The Netherlands seems to occupy the minds of travel bloggers. In my Best of Europe series, I ask bloggers to tell about their best experiences, and it is the third guest post about this country.
This time I would like to bring you the post by Pat. He is a lifelong world traveler, who rarely visits the same place twice. You will find out why the Netherlands was an exception.
From now on, Pat:
No Place like the Netherlands: Top Reasons to Visit
I have a rule about traveling: I never visit the same place twice because there are just too many places I have yet to explore. I have been traveling for over 40 years and visited over 40 countries and I RARELY make an exception to this rule. After my first trip to the Netherlands, that rule went out the window.
Love at First Sight
I fell in love with the Netherlands on a multi-day, self-guided biking trip. I am usually one and done, but after this trip I was hooked. I loved it. So, I broke my rule and returned. Little secret, I’ll probably do it again. And here’s why:
Natural Beauty
The Netherlands is often cited as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and you will get no argument from me. Cycling allowed me to soak in the beauty of the rural landscape at a perfect pace, slowing me down so I could appreciate the bucolic waterways, quaint villages and thatch-roofed cottages along the route.
I planned my first trip for late April, intentionally placing myself in the middle of the spring blooming season. I biked past flowering fields ablaze with a riot of color. Rows of hyacinths and tulips painted the countryside for miles and I took my time drinking in the view – I had never seen anything like it.
I cycled on to Lisse, home to Keukenhof, the biggest flower park in the world. The park, planted with more than 7 million flower bulbs each year, is only open from mid-March to mid-May. It is well worth timing your visit so you can wander through its incredible sea of flowers: it’s a truly special experience.
In addition to timing my trip to visit Keukenhof, I made sure my itinerary included the annual Flower Parade. You need to add this event to your bucket-list. The parade starts in Noordwijk, winds 26 miles through several villages in the flower-bulb region, and ends up in Haarlem’s charming square.
It is a full-day affair, with dozens of enormous floats festooned with locally-grown flowers, including, of course, tulips. Like most parades, this one includes marching bands; but this being the Netherlands, there are also cycling bands – musicians riding their bikes while playing their instruments. It is a sight to see. If you miss the parade, don’t despair – the Netherlands hosts numerous floral festivals, fairs and shows throughout the year.
If your vision of the Netherlands includes not only flowers, but windmills, you won’t be disappointed. There are over 1,000 windmills in the country, some of which still operate to mill grain or pump water. I was enchanted every time I biked around a bend and one of these iconic structures came into view – they are beautiful, graceful and extraordinarily photo-worthy. I particularly enjoyed cycling through Kinderdijk-Elshout, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 19 windmills located in the province of South Holland, a mere 10 miles or so from the lovely city of Gouda (and its namesake cheese).
City Charm
The Dutch have succeeded in complementing their country’s natural beauty with particularly charming cities. Many cities have retained their historic centers, with lively squares and fanciful architecture unspoiled by modern encroachments. There are ancient churches, impressive university buildings, and a variety of vibrant markets.
In cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, canals developed in the 17th century are spanned by gracefully arching bridges. The waterways, lined with their distinctive, narrow canal houses, contribute to a picturesque and pleasing ambiance not generally found in cities. I particularly enjoyed the city of Leiden (birthplace of Rembrandt) – it, too, has attractive canals and iconic architecture, but its smaller size and university-town vibe made for an exceptionally enjoyable visit. If you are there on a Saturday, head over to the street market in the old city center and bring your appetite – there’s a reason why the market is known as a foodie’s utopia!
The Food (especially the beer!)
When I headed off to the Netherlands, I was not anticipating a great culinary experience. I expected the cheese to be good (it was great) and the beer to be great (it was phenomenal), but I didn’t have any other expectations. The Dutch are not particularly known for their cuisine, so I was surprised by how wonderful everything tasted – dishes weren’t fancy, but the food was fresh and delicious.
During my first cycling tour, my route took me in and around the Groene Hart, the country’s green heart and an agriculture zone. I had supposed my proximity to the Groene Hart explained the freshness of food; but, on my second trip to towns farther east, the cuisine was equally appealing – an unexpected and very pleasant surprise. One of the traditional Dutch dishes I enjoyed was bitterballen, deep fried meat-based balls served as snacks in most bars; they are great dipped in mustard and paired with a cold brew – the perfect combination after a day on the bike.
The Culture of Bikes
The Dutch may not be known for their food, but they are well known for their cycling. There are more bicycles than people in the country and Amsterdam is often proclaimed as the Bicycle Capital of the World. In my opinion, the Netherlands is the most bike-friendly place on Earth. The terrain is predominantly flat, there are designated bike lanes everywhere, and motorized vehicles are accustomed (and gracious) to cyclists. The Dutch have an amazing bike culture – everyone rides: parents ferry their kids and their groceries in wooden cargo carts fitted to the front of their bikes (bakfiets); couples head out on dates with women riding side-saddle on the rear rack; commuters bike to work in their business attire; and older folks pedal around on their way to, well, everywhere.
I joined in, feeling like a local and experiencing the country up-close and personal. Biking is a great way to immerse yourself in any place you’re visiting; I recommend you consider a cycling vacation no matter where you’re headed.
History and Art
The Netherlands has a long and storied history; while visiting, you can immerse yourself in any number of subjects that pique your interest: the Golden Age; water management; tulip mania; naval history; the World Wars. On my second bike tour, I chose a route through towns known for their role in World War II, including Arnhem, location of the 1944 effort by the British to secure a bridge over the Rhine River (what transpired there was dramatized in the 1977 movie A Bridge too Far). The bridge has been rebuilt, but I could see the battle scars on buildings as I wandered through the town. There are numerous WWII sites in this area and across the country, and several museums devoted to the war, including the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
If your passion is art, the Netherlands will not disappoint. I biked from Arnhem to the De Hoge Veluwe National Park to visit the Kroller-Muller Museum located inside the park. The museum is world-famous for its Van Gogh collection, but I especially liked the outdoor sculpture garden, one of the largest in Europe. Galleries and museums are plentiful throughout the country, including the world-class Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, both in Amsterdam.
Why You Should Visit the Netherlands
The Netherlands has so much to offer; of all the places I’ve traveled, it stands out as one of my absolute favorites in Europe, maybe the world. A lot of people focus their attention on more familiar destinations and overlook the Netherlands when planning a European vacation – don’t make that mistake. Just thinking about my time there has me considering an unprecedented third visit!
Author Bio
Pat McChristian is a lifelong world traveler and a regular contributor to the Flashpacker Chronicles. When not on the road, Pat lives in Connecticut with her husband, Jeff. Follow her adventures along with the rest of the Flashpacker Co Network on their website: flashpackerco.com or on Instagram @FlashpackerCo.
Further reading
Check out this post if you want a list of specific places to visit in Netherlands
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