The Country Below the Sea

One of the most iconic symbols of the Netherlands is the windmill.  This ingenious device was used to divert water away from the country and back out to sea.  Remarkably, about 27% of the Netherlands is situated below sea level.  The landscape is comprised of coastal lowland plains, reclaimed land (polders) and some small hills.  The lowest point in the country is Prins Alexander Polder with an elevation of 7 meters below sea level.  Massive dykes built all over the Netherland hold the sea back and keep the country dry.

The Wonders of Amsterdam

If you are coming to the Netherlands for the first time or the twenty-first time, you must visit Amsterdam. The city is full of beautiful architecture, amazing museums, vivacious nightlife, and tons of canals earning it the nickname ”Venice of the north.”  Walk around old town and cross a plethora of bridges hovering over the endless canals.  Tour the amazing Concertgebouw theater,   stroll in Vondel park, peruse the Van Gogh Museum or find your own memorable landmark.  The best part about Amsterdam is how diverse the nightlife is.  You can have a quiet meal in a nice restaurant before you catch a great concert or play. Or you can party!  The city famous for its beer, ‘coffee shops’ and the red-light district offers some guilty pleasures to the wild visitors.

Rotterdam, the Second City in Holland

To the south of Amsterdam you will find Rotterdam, the second largest city of the Netherlands.  Ride to the top of the Euromast tower and get a 360 degree view of the city including the sleek Erasmus Bridge and the busiest port in Europe.  For an interesting and educational experience you can go to Museum Park and check out the Netherlands Architecture Institute, Chabot Museum and Natural History Museum all within a few meters of each other.   

Traditional and Historical Places in the Netherlands

For a more historical experience in Holland, visit the city of Kinderdijk and see the country’s most famous windmills.  The row of 19 windmills were built in the 1700s to divert water out of the city.  Today the mills have been replaced by a state of the art pumping station but they are still functional.  The second week in September marks the Floodlight festival when the windmills are lit during night and proudly displayed for all to see.

Drive your rental car to the northern city of Volendam see some the Netherland’s trademarks.  Local people dress in customary clothing and old fashion windmills dot the landscape.  Taste the famous Gouda cheese and buy some wooden clogs that made Holland legendary.  Volendam is a great town to observer and partake in Dutch culture.