Au Pair in the Netherlands
Why the Netherlands?
The Netherlands also called as Holland; small in size, big in events, attractions and activities! This will aim to give you a taste of the many things our country has to offer. From exciting exhibitions to invigorating cycle routes. From deluxe hotel accommodations to wonderful flower shows. We warmly welcome you to our Country. We trust it will inspire you to come and explore the many surprising and versatile aspects of Holland.
Why the Netherlands?
The Netherlands also called as Holland; small in size, big in events, attractions and activities! This will aim to give you a taste of the many things our country has to offer. From exciting exhibitions to invigorating cycle routes. From deluxe hotel accommodations to wonderful flower shows. We warmly welcome you to our Country. We trust it will inspire you to come and explore the many surprising and versatile aspects of Holland.
Beyond our world-famous capital, there are so many more Dutch cities to explore! Classy the Hague, home to the Dutch Parliament, is beautifully situated along the coast. Historical city centres can be found in e.g. Utrecht, Maastricht,’s-Hertogenbosch and Leiden. Eindhoven and Rotterdam are modern cities, boasting spectacular architecture and design.
Amsterdam
Undoubtedly one of the jewels of Europe, and not just because of the stunning 17th century canals. Incredible examples of modern architecture are omnipresent, and did you know that Amsterdam boasts more museums per m2 than any other European capital? Go find out for yourself!
Rotterdam
The city that is so unlike Holland's other cities. Located on the mighty Maas River. One of the world's biggest ports. City with outstanding architecture and delightful culture. City with an abundance of attractions, festivals and museums. A swinging, young city culture and excellent shopping facilities, restaurants and cafes.
The Hague
Classy and traditional, yet also sophisticated and worldly. The Hague has inherited many historic buildings and its superb cultural legacy includes over 30 museums. Its home to the Dutch Parliament and the Vermeer city Delft is very close by.
Utrecht
Situated in the heart of Holland, this surprising and friendly city boasts many cultural and historical highlights. Take a deep breath and climb the 465 stairs of its Dom Tower for a stunning view over the city.
Amsterdam
Undoubtedly one of the jewels of Europe, and not just because of the stunning 17th century canals. Incredible examples of modern architecture are omnipresent, and did you know that Amsterdam boasts more museums per m2 than any other European capital? Go find out for yourself!
Rotterdam
The city that is so unlike Holland's other cities. Located on the mighty Maas River. One of the world's biggest ports. City with outstanding architecture and delightful culture. City with an abundance of attractions, festivals and museums. A swinging, young city culture and excellent shopping facilities, restaurants and cafes.
The Hague
Classy and traditional, yet also sophisticated and worldly. The Hague has inherited many historic buildings and its superb cultural legacy includes over 30 museums. Its home to the Dutch Parliament and the Vermeer city Delft is very close by.
Utrecht
Situated in the heart of Holland, this surprising and friendly city boasts many cultural and historical highlights. Take a deep breath and climb the 465 stairs of its Dom Tower for a stunning view over the city.
Dutch Classics
The traditional icons of Holland, cheese, clogs, windmills, Rembrandt and tulips still attract millions of visitors every year. Find out all about the best time to see the flower fields, cheese markets and the six most famous Dutch painters.
Great Dutch Masters
For many centuries Holland has produced great art. Old masters, modern classics, contemporary artists, you name it, we have got it! Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Jan Steen, Jeronimus Bosch, Piet Mondriaan and Johannes Vermeer are probably the most famous of them all.
Tulips and other flowers
(Late) March, April and (early) May are the best times to go and see the flower parks and the very colourful flower fields. Be sure to include one of the following activities during your stay.
Windmills
Just imagine, some 100 years ago, Holland boasted no less than 10,000 operational mills! The mills ground grain, sawed timber and controlled the water level in our low-lying country. Due to the advent of modern machinery, The windmills became superfluous. Fires, heavy storms and acts of war destroyed a large number of mills. Fortunately, some 1,100 mills still stand have been restored to full working order. They are still a symbol of Holland’s struggle against the water.
The Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans is a fully inhabited, open-air conservation area and museum located 9 miles north of Amsterdam. Original buildings vividly depict Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries. The authentic houses, the historic shipyard, the clog-making demonstrations and, above all, the windmills, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. De Zaan region is probably the world's first industrial site ever. Some 250 years ago, well over 800 windmills were cramped into this relatively small area. They performed a wide range of industrial duties. Of the five windmills, three are open to visitors. A boat tour on the river Zaan offers a particularly wonderful view of these mills.
The open-air museum also features a wooden shoemaker, a pewter factory, bakery, cheese and dairy farm, and a century-old grocery store. The Zaanse Schans is open from Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that not all museums on the site are open during the winter months. Admission to Zaanse Schans is free. There is a small fee for the museums and mills. There are four direct trains per hour that take you from Amsterdam Central Station to the Koog-Zaandijk station in 17 minutes.
Mills outside The Zaanse Schans
Just outside Zaanse Schans you will find windmills with captivating names, such as 'De Bleeke Dood' (The Bleak Death), 'De Ooievaar' (The Stork) and 'De Held Jozua' (The Hero Joshua). The nearby 'Schoolmeester' (Teacher) is the last remaining paper windmill in the world. For many centuries, paper produced in this region was considered the best quality paper in the world. Did you know that America's 'Declaration of Independence' was written on paper from De Zaan?
Dutch Cheese
Holland is truly a 'land of cheese'. The names Gouda and Edam are more synonymous in the rest of the world with cheese than with picturesque, typically Dutch cities. This 'cheese culture' has clearly left its mark on a number of cities. The cheese market of Alkmaar, for example, is world famous, and Gouda has a weighing house for cheese where visitors can measure their weight in cheese. Many impressive cheese warehouses are still found in Edam. But these cities have more to offer than cheese alone. In other words, it is time for a walking tour!
The traditional icons of Holland, cheese, clogs, windmills, Rembrandt and tulips still attract millions of visitors every year. Find out all about the best time to see the flower fields, cheese markets and the six most famous Dutch painters.
Great Dutch Masters
For many centuries Holland has produced great art. Old masters, modern classics, contemporary artists, you name it, we have got it! Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Jan Steen, Jeronimus Bosch, Piet Mondriaan and Johannes Vermeer are probably the most famous of them all.
Tulips and other flowers
(Late) March, April and (early) May are the best times to go and see the flower parks and the very colourful flower fields. Be sure to include one of the following activities during your stay.
Windmills
Just imagine, some 100 years ago, Holland boasted no less than 10,000 operational mills! The mills ground grain, sawed timber and controlled the water level in our low-lying country. Due to the advent of modern machinery, The windmills became superfluous. Fires, heavy storms and acts of war destroyed a large number of mills. Fortunately, some 1,100 mills still stand have been restored to full working order. They are still a symbol of Holland’s struggle against the water.
The Zaanse Schans
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The Zaanse Schans is a fully inhabited, open-air conservation area and museum located 9 miles north of Amsterdam. Original buildings vividly depict Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries. The authentic houses, the historic shipyard, the clog-making demonstrations and, above all, the windmills, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. De Zaan region is probably the world's first industrial site ever. Some 250 years ago, well over 800 windmills were cramped into this relatively small area. They performed a wide range of industrial duties. Of the five windmills, three are open to visitors. A boat tour on the river Zaan offers a particularly wonderful view of these mills.
The open-air museum also features a wooden shoemaker, a pewter factory, bakery, cheese and dairy farm, and a century-old grocery store. The Zaanse Schans is open from Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that not all museums on the site are open during the winter months. Admission to Zaanse Schans is free. There is a small fee for the museums and mills. There are four direct trains per hour that take you from Amsterdam Central Station to the Koog-Zaandijk station in 17 minutes.
Mills outside The Zaanse Schans
Just outside Zaanse Schans you will find windmills with captivating names, such as 'De Bleeke Dood' (The Bleak Death), 'De Ooievaar' (The Stork) and 'De Held Jozua' (The Hero Joshua). The nearby 'Schoolmeester' (Teacher) is the last remaining paper windmill in the world. For many centuries, paper produced in this region was considered the best quality paper in the world. Did you know that America's 'Declaration of Independence' was written on paper from De Zaan?
