Welcome to the Netherlands, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming cities, and rich cultural heritage. In this section of our travel website, we will take you on a journey through some of the most captivating destinations in the Netherlands, including the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the historic town of Gouda, and the picturesque island of Texel.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is home to some of the world's most famous museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Rijksmuseum boasts an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, showcasing the country's rich cultural history, while the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, featuring an extensive collection of Vincent van Gogh's works.

Gouda, located in the south of the Netherlands, is a charming town known for its traditional cheese markets, beautiful historic buildings, and stunning stained-glass windows in the Grote Kerk (Great Church). It's an ideal destination for those interested in Dutch history and architecture.

Finally, our journey takes us to the northern island of Texel, a beautiful and peaceful destination known for its wide beaches, nature reserves, and picturesque villages. Texel offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Join us on this adventure through the Netherlands, and discover the beauty and richness of this fascinating country.

Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, the vibrant and diverse capital city of the Netherlands. This city has it all - from picturesque canals and charming architecture to world-class museums and a lively nightlife. With a history dating back to the 12th century, Amsterdam has evolved into a modern and cosmopolitan metropolis that attracts millions of visitors each year.

Amsterdam's famous canals are an integral part of the city's charm and history. These waterways were constructed during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum showcasing the country's rich artistic heritage. Whether you're interested in classic Dutch paintings or contemporary art, there's something for everyone in Amsterdam.

Food / coffee:

• Bella Storia Bos en Lommer: This small corner pizzeria makes you dream of Italy. Ran by a Napolitano, it is the best pizza I had in a while.

• The Villy Rhapsody: cozy coffee with a laptop zone to study or work. 

• Café t' Binnepretje: Authentic dutch coffee/bar experience, with a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The interior is decorate with vintage posters and old-fashioned furniture, giving it a unique and quirky feel. The menu offers a variety of Dutch and international dishes, including traditional bitterballen and hearty sandwiches.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is a world-renowned museum located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, which holds an extensive collection of Dutch art and history. The museum's collection is vast and is divided into different floors, each displaying works from different centuries.

1100-1600

The first section of the museum showcases the works from the early centuries when the Netherlands was deeply religious, and the artwork revolved around Christianity. The paintings in this section depict Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and other religious figures in great detail. The craftsmanship in sculptures made of wood and ivory is also exceptional.

In addition to religious paintings, there are also expositions on women in printing art and furniture. One notable painting in this section depicts the invasion of the Americas, which may be interpreted as a criticism of colonialism

1600-1700

Moving on to the next section, visitors can explore the period of the Dutch fight for independence against Spain. William’s rebellion was the first salvo of the Eighty Years’ War—an often bloody confrontation interrupted by periods of relative peace. The war ended in 1648 with Spain’s formal recognition of the independent Dutch Republic (officially the Republic of the United Provinces) in the Treaty of Münster. (Already in 1609 Spain had given tacit recognition of the north’s independence when it agreed to the Twelve-Year Truce with the seven provinces, although hostilities resumed after its expiration in 1621.) In addition to sovereignty, the treaty gave the Dutch important trade advantages. The southern Netherlands remained Catholic and a part of Spain. Despite differences in religion (north was protestant), north and south Netherlands were culturally very similar. This was portrayed artistically in some art pieces displayed in the museum.

After independence, the Netherlands became a major power with slave trade and exploration routes. The Dutch West India Company, founded in 1621, played a significant role in this development. The next sections of the museum present paintings and artifacts of this era, as well as paintings from main Dutch painters, such as Rembrandt, Avercamp, and Van Gogh. Visitors can see Rembrandt's work on self-portraits,where he gave a lighter color to his curls by carving on their painting with the back of his brush, which shows his experimental nature. Avercamp's paintings of Dutch winter were also highly acclaimed for their depiction of the season. 

The Hall of Honour is another highlight of the museum, featuring several paintings of Dutch festivities, landscapes, and symbols. These include representation of symbols such as the swan, which represents purity, and the dog, which represent evil, turned around, as well as landscape paintings with style influenced by Italian art. Moreover, there is a section where wooden cupboard pieces by Herman Doomer are shown. At the end of the Hall of Honour hangs the renown   Rembrandt's "Night Watch".

 Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is a well-known art museum located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, which houses the largest collection of paintings and drawings by the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. The museum is divided into different sections that showcase the artist's work from different periods.

Van Gogh is known for his distinctive style and use of bold colors and brushstrokes. One of his famous works depicts peasants in their daily lives, which was a reflection of his interest in capturing the lives of common people. His work on this subject is showcased in the museum's collection, offering a glimpse into the simple and rustic lifestyle of the Dutch peasantry.

