TRAVEL || EUROPE > Benelux > THE NETHERLANDS
Nederland, THE LOW LANDS
Perseverance and Dutch engineering created much of the Netherlands of today. Influenced by north winds, tidal waters, and sand dunes, the Netherlands is an engineering marvel. A system of canals link waterways to the North Sea; dikes and dams hold back the sea to create more arable land and fresh-water lakes. Much of the Netherlands of today is at or below sea level.
The constitutional monarchy of the Netherlands is divided into 12 official provinces (4 regional divisions). Beginning in Amsterdam during our trip to Northwestern Europe, we explored three of the provinces of West Netherlands—North Holland, South Holland, Utrecht—and then traveled through Breda in North Brabant of South Netherlands on our way to Belgium.
Dutch Regions and Provinces
Western Netherlands
♦ North Holland
♦ South Holland
The Hague (Den Haag) + Scheveningen + Delft + Leiden + Rotterdam + Dordrecht
♦ Utrecht
♦ Flevoland
Eastern Netherlands
♦ Overijssel
♦ Gelderland
Northern Netherlands
♦ Drenthe
♦ Groningen
♦ Friesland
Southern Netherlands
♦ Zeeland
♦ North Brabant
♦ Limburg
Dutch Cities
Amsterdam
NORTH HOLLAND “Venice of the North Sea” Read more
Haarlem
NORTH HOLLAND “City of Flowers” Read more
The Hague (Den Haag)
SOUTH HOLLAND “City of Peace and Justice” Read more
Scheveningen
SOUTH HOLLAND Seaside Fishing Port of Greater Haaglanden Read more
Delft
SOUTH HOLLAND Home of Vermeer Read more
Leiden
SOUTH HOLLAND Birthplace of Rembrandt Read more
Rotterdam
SOUTH HOLLAND Modern Metropolis Read more
Dordrecht
SOUTH HOLLAND “Cradle of the Golden Age” Read more
Utrecht
PROVINCE AND CITY Liberty front and “De Stijl” City Read more
Much of the Netherlands is navigable by alternative modes of transportation—train, tram, boat, ferry, bicycle, foot—which commonly eliminate the need for a car. Efficient, convenient, and well-operated Dutch trains travel between cities, while trams operate within the city. Most of our time, however, was spent traversing cities and villages on foot to take in the scenery.
As if caught in time, storybook postcard photos come to life. Ubiquitous bicycles cross picturesque canals; antique windmills dot ever-present waterways; colorful tulips cover fields in spring. Beyond its well-preserved history, we were struck by the Dutch progressive modernity. Known for its traditional characteristics, the Netherlands is also known for tolerance and innovation.
God created the Earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands.
Dutch proverb
Photo Gallery
Blauwbrug Bridge on the Amstel River 
View from the Amstel River 
Dutch homes on the Amstel River 
Evening in Amsterdam 
Haarlem Binnen Spaarne canal 
Den Haag (The Hague) Hofvijver 
The Benninhof along the Hofvijver in Den Haag 
Den Haag (The Hague) city from the Hofvijver 
Canal view in Delft of the Oude Kerk (Old Church) 
Rotterdam Centraal Station
Read More
All About The Netherlands
The Hague: Discover Den Haag.
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Locating the Netherlands
The constitutional monarchy of the Netherlands is divided into 12 official provinces (4 regional divisions). Beginning in Amsterdam during our trip to Northwestern Europe, we explored three of the provinces of West Netherlands—North Holland, South Holland, Utrecht—and then traveled through…
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Basics
Know Before You Go
Dutch
official language
Euro €
currency
12
official regions
Amsterdam
capital
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