Welcome to The Netherlands

Transcription

1 Welcome to The Netherlands

2 (2018) Province Population Size Pop./km Capitol Our address Hans & Marja Elshout Abbekesdoel 64a 2997 VC Bleskensgraaf Home phone +31 (0) Mobile (John) +31 (0) We made this guide to help you enjoy your visit to the Netherlands even more and to help make the best of your stay with us.

3 Of course, this guide is not even close to a summary of all that you can do and see. But we hope that it gives you some ideas and inspiration. Of course, the Internet also offers numerous ideas and tips. Please feel free to ask us about any attraction or place that you may (also) want to visit. And, of course, we d be glad to receive your input and feedback to share that with future guests to our house! Contents Your accommodation... 4 General information... 4 Money... 5 Telephone... 5 Transportation... 5 Amsterdam... 6 Canal Tour... 6 Madame Tussaud... 6 Rijksmuseum... 7 Delta Works... 8 Dordrecht... 9 Keukenhof (open from March 22 to May 13, 2018) Kinderdijk Basilica Oudenbosch Real Dutch bike ride Rotterdam Delftshaven (Pelgrims Church) Euromast Harbor Tour s.s. Rotterdam Slot Loevestijn The Hague Panorama Mesdag Parliament Buildings Peace Palace Scheveningen Madurodam Willemstad... 19

4 Your accommodations Abbekesdoel 64a Abbekesdoel 79

5 General information Money The only accepted currency is Euro s. Dollars are not accepted anywhere. The most common payment method is Maestro related bank cards. They are excepted everywhere. Credit cards are also not very popular and are not accepted in many shops, restaurants, etc. Telephone Using your US telephone number will prove to be very expensive. The same applies for mobile data costs. Those expenses within the European Union, however, are the same within and between EU countries. Therefore, we advise you to buy a pre-paid telephone card in the country where you enter Europe and use that during your visit. Transportation The Dutch public transportation system is one of the best in the world. In spite of this, whether or not public transportation is the preferred traveling method for you, depends on: The size of your group. The available amount of time. Your destination. You can download 2 apps that will prove to be very handy in checking, timetables, connections and costs for every possible public transportation option: 1. NS Journey Planner Both are also available in English. PS: Public Transportation can NOT be paid with credit card! If renting a car is your best option, given the above variables, then we advise you to probably not rent a car with one of the major airports. Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol) has excellent train connections and if you are staying at 1 location, renting a car in a town where you are staying will prove to be considerably cheaper, if you don t mind not driving the newest cars. PS 1: You are not allowed to pass other cars on the right hand side in Europe. PS 2: You may not turn right on a red light.

6 Amsterdam Canal Tour Besides providing a beautiful view of the city s historical centre, floating down Amsterdam s canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city's sights and attractions. Everything in Amsterdam seems a bit more magical when viewed from a boat. Most canal cruises take around an hour, in which you'll explore Amsterdam's UNESCO protected canal ring and discover plenty of interesting facts about the city along the way. A few of the best-known operators include Stromma, Blue Boat, and Lovers. If you d like to break up your canal cruise with some sightseeing, then the hop-on hop-off service is an excellent option. Madame Tussaud Madame Tussauds Amsterdam offers you a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with World famous celebrities of all times. Enjoy a unique interactive experience; step into a world of famous fun!

7 Millions and millions of people have flocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they first opened over 200 years ago and it remains just as popular as it ever was. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good, old-fashioned curiosity. Rijksmuseum The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam s grandest and most popular museums. Its vast collection showcases iconic art and a wide variety of artifacts that reflect more than 800 years of Dutch and global history, including jaw dropping paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and countless more Dutch greats. Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 1,5 hours. Due to parking issues, we advice taking the train.

8 Delta Works More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level. The Delta Works were built to keep everyone safe and to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. You can relive history at Deltapark Neeltje Jans: from the flood disaster to the construction of the Delta Works. Exhibitions, films and a visit to the storm surge barrier itself will give you an impression of the stupendous power of water. People come to view the storm surge barrier from as far away as America. Deltapark Neeltje Jans is located at the foot of the largest storm surge barrier in the world. What is the story behind this immense structure? The Delta Experience explains the history of the Dutch struggle against water in a way that is innovative, accessible and lively. Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 1 hour by car. Public transportation is not really an option.

