Netherlands travel guide : discover history, culture and must-see destinations

Essential Netherlands travel information

• Official name: Kingdom of the Netherlands (Koninkrijk der Nederlanden)
• Capital: Amsterdam (seat of government: The Hague)
• Population: About 17.5 million people
• Official language: Dutch
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Netherlands' rich history: from trading empire to modern innovation

The Netherlands has one of the most fascinating histories in Western Europe. Here's a simple timeline:

Early settlements to Middle Ages

The area of the modern Netherlands has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of farming communities dating back to 5000 BCE. The region was later incorporated into the Roman Empire as the northern frontier. After the Roman withdrawal, the area was ruled by various Frankish and Holy Roman Empire authorities. During the Middle Ages, much of the low-lying land was reclaimed from the sea through innovative drainage and polder techniques – the beginning of the Dutch tradition of water management that would become world-renowned.

The Dutch Golden Age

The 17th century marked the Dutch Golden Age, when the Dutch Republic emerged as a global maritime and economic power. The Dutch East India Company (VOC), established in 1602, became the world's first multinational corporation and the first to issue stocks. Amsterdam developed into a major financial center, while Dutch traders established colonies and trading posts from North America to Southeast Asia. This period also saw extraordinary cultural achievements from artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer, and scientists like Huygens and Leeuwenhoek.

From Kingdom to Modern Era

After French occupation under Napoleon, the modern Kingdom of the Netherlands was established in 1815. The 19th century brought industrialization and colonial expansion, particularly in what is now Indonesia. The Netherlands maintained neutrality during World War I but suffered severe German occupation during World War II, including the tragic "Hunger Winter" of 1944-45 and the decimation of the Dutch Jewish population in the Holocaust. The postwar period saw decolonization, with Indonesia gaining independence in 1949 and Suriname in 1975.

Contemporary Netherlands

Modern Netherlands has emerged as a progressive, innovative society known for its liberal policies and emphasis on consensus. A founding member of the European Union and NATO, the Netherlands has positioned itself as an advocate for international cooperation and human rights. Today's Netherlands is a global leader in sustainable agriculture, water management, and renewable energy, while maintaining one of the world's most robust economies. The country continues to balance traditional tolerance and openness with challenges like climate change, immigration, and maintaining its distinct cultural identity in a globalized world.

Dutch culture & traditions every traveler should know

Dutch Language

Dutch (Nederlands) belongs to the Germanic language family and is closely related to German and English. While it's the official language, the Netherlands boasts one of the highest English proficiency rates in the world, with over 90% of the population speaking English. This makes it an exceptionally easy country for international travelers to navigate. Additionally, many Dutch people speak German and French. The Netherlands is also home to Frisian, a co-official language spoken in the northern province of Friesland. Dutch expressions like "gezellig" (cozy, convivial, or pleasant atmosphere) provide insights into cultural values that any Netherlands travel guide should highlight.

Art & design in Dutch culture

Few countries have contributed as significantly to art history as the Netherlands. The Dutch Golden Age produced masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals, whose works hang in the Rijksmuseum and museums worldwide. Vincent van Gogh, perhaps the Netherlands' most famous artistic son, revolutionized painting with his bold colors and expressive style. In the 20th century, Dutch design has become internationally renowned through movements like De Stijl, whose influence extends from Mondrian's iconic grid paintings to contemporary architecture. Today, Dutch Design is synonymous with innovation, practicality, and minimalism, with Rotterdam and Eindhoven emerging as global design hubs.

Dutch cuisine: What to eat & drink

Dutch food combines simple ingredients with influences from the country's trading and colonial history:

• Stroopwafels (thin waffles filled with caramel syrup)
• Haring (raw herring served with onions, a Dutch delicacy)
• Stamppot (mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables, often served with rookworst sausage)
• Bitterballen (crispy fried meatballs, typically served with mustard)
• Poffertjes (small, fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar)

Dutch cheese is world-famous, with Gouda and Edam being the most recognized varieties. These and other Dutch cheeses can be experienced at traditional cheese markets in towns like Alkmaar and Gouda. The Netherlands also has a strong beer tradition, with Heineken, Grolsch, and Amstel being internationally known brands, alongside a thriving craft beer scene. Jenever, a juniper-flavored spirit that predates gin, remains a traditional Dutch drink.

Dutch society and values

Dutch society is characterized by its egalitarianism, directness, and pragmatism. The concept of gezelligheid (coziness, conviviality) pervades social life, emphasizing warm, friendly atmospheres and togetherness. Dutch directness might surprise visitors – straightforward communication is valued over diplomacy, though always with respect. Consensus-building is fundamental to Dutch society, reflected in the "polder model" of decision-making that seeks input from all stakeholders. The Dutch value work-life balance, with shorter working hours than many other developed nations and extensive social provisions. Cycling is not just transportation but a national passion and symbol of egalitarianism – everyone from students to prime ministers commutes by bicycle. In fact, the Netherlands has more bicycles than people, with over 22,000 kilometers of dedicated cycling paths nationwide. Any Netherlands travel guide should encourage visitors to experience Dutch life from the saddle of a bicycle.

Top places to visit in the Netherlands

Amsterdam: Essential sights in the Dutch capital

The capital offers a perfect blend of history, art, and vibrant urban culture:

• Rijksmuseum: The national museum housing masterpieces of Dutch art and history, including Rembrandt's "Night Watch" and Vermeer's "The Milkmaid."
• Anne Frank House: The hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II, now a poignant museum.
• Canal Belt: Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal system, built during the 17th century, with elegant merchant houses lining the waterways.
• Van Gogh Museum: The world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, tracing his artistic development.
• Vondelpark: Amsterdam's most popular park, covering 47 hectares with ponds, pathways, and open-air theater performances in summer.

Rotterdam: Modern architecture showcase

Nearly completely rebuilt after World War II bombing, Rotterdam embraces bold, innovative architecture unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands. The striking cube houses (Kubuswoningen) designed by Piet Blom tilt at a 45-degree angle, while the Markthal combines a vast food market with apartments in a horseshoe-shaped building adorned with massive food-themed artwork. The Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed "The Swan," has become the city's icon. Rotterdam's harbor, the largest in Europe for many years, can be explored by water taxi or harbor tour. For panoramic views, the 185-meter Euromast observation tower offers spectacular vistas of this dynamic city.

Utrecht

This historic university city centers around a distinctive split-level canal system, with wharf cellars that now house cafés and restaurants at water level. The 112-meter Dom Tower, the Netherlands' tallest church tower, dominates the skyline and rewards climbers with panoramic views. Utrecht's compact medieval center offers excellent shopping, particularly along the Oudegracht (Old Canal). The Centraal Museum houses the world's largest collection of works by Utrecht native Dick Bruna, creator of Miffy, while the Rietveld Schröder House showcases De Stijl architecture at its finest. Any Netherlands travel guide should highlight Utrecht's vibrant cultural scene, amplified by its large student population.

Kinderdijk

This UNESCO World Heritage site features 19 beautifully preserved windmills from the 18th century, standing as iconic symbols of Dutch water management. These functional windmills were built to pump water from the polders (reclaimed land) into the river, preventing flooding in this below-sea-level region. Visitors can tour inside one of the windmills to understand the life of the miller's family and the engineering behind these structures. Kinderdijk offers a quintessentially Dutch landscape that's stunning in all seasons, particularly in early morning mist or golden-hour light.

Keukenhof and the Flower Fields

Open only eight weeks each spring (usually mid-March to mid-May), Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens, showcasing seven million flowering bulbs across 32 hectares. The surrounding commercial flower fields, with their dramatic stripes of color, offer one of the Netherlands' most photographed landscapes. Located in the heart of the "Bollenstreek" (Bulb Region) between Amsterdam and The Hague, this seasonal spectacle attracts visitors from around the world. For the ultimate Dutch experience, rent a bicycle to explore the flower fields, traditional villages, and scenic coastal dunes beyond the gardens.

Natural wonders & landscapes of the Netherlands

• Wadden Sea: UNESCO-listed tidal flats extending 500 kilometers along the North Sea coast, where visitors can experience "wadlopen" (mudflat walking) at low tide.
• Hoge Veluwe National Park: The country's largest nature reserve covering 5,400 hectares of heathland, dunes, and woodland, home to red deer, wild boar, and the Kröller-Müller Museum.
• Dutch waterways: The Netherlands' interconnected system of rivers, canals, and lakes offers endless boating, sailing, and kayaking opportunities.
• Texel: The largest of the West Frisian Islands, featuring dramatic dunes, wide beaches, nature reserves, and distinctive landscapes shaped by wind and sea.
• Biesbosch: One of Europe's few freshwater tidal areas, this wetland national park formed during a devastating 15th-century flood and now provides habitat for beavers, sea eagles, and countless bird species.

Fascinating Facts About the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the world's lowest countries, with about 26% of its area and 21% of its population located below sea level.

The Dutch are the tallest people in the world, with the average man standing 184 cm tall and the average woman 170 cm.

The Netherlands has the highest concentration of museums in the world, with 478 museums for its 17.5 million people.

Dutch engineers have helped with water management projects worldwide, from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to Bangladesh's flood protection systems.

The Netherlands is the world's second-largest exporter of agricultural products despite its small size, through innovative farming techniques like vertical farming and greenhouse technology.

Dutch contributions to world culture

• The microscope and telescope (pioneered by Dutch lens makers like Antonie van Leeuwenhoek)
• The stock market (the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, established in 1602, was the world's first)
• Bluetooth technology (named after Danish king Harald Bluetooth but developed by Dutch engineer Jaap Haartsen)
• Cassette tapes, CDs, and Blu-ray (all developed by Dutch company Philips)
• WiFi technology (key elements developed at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy)