Dear Wandering Spirit,
2020 was a weird year for travelling because of the Covid-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, I had the pleasure of discovering the beautiful region of Holland in a lovely country called the Netherlands.
Late Summer in Holland
Although most people informally use both the Netherlands and Holland, the latter only covers a geographic region in the west including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.
I opted for a late summer bike trip in this colourful area and I can only recommend it! Keep reading to discover useful insights of my Holland travel journal. 🧭
Why Visit Holland?
I will give you three good reasons:
- the landscapes,
- the people,
- and the food (keep reading for more info).
It might sound cliché, but the tulips, windmills, and wooden shoes are Dutch icons. If you are looking for souvenirs, you can buy a pair of ‘clogs’, some tulip bulbs, or even Delft blue porcelain. 🧿
Say Cheese!
The most famous Dutch food is cheese.
There is a huge choice for lovers of this dairy product, like mild Gouda, semi-hard Edam, Leerdammer, Maasdam and many more. 🧀
Walk around the food markets, and you will see cheeses of all kinds, tastes, and colours. Also, try some mixes like the lavender blue cheese. Very flavourful!
Fun Facts About the Netherlands
Did you know that…
Liberty, freedom, and happiness are the pillars of Dutch society. The Dutch spirit is all about tolerance and freedom.
Trade is vital in the Netherlands; Rotterdam is the largest European port. 🚢 The country hosts many international workers and students.
Dutch people have a special relationship with the sea. The country is in fact far below sea level, and a number of polders were created to protect the cities, people, and farmland.
Last but not least, The Netherlands is the country of memorable artists, like Van Gogh, and modern architecture, like De Stijl.
It’s all about bridges, castles, country houses and the scent of colourful flowers. 🌷 If you love landscape photography, you can’t miss this place!
Holland Bike Routes
During my 2020 trip to Holland, I covered Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. I had already been to the Netherlands before, but I admit I discover the cities from a different perspective at every new visit, especially Amsterdam. 🏙️
There are also various smaller towns you could include in your next travel itinerary: Amersfoort, Alkmaar, Breda, Delft, Eindhoven, Gouda, Groningen, Haarlem, Leiden, Maastricht, and Zwolle. The nicest part of this country is that you can cover several places within an hour or two.
The best way to get around is by bike, thanks to the flat terrain. At any station, outside any shop, you will see many old-school bicycles. Jump on a bike and discover Holland. 🚲
On one hand, this is a relaxing activity to switch off from the daily routine. On the other hand, you can turn your Holland trip into a sport holiday, as you will explore the world’s most beautiful bike routes here.
Holland Travel Itinerary
I highly recommend you visit…
- If you have never been there. Whether you are into art museums or not, you must visit Amsterdam at least once in your life;
- Tradition and internationality perfectly coexist here and make this city one of the most scenic worldwide;
- If you like the spirit of a dynamic capital city with great local markets.
- If you are looking for a modern city with a focus on logistics. ⚓ This contemporary melting pot of almost 2.8 million people offers unique shopping experiences;
- If you are into bizarre architecture. Check the Cubic Houses by Piet Blom.
- If you are looking for a stunning panorama;
- If you have already heard of the lovely village of Kinderdijk, home of the UNESCO World Heritage site windmills.
- If you are looking for an authentic Dutch town with a stunning city centre, cafés and restaurants on the riverside that offer the most romantic view at night;
- If you like to walk around by foot and discover great spots.
- If you want to discover a royal and elegant city;
- If you are looking for the Dutch masters of painting at the Mauritshuis;
- You want to combine a city break with the amazing and vast Dutch coast.
Try Dutch Cuisine
When in the Netherlands, you can try some typical Dutch dishes.
What are the most famous? First, the Dutch row herring is served with raw onions, chopped or in a sandwich, and you can find it at any street stand.
Second, is the queen of street food: Dutch fries. 🍟 I love Dutch fries because they are thicker, and they are served with different toppings – tremendously delicious.
What about Dutch sweets?
There are two options. The first is the ‘stroopwafel’, a cookie-like waffle which is made of butter, eggs, sugar, and milk, and served with very sticky syrup. 🧇
The second Dutch sweet you must try are ‘poffertjes’, soft small pancakes made of butter and covered in powdered sugar. Yummy!
Weather in the Netherlands
Temperatures in Holland are warm in summer, but always consider windy and rainy days too. Make sure you take some extra clothes with you, just in case. A windbreaker will be your best travel companion in this unpredictable country!
If you are planning your Holland visit in the warm months, make sure you go to the seaside too. The Dutch coast is long, sandy and perfect for all water sports. 🏄 Outside Amsterdam, I recommend Zandvoort. In the south, visit Scheveningen and Kijkduin, just outside The Hague.
For a travel cost breakdown when visiting the region of Holland, check out here.
Visit Holland now and let me know about your last travel destinations!
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