The Netherlands is a very small country where you can experience an amazing variety of different landscapes and activities. The country, which is informally referred to as Holland, is best known for its idyllic cycling routes thanks to its flat landscape and picturesque scenery. It is the ideal location for an active vacation in Europe, but there are also plenty of cultural treasures to discover. In particular, the Netherlands is well regarded for its fantastic art scene, with many famous painters having lived in the country, including Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh.
A vacation to the Netherlands is a chance to immerse yourself in a wonderful world of nature through its glorious tulip fields and charming water canals. In the countryside, there are plenty of cycle paths to enjoy on your Europe vacation, particularly in Zaanse Schans, where you’ll find authentic windmills and picturesque villages. Edam, Volendam and Marken are particularly famous for the delicious local cheese and traditional wooden clogs.
The wealth of outdoor activities available makes the Netherlands an excellent choice for an active vacation, and you can base yourself in one of the country’s main cities, such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The capital Amsterdam is particularly well regarded for its rich history and impressive 17th-century windmills. It is sometimes referred to as Venice of the North as it has an intricate network of peaceful canals lined by colorful buildings and connected by unique bridges. In Amsterdam, there is much to entertain you if you want to learn more about notable Dutch people – we recommend visiting the Van Gogh Museum for an artistic treat!
Rotterdam, meanwhile, is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. It is the place for you if you want to enjoy a lively vacation as there are plenty of bars and cafes to visit. It also boasts some exceptional modern architecture, with 38 skyscrapers to marvel at!