Later in his career, Van Gogh began experimenting with his painting style by using dots and techniques that created a textured surface on his paintings. This technique, known as pointillism, was influenced by the works of the French impressionists. Van Gogh's use of dots and vibrant colors gave his paintings a unique and vivid quality that distinguished him from other artists of his time.

In 1888, Van Gogh moved to Arles in southern France, where he was inspired by the warm and bright colors of the landscape. It was during this time that he created some of his most famous works, including "The Starry Night" and "Sunflowers". However, his time in Arles was also marked by personal struggles, including his deteriorating mental health and his infamous act of cutting off his ear after an argument with his friend and fellow artist, Paul Gauguin.

Van Gogh's relationship with his family and friends was often tumultuous, and his struggles with mental illness only added to the difficulties he faced. In 1889, he voluntarily committed himself to a mental health institution in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where he continued to paint. During his time there, he produced some of his most expressive and emotionally charged works, including "The Irises" and "The Wheatfield with Crows".

Overall, the Van Gogh Museum offers a comprehensive view of the artist's life and work, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his contribution to the art world. His paintings continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their unique and powerful expressions of emotion and the human experience.

Texel

Texel is a charming island located in the North Sea, north of the Netherlands. With its beautiful landscapes, peaceful beaches, and diverse wildlife, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

During our visit in March 2023, we were lucky to experience the island's winter atmosphere. Despite encountering some other visitors, we felt like we had the place mostly to ourselves. One of the highlights of our trip was a hike through a lush trail filled with ferns and other vegetation that thrives in moist soil. The hike led us to a beautiful beach surrounded by stunning dunes and a variety of bird species. It was amazing to be able to enjoy such a natural wonder in relative solitude. However, we were surprised by a hailstorm, a reminder of the island's wild and unpredictable weather.

After the hike, we ventured to the west beach, a long stretch of sandy shoreline dotted with several beach restaurants. Walking along the peaceful beach, listening to the sound of the waves, was incredibly relaxing. We also visited the east beach, where many people were out walking their dogs. It was a great place to stop for a quick bite before heading further north to the bird watching site and the lighthouse. The lighthouse is perched atop a hill surrounded by dunes and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. From the top, we could even see seals resting on a deserted sandy beach on a neighboring island.

Texel is also known for its thriving seal population. You can take took boat tour to observe the seals in their natural habitat. Due to extreme weather conditions involving wind, there were no boat trips the day we planned to go, however, we visited Ecomare, a rehabilitation center that captures and treats injured seals. At Ecomare, we were able to see the seals at different stages of their recovery and learn about the ecology of Texel. The center also had many games and educational activities for children and adults alike.

Overall, our trip to Texel was a wonderful experience, showcasing the island's diverse natural wonders and peaceful surroundings. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a quiet and serene getaway.

Expenses:

• Round-trip boat with car: 39 EUR (TESO veerhaven in Den Helder)

• Ecomare entry ticket: 15 EUR/pp

• Food: ∼30/40 EUR/pp for two days

• Hotel: 105 EUR

Overnight:

• Op Oost Hotel. We stayed at this place for one night and found it to be very comfortable. The room was cozy and included tea for our enjoyment. The bathroom was spacious and stylish. In the morning, we were served a delicious breakfast that was brought to our room.

Food:

• Strandpaviljoen Kaap: Strandpaviljoen Kaap is a wonderful beachside restaurant located in Texel. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace (we weren't lucky enough in winter to enjoy it) that offers beautiful views of the beach and the sea. We had pumpkin and honey f 'flammekueche' and cauliflower wings (very very yummy). 

Gouda

Gouda is a small Dutch town located in the province of South Holland, known for its rich history and, of course, its cheese. The town's name comes from the river Gouwe that flows through it. Gouda has a charming city center, full of impressive Gothic architecture and picturesque canals. One of the town's most iconic buildings is the historic St. Janskerk, a Gothic church that features beautiful stained glass windows dating back to the 16th century.

Gouda's cheese market has been a staple of the town's economy since the Middle Ages. Gouda cheese, a semi-hard cheese with a distinctive taste, is made from cow's milk and has become world-famous. Every Thursday morning from April to August, a traditional cheese market is held in the center of Gouda, where local farmers and cheese sellers come together to sell their cheese. Visitors can watch the cheese being weighed, tasted, and traded in a traditional manner.

Overall, Gouda is a charming town with a rich history and a strong tradition in cheese-making. It is definitely worth a visit for those interested in Dutch culture and architecture, and of course, for cheese-lovers.