The Netherlands - Nederländerna

Netherlands, also Holland, is a country in Benelux.

Planning before the trip

No visa is required to travel to the Netherlands.

To take with you to the Netherlands

A good way to experience Dutch cities, or countryside, is on foot or by bike (the landscapes are flat and there are plenty of cycle paths). It can therefore be good to bring comfortable shoes that can be used for a whole day - and possibly patches for shoe chafing.

To bring with you from the Netherlands

• Clogs. The classic Dutch clogs (klompen, sing. Klomp) made in one piece of wood, are available to buy in almost all souvenir shops.
• Cheese. The Dutch are world famous for their cheese production which stretches all the way back to the year 800 BC. In the northern parts of the Netherlands, it is common with cheese markets where good prices are offered.
• Sex toy. The Dutch have a liberal view of sex and pronography, and there are many shops selling sex toys, lingerie, etc.

Facts about the Netherlands

The Netherlands is often called Holland, which is only the name of a part of the country. However, the name Holland is often used - as well as Dutch for the language and as an adjective - in everyday contexts for phenomena that are perceived as associated with the Netherlands, such as "Dutch Edamer", "Dutch tulips", hollandaise (sauce), the "Dutch" channels.

The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, but the government and parliament are based in The Hague, where the monarch also resides. Official language is Dutch.

History

Under Charles V, German-Roman emperor and king of Spain, the region was part of the seventeen Dutch provinces, which also included most of present-day Belgium. After the Spanish-Dutch War against Charles V's son Philip II of Spain, the northern part, under the name of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, grew into one of the most powerful seafaring nations and economic powers in the 17th century. The period is called the Dutch great power era.

Under Napoleon, the country was incorporated into French rule but regained autonomy along with the Austrian Netherlands and with Luxembourg in 1815. Belgium broke away in 1830. During the 19th century, the Netherlands industrialized relatively slowly compared to surrounding countries.

The Netherlands was neutral in the First World War and in the beginning of the Second World War, but was nevertheless occupied by Nazi Germany in May 1940 and was not liberated until 1945. After the war, industry flourished again within the Benelux and the EC. The Netherlands also became a member of NATO.

The locals

Climate

The Netherlands has a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers. The climate is largely affected by ocean and air currents from the North Sea. Although the Netherlands has an image of being a rainy country, it rains only 7% of the time. During a normal year, the number of hours of sunshine is between approx. 1500-1600 h.

Holidays

Regions

Cities

• Amsterdam

Getting to the Netherlands

Many still come by plane Amsterdam, where the country's most significant airport Schipol is located.

• Tjörnarpsbuss[1] have bus trips to Holland.

You can get to the Netherlands by car from neighboring countries Germany and Belgium, by train, by ferry from UK.

Relocation in the Netherlands

NS takes care of most of the train traffic in the country. NS has three types of trains: stop train, express train, and Intercity Direct. Stop train stops at all stations between along the route. Express trains only stop at selected stations. Intercity Direct trains are faster than express train trains, run between Amsterdam Centraal and Breda, and also stop at Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Centraal.

Ticket prices are based on distance and there are no price advantages to booking in advance outside the € 1 surcharge that applies to one-time tickets purchased at stations. But you have to buy a supplement to travel on Intercity Direct trains (2.40 €). You can also take the German ICE train between Amsterdam and Utrecht or Arnhem for the same price as traveling with other NS trains plus a € 2.40 supplement.

If you have an OV-Chipkaart with sufficient funds, no other ticket is needed. You must check in before the trip and check out immediately after the trip. The OV chip card should have a minimum of 20 € to check in with NS, but if the ticket price is less than 20 €, the difference is refunded as long as you check out after the trip. You can also buy a one-time ticket (single and round-trip tickets are available) for an additional € 1 on ticket machines at stations. This € 1 surcharge does not apply to e-tickets purchased on NS.nl and the NS Reisplanner Xtra App. Breaking your journey between your origins and final destination stations is possible.

In addition to NS, Thalys also operates high-speed trains between Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal. Trains also stop at Schiphol Airport. However, advance purchase is required, but if you book earlier, it may be possible to pay lower prices.

Smaller train companies include Arriva, Breng, Connexxion, Keolis, Qbuzz, and Blauwnet. They operate regionally. Each operator has its own check-in machine If you want to change train operators during your journey, you should check out from the first operator before checking in the second operator.

If you want to visit places further out in the country, it can be good to drive a car. But in cities, especially Amsterdam, it is difficult to find parking spaces and the streets are narrow.

The Netherlands is known for making it easy to cycle even long distances. Many cyclists travel to the Netherlands.

Payment

In the Netherlands, the euro is used as currency.

In the country, people prefer to use cash and it is difficult to use items. VISA and Mastercard cards in stores, even among the larger ones, therefore make sure to bring cash with you.

You can use Swedish ATM cards, with VISA or Mastercard, to withdraw money at ATMs that are plentiful.

Accommodation

Food and drinks

The most common dish is Boerenkool met stamppot. It is like mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and meat (usually sausages).

To see

To do

• Cycling holiday in the relatively flat landscape.
• Canal boat holiday.
• Bathing holiday along the sandy coast.

Work

Communication

Security

Respect

The Netherlands is one of the most liberal countries in the world in all respects.

Problem solver

• Dutch Congress & Tourist Office [2].

Other