Netherlands Things to Do

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk is nine miles (15km) east of Rotterdam in The Netherlands and comprises 19 wooden windmills – once there were 150 – and pumping stations dating from the 18th century, built to drain water from the surrounding polders as land was reclaimed from the North Sea. Firmly below sea level, the mills march in two rows towards the horizon on either side of the dyke, silhouetted against the flat, grassy landscape of South Holland.

Beer drinking is a connoisseur’s pastime in Belgium and a team sport in Germany, and with The Netherlands squashed in between, Dutch beers are often overlooked. However, alongside the three giant multi-national brands, Heineken, Grolsch, and Bavaria, the country produces more than 30 boutique beers. Main varieties include pilsners; dark-brown dubbel beers and the strong, pale tripel; classic Dutch witbiers; and bok beers, which are brewed seasonally. Be warned – Dutch beers are generally higher in alcohol content than in other countries. Here are some of the best breweries to visit.

The Netherlands springs to life in December, holding traditional Christmas markets in many towns against a backdrop of prettily illuminated gabled houses, canals, lavishly decorated Christmas trees and rousing carol concerts.

The Orient comes to Rotterdam in The Netherlands this Christmas as Europe’s biggest Chinese light festival illuminates the city. China Light Rotterdam runs from December 7th to February 14th, 2013, at Euromast Park and sees scores of Chinese artists turning the gardens into a sparkling winter wonderland of mythical beasts, lotus flowers, giant snails and even Kung Fu Panda lighting up the night.

Did you know that in Poland if you see three redheads at the same time you will win the lottery? Or that in Corsica if you see a redhead you must spit and spin around? How about that Scotland has the highest percentage of redheaded people in the world (13%)? Or that if you go to Breda in The Netherlands on the first weekend of September, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of redheads from all over the world – 46 countries at last count! Yes, this is Roodharigen – the annual Redhead Festival.

Along with clogs and windmills, an icon of The Netherlands is the blue painted ceramic: plates, vases and tiles. The most authentic of these is Royal Delft who have been making the famous Delft Blue pottery since 1653.

In April this year, Royal Delft launched their redesigned tour called the Royal Delft Experience. It was officially opened on May 31st, 2012 by HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.