Netherlands Bridges Modern Tradition

Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe. It is the official capital of the Netherlands. However, the government offices are in the city of The Hague. Amsterdam is the country’s major economic center. It is also famous as a place of freedom and tolerance.

The Hague, also known as Den Haag, is the administrative capital of the Netherlands and the home of the court and government. It is situated on a coastal plain, with the city centre just inland from the North Sea. The Hague is also the seat of the International Court of Justice. It is known as the International City of Peace and Justice, where some of the world’s worst crimes are prosecuted.

Haarlem is a city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of North Holland. Haarlem is situated at the northern edge of the Randstad, one of the more populated metropolitan areas in Europe, and is also part of the Amsterdam metropolitan area. The city lies along the Spaarne River, 4.5 miles (7 km) from the North Sea, just west of Amsterdam. Haarlem was mentioned in the 10th century and by the 12th century had become a fortified town and the residence of the counts of Holland. The city is located on the river Spaarne, giving it the nickname Spaarnestad (Spaarne City).

The villages of Old Holland are located in the municipality of Waterland, north-east of Amsterdam. It boasts charming villages such as : Edam, Volendam, Marken, but also Hoorn, Oosthuizen, Middenbeemster, Purmerend, Landsmeer, all located in the Dutch countryside.

Lisse is a small town in South Holland, Netherlands, known for its beautiful tulip fields in spring and its dahlia show gardens in summer. The world-famous Keukenhof flower park is also located in Lisse.

Giethoorn is a picturesque village in the province of Overijssel, Netherlands. It is known as Venice of the North because of its extensive network of canals and 176 bridges. The village can only be explored by foot or by boat. It is located in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, about 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Steenwijk.

Zaanse Schans is a village located right next to the city of Zaandam, while Kinderdijk is located between the green meadows. There is more to explore at Zaanse Schans, offering an historic village experience, but Kinderdijk has much more windmills than Zaanse Schans.

Maastricht is a city in the southeastern Netherlands, serving as the capital of the province of Limburg. It is located near the borders of Belgium and Germany and has a rich history dating back to Roman times, originally known as Trajectum ad Mosam. Today, Maastricht is known for its vibrant culture, historical architecture, and as a center for education with Maastricht University.

Delft is a city in the Netherlands, known for its historical connections with the House of Orange-Nassau, blue pottery, and being home to the painter Jan Vermeer. It is also the location of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). Delftware, also known as Delft Blue, is a type of Dutch tin-glazed earthenware. The city has a rich history dating back to the 15th century when Willem van Oranje lived and was murdered there.

Vermeer’s birthplace and a true gem, Delft sits between The Hague and Rotterdam in the country’s southwest. The city’s name comes from the Dutch word for digging, fitting since canals are a highlight here.