Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
10 things you probably didn't know about Holland
While Holland is well known for its bright flowers, the canals of Amsterdam, and wooden shoes, there are still many surprises to discover about this region. To help expand your knowledge, here are some things you probably didn't know about Holland.1. Rotterdam is the only Dutch city with a true skyline. In fact, it is so impressive the area is known as "Manhattan on the Meuse." In terms of architecture, Rotterdam has a superb reputation, making it no wonder that the Netherlands Architecture Institute was also founded here.
2. Holland is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Schokland, the D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station, Wadden Sea, the Defense Line of Amsterdam, the Beemster Polder, the Rietveld Schröder House, the Mills of Kinderdijk, and the canals of Amsterdam.
3. In the late 16th century, gin was invented under the name jenever in the Netherlands and was sold as medicine.
4. Dutch people are the tallest in the world with the men averaging 6 feet 1 inch and women 5 feet 6 and one half inches tall.
5. The Dutch love cheese. Annually, they consume about 32 pounds of it.
6. Holland has more museums than any other region in the world. In fact, Amsterdam alone is home to over 50 of them.
7. In Holland, it is common for families to hang a Dutch flag and school bag outside their homes when children pass their exams.
8. Almost every person, regardless of class or status in Holland, owns a bike and there is double the amount of bikes as cars.
9. While Holland is known for its tulips, they were originally brought from Turkey in the 16th century.
10. Once every ten years, one of the largest horticultural events in the world takes place in Holland, Floriade. Luckily, the event will be taking place this year from April 5 to October 7 in Venlo.
For a more visual idea of Holland's unique culture, check out the gallery below.
Gallery: 10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Holland
Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Photos, Europe, Netherlands, Ecotourism
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jim Mar 12th 2012 1:41PM
They have the most and best coffee shops too.
Genius at work Mar 8th 2012 5:53PM
The Netherlands has 2 capitals
The Hague - Capital of Southern Netherlands
Haarlem - Capital of Northern Neterlands
Marc Mar 15th 2012 12:50PM
No it doesn't. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands.
The Hague is the capital of the province of South Holland; Haarlem is the capital of the province of North Holland.
Clay Mar 15th 2012 12:18PM
incorrect, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands.
noord holland : (north holland) - a province (state) has "haarlem" as the capital
zuid holland : (south holland) - a province (state) has "the haque" as the capital
A sane person Mar 8th 2012 4:43PM
And, nobody care's. Now, go shopping, and leave us alone!
Van Doorn Mar 15th 2012 1:21PM
I love Holland it is such a beautiful place. I want to live there some day and the more I read about it the more in love I am with it! Brabant is heel gezellig :D and everything about the Netherlands makes me proud of my Dutch heritage.
André van der Poel Mar 16th 2012 5:15AM
The Hague is the Government Capital, Amsterdam is the Capital and Rotterdam is the best by far!!!
jelmer Mar 18th 2012 12:09PM
I know another fact! if you are born and raised in Holland, and you marry a partner who is born outside of the European borders, it is almost impossible to go and live together in Holland, even when you have kids..
Mirjam Mar 18th 2012 2:17PM
Unfortunately, 3 is wrong.
Gin (jenever) is not a Dutch invention, but is probably "invented" in Belgium.
This was already known in the eighties, after thorough research by the (Dutch) archivist/librarian at "Erven Lucas Bols" (manufacturer of Gins & Liqueurs). My father :).