Buzz
The Netherlands is often regarded as the 'enchanted land' with endless tulip fields and captivating canal journeys through the heart of Amsterdam.
1. Hoge Veluwe National Park
Situated on the southeastern edge of Veluwe in the Gelderland province, Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest nature reserves spanning 50 km2 of Dutch land. The landscape includes primeval forests, plateaus, sand dunes, and a variety of wildlife such as red deer, buffalo, and wild boar.
2. Amsterdam Canals
Since the 17th century, the golden age of the Dutch, Amsterdam – the 'Northern Venice' – began its construction with an extensive canal system, consisting of three main canals: Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. These canals formed a solid defensive belt protecting the capital city from the erosion and silt of the sea. Today, along these three main canals are 1,550 monumental buildings, 1,500 bridges, and over 100 km of additional canals, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2006.
3. Utrecht City
Utrecht, the oldest city in the Netherlands, boasts medieval architecture blending seamlessly with gothic structures, creating a distinctive charm for this neighborhood. The historic roads and landmarks from medieval times in and around Utrecht will be must-visit spots for travelers.
4. Keukenhof Gardens
Renowned as the most popular attraction in the Netherlands, Keukenhof Gardens – the world's largest flower garden, located 30 km southwest of Amsterdam, sprawls across 30 hectares showcasing tens of thousands of brightly colored flowers. With hundreds of tulip varieties – the proud symbols of the beautiful and proud Netherlands – creating a mesmerizing tapestry of fragrance and vibrant hues, this place truly gives visitors a sense of an 'enchanted paradise' in the mortal world.
5. Leiden Canals
Also in the South Holland province, the city of Leiden – one of the major centers since the 17th century – is renowned not only for having the oldest Leiden University but also for being the hometown of the master painter Rembrandt van Rijn. It is adorned by canal banks merging two branches of the lush green Rhine river, flowing peacefully throughout the years. Every year, Leiden hosts an annual festival on October 3rd to commemorate the end of the Spanish siege in 1574.
6. Kinderdijk Village
Situated 15 km east of the port city Rotterdam, the 'windmill village' Kinderdijk in the South Holland province – the lowest point below sea level – is renowned as the birthplace of nearly 20 windmills dating back to the 18th century. Kinderdijk symbolizes the battle against water and has been a long-standing source of pride for the Dutch. This location is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
7. Delft Town Hall
The town hall in Delft, South Holland, is an iconic building constructed in the Renaissance style (in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century) on Markt Square, in front of the Nieuwe Kerk Protestant church, designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser (1565 – 1621). It also serves as a venue for weddings for the locals.
8. Ijsselmeer Lake
This vast body of water is formed by the largest dam in the Netherlands. The place exudes a captivating beauty, especially on cold or misty days when the lake adorns itself with a pure white coat. Visitors here also have the opportunity to experience adventurous water sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving, and boat racing.
9. Frisian Islands
The Frisian Islands form a stretch of 32 islets extending from the North Sea off the Dutch coast to offshore areas bordering Germany and Denmark to the east. Whether you want to admire the beauty of sunrise and sunset over the sea or simply take a stroll and inhale the briny air of the ocean, Frisian Islands are the perfect place to open your heart to the majestic and idealistic wonders of nature.
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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – Courtesy of globalgrasshopper.com
MytourOctober 28, 2013