Dutch Cheese
Holland is truly a 'land of cheese'. The names Gouda and Edam are more synonymous in the rest of the world with cheese than with picturesque, typically Dutch cities. This 'cheese culture' has clearly left its mark on a number of cities. The cheese market of Alkmaar, for example, is world famous, and Gouda has a weighing house for cheese where visitors can measure their weight in cheese. Many impressive cheese warehouses are still found in Edam. But these cities have more to offer than cheese alone. In other words, it is time for a walking tour!
Gardens & Parcs
Lovers of gardens can enjoy garden and colourful flower events throughout Holland any time of the year. The spring and summer months, however, are the best times to go and see the flower parks and the colourful flower fields.
Castles
Of all the monuments in Holland the castles may be the most impressive. The Netherlands has some three hundred of them. Quite a number of these castles, country estates and ruins are open to the public. Some are decorated in the style of centuries ago. Objects, paintings and works of art take you back to days long gone.
Het Loo Palace
Het Loo Palace is located in the woods near Apeldoorn. From 1686 to 1975 it was the favourite summer residence of the Dutch, "Stadtholders" and the Royal Family. Palace Het Loo has been a national museum since 1984. The palace and the gardens were faithfully restored to their 17th-century grandeur.
Baroque gardens
Pergolas, statues and vases surround the baroque garden parterres. The spring and summer planting is exactly like in the 17th century unique in Europe.
In the 17th century there are fountains and cascades. A collection of royal carriages, hunting coaches, sleighs and veteran cars is in the stables. Including Queen Wilhelmina's cart, Which she used for painting excursions, Also her white funeral hearse can been seen. The entire complex is surrounded by extensive forests, With romantic lakes. The park is open to the public.
Palace interior
The interior of the palace reflects the lifestyle of the members of the royal family during three centuries. From King William and Queen Mary up to Queen Wilhelmina. The wings present permanent and changing exhibitions. Historical objects, documents, paintings, chinaware, silver, royal garments and court costumes offer an insight into the historical ties of the House of Orange-Nassau with the Netherlands. One of the world's largest collections of national and international orders and decorations is in the Museum of the Chancery of the Netherlands' Orders of Knighthood.
Unesco World Heritage
World Heritage monuments are buildings or areas of outstanding value which have qualified for the Unesco World Heritage List. Holland is proud to have six monuments on the World Heritage List.
Discover Holland the active way
Discover Holland on foot or by bike. Holland has a myriad of splendid bike routes and enjoyable day trips. En route you will see colourful flower fields and windmills, typically Dutch polders and centuries-old cities!
Keukenhof, Lisse
March 19 through May 21, 2009
Keukenhof is the most famous garden in Holland. The combination of acres of flowers, floral exhibitions, art and various activities have drawn millions of visitors over the years. The 80-acre park is situated just outside the town of Lisse, south of Haarlem and features beds of tulips, crocuses, daffodils and other flowers. Strategically laid out paths weave their way through different sections of the park, guiding the visitor through spectacular flower displays, themed gardens, shady tree-lined lanes and hothouses. Even the children are catered for, the "Bollenbozen route", a fun filled treasure trail takes the children on a voyage of discovery through the park.
Flowers, flowers and more flowers
The flower bulbs are supplied by over one hundred companies and the bulbs are planted from the end of September until the first frost. Keukenhof has been using layered planting for the past ten years ensuring a continuous flow of colour throughout the season. This means that the bulbs are planted on top of each other. First come the late-blooming tulips, deepest in the ground, above them the early-blooming tulips, above them the crocuses. In addition to the millions of flower bulbs that are planted, more than 6,500 kilos of grass seed are sown each year in order to cultivate a fresh green lawn beside the colourful splendour of the flowers.
Art in the park
Art has always been an integral part of Keukenhof and visitors will find various sculptures scattered around the park. In addition to the sculptures, painting and photo exhibitions are shown in several pavilions.
More information
Website: www.keukenhof.com
Countryside
Although Holland is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, the countryside is never far away. Step back into history at one of the many castles, go cycling or hiking or visit one of the six monuments listed on the Unesco World Heritage list.
Lovers of gardens can enjoy garden and colourful flower events throughout Holland any time of the year. The spring and summer months, however, are the best times to go and see the flower parks and the colourful flower fields.
