Nature of the Netherlands

About Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Rotterdam is currently going through a sort of renaissance, with some urban architecture projects, a nightlife, and many summer festivals celebrating the city's multicultural population and identity, such as the Caribbean-inspired "Summer Carnival", the Dance Parade, Rotterdam 666, the Metropolis pop festival and the World Port days. The self-image of the city is that of a no-nonsense workers' city. In that sense, there is a healthy competition with Amsterdam, which is often viewed as the cultural capital of the Netherlands.

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Rotterdam is currently going through a sort of renaissance, with some urban architecture projects, a nightlife, and many summer festivals celebrating the city's multicultural population and identity, such as the Caribbean-inspired "Summer Carnival", the Dance Parade, Rotterdam 666, the Metropolis pop festival and the World Port days. The self-image of the city is that of a no-nonsense workers' city. In that sense, there is a healthy competition with Amsterdam, which is often viewed as the cultural capital of the Netherlands.

About Dordrecht

Dordrecht, colloquially Dordt, is a city and municipality in the western Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland. Dordrecht is the largest and most important city in the Drechtsteden and is also part of the Randstad, the main conurbation in the Netherlands. Dordrecht is the oldest city in the Holland area and has a rich history and culture. Because of its long and important role in Dutch history, Dordrecht has a rich culture. The medieval city centre is home to over 950 monuments. The city also houses 7 churches and 6 museums in a relatively small area and hosts many festivals and events every year.

Dordrecht, colloquially Dordt, is a city and municipality in the western Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland. Dordrecht is the largest and most important city in the Drechtsteden and is also part of the Randstad, the main conurbation in the Netherlands. Dordrecht is the oldest city in the Holland area and has a rich history and culture. Because of its long and important role in Dutch history, Dordrecht has a rich culture. The medieval city centre is home to over 950 monuments. The city also houses 7 churches and 6 museums in a relatively small area and hosts many festivals and events every year.

About Valkenburg

Valkenburg is situated in a part of the Netherlands that is known for its natural beauty and many historical buildings. The area, although quite hilly, is perfectly suited for walks or bike tours.These days Valkenburg is especially known for its many tourist attractions, its chalk houses and the attractive countryside. It is home to many interesting historic sites, including several castles and stately homes, as well as old churches and cathedrals. Parts of the city walls and city gates still stand. Several former marl quarries offer guided tours. Valkenburg is also home to Thermae 2000, a sauna and wellness resort; a Holland Casino branch; and 2 amusement parks.

Valkenburg is situated in a part of the Netherlands that is known for its natural beauty and many historical buildings. The area, although quite hilly, is perfectly suited for walks or bike tours.These days Valkenburg is especially known for its many tourist attractions, its chalk houses and the attractive countryside. It is home to many interesting historic sites, including several castles and stately homes, as well as old churches and cathedrals. Parts of the city walls and city gates still stand. Several former marl quarries offer guided tours. Valkenburg is also home to Thermae 2000, a sauna and wellness resort; a Holland Casino branch; and 2 amusement parks.

About Oisterwijk

Oisterwijk is a municipality and a city in the South of the Netherlands. Oisterwijk received city rights in 1230. Part of the municipality of Oisterwijk includes the 'Oisterwijkse bossen en vennen' (Oisterwijk forest's and little lakes) and the 'Kampina'. Both are nature reserves of outstanding natural beauty. The reserves are owned and kept by the 'Vereniging Natuurmonumenten' (Nature Monuments Society).

Oisterwijk is a municipality and a city in the South of the Netherlands. Oisterwijk received city rights in 1230. Part of the municipality of Oisterwijk includes the 'Oisterwijkse bossen en vennen' (Oisterwijk forest's and little lakes) and the 'Kampina'. Both are nature reserves of outstanding natural beauty. The reserves are owned and kept by the 'Vereniging Natuurmonumenten' (Nature Monuments Society).

About Lelystad

Lelystad is the largest municipality in the Netherlands in area, but a large part of that area is water. Another major area is the internationally famous nature park of Oostvaardersplassen, which arose naturally. Lelystad is also surrounded by a square of woodlands and parks and flat farmland. The importance of the landscape and sky is emphasized by several pieces of land art: engineers' work and works such as the Observatorium. Lelystad has several tourist attractions, including the replica of the 17th-century ship Batavia at the Batavia Shipyard, Batavia Stad outlet shopping centre, Hanzestad Compagnie, and Modern architecture. On the coast there are several marinas.

Lelystad is the largest municipality in the Netherlands in area, but a large part of that area is water. Another major area is the internationally famous nature park of Oostvaardersplassen, which arose naturally. Lelystad is also surrounded by a square of woodlands and parks and flat farmland. The importance of the landscape and sky is emphasized by several pieces of land art: engineers' work and works such as the Observatorium. Lelystad has several tourist attractions, including the replica of the 17th-century ship Batavia at the Batavia Shipyard, Batavia Stad outlet shopping centre, Hanzestad Compagnie, and Modern architecture. On the coast there are several marinas.

