So you landed your first job in the Netherlands? From trying out the Dutch cuisine to taking a bike tour, here are 5 experiences you can only have in the Netherlands.
Firstly, welcome to the Netherlands! This small country in northern Europe definitely packs a lot into its borders. From majestic canal towns and bustling port cities to verdant countryside crisscrossed by cycle lanes under a neverending sky, the Netherlands really has it all. And the best part is, you can now call this fantastic country home.
However, as any ex-pat will tell you, the first few days in a new country can be challenging. After all, being faced with a system you don’t know in a language you don’t understand isn’t the most accessible introduction to your new home. But it soon gets better – we promise.
Ride a Bike Through the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
Regarding cycling, Amsterdam is one of the best cities to do that. Not only that, but Amsterdam has one of the largest urban cycle networks in the world. This unique system of tracks actually runs through the Rijksmuseum, allowing cyclists to ride inside one of the most important cultural landmarks in the Netherlands.
Eat Fresh Stroopwafels
Although stroopwafels are primarily associated with Belgium, waffles are ubiquitous in the Netherlands. Dutch supermarkets have whole aisles dedicated to these delicious, sugary treats. For a true Dutch delicacy, though, travelers should sample stroopwafels, rather than their thicker, Belgian counterparts. These chewy, syrup-filled cookies are readily available throughout the Netherlands and most markets have at least one stroopwafel stall. This is how you have unique experiences in the Netherlands!
Visit Islands That Are No Longer Islands
As around one-third of the Netherlands is built upon artificial land (much of which was reclaimed from the sea) many former islands are now part of the Dutch mainland. The rustic fishing village of Urk, for example, was once completely surrounded by the Zuiderzee but is now enclosed within Flevoland province, whereas Marken, in Noord-Holland, existed as an island for centuries, until a large causeway turned it into a peninsula.
Take a Bike Tour Through Tulip Fields
Due to the Dutch floriculture industry’s overwhelming success, tulip fields are never far away in the Netherlands. These beautiful farmlands usually divide their tulip fields according to color, creating a mesmerizing sea of flowers. During springtime, it is possible to visit many of these farms or simply look up their location and set off on a cross-country bike tour around their borders.
Buy a Kroket or Frikandel From a Vending Machine
A few decades ago, Dutch fast-food chain FEBO developed an ingenious way to speed up service and began selling their wares via large, glass cabinets that resemble vending machines. By inserting change into these contraptions, customers are able to quickly and efficiently access the fried delights held within, such as meat-filled krokets or tasty, frikandel sausages.
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