The Netherlands (Interrail Countries)

The Netherlands (often called Holland) is a densely populated country, famous for cheese, clogs, tulips and windmills. Capital Amsterdam is a tourist magnet known for its many canals. It's a city of rich culture and history with popular attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House and Anne Frank House.

Country characteristics

Amsterdam
Amsterdam is often referred to as one of the most colorful cities in the world. And rightly so! Where else do you find so many places of interest, famous museums, cozy pubs and fun shops and (flower) markets (as well as the red light district and 'coffee shops')?

Other cities
Other recommended cities in the Netherlands are the royal seat The Hague with its elegant downtown, beaches and Madurodam miniature city and modern Rotterdam with its harbour, shopping and skyline. Furthermore you have the old cities Delft and Utrecht (you must climb the Dom tower), both rich in culture and atmosphere. Further to the south you will find ‘s-Hertogenbosch, home to the famous painter Jheronimus Bosch, and hosting the impressive Sint-Jan Cathedral. In the region called Limburg you have one of the oldest (Roman) cities, Maastricht and the old village of Valkenburg lying in a romantic landscape with old castles and hills.

Zaanse Schans
This open-air museum offers a fascinating glimpse of life in a traditional Dutch village. There are windmills, wooden houses, old-fashioned shops and warehouses, all decorated in the customary green colour with orange roofs. Station: Koog Zaandijk.

Keukenhof
The Keukenhof becomes a Theatre of an explosion of colours every year. Millions of tulips, narcissus and hyancinths, an ocean of flowers in a splendid parc surrounded by trees of hundreds of years old, ponds and fountains. Open: March - May. Stations: Haarlem or Leiden.

Het Loo Palace
Het Loo is the only Dutch royal palace that is open to the public. Paintings, sumptuous rooms, carriages, formal gardens and vintage cars are just some of the ingredients that combine to make a fascinating day out. Station: Apeldoorn.

De Efteling
Ask any Dutch person to name the best themepark in the country and they will be sure to reply De Efteling. This park is sensational, romantic and exciting. You'll find the Efteling in Kaatsheuvel between the Stations Tilburg and 's-Hertogenbosch. Stations: 's-Hertogenbosch or Tilburg.

Scheveningen and Sea Life Centre
Scheveningen is one of the most attractive seaside resorts in Holland. lts fine beaches and spacious promenade guarantee a wonderful day out by sea. The Sea Life Centre is located on the promenade and offers visitors dozens of aquariums and a spectacular under-water tunnel. Station: Den Haag Hollands Spoor or CS.

Source http://www.interrailnet.com