Travel to the Kingdom of the Netherlands: a life experience

Discover the quirky and charming culture of the Netherlands, from orange to weird-colored trousers and everything in between and land that is flat as a pancake

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In fact, the uniqueness of the Netherlands continues. Bunnies with short ears, canals everywhere, beaches stretching out forever, land that is flat as a pancake, windmills with stories of their own. Forests of beauty with magnificent trails.

Bicycles are seen everywhere and the majority of the population is taller than you are. Shoes that you cannot imagine wearing and flowers that are so gorgeous and stunning. Visiting this country adds such inimitability to any journey.

Is the Netherlands Holland? Or is Holland the Netherlands?

Even those who have traveled to the Netherlands get confused. The European portion of the Netherlands is made up of 12 different provinces. North Holland and South Holland, both with the name Holland in, are two provinces within the Netherlands.

How is the Kingdom of the Netherlands Made Up

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is made up of 4 different countries, the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and St Maarten. The Netherlands Antilles refers to six islands in the Caribbean Sea which belong to the Kingdom of Netherlands. Caribbean Netherlands comprises 3 public bodies Bonaire, St Eustatius, and Saba, also known as BES (an acronym of their names)

What are the two Capitals of the Kingdom of the Netherlands?

Amsterdam

In 1814 the Dutch Republic and the short-lived Batavian Republic and the Kingdom of Holland collapsed, but Amsterdam in the north remained the most prominent city, what is more, this still applies today. By populace, Amsterdam is also the largest.

The Haque

The Hague in South Holland, the third-largest city, is often referred to as the other capital as it is the seat of government for the Netherlands, representing the center of the home of the United Nations’ International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Most international conferences occur in Haque.

Best Time of the Year to Visit the Netherlands

April to May

Tourists throughout the world flock from April to May, when the temperatures start to warm, to see the magnificent display of tulip festivals and flower gardens. Masses of people are everywhere! The flower spectacle is worth the overcrowding, however, this is not my best time of the year. I do not enjoy overcrowding or paying higher prices.

June

June is most certainly the best time. The weather is not too hot, the crowds are far less and the costs for everything decreases. It is before the hectic summer holidays.

Festivals in June

Two fabulous festivals occur at this time. The World Press Photo Exhibition in De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, showcases highlights from award-winning stories. The Holland Festival is the largest performing arts festival. It lasts for a month, celebrating opera, film, dance, music, theatre and visual arts.

Is English Commonly Spoken in the Netherlands?

Dutch is the official language and if you go to the Friesland Province in the north, Fryslân has been granted official status too. English is taught in primary schools from 10 years upwards, so there is a good understanding, and their proficiency is excellent.

Out of respect, I would advise learning a bit of Dutch prior to visiting., additionally, it not only delights the Dutch but assists you to understand numerous etiquette conversations. Duolingo is a free app that will assist you and I find it so helpful whenever I need to learn a foreign language prior to traveling.

19 Funny Bits of Culture to Assist with a bit of Understanding

Dutch people are really tall! The tallest people in the world. Although it is now said that Montenegro has the tallest people. They have not always been tall as the ancient architecture depicts short doorways.	They are happy people, but love to complain. The weather, sport, and politics have been the main topic on the agenda.	Don’t arrive at a Dutch home unannounced. Phone first and make an appointment.
In a Dutch bathroom sink, you will mostly find one tap and this is for cold water. And the basins, are small! Although it is reported in an international survey only 50% of the Netherlands wash their hands after going to the toilet	Punctuality is very important in the Netherlands. Make sure you arrive on time if you have made an appointment or agreed to meet at a restaurant. If you are late you will be reprimanded. If you are delayed, make it your priority to phone.	Often regarded as blunt and straightforward and do not beat around the bush, so if they have something to say, they say it. They are not rude while doing so, but it is a bit of a shocker if you are not used to such honesty.
Licking their fingers is quite a common observation. They take KFC’s “finger-licking good” literally.	Don’t be shocked when you see public urinals on the street. Nor the inspection shelf in the toilets!	Spitting seems to be part of their daily stroll. When you get off the subway, don’t be surprised! Picking of noses is also common.
Work is only a necessity! They do not appreciate working and on average work only 30.6 hrs per week.	Friendliness and conversations are easy to initiate, but deeper friendships are very difficult.	Sinterklaas is celebrated on the night of the 5 December into the day of the 6 December and presents are given on this day. It is more important than Christmas. Sinterklaas arrives with Zwarte Piet assistants.
Don’t call their country Holland!	And the expressions! They constantly speak with different idioms. Wise to understand some before going on vacation. For example. “To fall with the door into the house”. This means getting straight to the point. Another one. “Now my wooden shoe is breaking.” means, to be totally amazed. This can be extremely confusing, but if confused, just nod your head.	Buy a pair of red trousers to wear in the Netherlands! They love red, also bright orange, yellow, pink and even peach!
Talking loudly is normal and they seldom say sorry.	The Dutch eat the most licorice in the world, naming it “drop”.	LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights are the most progressive in the world.