Castles
Of all the monuments in Holland the castles may be the most impressive. The Netherlands has some three hundred of them. Quite a number of these castles, country estates and ruins are open to the public. Some are decorated in the style of centuries ago. Objects, paintings and works of art take you back to days long gone.
Het Loo Palace
Het Loo Palace is located in the woods near Apeldoorn. From 1686 to 1975 it was the favourite summer residence of the Dutch, "Stadtholders" and the Royal Family. Palace Het Loo has been a national museum since 1984. The palace and the gardens were faithfully restored to their 17th-century grandeur.Baroque gardens
Pergolas, statues and vases surround the baroque garden parterres. The spring and summer planting is exactly like in the 17th century unique in Europe.
In the 17th century there are fountains and cascades. A collection of royal carriages, hunting coaches, sleighs and veteran cars is in the stables. Including Queen Wilhelmina's cart, Which she used for painting excursions, Also her white funeral hearse can been seen. The entire complex is surrounded by extensive forests, With romantic lakes. The park is open to the public.
Palace interior
The interior of the palace reflects the lifestyle of the members of the royal family during three centuries. From King William and Queen Mary up to Queen Wilhelmina. The wings present permanent and changing exhibitions. Historical objects, documents, paintings, chinaware, silver, royal garments and court costumes offer an insight into the historical ties of the House of Orange-Nassau with the Netherlands. One of the world's largest collections of national and international orders and decorations is in the Museum of the Chancery of the Netherlands' Orders of Knighthood.
Unesco World Heritage
World Heritage monuments are buildings or areas of outstanding value which have qualified for the Unesco World Heritage List. Holland is proud to have six monuments on the World Heritage List.
Discover Holland the active way
Discover Holland on foot or by bike. Holland has a myriad of splendid bike routes and enjoyable day trips. En route you will see colourful flower fields and windmills, typically Dutch polders and centuries-old cities!
Keukenhof, Lisse
March 19 through May 21, 2009
Keukenhof is the most famous garden in Holland. The combination of acres of flowers, floral exhibitions, art and various activities have drawn millions of visitors over the years. The 80-acre park is situated just outside the town of Lisse, south of Haarlem and features beds of tulips, crocuses, daffodils and other flowers. Strategically laid out paths weave their way through different sections of the park, guiding the visitor through spectacular flower displays, themed gardens, shady tree-lined lanes and hothouses. Even the children are catered for, the "Bollenbozen route", a fun filled treasure trail takes the children on a voyage of discovery through the park.
Flowers, flowers and more flowers
The flower bulbs are supplied by over one hundred companies and the bulbs are planted from the end of September until the first frost. Keukenhof has been using layered planting for the past ten years ensuring a continuous flow of colour throughout the season. This means that the bulbs are planted on top of each other. First come the late-blooming tulips, deepest in the ground, above them the early-blooming tulips, above them the crocuses. In addition to the millions of flower bulbs that are planted, more than 6,500 kilos of grass seed are sown each year in order to cultivate a fresh green lawn beside the colourful splendour of the flowers.
Art in the park
Art has always been an integral part of Keukenhof and visitors will find various sculptures scattered around the park. In addition to the sculptures, painting and photo exhibitions are shown in several pavilions.
More information
Website: www.keukenhof.com
Countryside
Although Holland is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, the countryside is never far away. Step back into history at one of the many castles, go cycling or hiking or visit one of the six monuments listed on the Unesco World Heritage list.
Coast
Many of the beaches in Holland are unique places. Whether you are looking for a white unspoilt beach or a busy seaside resort, Holland's coastline offers it all. Make your outing an even more pleasant one and let the beaches, sea and sun surprise you.
Scheveningen
The tourist industry in Scheveningen goes back more than a century. At the turn of the last century people would travel to the town to follow a health cure. The Kurhaus, or cure house, now splendid hotel, still bears witness to this period.
New facilities
Over the last few years, however, Scheveningen has undergone extensive works, including the development of new facilities along the promenade, a casino, a Circustheater, a mega-cinema, a Pier and an indoor shopping centre.
