Celebrating King’s Day in the Netherlands | Amsterdam Koningsdag 2024
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Celebrating King’s Day in the Netherlands | Amsterdam Koningsdag 2024

King's Day is probably one of the most popular and flamboyant celebrations in the Netherlands. Every year on April 27 (or the day before if it falls on a Sunday), the Dutch celebrate their King Willem-Alexander's birthday as a national holiday with a lot of music, dancing, flea markets, and fun fairs all over the country. If you happen to be in the Netherlands, you can’t miss this event!

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Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Holland 2024 | Flower Parade of the Bulb Region Netherlands 2024 | Information, Route, Tips, and Tricks
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Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Holland 2024 | Flower Parade of the Bulb Region Netherlands 2024 | Information, Route, Tips, and Tricks

Being the largest exporter of flowers globally and accounting for two-thirds of the world's total floral sales, the Netherlands is aptly dubbed as the ‘Land of Flowers.’ Therefore, it goes without saying, that spring is the most beautiful time in the Netherlands. When the bulbs start blooming in the endless array of flower fields, the entire country transforms into a vast ocean of flowers. It starts in mid-March with cherry blossoms, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths. And as the famous tulips blossom in mid-April, the whole country gets ready for the biggest spring festival named ‘Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) Bollenstreek (Bulb Region)!’

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Experience Waterland | 11 Most Charming and Beautiful Authentic Dutch Villages of Waterland | The Wet Back Garden of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Experience Waterland | 11 Most Charming and Beautiful Authentic Dutch Villages of Waterland | The Wet Back Garden of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The lush countryside immediately north of Amsterdam is known as Waterland. Waterland is both land and water, as its name implies. With thousands of little canals, brooks, rivers, and lakes, this landscape is almost entirely covered by water. It's known as "Amsterdam's wet back garden." This rural area boasts a scenery that is genuinely representative of the Dutch landscape: it is flat, abundant with historic "polders" (reclaimed land tracts), lush green pastures, twisting dikes, and functional windmills. In a nutshell, Waterland is the Netherlands, and it's only a short distance from the hectic metropolis. Nevertheless, this area is absolutely distinct from Amsterdam. It is a place where "the clock ticks more slowly," as we like to say in the Netherlands!

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36 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam | 36 Most Beautiful Dutch Cities, Small Towns, and Villages in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam | 36 Best Day trips from Amsterdam
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36 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam | 36 Most Beautiful Dutch Cities, Small Towns, and Villages in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam | 36 Best Day trips from Amsterdam

While it's well known that Amsterdam, the lively capital city filled with canals and coffee shops, is frequently the first (and, let's face it, sometimes the only) stop for tourists in the Netherlands, there are a plethora of other, less-visited locations throughout the nation that are equally as worthwhile. Travelers will be surprised by how diversified the Netherlands' landscapes are for such a small nation.

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41 Best Places and Attractions to Visit in the Netherlands in Summer | 41 Amazing Things to See and Do in Summer in the Netherlands | 41 Top Summer Hot Spots in the Netherlands
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41 Best Places and Attractions to Visit in the Netherlands in Summer | 41 Amazing Things to See and Do in Summer in the Netherlands | 41 Top Summer Hot Spots in the Netherlands

Summers in the Netherlands can be a genuine celebration with the sun, sea, beach, festivals, music, overnight stays, lovely pavement cafés, delectable food, and fine wine! The longest day of the year, or the Summer Solstice, which occurs on June 21, marks the beginning of summer, according to the astronomical calendar. June, July, and August are regarded as the summer months by meteorologists. As a result of its maritime climate, which is influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Netherlands experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the summer, including a few hot days with temperatures considerably over the 25-degree threshold.

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Complete Guide to Durga Puja 2023 in Holland | All Durga Puja Celebrations in 2023 by Bengali Communities of the Netherlands | Locations, Dates, Opening Hours, and Latest Updates
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Complete Guide to Durga Puja 2023 in Holland | All Durga Puja Celebrations in 2023 by Bengali Communities of the Netherlands | Locations, Dates, Opening Hours, and Latest Updates

Durga Puja, also known by the names Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is a major annual ten-day Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and the nation of Bangladesh during the month of Ashwin on the Indian calendar (which falls between September and October on the Gregorian calendar), to commemorate the victory of the Hindu Goddess Durga (who is regarded as ‘Adi Shakti,’ the primordial cosmic energy) against the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura after a ten-day war.