Drug use in the Netherlands has a “gedoodbeleid”, tolerant approach, and as a matter of fact, they are one of the top producers of drugs.

Is the Netherlands a Religious Country?

After the Czech Republic and Estonia, the Netherlands is the least religious country in Europe, in either case, 20% belong to the Catholic Church, 15% are Protestant, 5% Muslim and 6% belong to another religious group, with the result being that each year religious beliefs are declining. The Netherlands has 6900 churches

“One in five churches in the Netherlands are no longer used as a place of worship and most have been turned into homes or cultural centres.”

Trouw Research

Topography of the Netherlands

The Netherlands is as flat as a pancake! Some low hills (you cannot call them mountains) are scattered in the southeast, furthermore, none of them exceeds 2000 ft, therefore most of the Netherlands would be flooded as the country is below sea level, and consequently if it wasn’t for the polders and dikes which make more land available. Hundreds of lakes and two major river arms, Neder Rijn (called Lek in its lower course) and the Waal, are scattered along the “pancake”.

“A polder is a low-lying tract of land that forms an artificial hydrological entity, enclosed by embankments known as dikes.”

Wikipedia

Is the Netherlands a Safe Place to Visit?

Different Angles to Safety

In sum, it currently ranks as the 21st most safe country in the world! Safety is approached from a different angle compared to other countries in the rest of the world, thus there is a high level of social standards and the poverty rate is low.

Psychology to Correctional System

Their psychology is rather a correctional system that favors rehabilitation over punishment and considerably fewer criminals re-offend after serving their sentences than in other countries. Since 2013, over 20 prisons have closed.

Drug Policy

A tolerant drug policy stands and the police target supply chains rather than users in relation to harder drugs. Since the 1970s, cannabis has virtually been decriminalized, granting the courts issuing electronic tagging, fines or community service before placing individuals in jail.

Petty Theft

Petty theft from tourists in the larger cities does sometimes occur, but this is not huge, so we can only assume that the Netherlands must be doing something right!

Why does the Netherlands celebrate King’s Day?

This is what fairytales are made of! The reason why the Netherlands is referred to as the Kingdom of the Netherlands is due to the fact that King Willem Alexander represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands at home and abroad.

Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague is where the royal family lives. As a tourist, you cannot go inside the palace, but you can take a sneak look at it from the Haagse Bos forest.

Read my article A Journey through Dutch Royalty – The House of Orange-Nassau. Really fascinating!

What Animals Live in the Netherlands?

Even though the Netherlands is such a small country, it has quite a selection of different animals. Cows, of course, can be seen everywhere!

There are 36 000 different wild species and 500 of them are protected by law. 20 Dutch National Parks are spread over the Netherlands where Dutch wildlife and unique landscapes and nature can be appreciated and relished.

Geese, deer, hares, foxes, and boars can be spotted, including otters. Porpoise, white-beaked dolphin, and the dwarf Minke Whale off-shore.	Dutch Warmblood As we had horses in our small-holding and my kids competed while they grew up, I am totally taken by the Friesian which is native to the Netherlands and one of the oldest breeds in the world. Truly magnificent creatures!
Wolf Thought to be extinct is under protection, and slowly the numbers are increasing.	Dwarf rabbit Is common as a domestic pet. They really fascinate me with their short ears and can be tamed. Aren’t they divine?

