This country of tulips, windmills and bicycles stretches out over a predominantly flat landscape of reclaimed land. Sophisticated urban centres and sleepy rural towns are contained within the expansive vistas broken here and there by canals, castle walls and dikes. Europes most densely populated region is located within an area of the Netherlands called the Randstad. This urban hub is spread in a circle from Amsterdam, and includes The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht and the smaller towns of Haarlem, Leiden and Delft. The metropolitan centres buzz with the activity of seasonal festivals, cultural activities, vibrant art scenes and excellent pubs and restaurants.
The cultural heritage that flavours much of Dutch life can be traced back through time. During the 1600s the Netherlands dominated the world both economically and culturally. The Dutch East India Company established trading links with the East and West Indies bringing back an abundance of merchandise and cultural influences. The Golden Age reached its zenith in the artworks of the Dutch Masters - Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Jan Vermeer. Today their paintings hang from the walls of the cities numerous museums and galleries.
Most people travelling to the Netherlands head for the unique experience of its capital city, Amsterdam. The other parts are largely unaffected by tourism, particularly the areas outside the Randstad. The southern parts of the country are transformed by undulating landscapes of shifting sands and heath moors, best experienced within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Still south, tucked between the German and Belgian borders, lies the historical city of Maastricht.
Since the collapse of Napoleons empire in 1814, the Netherlands has taken a neutral stance throughout most of the worlds conflicts, including the First World War in which it took no part. In spite of this independent stance it still suffered severely in World War II during the Nazi invasion of 1940. Its neutral political position, combined with its tradition of liberalism and tolerance has made the Netherlands the logical choice for the establishment of the International Court of Justice, which is situated in The Hague.
The Holland Festival is a yearly trend-setting and
innovative presentation of the dramatic arts, the highlight of the
cultural season in the Netherlands. During the month of June each
year about 30 productions take to the boards across the full
spectrum of the arts, music, opera, theatre and dance. The
programme includes everything from pop music to topical high drama.
A street café on Leidseplein serves as the festival centre where
bookings can be made.
Venue: Information and booking at The Festival Centre,
Stadsschouwburg, Leidseplein Date: 31 May to 22 June 2009 Website: www.hollandfestival.nl
Every year Uitmarkt heralds the official beginning of
the cultural season in Holland and is a celebration and
introduction to the forthcoming cultural activities in the city.
Stages are erected all over the city and offer a wide variety of
free performances, including theatre, music, dance, street theatre
and film, as well as numerous workshops around Leidseplein and
Museumplein. There are also hundreds of cultural institutions on
hand to provide information about their upcoming events and
publishers with their latest editions. Contact the Amsterdams Uit
Buro for more information on +31 (0)20 621 1211 or email the
Amsterdam Tourist Office info@amsterdamtourist.nl
Venue: Various Date: August 2009 TBA
One of the top documentary festivals on the
international calendar sees over 180 entries and over 60,000 film
fanatics, industry professionals and passers by in attendance. The
films focus on everything and anything of interest and there are
concurrent mini festivals, or themed showings, within the IDFA. The
documentaries compete for feature length, short, and newcomer
prizes.
Venue: Various Date: 20-30 November 2008 Website: www.idfa.nl
This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank
whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period, describes the
experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. Part of the
house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and others to escape
Nazi persecution. The families were later discovered and sent to
their deaths in the concentration camps. Otto Frank was the only
survivor. The original diary is on display as part of the permanent
exhibition. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that focus on
related issues.
Excursion: No Address: Prinsengracht 267 (Westerkerk) Telephone: (020) 556 7105 Website: www.annefrank.nl Transport: Tram 13 or 17; or bus 21, 170, 171 or 172 from Central
Station to Westermarkt Opening Time: Daily 9am to 7pm (September 15 to March 14) and 9am
to 9pm (15 March to 14 September). Note that the queues can be
long Admission: EUR7.50 (adults), EUR3.50 (children aged 10 to
17)
A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight
into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World
War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other equipment
provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its
members.
Excursion: No Address: Plantage Kerklaan 61 Telephone: 020 620 2535 Email: info@verzetsmuseum.org Website: www.verzetsmuseum.org Transport: Tram 9 and 14 from Central Station. Stop at Plantage
Kerklaan, Plantage Middenlaan or Artis Zoo Opening Time: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday, Sunday,
Monday and public holidays 12pm to 5pm Admission: EUR6.50 (adults), EUR3.50 (children 7-15). Other
concessions available
The Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) is nine days of
classical music appreciation along the canals of the capital city
and a few indoor areas. A number of concerts are performed
culminating in the Prinsengracht concert, which takes place on a
floating stage.
Venue: Various Date: August 2009 TBA Website: www.grachtenfestival.nl
A huge plant and flower show, the Holland Flowers
Festival is an annual riot of colour and fragrance with a vast
array of tulips, irises, daffodils and other blooms covering the
halls. An accompanying fair showcases hundreds of house and garden
products.
Venue: The Greenery, Centrale Markt 5, Zwaagdijk-Oost Date: February 2010, TBA Website: www.hollandflowersfestival.nl
Enjoy a whole day with marine animals, experience
fantastic attractions and see and learn about the world famous
Delta Works at this spectacular water park. Attractions include the
storm surge barrier, Delta Expo, a waterslide and water playground,
whale world exhibition and a hurricane simulator.
Excursion: Yes Address: Eiland Neeltje Jans, Faelweg 5 Telephone: (0)111 655 655 Email: info@neeltjejans.nl Website: www.neeltjejans.nl Transport: Bus 133 Connexxion (Rotterdam-Vlissingen) Opening Time: Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm (winter) and daily
from 10am to 5.30pm (summer) Admission: EUR17.50 (summer), EUR11.50 (winter). Concessions
available
There is no denying the popularity of this hugely
important festival on the dance calendar. The top names in the
international electronic music scene enthral the 60,000 odd fans
for whom this has certainly become one of the annual highlights of
the contemporary dance scene.
Venue: Spaarnwoude Recreation Ground Date: 12 July 2009 Website: www.dancevalley.nl
The popular marathon is one of the top twelve in the
world and part of the IAAF Golden League. Runners from all over the
world enjoy the flat terrain, stunning architecture and little
traffic that characterises the Amsterdam Marathon. The race dates
back to 1975 and is recognised as one of the most professionally
organised and enjoyable races on the athletics
calendar.
Venue: Olympic Stadium Date: 19 October 2009 Website: www.amsterdammarathon.nl/home/index.php
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