The Netherlands

Beyond the stereotypical tulips, clogs and dykes, the Netherlands is a fascinating, constantly surprising land. Built upon land partially reclaimed from the North Sea, over half of the country lies at or below sea level and the landscape is mostly one of flat, fertile fields, sprinkled with windmills and extensive waterways. Water is a predominant characteristic of the Netherlands, with miles of winding canals, interspersed with the ubiquitous dykes, meandering streams and rivers, and vast expanses of unspoiled, sandy beaches. Despite this ostensible rural idyll, the Netherlands, often imprecisely referred to as Holland, in fact has the highest population density in Europe. Bustling towns and cities punctuate the landscape, and despite the renown of the country’s liberal, atmospheric capital, there is much to discover outside of Amsterdam. From the dignified grandeur of Den Haag to the lively cosmopolitan buzz of Maastricht, the Netherlands changes and contrasts at every turn.