Netherlands famous for
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 21/02/2024
The Netherlands is one of the most visited countries in Europe. It is known for its capital city of Amsterdam, distinct flat terrain, beautiful canals and picturesque windmills. The list does not end here. The Dutch nation is renowned for a lot of other things.
If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands or are simply curious to know why the country is so popular, you have come to the right place. This article unravels a few fascinating things and famous places in the Netherlands to help you know the country better. Here we begin!
What is the Netherlands Famous For
The Netherlands has some of the world’s most beautiful canals and windmills. It is also known for its scenic beauty, cheese, beer, rich historical past, vibrant and lively cities and serene countryside. The country is full of attractive tourist destinations you cannot miss out on. Let us find out in detail what is the Netherlands famous for.
Tulips
One of the popular symbols of the Netherlands is the tulip flower. It was introduced in the country in the 16th century and is an important part of Dutch history and culture. The Netherlands is the world’s biggest producer of commercial tulips and you can find them everywhere.
The best time to see tulips blooming in full grace is from mid-April to mid-May. The world-renowned colourful tulip fields spanning thousands of acres will leave you mesmerised, the most popular one being the Keukenhof.
Windmills
Another thing the Netherlands is famous for is its windmills. The country has over a thousand windmills in different parts. The most popular windmill village is Kinderdijk located in South Holland which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit museums here dedicated to windmills to learn more about them.
Delftware Ceramics
The Netherlands is popular for its blue and white delftware ceramics items. First created in the 17th century in the city of Delft, this piece of beauty will catch your eye while touring around the country. From blue and white plates and vases to tiles and jewellery, you can find these iconic symbols in many shops to take back home.
Beautiful Canals
The Netherlands is also famous for its beautiful canals that were originally built in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. The most popular city for canals is Amsterdam famed as the “Venice of the North”.
Here, you can enjoy boat tours and spend time in restaurants and cafes located on these canals. Other famous canal cities include Utrecht, Leiden and more.
. Delicious Dutch Cheese**
The Netherlands is also famous for its cheese, a staple food in the country. It produces a wide range of cheese you can try when roaming around. The most popular ones are the Edam cheese and the Gouda cheese. You can also visit cheese farms that offer free cheese tastings.
Plenty of Bicycles
Another answer to what is the Netherlands famous for is bicycles. Yes, bicycles form a vital part of the life of Dutch people. Surprisingly, there are more bicycles than residents in the Netherlands.
In Amsterdam and Hague, around three-quarters of journeys are taken by bicycles. You can also opt for cycling to enjoy the scenic beauty and explore places in the country.
Netherlands Places to Visit
While there are plenty of Netherlands tourist attractions, we have listed a few places that deserve a visit:
Keukenhof
Located in Lisse, the Keukenhof is a beautiful botanical garden you cannot afford to miss. It is considered one of the biggest flower gardens and is often dubbed the “Garden of Europe.”
Your trip to the Netherlands will not be complete without a glimpse of millions of flowers located here. Besides getting lost in the beauty and scent of the flowers, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes and even hike the garden.
Rijksmuseum
World-renowned Rijksmuseum is another fascinating place to head to when in Amsterdam. It is situated at the Museum Square and is home to amazing artworks and relics that tell the 800-year-old nation’s history. You can find paintings of famous painters like Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vermeer, etc., displayed in the museum.
Binnenhof
Another on the list of Netherlands places to visit is Binnenhof in the Hague. The magnificent building is one of the prominent landmarks in the southern region and is also known as the Inner Court or Het Binnenhof.
Visiting the place allows you to dive into Dutch history and politics. You can take a tour of the town hall facility and the House of Representatives and delve into their architectural beauty.
Windmills in Kinderdijk
Another best site in the Netherlands is the fishing village of Kinderdijk. It is located close to the Rotterdam Central Station. The water-rich area is famous for its 19 magnificent windmills that are part of the water management system in the region to prevent flooding.
These windmills are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Without a doubt, Kinderdijk should be on your travel itinerary if you want to learn about the history of Dutch windmills. You can visit the three museums, sail along the mills or visit a workshop to gain deeper knowledge of windmills.
Anne Frank House
A well-known tourist destination in the city of Amsterdam is Anne Frank House. The place is the birthplace of a holocaust victim named Anne Frank. She hid here for two years during World War II and wrote a diary in the secret annex of her house. The place is now a museum where you can take a tour to dive into the painful story of Anne Frank.