Best Tourist Attractions in the Netherlands

8 Reasons to Visit Amsterdam

A busy city, yet with character filled with a museum paradise, home of Heineken beer, bruin cafes, Red Light District (must be seen), history and culture, canals, one of the oldest botanical gardens (over 30 different botanical gardens), and Dutch food.

Purchasing an Amsterdam City Card allows you to see so much more with discounts or for free, giving you discounts on restaurants and free public transport. A great way to sightsee.

#1 Museum Paradise

Visit the Rijksmuseum which is the Netherlands’ most prestigious museum of national art. Delight in viewing artworks by Van Gogh and  Rembrandt. Have a look at their website.

The Rembrandt House Museum and Van Gogh Museum must not be missed!

#2 Heineken Experience

Heineken Beer is renowned all over the world, and Heineken is the world’s largest exporter of beer. So beguiling to take a tour through this brewery.

#3 Royal Palace Amsterdam

King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace. This Palace you can visit this and envisage where the royals and their guests have previously walked. Magnificent and the largest and most reputable building from the 17th century.

#4 Canal Ring is also known as Grachtengordel

In 2010 the World Heritage Committee decided to submit the 17th-century canal ring area in Amsterdam to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Did you know that the canal ring has over 90 islands, 1500 bridges, and more than 100km of canals? This is really something!

Take a canal cruise and do your tour via a recommended Small-Group Canal Cruise plus snacks and drinks. So inconceivably pleasant and not overcrowded. These guides will show you the best!

“There is one bridge in Amsterdam’s central canal belt that gives a view of no less than 15 bridges. This unusual sight is found at the bridge crossing of the Reguliersgracht with the Herengracht, on the side with odd numbers. Standing on this bridge with your back to the Thorbeckeplein, you will see six arched bridges in a row. To the left, you will find six more over the Herengracht and on the right, you will see the next two. The 15th is the bridge you are standing on. It is particularly worth coming here at night as the bridges are illuminated giving one of the most beautiful and romantic views in Amsterdam.”

Tripadvisor

I love bridges and you can read my article Pursuing the Most Dangerous & Weirdest Bridges: for the adventurous senior. Amsterdam is a paradise for the bridge lover and viewing 15 different bridges at once is heaven.

To get a more informed decision on which canals to see, have a look at 10 Best Canals in Amsterdam. Did you know that Amsterdam has more bridges than Venice, Italy?

Why not do a non-touristy vacation and really take time to appreciate Amsterdam? Stay on a hotel boat or houseboat. Hotelboat Allure is a unique, adventurous way to spend your vacation.

“In the 1960s and 1970s, an influx of more modern houseboats appeared as a solution to the increasing demand for housing. This type of houseboat, known as a woonark (literally a house ark), is built on a floating pontoon and typically isn’t motorised.“

#5 Museum of the Canals also known as Grachtenmuseum

Discover how Amsterdam developed over the last 400 years, by viewing the exhibition within a handsome canalside house, which is open continuously with exhibitions held regularly.

#6 Anne Frank’s House

Anne Franks’s parents were Jewish refugees from the city from the German City of Frankfurt. Here Anne wrote most of her diaries before she died at the age of 15.

Prior to her death, she was arrested and placed in a concentration camp where she died in 1945 from typhus at Germany Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Her father who survived the concentration camp, pushed for her diary to be published.

Her last entry before she was arrested wrote of how others perceived her.

“As I’ve told you many times, I’m split in two. One side contains my exuberant cheerfulness, my flippancy, my joy in life and, above all, my ability to appreciate the lighter side of things. By that, I mean not finding anything wrong with flirtations, a kiss, an embrace, an off-colour joke. This side of me is usually lying in wait to ambush the other one, which is much purer, deeper and finer. ….”

Anne Frank

Make sure you make a booking before going to the house. Bookings are made months in advance.

