch New Year’s Eve celebrations. Oliebollenkramen (stalls) appear before Christmas, offering this fluffy-on-the-inside, crunchy-on-the-outside treat. A must-try for visitors to Amsterdam, oliebollen come in both traditional plain or raisin-filled varieties, while modern versions include Nutella, pastry cream, and rum to cater to diverse tastes.
15.Heineken:
The Netherlands is famous for Heineken, a globally recognized beer brand. Founded in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken in Amsterdam, it has grown into one of the largest brewers worldwide, with over 165 breweries in more than 70 countries. Heineken produces a range of international and specialty beers, showcasing Dutch brewing expertise.
16.Liberal Policies:
The Netherlands is known for its progressive social policies, rooted in the 19th century. Key reforms include LGBTQ+ rights, decriminalization of soft drugs, euthanasia legalization, and same-sex marriage. These policies reflect the country’s commitment to personal freedom and social equality, making it a global leader in progressive governance.
17.Red Light District:
The Netherlands’ Red Light District, known as De Wallen in Amsterdam, is a historic area famous for its regulated sex work. Dating back to 1385, it features around 300 cabins where sex workers operate under legal protection, part of laws introduced in 2000. The district is a major tourist attraction, with its mix of sex shows, adult entertainment, and a surprisingly open atmosphere.
18.Royal Palace of Amsterdam:
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, or Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam, is a historic landmark on Dam Square. Originally built as a city hall during the Dutch Golden Age, it was converted into a royal residence by Louis Bonaparte in 1808. With its classical architecture and rich decor, the palace now hosts official events and offers tours to the public. Visitors can explore areas like the Citizen’s Hall and Throne Room, while enjoying artwork and special exhibits. The palace is open daily from June to September, providing audio tours and family-friendly experiences.
19.King’s Day Celebrations:
King’s Day, celebrated on April 27th, is one of the Netherlands’ most vibrant national holidays, honoring the Dutch monarch’s birthday. Cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht come alive with street parties, live music, and boat parades, as crowds dressed in orange flood the streets. Traditional games, flea markets, and festive events fill the day, while the royal family visits a different city each year to join the celebrations.
20.Giethoorn: The Venice of the North:
Giethoorn, often called the “Venice of the North,” is a charming, road-free village in the Netherlands known for its canals and thatched-roof houses. With around one million visitors each year, its 176 bridges and serene waterways offer a peaceful retreat. Visitors can explore the village by boat, with eco-friendly electric vessels or guided tours providing historical insights.
21.Dutch Masters:
The Netherlands is famous for its significant contribution to art, especially through the Dutch Masters of the 17th century. Renowned painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals are celebrated for their skillful use of light, detail, and emotion. Their works, from intimate portraits to grand landscapes, reflect the prosperity of the Dutch Golden Age. Major museums, such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Mauritshuis in The Hague, house extensive collections of these masterpieces, drawing art lovers from around the world.
22.Van Gogh Museum:
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam offers visitors a unique opportunity to step into the world of Vincent van Gogh. The permanent exhibition showcases the artist’s masterpieces, including iconic works like “Sunflowers,” “Almond Blossom,” “The Bedroom,” and “The Potato Eaters.” Visitors can explore Van Gogh’s artistic development, ambitions, and personal interpretations of nature through his paintings, drawings, and letters. The museum also highlights the artist’s influence on subsequent generations, featuring works by artists like Maurice de Vlaminck and Kees
Conclusion
The Netherlands blends tradition and innovation, with iconic windmills, tulip fields, and progressive policies. Its cycling culture and water management showcase Dutch ingenuity, while rich cultural heritage attracts visitors. Known for tolerance, the Netherlands continues to inspire globally with its forward-thinking approach.
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