The Netherlands is a country small in size but big in hospitality, events, attractions and activities. The question is not 'Where to do?' but 'What to do first?'
Here we go. The Netherlands is divided into twelve unique and interesting provinces. Each one is worth a visit. In Overijssel (the province in which the UT is located), near Apeldoorn, lies The Netherlands' first and largest national park 'De Hoge Veluwe' where the remarkable Kröller-Möller Museum of Modern Art is located. De Hoge Veluwe is a park where visitors can still find plenty of space and peace. It has more than 55 square kilometres and consists of woods, heath, sand drifts and fens. The park was in a private possession of Mr. and Mrs. Kröller-Möller, a wealthy industrialist family from Amsterdam. They bequeathed their property to the Netherlands on condition that a museum be built for their extensive art collection. With free white bicycles vistors can cycle for hours or just walk through nature. Art fans must visit the famous Kröller-Möller Museum with its impressive collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh, George Seurat, and Pablo Picasso. There is also a sculpture garden with a delightful collection of sculptures. Stop and tour the St. Hubertus Hunting Lodge, designed by Dutch architect Berlage for the Kröller-Möller family.
Het Loo Palace is also located near Apeldoorn. Built in the late 17th century, it was inhabited by members of the House of Orange until 1975. Its interiors reflects the lifestyles of the members over three centuries. After the death of Queen Wilhelmina it was turned into a national museum and together with garden were open to the public in 1984. At that time there was a spectacular restoration of the palace, returning its buildings and gardens to their original seventeenth-century state. The palace is located in the woods and features garden in a baroque style. Het Loo houses the Museum of the Chancery of the Netherlands Orders of Knighthood, as well as books and other archival material in its library.
The Dolfinarium Harderwijk is the largest marine animal park in Europe. It is an enjoyable place to visit with or without children. You will find impressive, entertaining performances of dolphins, sea lions, walruses and seals show. This is a place of great fun but also full of things to learn. The visitor can experience the authentic natural habitat of dolphins, fish, seals and sea lions together. After a long day the brilliant beach awaits every tired visitor. This is a fascinating and unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Madurodam near The Hague is a miniature city with models of buildings, scale 1:25, which gives a picture of how a typical Dutchcity has developed throughout the centuries. Actual buildings, churches, streets, industrial terrain, offices, harbours are represented. Moving and working features attract most attention, like train whistles and ship horns. Just like any real Dutch city, Madurodam is constantly developing with a few new buildings, objects or some human figures each year.
And of course Amsterdam , cannot be missed. The capital of The Netherlands has so many special features that make it ideal place to visit. Amsterdam is an unusual city with romantic canals and an exciting night-life. Amsterdam has a wide range of places of interest, historical monuments, a flower market and more than 50 museums. One major attraction is The Anne Frank House, the hiding place where the young Jewish girl wrote her famous diary during World War II. Start with the three major museums: the Rijksmuseum, where to find Rembrandt's 'Nightwatch', the Stedelijk for modern art and the Van Gogh Museum. Also wortha peek is the Rembrandthuis, where Rembrandt worked and lived. When you have overdosed on art, take a canal boat tour to see Amsterdam from the water. For some amusing spectacles, walk to the Leidseplein jugglers and fire-eaters entertain the public. Places to wander in Amsterdam include the Dam square, the Begijnhof, the Jordaan neighborhood, Vondelpark, Artis ZOO, not to mention the famous 'Red light' district which puts window shopping in a new light.
There is so much to do in The Netherlands, so get started this weekend!