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The Dutch Cheese Markets | The Cheese Market Cities of the Netherlands - Alkmaar, Edam, Gouda, Hoorn, and Woerden
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The Dutch Cheese Markets | The Cheese Market Cities of the Netherlands - Alkmaar, Edam, Gouda, Hoorn, and Woerden

Since before the advent of Christ, the Dutch have been associated with cheese. Researchers have uncovered pieces of cheese-making machinery that date back to 200 BC. Due to the Netherlands' lush environment, which was ideal for cattle rearing, cheese-making had become an integral part of Dutch culture by the Middle Ages. Markets for cheese grew briskly, and communities with weighing privileges were able to construct ‘Weigh Houses’ and enjoyed unique status.

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10 Most Beautiful Sand Dunes in the Netherlands | 10 Best Dutch Dunes National Parks and Nature Reserves
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10 Most Beautiful Sand Dunes in the Netherlands | 10 Best Dutch Dunes National Parks and Nature Reserves

The Dutch Dunes are ever-changing landscapes as a result of the water and the wind's ongoing effect, extending for hundreds of miles and comprising lakes, woods, and hills that contribute significantly to the Dutch environment. The dunes are home to a diverse array of wild flora and fauna. The dunes provide an essential barrier against the occasionally untamed and rising North Sea because nearly a third of the nation is below sea level. In addition to storm surge protection, these exceptional habitats can deliver a number of amazing experiences right from swimming in the natural freshwater lakes, to a peaceful trek appreciating wildflowers and unusual fauna to biking across rolling hills and conquering windswept vantage points that give breathtaking views in a flat country like the Netherlands.

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21 Best Beaches in the Netherlands | Top 21 Dutch Coastal Towns for a Summer Holiday in the Netherlands
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21 Best Beaches in the Netherlands | Top 21 Dutch Coastal Towns for a Summer Holiday in the Netherlands

Being a maritime country with a 450 km coastline, the Netherlands is famous for its beautiful beaches. Since the Netherlands has a lesser number of sunny days in the year, with the arrival of the summer, beachgoers, wildlife lovers, and watersports enthusiasts visit the splendid Dutch coastal towns to enjoy some fresh air on the beach, have a drink at a beach club, take a stroll down the promenade or through the dunes, watch the seagulls steal french fries from a scared couple, or ride the giant waves on a windy day!

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9 Best Things to See and Do in Zaanse Schans Windmill Park (Zaandam) | All You Need to Know to Visit Zaanse Schans (Zaandam) on a Day Trip from Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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9 Best Things to See and Do in Zaanse Schans Windmill Park (Zaandam) | All You Need to Know to Visit Zaanse Schans (Zaandam) on a Day Trip from Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The Zaanse Schans is a small Dutch village on the Zaan river 20 km north of Amsterdam, in the neighborhood of Zaandam. It has an open-air museum feel that offers a peek into the Dutch life of the golden ages with its traditional wood houses, vibrant windmills, and workshops. The Zaanse Schans draws in almost a million visitors each year, and it's one of the Netherlands' best-loved destinations. Together with the neighboring city of Zaandam, famous for its wooden Zaan-style houses, it is a must-visit destination when you’re in the Netherlands.

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27 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands in Spring | 27 Best Things to Do in Spring in the Netherlands | 27 Reasons to Visit the Netherlands in Spring
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27 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands in Spring | 27 Best Things to Do in Spring in the Netherlands | 27 Reasons to Visit the Netherlands in Spring

Spring is undoubtedly the most fascinating season in the Netherlands and therefore, the best time for tourists to visit this beautiful country. After dull, grey, and cold winter months, as the sun starts peeping through the clouds, the sky turns blue and the days get longer and warmer, you know spring is in the air. And during these spring months of mid-March to mid-May, being the largest exporter of flowers globally, the whole country transforms into a vast ocean of flowers. It starts with cherry blossoms, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths between mid-March and mid-April, followed by the famous tulips between mid-April and mid-May. This makes it a great time to explore the Dutch countryside.

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Anne Frank House Museum Amsterdam Virtual Tour | The Story behind the Diary of Anne Frank
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Anne Frank House Museum Amsterdam Virtual Tour | The Story behind the Diary of Anne Frank

‘The Diary of a Young Girl,’ popularly known as ‘The Diary of Anne Frank,’ is one of the most well-known books of the twentieth century, that has inspired countless plays and films. Written between 1942 and 1944, it paints a vivid picture of a maturing young woman rising to the challenge when thrust into an incredible situation, and exposes the plight of individuals who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during their occupation of the Netherlands.

