Archive for August 23rd, 2006
For centuries, Schokland was a densely populated island in the Zuiderzee. When part of the Zuiderzee was reclaimed, Schokland could be reached from all sides via the former sea floor and the Schokland culture came to an end. Nowadays it stands proudly amidst the polder landscape and is a symbol of the battle against the sea. It is no wonder that it became the first Dutch monument to be included on Unesco’s World Heritage List. According to Unesco, the ‘island’ in the Polder is a place of ‘exceptional universal value.’
CULTURAL HISTORY
Prehistoric and medieval habitation and nature disasters left many traces on Schokland Island. In 1948, the Schokland Museum was opened in a renovated church in Middelbuurt, one of the old mound dwellings. The exhibitions in this museum bring the curious history of the Noordoostpolder and of Schokland to life. The main purpose of “Natuurlijk Schokland” is to restore the original landscape and to organize tours on Schokland, explaining the history of the Zuiderzee trade and the story of land reclamation.
ROAMING AROUND SCHOKLAND
Visit the remnants of the lighthouse, the former harbor on the northern point, the church ruins in the south and the Schokland Museum. The cultural history of the island and its people symbolizes the unrivalled struggle the people of Holland have waged against water.
The distinctive Beemster landscape with its strict rectangular pattern of land division and unusual history is the only one of its kind in the world. By designating it a World Heritage site in 1999, UNESCO recognized the value of the Beemster Polder and made it clear that future generations must also be able to enjoy it. Between 1607 and 1612, a total of 42 mills succeeded in reclaiming land in an area that used to be an inland sea and 3.5 meters below sea level.
LAND DIVISION
The Beemster Polder is a masterpiece of creative planning, in which the 17th-century ideals can still be seen in the design of the landscape, as well as a superb example of the conflict man has waged with the water. The reclamation of the polder was completed in 1612. The new land was 3.5 meters (11 feet) below sea level and turned out to be fertile clay. It was parcelled out in a rectangular grid, reflecting the 17th-century ideal of the harmonious relationship between man and his environment. The long rectangular plots, which were leased to arable and stock farmers, were just the right size.
STATELY MANSIONS AND COUNTRY ESTATES
The name of Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater will always be connected to the reclamation of the Beemster polder, but without the financing of the rich VOC merchants, the project would have never happened. Realizing the fertility of the new land and the beauty of the open landscape, the merchants built stately mansions and country estate in the new polder.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Once water, now land. The never-ending battle with the sea and the Dutch conquest has put Holland on the map. The rich history and distinctive pattern of land division are unique throughout the world and make a visit to the Beemster Polder one you won’t easily forget.
Source : www.holland.com
August 23rd, 2006
High waves and strong currents along the coast make for ideal conditions for windsurfing, surfing and jet-skiing enthusiasts. Even the lakes have plenty to offer in the way of waves, wind and currents. In short, whatever your preference whether it be the sea or lake, the perfect wave is out there, somewhere!
There is plenty of choice in the Netherlands when it comes to catching the waves. Why not try Zeeland’s delta, or the lakes between Flevoland and Gelderland, another alternative are the “Loosdrechtse Plassen” or the Maas lakes in Limburg. Almost all the surfing areas are accessible by car or public transport. All these areas have got good facilities as well as schools for beginners. Those thinking of tackling the North Sea, should be reasonably experienced, as it can be quite unpredictable.
JET-SKIING
Jet-skis are legally seen as a fast motorboat. This means there are certain areas restricted to jet-skiers – these areas are marked by yellow buoys or by a sign stating “E.22”,”A.19”. The speedlimit is 20km/h unless specified. For details on restricted areas, check with the local authority, watersports associations, or coastguards.
WATER-SKIING
Water-skiing is quite popular in the Netherlands, and you will see many a skier gracefully work their way around the lakes or along the canals. However there are special rules that apply to this sport. Water-skiers are confined to certain parts of the lakes or canals. These areas can be identified by a blue sign with in the centre a white water-skier, or by yellow buoys. For more information contact the local authority , watersports associats, or lifeguards.
SAILING ADVENTURE
Enjoy the fresh sea breeze onboard a traditional clipper. There are several companies that offer all-inclusive packages, sailing along the IJsselmeer or down the coast. The ships moor in the old ports and fishing villages, giving you the opportunity to explore the town. Or why not rent a yacht or boat and sail it along the canals, lakes and coastline. Learn to master the locks, stop and visit the many villages en-route.
With a total population of almost 16 million, Holland has more than 200,000 sail and motorboats and more than 350,000 wind surfers. Dutch ship builders have a long held international reputation and are especially noted for their custom built boats.
CRUISING HOLLAND’S WATERWAYS
Formerly cargo barges, these small vessels have been converted into passenger ships, complete with cabins and private bathrooms, first-class restaurants, and depending on the size of the vessel and level of luxury, telephones and spa facilities. Each barge is staffed with experienced, friendly English-speaking crew, providing a high standard of comfort and service. Alternatively rent a barge or a yacht and cruise the canals on your own, experiencing life on the rivers/canals at your own pace.