Zaanse Schans
One of the best Netherlands things to do is to visit Zaanse Schans. This fascinating place has a lot of windmills, barns, wooden houses, handicraft shops and museums. You can walk through the beautiful place and feel the 18th and 19th vibes, buy some cheese, visit a windmill or buy clogs or chocolates as a souvenir. Reaching here from Amsterdam is quite easy. So do not miss out on this lovely place when in the Netherlands.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Another highly recommended place to visit in the Netherlands is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. It is the residence of the Dutch royal family and one of the most spectacular landmarks of the country. You can walk through the corridors, explore the exhibitions and adore the beautiful interiors of the palace. Visiting the Royal Palace of Amsterdam will surely make your day.
National Monument
If you are a history enthusiast, the National Monument is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. The 22-metre-tall memorial is located in Amsterdam. Built in the memory of those who lost their lives during World War II, the monument is known for its historical significance and architecture.
Beemster Polder
A nature reserve situated in the northern province of Friesland, Beemster Polder is another must-visit place in the Netherlands. It was reclaimed from the Northern Sea and is known for its distinct landscapes and climate.
Here you can find a mix of low-lying and high areas of ground and plenty of plants, animals and birds. The lush green region is a famous example of how Dutch people reclaimed the land which was submerged under water.
Giethoorn
Next on the list of Netherlands places to visit is the small town of Giethoorn. It is one of the most beautiful towns in the country which has a stunning main street with many restaurants and shops. Surprisingly, Giethoorn is an entirely car-free village. You can enjoy the views of traditional Dutch houses and picturesque canals in the fresh air and calmness.
Famous Food in the Netherlands
Now that you are familiar with a few things and places the Netherlands is famous for, let us explore some foods you must try while exploring the Dutch nation.
Stroopwafel
Originally made in Gouda two centuries ago, stroopwafel is a popular Dutch delicacy you cannot miss out on. It is made of thin waffles with caramel syrup in between. You can get them at bakeries as well as food trucks across the country. You can also get packed stroopwafel at the grocery stores.
Dutch Apple Pie
Part of the Dutch menu for 500 years, apple pie is another loved delicacy in the country. It might seem similar to American pie but you will find it less sweet. The fresh whipped cream, cinnamon and raisins make it taste more heavenly. Giving your taste buds a treat with Dutch apple pie is an absolute must.
Bitterballen
Bitterballen is a traditional bite-sized bar snack. The breaded balls are filled with meat and perfectly fried to golden brown. You can find them at popular pubs across the Netherlands and enjoy them with mustard or beer.
Kibbeling
If you are fond of fish, kibbeling is something you must try when it comes to the Netherlands’ famous food. It is a juicy fried fish which can be made from pollock, cod or hake and topped with tartar sauce. You can also order it with fries.
Kroketten
One of the popular fast foods of the Netherlands is kroketten or croquettes. This cylindrical snack has a molten centre of thick gravy with meat pieces. It is dipped in bread crumbs and then fried. The original Dutch kroketten is made of veal or beef. You can eat it as a snack or with sliced white bread or buns.
Wrapping Up
The Netherlands can be a great choice for your next travel destination. Packed with so many places to visit and things to do, the country caters to an array of interests and tastes. And the best thing is that you can visit the fun-filled and vibrant country year-round.
But make sure you buy foreign travel insurance before leaving for your trip. A travel insurance plan is an excellent tool to make your journey safe and smooth.
Tata AIG offers a range of travel insurance plans suited for different needs. You can buy domestic travel insurance, international travel insurance, student travel insurance as well as travel insurance for elderly based on your destination and travelling purpose. So, go get the best travel insurance online before heading to your next travel destination and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
FAQS
Which language is spoken in the Netherlands?
The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. However, many Dutch people also speak German and French. Locals working in shops and tourist attractions in Amsterdam also speak English.
What is the currency of the Netherlands?
The official currency of the Netherlands is the Euro.
What is the best time to plan a trip to the Netherlands?
While you can plan a trip to the Netherlands year-round, the best time to visit is from mid-April to October. The busiest months with the highest rates are July and August.
How is the transportation system in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has a well-integrated transportation system which makes it easy to tour around the country. The main way to travel between major cities is through trains. In Amsterdam, you can travel by buses, trams, metro and ferries. You can also rent a bicycle to enjoy the scenic beauty and outdoors.
Does it snow in the Netherlands?
Yes, it snows in the Netherlands during the winter months when temperatures can drop to freezing point. The country's northern parts get the most snow from December to February.
What are the famous places in the Netherlands that I should add to my itinerary?
The Netherlands has plenty of interesting places to add to your itinerary. A few of them include Binnenhof, Keukenhof, Anne Frank House, ARTIS, National Monument, Beemster Polder and much more.
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