About Terschelling

Terschelling is an island in the northern Netherlands, one of the West Frisian Islands. Known for their resourcefulness in using anything and everything that washes ashore, with few trees to use for timber, most of the farms and barns are built with masts recovered from shipwrecks. The islands are surrounded by shipwrecks, and even today many containers wash ashore that are blown off the decks of cargo ships in the North Sea. A large part of the island has become a nature reserve. Terschelling can be reached by ferry from the mainland Frisian town Harlingen and from Vlieland by high-speed catamaran.

Terschelling is an island in the northern Netherlands, one of the West Frisian Islands. Known for their resourcefulness in using anything and everything that washes ashore, with few trees to use for timber, most of the farms and barns are built with masts recovered from shipwrecks. The islands are surrounded by shipwrecks, and even today many containers wash ashore that are blown off the decks of cargo ships in the North Sea. A large part of the island has become a nature reserve. Terschelling can be reached by ferry from the mainland Frisian town Harlingen and from Vlieland by high-speed catamaran.

About Den Burg

Den Burg is a town in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Texel on the namesake island, and lies about 12 km north of Den Helder. Located in the middle of the island, Den Burg is the largest city of Texel. It features a historic centre and also the town hall. Outdoor markets are held each week in the main square. Nevertheless, Den Burg is the island's least touristic settlement. A monument to the constructed language, Esperanto, is on the corner of Kogerstraat and De Zes. It was constructed in 1935 when Esperanto was widely spoken throughout the island.

Den Burg is a town in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Texel on the namesake island, and lies about 12 km north of Den Helder. Located in the middle of the island, Den Burg is the largest city of Texel. It features a historic centre and also the town hall. Outdoor markets are held each week in the main square. Nevertheless, Den Burg is the island's least touristic settlement. A monument to the constructed language, Esperanto, is on the corner of Kogerstraat and De Zes. It was constructed in 1935 when Esperanto was widely spoken throughout the island.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

The old city of Amsterdam, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a testament to its immense cultural heritage. Built along the banks of its iconic canals, the old city is home to rich cultural heritage full of artistic masterpieces. Renowned museums in the museum district, situated on the Singelgracht canal, showcase the best works of Dutch painters like Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh, Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, and other luminaries of the art world. Amsterdam is known as one of the friendliest cities for cyclists, with cycling deeply ingrained in the local culture. Embrace the city's spirit by renting a bike and joining the vibrant atmosphere as you pedal along the bike paths, gaining a unique perspective on the picturesque canals, charming atria, and stunning buildings. When it comes to culinary delights, Amsterdam offers a diverse array of experiences. Savor the local delicacies and don't miss out on stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles), bitterballen (meatballs), pannenkoeken (pancakes), and the delectable Gouda or Edam cheeses. The bustling food markets like Albert Cuyp and Foodhallen are a treat, serving up an enticing array of local and international dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing local beer or indulge in the distinctive flavor of Jenever, the local gin, for a truly immersive culinary experience. Amsterdam is home to a wealth of attractions- here are just a few to get you started: The Floating Flower Market, famously known as Bloemenmarkt, is a local gem. Throughout the city's history, flower merchants used to ply their trade from boats navigating the canals. As the 19th century progressed, trade flourished on floating rafts anchored in the Singelgracht canal. Today, it stands as the only floating flower market in the world, offering a stunning array of the finest blooms and flower seeds from the Netherlands. During the spring season, the market comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful tulips, making it a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts. The Anne Frank House is where Anne and her family hid during the horrors of World War II. The house has been converted into a museum that offers a deeply moving experience, showing where the family lived in a concealed space in her father’s office for over two years, evading the Nazi persecution that targeted the Jewish community in Amsterdam. Tragically, in 1944, they were discovered and sent to the Bergen-Belsen extermination camp, where Anne met her untimely and cruel end. Yet, her diary survived, and is a chilling testament that touches the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, serving as a poignant reminder of the vital significance of empathy and compassion. Begijnhof, a historical complex dating back to the early 14th century, was created as a religious community for women embracing a monastic way of life, dedicated to prayer and acts of kindness. Originally located outside the city walls, it was eventually relocated to its present position in the heart of the city center. Encircled by captivating historic buildings, the enclave boasts several remarkably well preserved wooden houses—a rare sight in Amsterdam, given the city's tumultuous history of fires. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are two squares that are famous for their vibrant nightlife, attracting visitors with an array of bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment options. In Rembrandt Square there is a monument to the painter’s memory with statues depicting characters from his well-known painting, "The Night Watch." Leidseplein is also home to the casino and the National Theatre. The Eye Film Museum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to photography. Situated along the city's waterfront, the building alone is an attraction with its distinctive and striking architecture! The museum contains a rich collection of films, photographs, posters, as well as other memorabilia related to cinema, and it features various exhibitions that celebrate the history, development, and meaning of filmmaking in the Netherlands and abroad. On the top floor of the museum, there is a panoramic balcony with an amazing view of the city and the waterfront. Amsterdam's rich history, captivating cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular and unforgettable tourist destination!