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Holidays in the Netherlands

The Netherlands (a.k.a. Holland) is home to never ending scenic landscapes and archaic castles. Small wonder it inspired painters like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Piet Mondrian, the list just goes on!

The major cities of The Netherlands i.e. Amsterdam (the capital), Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Utrecht, Groningen and Maastricht are much savoured tourist spots that you should visit given half a chance. Interestingly, you will be below sea level, while you are in the Netherlands not under water though! The country is best explored walking but if thats not your cup of tea, you can rent a bike and cycle round.

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Area: 41,500 sq km

Population: 16 million

Capital City: Amsterdam

People: About 83% of the population are Dutch most of the rest are Indonesian, Surinamese, Moroccan, Turkish or Antillian.

Language: Dutch, Frisian

Religion: Christian (52%) (Roman Catholic and Protestant), Muslim (5.3%). Fully 40% of the Dutch say they have no religious affiliation.

Time Zone: GMT/UTC + 1 (Central European Time)

Dialling Code: 31

Electricity: 230V ,50Hz

Weights & measures: Metric

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History

All the major European kingdoms of the by-gone era have had a brief stint in Holland at one time or another. It was ruled in succession by the Romans, Franks, Hapsburgs and Spaniards. Till the year 1815, Holland was divided into North and the South and included Belgium. In 1815, the divisions were combined to form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Later in the year 1830, Belgium separated and formed its own kingdom. During the 17th century, due to their prosperity, the Dutch started establishing colonies in countries like India, Java and Sumatra. Holland has always remained a neutral country, though it was occupied by Germany during the Second World War. On a lighter note, Holland has churned out innumerable painters in different eras over the centuries. In recent years, the country has seen vast improvements in trade, with fishing as one of its chief occupations. It is the third largest exporter of food, a startling fact for a country of its size! It also houses the International Court of Justice at The Hague. This is the only UN organisation which is not officially established in New York. The Netherlands is a member of the European Union and was also an active partner in the introduction of the Euro in 1999.

Places to visit

Amsterdam

This will probably be the first city you enter if you are flying from Britain, landing at Schipol airport. It won't take long to realise its one of the most happening cities in Europe and there is plenty to do and see.

The city is dotted with numerous museums (50 of them), features timeless masterpieces of Van Gogh, Rembrandt and the like. Among the fascinating old buildings, the Dam Square is an historical site that also houses the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace).

Amsterdam is inundated with bridges, thanks to the canal that runs through its heart. The Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is a popular site as it opens every 20 minutes to let boats through. There is also the Artis Zoo, housing animals, a botanical garden and a play area for kids. A boat ride around town is well worth a try, one of those experiences that shouldn't be missed. Take a stroll over to Leidseplein at sunset; this area comes to life at night.

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Rotterdam

The Dutch proudly call it the City of Architecture. It is also the largest port in the world, not to mention the cliché Gateway to Europe. The city is best explored walking or cycling. Like Amsterdam, museums are a favourite tourist attraction not only for the artefacts they preserve, but the museums themselves for their sheer artistic beauty. Prominent museums include the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, the Netherlands Architecture Institute, the Kunsthal and the Historic Museum of Rotterdam. Another attraction that will have kids fascinated is the Diergaarde Blijdorp, an extensive zoo that also houses the renowned Oceanium. Nightlife in Rotterdam is a unique lifestyle in itself.

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The Hague

The building which houses the International Court of Justice dominates the city skyline. This is also a city of sculptures, where you can spend an entire day just looking at statues! Every street corner and square has at least one of them. Spring season is the right time to indulge in a bit of seaside fun, and Scheveningen has the perfect atmosphere with its vast expanse of sandy beaches, dotted with cafes and seaside pavilions. Watch sunset on the Dutch coast with a relaxing cup of freshly brewed cappuccino. Check out the Café Paard van Troje, a café-cum-restaurant located in the Prinsegracht area of The Hague; popular for its local bands and entertainment. Head over to Haagsche Bluf, the city's shopping district and put the Palace Promenade on your list if you are interested in exotic gifts and designer gear. Nightlife is typical of every other city in the Netherlands, with never ending pubs and discos; you'll be spoilt for choice!

