Netherlands in review
Known for its windmills, cheese, tulips, clogs and bicycles, The Netherlands are one of the most amiable countries in Western Europe, packed with culture and art in an incredibly relaxed atmosphere.
Fantastic artwork by the world-famous Dutch painters Rebrand and Van Gogh can be admired in the Amsterdam Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. History enthusiasts should visit the Anne frank House, now an interesting museum but once the hiding place of Anne Frank and others during the Second World War. Amsterdam, the charming capital, is built entirely on piles on the freshwater of Ijsselmeer and is surrounded by scenic canals you can cruise. World-class museums, 17th century architecture, stunning parks, great shopping, a famous red-light district, trendy restaurants and pubs will give you a taste of Dutch life in this laid-back hospitable country.
Delft, one of the best preserved historic towns in the Netherlands is a must-see. Renowned for its canals, walkways and Delft pottery, major attractions include both the Old and New Church - with the tomb of William of Orange, and the Vermeer Trail, named after a famous painter who was born and worked in Delft.
You can reach the beautiful National Park of the Hoge Veluwe by bus from Appledorn's train station and the Park can be toured on traditional Dutch white bicycles. Aside from the fantastic scenery, the Park is the site of the Kröller-Müller Museum, which currently displays a collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art including forty-six paintings by Van Gogh. The museum's Sculpture Garden features unusual sculptures in a large outdoor setting that is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
More attractions to satisfy your appetite for culture and pleasure can be found in the popular port of Rotterdam, the cosy historic university town of Leiden, the open-air museum in Arnhem and the cultured political city of Den Hague. No matter how much or how little time you have to spend, The Netherlands are not to be missed when visiting Western Europe.
- From our editor A.Steenbhom – United States