Holland Travel Guide
- Official name: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Capital: Amsterdam
- Language: Dutch and Frisian, which is also an official language, but only spoken in one of the twelve provinces.
- Religion: Catholic, 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4,4% other 3,6%, Unaffiliated 40%
- Currency : Euro.
Holland Sights and Museums
Amsterdam
Although it's not the home of the country's government, Amsterdam certainly holds the pride of place when it comes the cultural, financial, and social aspects of the Netherlands . From its world-renowned red light district to the Anne Frank museum and the Vincent Van Gogh Gallery to the original home of Heineken, the choice is vast and varied and will certainly keep you busy during your stay. As well as all of the above you will have a choice between a host of smaller museums, open-air markets, canal trips and the social life so allow yourself plenty of time or else.
Rotterdam
Currently the largest port in the world, much of this remarkable city was destroyed during WW II. Nevertheless, there is plenty to see because while only small parts of the old city remain, its position as the centre of the Dutch economy means that attractions are numerous. Among the most popular are the Euromast and Space Tower which standing at 605 feet is the tallest point in the country, the Museum Boymans van Beuningen which houses a unique collection of art dating from the fourteenth century to the present day, the Maritime Museum Prins Hendrick, home to a host of marine artefacts and of course the tours of this world famous harbour.
The Hague
Home to the country's government and its queen, The Hague is also home to over sixty foreign embassies and serves as the seat of the International Court of Justice. A fascinating city located in the south west of the Netherlands , the central part of the Old Town which is known as the Binnenhof is one of the most interesting urban settlements on the continent. As well as this check out Madurodam Miniature Town , the Panorama Mesdag which is the largest panoramic circular painting in the world, the Parliament buildings, the Puppet Museum and the recently renovated Gemeentemuseum, a municipal museum housing a superb collect of modern art.
Utrecht
The fourth largest city in the Netherlands and one of the oldest, its location on a slightly elevated section of land has meant that the floods which have hindered the development of many urban area have not really had any lasting effects on Utrecht . Having played a leading role in religious affairs in Europe during past centuries, the host of churches in the city is probably its biggest attraction. Visit the Cathedral of St. Michael, St. Janskerk, St. Jacobkerk and St. Pietereskerk as well as the House of the Teutonic Order and the Hospice of St. Bartholomew. And, if you are running out of time for your Dutch adventure the good news is that day trips from Amsterdam to Utrecht are extremely easy to organise.
Maastricht
Situated in the southern part of the country, Maastricht 's history dates back to 50 BC making it the oldest town in the Netherlands . Today evidence of its first settlers the Romans is still visible in the fortress walls and narrow cobblestone streets which remain. As well as this, however, you can also visit the Bonnefanten Museum and the Baths and ruins at Heerleen on the outskirts of the city. And when you tire of the Roman influence, check out the Schatkamer Onze Lieve Basilica, St. Janskerk church and its tower and the caves of St. Pietersberg, a ten kilometre labyrinth of tunnels created over the centuries.
Noordwijk
For the ultimate getaway from city life, this is the perfect destination. A ‘Blue Flag' beach of international fame, Noordwijk is located between Amsterdam and The Hague as well as being close to Keukenhof, the heart of the bulb growing area. Popular in summer for the host of water and leisure activities on offer in the sea, the lakes and the dunes it is equally popular in winter for those who enjoy the fresh air and visiting the many museums in the area. Add to this the small town charm combined with the big city facilities on offer and you will see why Noordwijk is so special to both the locals and the thousands who visit every year.
Holland Entertainment
Festivals and Special Events (www.festivalinfo.nl/festivals.php)
2 Apr4 Sep: Cheese Market Alkmaar , Fridays from 10 till 12.30 hrs
4-20 June: Festival Mundial Tilburg
9-20 June: Pasar Malam Besar Indonesian culture, Den Haag
10-20 June: World Wide Video Festival Amsterdam
1920 June: Rotterdam Import R&B,HipHop,Dance,Jazz,Funk,Soul
20-27 June: Amsterdam Roots Festival multi cultural, music & food
25-27 June: Fiesta del Sol & Confetti music from all over, Eindhoven
27 June: Parkpop Zuiderpark Den Haag. Biggest free pop-festival
9-11 July: North Sea Jazz Festival Den Haag
10/7-15/8: Kwakoe every weekend, free multi-cultural Festival, Adam
24/7-6/8: ktsjesilen old freight-ships race, Friesland
25-26-27 July: Food & Faces Festival Oosterpark, Amsterdam
28-4 July: Swingin Groningen
30-31 July: Summer Carnaval Rotterdam
7 August: Canal Parade Amsterdam
14 August: FFWD Dance Parade free, Rotterdam , house/techno
18-22 August: Canal Festival top musicians performing from boats
20-22 August: Street Artists Festival Rotterdam
20-29 August: Uitmarkt Amsterdam Cultural Festival
21 August: main concert on Prinsengracht Canal
For all rave-dance parties check www.presale.nl for dates and tickets
Holland Transports
There is only one main international airport in the Netherlands and this is Schipol Airport located about 8 miles outside Amsterdam . Served by airlines from all over the world, this is also the base of KLM the national airline, and has been voted the best airport in the world over the past number of years thanks to its fast and efficient service. It is currently one of the busiest and most important international hubs in Western Europe . Despite this fact air fares to Amsterdam are considerably higher than they are to many of its European neighbours so many choose to fly to other destinations and make their way to the Netherlands by train.
Once you get there making your way around the country couldn't be easier. Every single village in the Netherlands regardless of size is served by one form of public transport or another.
The most popular mode of transport is rail and with almost two thousand miles of track you really need to be travelling to somewhere quite rural if you find that it isn't served by the NS. Trains are extremely efficient and reliable and most of the staff speak English too which is a huge help when you're trying to get around.
The main services are between the major cities with one InterCity train leaving every fifteen minutes but even on smaller services trains leave as often as every thirty minutes. And, as if all of the above wasn't enough to encourage you, Eurail, Inter-Rail and Europass tickets can be used on all NS services.
The public bus service in the Netherlands is used more frequently for regional travel rather than long distance. Trains are usually used in the latter case but for areas which are not served by rail, particularly in the north and the east, the bus service is an essential way to get around.
When availing of the bus service for nationwide travel, you will have to purchase a strippenkaart or strip card. The Netherlands is divided into different zones so the number of strips required depends on the number of zones in which you are going to travel.
A final option for travel within the country is the trusty bicycle. Favoured by a vast amount of visitors to the Netherlands , this is a cheap and hassle free way to see the countryside at your own pace. Distances between the major cities are short, most routes have separate cycle lanes and the country is completely flat too so you don't have to be a seasoned cyclist to take it on. Bicycles cost about f8 per day but many railpasses will earn you a discount so there are no excuses.
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