Is Holland Worth Visiting | 5 Excellent Reasons…

Is Holland Worth Visiting?

Yes! The Netherlands is known for its beauty, culture and history. Amsterdam, the nation’s capital, is one of the most international cities in Europe with a population that reflects more than 170 different nationalities. Holland, which includes the provinces of Noord Holland and Zuid Holland, is home to nearly 35% of the county’s total population and includes the three largest Dutch cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. This region offers nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 400+ museums and historical sites, delicious food and breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect place to start an amazing travel adventure in the Netherlands. So, is Holland worth visiting? Check out five excellent reasons to visit the Netherlands.

Experience World-Class Museums

Photo by Frans Ruiter

The Netherlands is a world leader when it comes to arts and culture. With more than 400 museums located throughout the country, visitors can enjoy an impressive variety of classical and contemporary art at the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht and Kunsthal Rotterdam. Visitors can also learn about Dutch history and culture at the Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum, Royal Delft and Amsterdam Museum. For family-friendly museums, check out the Nijntje Museum, Maritime Museum and Space Expo.

Take in the Canals

Photo by C. McCain

Built during the Golden Age of the seventeenth century, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) is made up of intersecting waterways developed through the drainage and reclamation of land for new development. In addition to being practical, the Canal Ring has evolved into one of the city’s most iconic sites, particularly the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel canals. In 2010, the Amsterdam Canal Ring was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. And, in 2013, it celebrated its 400th birthday. To learn more, check out the Museum of the Canals (Het Grachtenhuis) in Amsterdam and experience historical artifacts and multi-media exhibits.

Stop and Smell the…Tulips

Courtesy of Visit Holland. Photo by Claire Droppert.

When talking about 5 reasons to visit Holland, it’s important to mention the flowers. From mid-March to mid-May, sections of Holland are in full bloom with some of the most beautiful flower fields in the world. Crocuses first appear in March, then daffodils and hyacinths soon follow. From mid-April through the first week of May, tulips take center stage with spectacular scenes of vast fields and vivid colors. One of the best tulip routes in Holland can be found in the Noordoostpolder region of the Flevoland province, which ranges in distance from 10 to 70 km. Don’t miss the annual Flower Parade, from Noordwijk to Haarlem, which features colorful floats decorated with incredible, custom-made floral arrangements.

Say Cheese, Please

Courtesy of Visit Holland

The Dutch produce more than 650 million kilos of cheese every year. Two third of it is exported, which makes Holland one of the largest cheese exporters in the world. The most popular cheeses from Holland come from Gouda and Edam, and for more than 600 years, cheese producers from this region have been honing their craft from one generation to the next. Today, visitors can taste a wide variety of local cheeses at the cheese markets in Gouda, Edam and Alkmaar. While in Alkmaar, check out the Cheese Museum to learn more about the history and artistry of Dutch cheesemaking.

Celebrate the Royal Family

Courtesy of Visit Holland

Is Holland worth visiting? Yes, particularly during King’s Day. In 1885, a royal tradition was born with a celebration in honor of the birth of Queen Wilhelmina, which marked the start of Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) in the Netherlands. In 2014, Queen’s Day was changed to King’s Day (Koningsdag) after the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander. Each year on April 27, the Dutch celebrate the King’s birthday with music, street parties, flea markets and fairs. Revelers wear the color orange from head to toe as a show of pride for the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau.