Since I was 1 year old my parents took me (Tom) for weekends and vacations to The Netherlands. Since that time I have a close ties to this country.
Lemmer at the IJsselmeer was our home port. From there we sailed to Hindeloopen, Enkhuizen, Medemblik regularly. These port cities are typical dutch and very beautiful.
In Hindeloopen you can start your windsurfing and/or kiting career, because in the bay there water goes only as high as approx. your hip and the waves are generally low. There are two campsites , one in front of the dike, the other behind it.
Tip: In the summer there is a sailing event not to be missed – the Skutjeszeilen. Skûtsjesilen is a Frisian regatta with skûtsjes. A skûtsje is a sailing boat of the type tjalk, originally an ordinary cargo boat, but today a prized ship and one of the icons of Frisia.
Between the triangle Lemmer, Hindeloopen and Sneek you will find a unique landscape. Many canals connect big lakes. You can lend a small boat and sail or paddle. It is very beautiful!
In the winter time and if it freezes long enough, you can skate on the frozen surface of the canals.
Tip: If you are lucky the so called Elfstedentocht (Eleven cities tour) will take place.
„It is an almost 200 kilometres (120 mi) long skating tour which is held both as a speed skating match (with 300 contestants) and a leisure tour (with 16,000 skaters). It is held in the province of Friesland in the north of the Netherlands, leading past all eleven historical cities of the province. The tour is held at most once a year, only when the natural ice along the entire course is at least 15 centimetres (6 in) thick; sometimes on consecutive years, other times with gaps that may exceed 20 years. When the ice is suitable, the tour is announced and starts within 48 hours.“ Wikipedia
In the summer vacations we sailed to the Dutch islands in the North Sea: Terschelling, Vlieland and Texel. You can reach them by ferry for a day trip or a longer vacation. Especially Terschelling and Vlieland are beautiful with their rare combination of pine woods and beaches.
The province Zeeland is very special because of the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier. Westkapelle and Renesse are beautiful spots for a vacation with your own tent. In 2019 we visited the province again – two times. For one during our parental leave journey and again for some days in between Sylvester.
Once a year the whole country turns “oranje” (orange) on Koningsdag (King’s Day). it is celebrated on 27 April (26 April if the 27th falls on a Sunday). We went to Amsterdam for it. The whole city was one big party. Fantastic!
Amsterdam is one the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is a town we wouldn’t hesitate to move to. It has every amenity that you expect in a major city plus it has a unique vibe to it.
Jordan is the quarter that we like most. It is a little bit off the main day tourist route. It is very relaxing to stroll along the canals. It has nice small cafés and very unique boutiques and stores.
There are many cultural highlights in Amsterdam. Two not to be missed are The Anne Frank House / Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
Very nice and for free are the ferries (901 and 907) from the back of the Centraal Station across the river to the other side and back.
Tip: Rent a bike to explore the city.
Another great way to see the city is to buy a ticket for the circle tram line 20.
To make things complete is to buy a ticket for a canal tour by boat. Ok, it is very touristy but to view the city by boat is extraordinary.
Just a little outside the city you can visit a project, where you can see how The Netherlands prepares for the rising sea levels due to climate change. Wonderful floating houses at Steigereiland. You can reach it by public transport.