#7 Appreciate Nature? Two musts to visit

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. In 1638 it started its beginnings as a herb garden for people who prepared medicines, known as apothecaries, and also for doctors. Today you will see hothouses that contain different tropical zones. Observe exotic plants, trees, and rare plants.

Take a stroll through the gardens and relax at one of the cafes. A truly pleasant outing including the hexagon Pavillion.

Amsterdamse Bos

• Wooded heaven in the middle of Amsterdam! Need some time out, this is the place to go! This park is 3 x bigger than New York’s Central Park and covers over 1000 hectares.
• If you love to hike or want to start hiking, this woodland is the place to start. The Netherlands is so flat that steep inclines and declines are non-existent.
• There are over 150 species of different trees, so with trees, what do you find? Birds! Over 200 species so for the birders this is heaven. Have a look at Birders: the best bird-watching tips for beginners. Having been in the Amstelveen’s wooded wonderland you will only want to take up birding!

#8 Red Light District – De Wallen

I am sure you have heard about the famous Red Light District in Amsterdam. Just for inquisitiveness go on a tour through this district. It is fascinating!

Breda: in the Province of North Brabant

Breda is only 12 km from the Belgium border. I am a bit biased towards this beautiful city as my son, daughter-in-law and 3 grandkids live here. The inhabitants are friendly and helpful and my family is so happy living in this magnificent city.

Like in most of the Netherlands, being so flat, bicycles are everywhere! Cycling and hiking are a must for you to feel how the Dutch experience life, with a city so pretty and an artist and market paradise. Castles, lakes, and cobbled walkways!

#1 “Blind Walls” Gallery in Streets of Breda

Take a cycle down to the Blinds Walls Gallery, where you will stare in wonder and admiration at numerous mural artworks which have livened up the streets in Breda. A public street art museum! There is a story behind every art piece.

#2 Park Valkenberg

Take a picnic, and walking shoes and relax in this splendid park surrounded by water, historical trees, and greenery. (Excuse the bunnies they will come and inspect you as you chill). In the summer there is live music on Tuesday evenings. Value nature to its fullest! How refreshing making your way to the train station to go to the city center!

#3 Stedelijk Museum Breda

The Stedelijk Museum and MOTI, Museum of the Image, collaborated. Did you know that until 1954 the museum was formerly Oudemannenhuis a home for elderly men? 

“The museum focuses on film, design, photography, fashion, visual arts, architecture, science, and gaming”

Wikipedia Kasteel Bouvigne

#4 Kasteel Bouvigne

Circled by orchards and three picturesque gardens. Kasteel Bouvigne gardens and estate are worth a walk around. The castle itself and gate buildings cannot be visited unless there is a wedding.

#5 Breda Highlight Bike Tour

Do as they do in the Netherlands, ride a bike! This country is so flat, so even if you are new to cycling, this tour enables you to experience Breda as a tourist and as a local. Where you will go and what you will see? Have a look at the website of this bike tour. What I enjoy is the guide who accompanies you. He or she fills you in on all the details.

Highlights of the Breda Highlights Bike Tour: STEK Valkenberg Park Breda Castle Birth house Colonel Parker  Prison Dome Chassé Campus Polish Tank Ginnekenmarkt Bouvigne Castle Moby Dick Blind Walls Gallery The Big Church and market Spanjaardsgat

#6 Mastbos Forest on Outskirts of Breda

When you visit the Netherlands you either have to know how to cycle or have had some practice at hiking. Hiking along the trails of the Mastbos invites you into a little bit of heaven. This forest is over 500 years old and has survived wars, disforestation, and disasters.

Alltrails will give you a broad description of the different trails you can choose from. Mastbos will be one of the highlights of your trip!

Other forests that are on the outskirts of Breda are Liesbos (great for camping), Ulvenhoutse Bos, Chaam, Strijbeek, and Dorst. Escape from the bustle of the city and get some peace and quiet. Further information can be seen on Staatsbosbeheer.

Where to view the Tulips that the Dutch are famous for

The Netherlands is world-renowned for its tulip fields. A spectacular site that millions come to just to take in the breathtaking rainbows of flowers.

Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world and is 40km from Amsterdam’s center. Bollenstreek is the area exhibiting countless flower fields of daffodils and hyacinths. Blooming commences in the spring, near the end of March through to early May, whereas daffodils bloom from Mid-March till Mid-April. A bit later than the tulips. Hyacinths from mid-April till early May.

The tulip actually originated in Turkey known then as the Ottoman Empire, where it was regarded as a symbol of wealth. Tulip is derived from the Persian word Tulipan, which means turban. At the end of the 16th century, it came to the Netherlands.

Professor Carolus Clusius, a botanist planted a few tulips in the botanical garden in Leiden and it did not take long for these magnificent flowers to be admired. He created new tulips with new colors.

Best Windmill Attractions in the Netherlands

• These huge, tall windmills are over 40m to 260m high and there are over 1000 windmills throughout the Netherlands. Did you know that some of the windmills are still lived in?
• Do you think these windmills are notorious for producing power? No, you are wrong! They are used for water management to drain water to avoid their land being flooded.
• The initial use of windmills, when they originated in the 12th century was for grinding grains. The necessity to then reclaim land for agriculture from marshes and lakes changed the purpose of the windmill.

On the second Saturday and Sunday in May every year, it is FREE Windmill Day. You can enter any windmill for free. All over the Netherlands, you find windmills, but listed below are some of the most popular ones to visit.

De Gooyer	Amsterdam’s most famous mill. This windmill has been moved around the country in the past. It turns on the first Saturday of the month.
Kinderdijk	Has numerous windmills and it is known as Kinderdijk Park. Many of these windmills are still lived in and tour companies will take you there to visit. Kinderdijk is located in South Holland
Molen de Valk	Situated in Leiden. Once upon a time, there were 19 different windmills built on the walls of Leiden. Today the Molen de Valk is the only remaining one. It has an extensive museum.
Zaanse Schans	This is also a windmill park and for the tourist more popular than Kinderdijk. Some of the windmills are shops or museums. Easy to get to from Amsterdam. Can get extremely busy during the summer.
Molen de Adriaan	One of my favourites. From 1779-1802 the mill was used as Trass (mortar) mill. 1802-1865 tobacco rolls and snuff powder were produced. 1865-1932 it was a flour mill. 23 April 1932 it burnt down! 2002, 70 years after the fire it became a museum and wedding and meeting location with a souvenir shop.

Where is the Best Place to see Clogs (Klompen) Handmade?

Over 350 000 pairs of working clogs are made per annum. Yes, they are still used by the farmers and rural population today as they are easy to clean, comfortable for those on their feet standing for hours, and do not easily absorb water. Clogs are so deeply etched in Dutch culture and have been around since medieval times.

Made from water-resistant hardwoods such as tulip poplar, yellow poplar, or European willow, these strange shoes are loved by tourists and are great memorabilia to take home. (My husband has a pair. He wears a size 16 shoe, so his pair of “klompen” had to be specially made. Not very flattering I must say)

You will find clogs for sale in every town or city throughout the Netherlands, but to visit the two workshops near Amsterdam are a treat to see how they are actually made. Simonehoeve and Zaanse Schans. At either one of these destinations, you can see clogs made traditionally and CHEESE. Another strong Dutch tradition.

Best Beaches in the Netherlands

Whether you enjoy crowds or privacy, there are many beaches that will appeal to you. Sand, dunes, sandcastles, and ocean! What more do you want? I am passionate about different beaches and to me, a vacation is not complete without visiting different beaches.

The Dutch are crazy about kite surfing and flying kites and more often than not when you visit the beach you will find them doing their diversion and capturing your attention for ages.

To get more informative information about the beaches, have a look at the Dutch review.

Why is Orange the National Colour of the Netherlands? Quite simple: “Orange is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family, which hails from the House of Orange. … Suffice it to say that to this day members of the House of Orange are extremely popular in the Netherlands. The colour orange has come to symbolize the country, and to signify national pride.” – Dutch Amsterdam

 I hope you have enjoyed this article and it has inspired you to visit! If you would like to add your interests or what you would like to see, please do so in the comments section below.