planning a trip to
The Netherlands
Here is what you need to know:
The Netherlands is a beautiful country filled with charming towns and picturesque canals. There’s something special about being constantly surrounded by water. Whether you’re visiting museums in Amsterdam, cruising the canals by boat, exploring the Zaanse windmills, cycling through the streets of Amsterdam, or relaxing in a cozy coffee shop in Delft, the Netherlands offers something for everyone.
For us, the Netherlands was an unforgettable destination. We traveled by car, which made getting around easy, but we also opted to stay outside of the major cities and relied on trains for city travel.
The country is often compared to a small Venice, as it is nearly below sea level and home to many cities with stunning canals. It’s a delightful place to explore and enjoy.
About
The Netherlands, often mistakenly referred to as Holland, is a small country located in Europe, just across from the United Kingdom.
The country remains a constitutional monarchy, with a king at the head of the state.
Spanning 41,865 km² (making it the 131st largest country), the Netherlands is home to a population of 17.5 million people (the 68th most populous country).
The name “Netherlands” translates to “lower country”, referring to its low elevation and predominantly flat landscape. About 50% of its land is above 1 meter above sea level, with nearly 17% of the country actually lying below sea level.
The original colors of the Netherlands flag were orange, white, and blue.
These colors were chosen to reflect the arms of the ancestral territory of the House of Orange.
It is unclear why the orange changed to red, but it is believed to have happened around the year 1654.
There are over 1,000 windmills in the Netherlands.
Originally, these windmills were used to pump water out of the lowlands and back into the rivers beyond the dikes, allowing the land to be farmed.
Today, while some windmills are still in use, most are no longer operational but have been preserved and marked as historical landmarks.
Originally cultivated in the Ottoman Empire, tulips were introduced to the Netherlands in the 16th century and quickly became a national symbol.
Today, they are the most iconic flower in the country. Every spring, more than 7 million flower bulbs bloom at the renowned Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
To see the tulips at their finest, plan your visit to the Netherlands in mid-April, when the fields are in full bloom.
Clogs, or wooden shoes, are a traditional symbol of Holland.
These distinctive shoes have been worn by the Dutch for centuries, originally designed for farming and laboring in the fields. While they are now mostly worn in rural villages, clogs still serve as a unique piece of Dutch heritage.
Today, they are a popular souvenir for tourists, offering a quirky and authentic reminder of the country’s rich traditions.
What to expect?
Language: The official language is Dutch, but most Dutch people speak English fluently, making it incredibly easy and convenient to travel around the country.
Food: Dutch breakfast is a must-try, offering a delightful start to the day! Additionally, don’t miss tasting the local cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in stroopwafels (thin waffles filled with caramel) and Dutch pancakes, both delicious and iconic.
Transportation: The primary mode of transportation in the Netherlands is train. Within cities, you can take buses, metros, or trams to get around. Alternatively, you can embrace the Dutch way and rent a bike to explore.
Money: The currency in the Netherlands is the Euro, the same as most other countries in the European Union.
Plugs: The plugs in the Netherlands are type C (Euro). The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz, the same as most European countries.
Safety: The Netherlands is known for its low crime rate and is considered very safe. While pickpocketing can occasionally happen, it is rare. You can enjoy exploring the country, day or night, with peace of mind.
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