Netherlands holidays

The Netherlands, a small country towards the north of Europe, is a kingdom located on North Sea which has always had a very special relationship with the sea. Ever since the Middle Ages, the Netherlands has conquered ever more land from the sea. This land is protected from flooding by an elaborate system of dykes and dams, which are absolutely essential since the Netherlands are situated at about 24% below sea level. The Maeslant Barrier is particularly famous and protects the Rotterdam area from floods. Even though The Hague is the seat of government and the residence of the Dutch royal family, the capital of the Netherlands is actually Amsterdam. Outside the Netherlands, Holland is often used synonymously for the small country on the sea. Holland is in fact a province in the Netherlands, which consists of North and South Holland. Attractions in the Netherlands include not only the famous windmills, but the many canals and of course the tulips in spring. The fortress of Bourtange is near the German border. This pentagonal fortress was built in the 16th Century to isolate the city of Groningen on the trade route from Groningen to Meppen. Groningen was at the time occupied by the Spaniards. As the Spaniards showed such fierce resistance, the fort was constantly expanded and strengthened.

Facts

Cities in Netherlands

Utrecht
Breda
Valkenburg
Haarlem
Maastricht
Eindhoven
Noordwijk-Binnen
• Amsterdam
• Rotterdam
• Den Haag