The Netherlands: where all your windmill and tulip fantasies come true

The Netherlands conjures up images of windmills, bicycles, clogs, tulips and dikes, and while all these cliches ring true, the Netherlands is very much a sophisticated and politically progressive Western European nation with a thriving artistic, cultural and urban scene.

About 20% of the Netherlands is under water. Without the vast network of canals and dikes, the country would be swiftly overtaken by the sea from which it was reclaimed. Amsterdam, for example, is built in and around a vast network of canals, which are spanned by more than a thousand bridges. In the winter, skating along its frozen canals is a popular activity.

Since the end of World War II, the Netherlands has been focused on European unity. The country is an active and dedicated member of the European Union (EU) and has become a haven for people of all nationalities, religions and sexual orientations.

Amsterdam is made up of a beguiling network of canals

The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, one of Europe's most vibrant, liberal and multicultural cities. Beyond its infamous red light district and marijuana cafes, Amsterdam throbs with culture and cosmopolitan flair. The city's most famous attractions are the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, as well as the Heineken Brewery, Anne Frank's House and the exciting Waterlooplein marketplace.

The Netherlands is also home to the Hoge Veluwe National Park. This scenic area is filled with lush forests, moorlands and sand. Deer, wild boar, and a variety of species of birds can be found here.

Another stunning natural site in the Netherlands is the fields of tulips that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see. The prime area for growing tulips is in and around Haarlem, located about 12 miles west of Amsterdam.

Cycling

Cycling is a favorite activity in the Netherlands. The country is almost entirely flat and the compact cities means two wheels is often a more attractive option than four. The popularity of cycling has led to an extensive network of bike routes and trails, which have in turn become prime tourist attractions. It is not unusual for visitors to come to the Netherlands solely to spend their vacation cycling around the country.

Getting to the Netherlands and getting around

Amsterdam is a major hub for international air travel; Rotterdam and Eindhoven are also major gateways to the country. Once in the Netherlands it is easy to get around by rail, boat, car, bicycle, or, in urban areas, the public transportation systems.