Some people say the Netherlands is one place that is a must-visit in a lifetime. While that may not be totally true for everyone, the Netherlands has so much to offer, it is such a compelling option to include the list of anticipated vacation destinations. From the beaches surrounding the Dutch coast, to the museum filled with the rich cultural heritage of the Dutch, as well as the laid-back welcoming nature of its people; the Netherlands has an assembly of novel experiences on offer.
If you are not too sure of the treats the Netherlands proffers, you could consider the opportunity to visit the sprawling architecture in Amsterdam or Rotterdam; the van Gogh museum which houses the art of famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh; having a taste of judiciary, by visiting The Hague, home to the International Criminal Court, as well as other international courts and the seat of government in the country, and Efteling – dreamlike theme park containing fairytale creatures like elves and dwarves; not only is the Netherlands an appealing place to go to, you probably wouldn’t be able to have your fill in one visit.
If you have an avid traveler cum shopper, you wouldn’t want to go visit this beautiful country, without contemplating what you would bring back as a souvenir. In this guide, we would provide you some suggestions you could consider which would help to relive your visit to the Netherlands.
- Dutch porcelain
Fondly known as Delftware, the Dutch porcelains comes in varying sizes, brands and colors. You can purchase the porcelain in the shapes of mugs, plates, vases, bottles etc. The different colors available include plain white, white mixed with blue, other deepened colors etc., and as well you would be able to sample some that are inspired by Chinese porcelain.
- Dutch Clogs
If you are hoping to stand out while taking a walk with the dog, and you want the origin of the distinction quickly identified, then you should look no further than the Dutch clogs. Having a lengthy background, the clogs have been a part of the Dutch heritage for more than 500 years. Also known as wooden shoes, the clogs were used in the earlier times by the those involved in menial labor – fishermen, farmers, housekeepers, etc., and in some cases, are still in use today.
However, modern day clogs are much more beautifully carved and made in unique designs – which denote the signature of the makers, and are also created with those who visit the Netherlands for tourism, in mind. You can identify the clogs by the clicking sound they make on impact with concrete.
- The Van Gogh Museum
What would a visit to the Netherlands look like without a visit to the Van Gogh Museum? As described earlier, the Van Gogh Museum hosts art and memoirs of famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh. So if you are impressionably into the arts, you would want to visit the museum. While taking a tour, you could purchase items like custom prints of his artwork, jewelries with inspirational quotes written on them, wallpapers, postcards, canvases and other items wistfully linked to the painter.
You can also place orders at the online shop, and have these delivered to your place of choice.
- Chocolate, Cheese, Cookies and all in between
If your roulette strategy is going down the diner, then you would want to sample some of the delicacies the Dutch has to offer. From chocolate to cheese to cookies, the Dutch make one of the finest with distinct flavors, harvested from different farms and refined in different locations. If you are vacationing in Amsterdam, you can visit places like the Amsterdam Cheese Company, Henri Willig Cheese Store for products from Henri Willig cheese dairies, or the specialty retail chocolate shop, Chocolatl for fine chocolate.
- Souvenirs depicting the Dutch windmill
The windmill is intricately linked with the heritage of the people. Most of the lands available in the Netherlands are those beneath the sea level, or acquired from former lakes. The windmills, some which have been standing for more than 500 years, were used to provide some form of drainage system to the land in order to keep it dry and habitable. As time went by, there were other purposes found for the windmills, most tied to industrial objectives. Lots of the windmills were used to enable the timber and paper industry, and used to generate electricity.
The image of the windmills are used in different designs. You can purchase miniature windmill for decorative purposes, keychains or keyrings attached to little windmills, china porcelain designed with windmill drawings, art with beautiful drawings of windmills on them; there are an extensive range to select from.
- Refrigerator Magnets
If you are an history enthusiast, you would know that the Dutch are famous for their production and importation of beer. From Heineken to Grolsch, and Bavaria, you would have an assortment from different brands to take your pick.
Knowing that some visitors, especially the kids, would not be into beers, we would not go into that.
What better way to bring up the visit to the Netherlands, than having refrigerator magnets help provide reminders on your fridge? The magnets come in different sizes, shapes and colors, and provide an attractive distraction on refrigerators. You can have your reminders written on them, or use them to stick these up on the fridge.
I hope with the above information I have been able to instill your interest and desire to visit the Netherlands. If you do visit, you might find that going to the Netherlands shouldn’t be just a once in a lifetime experience.
Tammie~