Excellent accessibility
Both Scheveningen and The Hague offer great opportunities for a day out. Scheveningen boasts excellent accessibility. "Scheveningen - it's so easy to get to" was the name of the project which introduced facilities for visitors to the resort and the beach, including parking garages, shuttle buses and direct tram connections between The Hague and the coast of Scheveningen.
Windsurfing
Is no sea high enough for you? Windsurfing will be just your thing! It takes a little while to find your balance but out on the sea you will enjoy the duel with the water. Nearly all seaside resorts rent out the equipment you need. Are you an experienced surfer? Do travel to the island of Terschelling. The north side of this island boasts a 30-kilometer-long beach.
Kite surfing
Kite surfing is not limited to the beach, you can also do it on the water. Standing upright on a board you easily jump dozens of meters into the air! Read here where you can do it and how you can learn how to do it. The best place for kite surfing is the northern beach of the island of Terschelling. Other great places are Callantsoog and Groote Keeten.
Catamaran sailing
With the wind in the sails you skim across the water. The waves splash around your ears and you can only just remain upright. Catamaran sailing is an unparalleled experience! The coastal area offers various possibilities to rent a cat or to take a course. Zandvoort is an excellent resort to breast the waves by catamaran.
Banana-sailing
Are you a daredevil who enjoys great speeds? Try a trip on a banana! Attached to a speedboat you will be thrown high above the waves. Until you are upturned, that is ... On the beaches of the main seaside resorts, such as Scheveningen, Zandvoort, Renesse, Noordwijk, Katwijk and the Wadden Islands, the speedboats are ready and waiting for you. Are you ready for this challenge?
Offshore fishing
Offshore fishing on the North Sea is truly an experience. When you cast your rod and see only water around you, you will truly relax. You don't need a fishing license. The former fishing villages are excellent departure points for a spot of offshore fishing. The cutters will take you to the best fishing areas. Mind you get up early as most boats leave at 8 a.m.
Many of the beaches in Holland are unique places. Whether you are looking for a white unspoilt beach or a busy seaside resort, Holland's coastline offers it all. Make your outing an even more pleasant one and let the beaches, sea and sun surprise you.
Scheveningen
New facilities
Over the last few years, however, Scheveningen has undergone extensive works, including the development of new facilities along the promenade, a casino, a Circustheater, a mega-cinema, a Pier and an indoor shopping centre.
Excellent accessibility
Both Scheveningen and The Hague offer great opportunities for a day out. Scheveningen boasts excellent accessibility. "Scheveningen - it's so easy to get to" was the name of the project which introduced facilities for visitors to the resort and the beach, including parking garages, shuttle buses and direct tram connections between The Hague and the coast of Scheveningen.
Windsurfing
Is no sea high enough for you? Windsurfing will be just your thing! It takes a little while to find your balance but out on the sea you will enjoy the duel with the water. Nearly all seaside resorts rent out the equipment you need. Are you an experienced surfer? Do travel to the island of Terschelling. The north side of this island boasts a 30-kilometer-long beach.
Kite surfing
Kite surfing is not limited to the beach, you can also do it on the water. Standing upright on a board you easily jump dozens of meters into the air! Read here where you can do it and how you can learn how to do it. The best place for kite surfing is the northern beach of the island of Terschelling. Other great places are Callantsoog and Groote Keeten.
Catamaran sailing
With the wind in the sails you skim across the water. The waves splash around your ears and you can only just remain upright. Catamaran sailing is an unparalleled experience! The coastal area offers various possibilities to rent a cat or to take a course. Zandvoort is an excellent resort to breast the waves by catamaran.
Banana-sailing
Are you a daredevil who enjoys great speeds? Try a trip on a banana! Attached to a speedboat you will be thrown high above the waves. Until you are upturned, that is ... On the beaches of the main seaside resorts, such as Scheveningen, Zandvoort, Renesse, Noordwijk, Katwijk and the Wadden Islands, the speedboats are ready and waiting for you. Are you ready for this challenge?
Offshore fishing
Offshore fishing on the North Sea is truly an experience. When you cast your rod and see only water around you, you will truly relax. You don't need a fishing license. The former fishing villages are excellent departure points for a spot of offshore fishing. The cutters will take you to the best fishing areas. Mind you get up early as most boats leave at 8 a.m.