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Remembering the Fallen | 3 Historic World War II Memorials and Cemeteries in the Netherlands
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Remembering the Fallen | 3 Historic World War II Memorials and Cemeteries in the Netherlands

During the World War II endgame period of 1944 - 45, significant battles erupted in the Netherlands as the Allies pushed through from the country's south and finally succeeded in liberating the Netherlands from German control. Thousands of troops from the Netherlands and from other countries were martyred. The Netherlands has around 3,900 World War II memorials and cemeteries, the biggest absolute number, and density in Europe. Today I’m going to talk about the 3 most historic World War II memorials in the Netherlands.

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Amsterdam Light Festival 2023-2024 | 12th Edition | Dates, Opening Hours, and Free Walking Route Map
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Amsterdam Light Festival 2023-2024 | 12th Edition | Dates, Opening Hours, and Free Walking Route Map

The annual Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) fills the Dutch capital's canals with magnificent works of light art every winter. Designers, architects, and artists from all around the world submit hundreds of concepts each year, out of which 20 to 30 artworks are chosen for display in the festival by a selection committee.

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The Dutch Christmas Markets | 9 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in the Netherlands | Top 9 Things to See and Do in the Netherlands during Christmas
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The Dutch Christmas Markets | 9 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in the Netherlands | Top 9 Things to See and Do in the Netherlands during Christmas

While the whole world is already busy shopping in Advent Markets from mid-November, the Dutch have yet to set up a Christmas Tree! Strange but true, the country starts brimming with Christmas joy only from the second week of December when the town squares convert into grand markets selling food, trinkets, glühwein, oliebollen, and all kinds of gifts that bring smiles to the faces of your friends, family, and folks you care about.

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De Mooiste Plekken in Nederland in De Herfst | Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands during Autumn | Top Things to See and Do in Fall in the Netherlands
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De Mooiste Plekken in Nederland in De Herfst | Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands during Autumn | Top Things to See and Do in Fall in the Netherlands

I've always been intrigued by the fascinating season of autumn. To me, autumn is a grand manifestation of the ultimate reality on earth that one day everything has to perish just to be reborn again. And as the tree leaves turn into vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red, one last time before they return to Mother Nature, the mushrooms start emerging, chestnuts lay all around, and soft rays of the sun kiss your face as you take a leisurely walk on the rustling dry leaves, autumn shows us that the end can also be beautiful. And during this beautiful season in the Netherlands, what are the things you can see and do? That's precisely what I'm going to tell you today. So let's begin!

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Kunsttuin Nederlands Kremlin | The Dutch Kremlin | A Unique Sculpture Garden by Ger Leegwater in Winkel, the Netherlands
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Kunsttuin Nederlands Kremlin | The Dutch Kremlin | A Unique Sculpture Garden by Ger Leegwater in Winkel, the Netherlands

Did you know there is a ‘Kremlin’ in the Netherlands? If not, then you ought to visit this place. It’s located in Winkel, a small village in the Dutch province of North Holland, built single-handedly by one man who kept faith in his dreams for 40 long years. So, with no further delay, let me take you along with me to this fantasy world named ‘The Dutch Kremlin!’

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De Mooiste Bloemenroutes van Nederland | 4 Best Road Trip Flower Routes around Tulip, Daffodil, and Hyacinth Bulb Fields in the Netherlands
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De Mooiste Bloemenroutes van Nederland | 4 Best Road Trip Flower Routes around Tulip, Daffodil, and Hyacinth Bulb Fields in the Netherlands

When you think of the Netherlands, the first thing that comes to your mind is an endless ocean of vibrant flower fields. Soon after the first tulip was planted on the Dutch soil in the mid-sixteenth century, the country saw a tremendous floral revolution and the founding of a horticultural industry that later converted their lowland country into the global hub of flower trade.

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Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) | Celebrating the Advent of Spring at Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park) in Amstelveen, the Netherlands
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Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) | Celebrating the Advent of Spring at Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park) in Amstelveen, the Netherlands

Literally meaning 'Flower Viewing,' the Hanami Festival is a Japanese tradition of celebrating the advent of spring. Flowers and nature, in general, have a symbolic meaning in Japan. To the Japanese, the cherry blossom represents a new beginning and hence the festival of Hanami Matsuri, most often referring to Sakura Matsuri ('Cherry Blossom Viewing') is a means of appreciating the transience of life.

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6 Best Places for Snow Photography in the Netherlands | Top 6 Winter Photography Spots in the Netherlands
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6 Best Places for Snow Photography in the Netherlands | Top 6 Winter Photography Spots in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is not known as a popular winter destination, as characteristically, the country receives a few days of snow every year. With climate change, the number of days is reducing with each passing year, and the day’s not far when we will narrate our grandchildren about the merry times we spent with our friends, ice-skating over the frozen lakes and canals.

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