RIVER CRUISES
Large cruise vessels allow you to cruise the Dutch waterways and beyond. Most cruises will take you up the Rhine, through Germany and back. These luxurious floating hotels can hold up to 200 passengers and have 4- and 5- star accommodation with the facilities, services and cuisine of the same high standard. The cruise ships are built to a special design, in order to navigate the winding river safely. The ships are quite slim, as the river can get very narrow at certain points, they can not be too long lest they get stuck in the bends and last but not least they can’t be too high (max. of 2 decks) due to low bridges
TRADITIONAL SAILING
Besides sailboats and motorboats, you can also rent historic ships. By far the majority of these ships are flat-bottomed boats such as “tjalken” (spritsail barges), “botters” (fishing smacks), schooners, clippers and barges. The ships have been renovated and the hold transformed into sleeping quarters. You can book for a group or on an individual basis. Although the ships will have an experienced crew and skipper, you will be expected to chip in now and then and help out with various little tasks that make this such a unique experience.
RIDING IN THE SURF
Whether you are galloping along the beach, or trotting through the dunes, the world takes on a different perspective from a horses back. Ask the local tourist office for a list of riding schools or stables in the area.
On the beaches, through the forests, along country lanes, the horserider is a common sight. Most villages or town will have a riding school or two. So why not try something different, and explore the countryside or the dunes on horseback. Experienced equestrians can rent the horses per hour, half day or full day. The less confident riders can opt to join a tour. Qualified guides will take you along the most scenic routes and point out the various points of interest. Most of them are quite knowledgeable on the wildlife and vegetation, and will gladly explain the ins and outs.
RIDING HOLIDAY
For those wanting to spend their holiday on horseback, the area Walcheren in Zeeland is a great place for horse lovers. The area has 18 horse friendly types of accommodation, ranging from camping grounds to hotels. There are 5 equestrian routes to choose from, taking visitors through forests, country estates, dunes and across riverbeds. In Roermond and Oldenzaal there are hotels that offer an additional service, excellent quality accommodation ….. for your horse in their modern stables. But for those arriving without their own horse, the riding school nearby also rents out their horses for tours.
Source : www.holland.com
August 23rd, 2006
The lowest point in the Netherlands – the Alexanderpolder near Rotterdam – lies 20 feet below the sea. If you draw a straight line across the Netherlands from the Hook of Holland towards the German border, you will only find yourself above sea-level 40 miles inland. This fact has caused major problems in the past, one of the worst being the 1953 disaster, when during a severe storm the dikes broke and 1835 people drowned.
DELTA WORKS
After this tragedy, various projects were started in bid to keep out the water. The largest and most impressive are the Delta Works, also referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Delta Works consist of several movable barriers, locks and dams connecting South Holland and the Zeeland islands. For an interesting insight into the project and the engineering work involved, visit the Delta Expo at Neeltje Jan Waterland near Burgh Haamstede.
DUNES
However we do not solely rely on great feats of engineering to protect our country. The dunes are a natural barrier between land and sea. As dunes are quite vulnerable to external influences such as wind and water, most of the coastal area has been turned into nature reserves, in order to maintain the natural environment. Cycle and walking paths have been carefully laid out, taking visitors through dunes, forests and picturesque villages. Most of the nature reserves as well as the beaches have excellent facilities, which make for a great family day out.
Source : www.holland.com
August 23rd, 2006
With a total population of almost 16 million, Holland has more than 200,000 sail and motorboats and more than 350,000 wind surfers. Dutch ship builders have a long held international reputation and are especially noted for their custom built boats.
CRUISING HOLLAND’S WATERWAYS
Formerly cargo barges, these small vessels have been converted into passenger ships, complete with cabins and private bathrooms, first-class restaurants, and depending on the size of the vessel and level of luxury, telephones and spa facilities. Each barge is staffed with experienced, friendly English-speaking crew, providing a high standard of comfort and service. Alternatively rent a barge or a yacht and cruise the canals on your own, experiencing life on the rivers/canals at your own pace.
RIVER CRUISES
Large cruise vessels allow you to cruise the Dutch waterways and beyond. Most cruises will take you up the Rhine, through Germany and back. These luxurious floating hotels can hold up to 200 passengers and have 4- and 5- star accommodation with the facilities, services and cuisine of the same high standard. The cruise ships are built to a special design, in order to navigate the winding river safely. The ships are quite slim, as the river can get very narrow at certain points, they can not be too long lest they get stuck in the bends and last but not least they can’t be too high (max. of 2 decks) due to low bridges
TRADITIONAL SAILING
Besides sailboats and motorboats, you can also rent historic ships. By far the majority of these ships are flat-bottomed boats such as “tjalken” (spritsail barges), “botters” (fishing smacks), schooners, clippers and barges. The ships have been renovated and the hold transformed into sleeping quarters. You can book for a group or on an individual basis. Although the ships will have an experienced crew and skipper, you will be expected to chip in now and then and help out with various little tasks that make this such a unique experience. .
Source : http://www.holland.com
August 23rd, 2006
Mondo Verde, Gardens of the world give you the chance to explore the world in one day! You can wonder through the most beautiful garden and find a surprise around every corner. You can admire China in springtime, Siberia in summer, Portugal in autumn and Morocco during wintertime. Every garden is populated with a huge variety of flora, fauna and dramatic decorative elements, which guarantees a breathtaking experience for young and old.
You can admire China in springtime, Siberia in the summer,
Portugal in autumn and Morocco during wintertime, just a few examples of the many varieties of gardens that Mondo Verde Gardens can offer.
THE REGION
Mondo Verde Gardens are located near Valkenburg in the most southern province of Holland. The hilly landscape together with the great local cuisine and beautiful, picturesque villages, provides a great setting for a short break or holiday to Holland.
Source : www.holland.com/uk
August 23rd, 2006