Things to do

Culture

If you are looking for a home away from home, then Netherlands is the destination for you. The Dutch are a friendly lot, thanks to their multifaceted culture. Even better is the fact that they speak more English than we speak Dutch! If you want to indulge in some drinking, then head over to the pub and order a few Jenever with some cold beer to follow? The cities never lack entertainment, day or night! Does that lilting jazz music captures your attention? Then it's the local band playing by the cobbled street corner. Are you finding yourself in a mood to jiggle a foot or two? You should be heading over to the park for live performances of classical music and opera. Nightlife is a world on its own, and one should experience it to feel that addictive excitement. Cities possess a huge variety of nightlife and your only problem will be the the lack of time to enjoy it all! Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, so don't be surprised to find models posing behind windows in the red light districts. Taking photographs without permission in these areas is seen as a serious offence by some inhabitants so be careful.

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Sightseeing

Nature has blessed the country with sprawling beaches (300 kms. of coastline) and evergreen forests. Summer is the best season to explore, where the weather is pleasant with a hint of sunshine. Many of the forests and beaches are inundated with footpaths and offer a much deserved break from the happening urban life. There are numerous parks to relax in if you want to get close to nature. Just east of Amsterdam is the De Hoge Veluwe, the country's largest national park. You will be engulfed in 5500 hectares of natural habitat. This park also houses the Kröller-Muller museum where the priceless works of Van Gogh and some collections of Picasso and Mondrian are displayed. Alternatively, you can also visit the Dwingelderveld National Park, which is a vast forest reserve. Bird watchers will love this place as the reserve maintains a special bird watcher's cabin. Most of the countryside is dotted with castles and historic churches which are a visual trea. Many of them have been converted into museums or house numerous paintings and grotesque sculptures preserved through the centuries. The Dutch prefer walking and cycling rather than driving around town. Do not be surprised to find numerous cycle tracks and footpaths everywhere.

Food

When it comes to satisfying their taste buds, the Dutch are a varied lot. From Fish n Chips to the far eastern tandoori chicken, the Dutch have them all; thanks to sizeable varied ethnic community settlements. In case you walk into a traditional Dutch eatery, don't miss out the Patat (chips) served with mayonnaise and Kroketten (croquettes) served with chunks of meat.. Dutch recipes have a shade of French dishes and their ingredients are basic; boiled vegetables, boiled potatoes and country food. For starters, a Gazpacho soup should whet your appetite. Every country has a restaurant here, representing its unique recipe. If you get to talking with a local, he will be happy to discuss the merits of smoked eel with onions or the stamppot (steamed potatoes with meat balls). When ordering your dessert, you will realise that dairy products are one of the thriving industries in the Netherlands. Don't miss out on the Chocolate Ice Cream with Advocaat (Dutch Egg Liquor).

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Shopping

You don't need to fly over to Milan or Paris for some dazzling collection of haute couture! It is right here in Amsterdam, a fashion capital in itself. Livings in close proximity to their flashy neighbours, small wonder the locals want to be on par with their counterparts! If world renowned brands like Mexx, Oilily or Jan Janssen ring a bell, you may be surprised to hear that their head offices are in Amsterdam. There are number of markets selling anything you may ask for at down to earth prices. Flowers, fruits and vegetables are freshly brought to the markets by the farmers themselves and sold at a bargain price. There are other department stores too à la M&S stocking quality products from clothing to electronics over to kitchenware. Bijenkorf, Magna Plaza and Metz are a few stores that are worth looking into.

Sports

This country is never short of sporting events all year round. Golf fans get your clubs and bags ready, this is a mini island dedicated to golf waiting for you! Head over to Texel to play in a nine or 18 hole sprawling golf course. If you happen to be in Friesland on a cold January morning, be sure to witness the Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Race), a gruelling 200 kms. skating marathon through the countryside. Just when you are thinking the Dutch are a quirky lot, wait for this! The Vierdaagse (Four Day March) is a major walking event held in July, where participants walk through 200 kms. of lush countryside. It is an open event, so if you fancy walking or want to test your stamina, this event is for you.