9 Dordrecht As far as impressive historical buildings, etc. Dordrecht can compete with Amsterdam. This makes Dordrecht more than worthwhile to visit. The most important building in Dordrecht is its cathedral, the 11 th century, medieval Grote Kerk of Dordrecht, or Dordrecht Minster, a building which is rich in history. For Protestants, the church is, above all, famous due to the 17 th century Canons of Dordt. Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 15 minutes PS: You can take the Waterbus to Dordrecht and, for example, combine it with a visit to Rotterdam:

10 Keukenhof (open from March 22 to May 13, 2018) Opening times: 0:800 19:30 Keukenhof is the world famous flower show. Over 7 million bulbs bloom each spring, with a total of 800 varieties of tulips. A unique, unforgettable experience! Besides the spacious 80 acres of flowers you can enjoy the spectacular flower shows, surprising inspirational gardens, unique art and wonderful events. But Keukenhof is also fun for the children. They will have a blast with the treasure hunt, petting farm, maze and the playground. A great day out for the whole family. Address: Stationsweg 166A 2161 AM Lisse Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 1 to 1,5 hours Ticket Prices Adults 17,00 (online) 18,00 (ticket office) Children 0,00 (0 3 years) 8,00 (4 17 years) Car parking 6,00 Park guide 5,00 Alongside information on Keukenhof, the Park Guide also provides handy tips for creating your own Keukenhof at home. The Park Guide can be purchased at the ticket office and the souvenir shop.

11 Kinderdijk Of course you must go to see the nearby, world famous row of 20 windmills, of which the first were built in You can step in our own tender right in front of our house, and travel through old Dutch villages on your way to Kinderdijk. On your way there, you will also see many other, often even (much) older windmills. Notes: 1. The original name of Kinderdijk is Elshout (our last name). The name was officially changed in the 1800 s due to a child that was saved miraculously during a flood. 2. Kinderdijk was the first Dutch village to have electricity in The generator was built by John s first employer, Smit Slikkerveer. Address: Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 15 minutes by car 60 minutes by bike 75 minutes by tender Ticket Prices Some of the windmills can be visited for free, for others require 8,00 to visit.

12 Basilica Oudenbosch The basilica is a unique monument with an intriguing story. From a distance you can see the impressive basilica in the Dutch landscape. With a length of 81 meters, a width of 55 meters and a height of 63 meters it is an exact replica of St. Peters Basilica in Rome on a scale of 1:16 and certainly as beautiful. Address: Markt HN Oudenbosch Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 45 minutes (an excellent combination with Willemstad)

13 Real Dutch bike ride We live in a typical Dutch area. And what better way is there than to see that via the most Dutch way of transportation: the bike. Within an hour you can do a round trip through our beautiful polder roads and enjoy view of Holland that everybody thinks of when they think of Holland, but hardly ever really get to see. We have several bikes that you are free to use. As far as your legs will take you! Note Please be aware that, if you are not used to riding a bike, you may (read: will!) experience saddle pain. Most people start thinking about turning back once the pain is felt, but often you then still have a long way to go (back). We apologize up front for our laughter, if you do!

14 Rotterdam Delftshaven (Pelgrims Church) People have assembled here regularly for worship since The church started out as a Roman Catholic place of worship. Since 1574, after the Reformation, it has been in use as a protestant church. Delfshaven s Old Church is also known as the Pilgrimfathers Church, a name referring to the Pilgrim Fathers, a community of English Christians. Having fled from England in the early 17th century as they were persecuted for their faith and because they felt too limited in the way they could practise their religion, they settled first in Amsterdam, then Leyden. After some years they decided to move to the New World hoping to be able to establish a permanent community there where they could live according their faith. They took sail from Delfshaven, near the church, and boarded the 'Speedwell' to start their adventure. At Southampton, in England, they joined others of their group who had stayed in England, and made the dangerous crossing to Cape Cod on the 'Mayflower'. These Pilgrims are acknowledged as cofounders of the United States of America, and their Harvest Thanksgiving Service for the first crops of their new country was the beginning of the great annual American holiday known as Thanksgiving Day. You will find several objects and artifacts pertaining to this in the church, such as the large leaded window depicting the Speedwell. Address: Aelbrechtskolk RE Rotterdam Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 30 to 45 minutes

15 Euromast The Euromast offers a great panoramic view of Rotterdam. The Euroscoop, a rotating glass elevator, takes you 185 meters into the air! On clear days you can enjoy a view that stretches as far as 30 km into the distance, including the world s largest harbor. Stare endlessly into the distance. Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 30 minutes Harbor Tour Experience one of the world's largest ports in all its glory! Among the busy traffic of sea-going and inland ships, this trip is a special journey through the largest harbor in the world. You can see Rotterdam's impressive skyline with its imposing buildings glide by, and then get a unique view of the harbours shipyards, docks and the hypermodern transshipping of thousands of containers. Last but not least the tour will end with a view of the steamship 'Rotterdam', the former cruise flagship of shipping company Holland America Line. The tour takes 75 minutes, with clear descriptions of everything you see. Note: 14th, 15th and 16th of September a triathlon take place in Rotterdam. Because of that Spido is difficult to reach on those days. Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 30 minutes

