Netherlands Adventures: Windmills, Canals, Food & Travel Tips
The Netherlands is a small country in Europe, bordered by Belgium and Germany and surrounded by water. About one third of the land is below sea level. The Dutch use dikes, dunes, and pumps—often powered by windmills—to keep the North Sea out. This beautiful country is famous for tulips, canals, cheese, and historic windmills.
Windmills and History
The Dutch are leaders in wind energy. There are more than 1,000 windmills across the Netherlands. We visited Zaanse Schans, just north of Amsterdam. This open-air museum has 13 working windmills. They are still used for pumping water, grinding spices, milling grain, and making paint pigments. Walking through felt like stepping back in time.
Amsterdam: City of Canals
Our trip continued with a stay in Amsterdam, a city known for its canals and bridges. Thousands of bridges connect the city, making it easy to walk, bike, or cruise. We stayed in a canal boat, which gave us a unique view of the city.
Some attractions we recommend:
- Van Gogh Museum – See the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s art.
- Anne Frank House – Learn the story of Anne Frank and see over 1,100 original items from her life. Buy tickets online early.
- Rijksmuseum – Home to 800 years of Dutch history with works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.
- Red Light District – A well-known area with shops, cafés, and nightlife.
Dutch Food We Loved
The Dutch love good food, and so did we. Some favorites include:
- Pannenkoeken – thin pancakes, often sweet or savory.
- Poffertjes – small, fluffy pancakes with butter and sugar.
- Kaas (cheese) – Gouda, Edam, and Maasdammer are local classics.
One highlight for us was Winkel 43 in the Jewish quarter at Noordermarkt. Their fresh apple pie is the best we’ve ever had!
More to Explore in the Netherlands
Beyond Amsterdam, the Netherlands has other cities and sights worth visiting:
- Rotterdam – modern architecture and Europe’s biggest port.
- The Hague – home to the Dutch government and the Peace Palace.
- Utrecht – cozy canals, a lively university town.
- Keukenhof Gardens – the most famous tulip fields, open in spring.
Tips for Visiting
- Best time to visit – Spring (April–May) for tulips, or summer for festivals.
- Getting around – The train system is fast and easy. In cities, biking is the best way to travel.
- Local culture – The Dutch value directness and cycling. Be ready to share bike paths with everyone!
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands is a country full of charm, history, and culture. From windmills at Zaanse Schans to canals in Amsterdam, from museums to apple pie at Winkel 43, every stop on our journey was unforgettable. Whether you love art, food, or cycling, the Netherlands is a perfect getaway.