16 s.s. Rotterdam As the former flagship of the Holland-America Line, known by many due to the fact that they were the main means of transportation for Dutch immigrants that left for the new world : the USA. ss Rotterdam has sailed the seven seas. Today ss Rotterdam is permanently moored in Rotterdam and it's easy to reach. Discover La Grande Dame s many stories and visit its authentic areas PS: We Elshout s also left for th US with the Rijndam of the Holland-America Line in It took 10 days and ended after passing the Staue of Liberty in New Your with all standing on deck to welcome their new home! Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 30 to 45 minutes Slot Loevestijn The Most Famous Castle in the Netherlands, built in At the time, this was a perfect location for levying tolls. Today, it s the ideal spot for a day out with friends, family or colleagues. There s something here for everyone, be it in the castle, on the outer bailey or in the garrison. In our museum, you can learn virtually everything there is to know about Hugo Grotius, the Middle Ages and the Hollandic Water Line. Learn about weapons and gunpowder, or get your feet wet battling high water in the cellars! Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 30 tot 45 minutes

17 The Hague Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 60 minutes Panorama Mesdag Panorama Mesdag an unique painting that gives you a 360 degree vista of the sea, the dunes and the fishing village of Scheveningen as it was in Step back in time and experience a unique view of our cultural heritage the oldest 19th century panorama in the world on its original site. This cylindrical painting, more than 14 meters high and 120 meters in circumference, was painted by one of the most important painters of the The Hague School, Hendrik Willem Mesdag, with help from his friends. Parliament Buildings Step through the famous entry gate into the historical Binnenhof (Inner Court) in the heart of the Dutch democracy. This is the place where the most important events in the nation's history took place. The Inner Court in The Hague and the neighboring streets are studded with monumental old buildings testifying of eight centuries of governing, but it also has several ample open spaces, all freely open to the public. The Binnenhof is a must-see if you're in The Hague. Take a stroll through the courtyard and admire the fairytale-like splendor or take the time to take a tour through the various halls. You won t be disappointed!

18 Peace Palace For centuries violent wars had raged in Europe. Harvests were destroyed, houses were plundered, families torn apart. Society was unsettled time and again. The political tensions and resulting threat of war initiated to the popularity of the spreading peace movement. Throughout Europe and America peace organizations were founded, inspired by the ideas of famous writers and pacifists such as Leo Tolstoy, Bertha von Suttner and Alfred Nobel. During the First Hague Peace Conference of 1899, 26 countries came together to speak about disarmament and about the possibility of international jurisdiction, which led to the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. In 1907 a second peace conference was organized in The Hague, in which 44 countries participated. The building served as a residence to a judicial institution, but at the same time strived to embody the dream for world peace that had been cherished for centuries. Major international trails and legal disputes are still taken to this international court of justice. Scheveningen Holland's most famous seaside resort Scheveningen has an abundance of attractions and beach pavilions. Take a stroll along the boulevard, discover the fascinating marine world at SEA LIFE or enjoy a sunset dining. Scheveningen is best known for its wide sandy beach and the refreshing sea air. But Holland's most famous seaside resort also offers unique sights, fun attractions and beautiful museums. And the city centre of The Hague is just 10 minutes away!

19 Madurodam Here s your chance to see Holland in one day! In Madurodam you get an excellent overall impression and a unique Holland experience within two hours time! The interactive miniature park is the ultimate place to discover what makes Holland so unique within a short period of time. Madurodam presents you all the relevant Dutch stories behind the miniature buildings through multimedia and numerous interactive installations. Canal houses, tulip fields, cheese market, a wooden shoes factory, windmills, the Peace Palace, the Delta Works: you will find them all in Madurodam! New attraction: New Amsterdam New Amsterdam is an interactive family attraction that tells the story of New York s Dutch roots. In this enthralling attraction, you will travel back in time to experience the excitement of the 17th Century. You will step aboard the ship De Vergulde Bever and travel from Amsterdam to New Amsterdam, the city currently known as New York. You will also discover what traces of the Dutch are still visible in New York today. Willemstad Willemstad was built as a fortress town around It has the shape op a star with 7 points, with bastions and fortress walls. Due to the classic streets and houses, a visit to Willemstad is more than worth your while. Distance from Bleskensgraaf: 30 minutes (an excellent combination with the Basilica of Oudenbosch)