Dutch People

Saturday, September 8, 2018

These mysterious, tulip lovers, tall people give an extraordinary color to the European landscape. Dutch people are good at many things, including cheese, art, windmills, football, and clogs. 

They live in a country without mountains and filled it with flowers. Dutch people have very open views and some of the most conservative communities. But according to Alexandra Betty, while sharing her Netherland bike tour experience, dutch people love bicycles and the environment.

But besides all this, they love bicycles and the environment.

You should expect to find a green country, addicted to alternative energy and high technology.  Even their greenhouses are high tech. And if you want to recognize a Dutch when you see him, here are some physical traits of Dutch heritage: tall, blonde, blue eyes, freckles, large smile, athletic. 

Yes, they are beautiful people, inside out.

Culture of Netherlandsinfo-icon

Strange and modern, Dutch architecture is really special and has so much influence on the entire Dutch culture.

Although Dutch clogs made history, they are more sophisticated than this.  It is true that they have strong agriculture and farming roots. It is true that they are masters of cheese and experts in flowers. 

But the Dutch are also highly known for their arts. Think of Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Mondrian. When you plan a trip to Holland, you really need to go into an art museum. Dutch Golden Age is something that humankind must be thankful for.

Read more: Learn something about the Belgians

Dutch architecture should also be considered. In the 17th century, they were already building canals, impressive buildings, and palaces. Modern architecture found its place with grace and intelligence. 

Forced by nature to build wisely, the Dutch became experts in exquisite solutions, especially water canals and dams to protect them from floods. 

Among Dutch people characteristics, there is a special connection with religion. Strongly connected with nature and their lands, Dutch people are mostly Roman Catholics and Protestants. 

Still, they have open views about modern life (adopted marriages between people of the same sex, legalized prostitution and smoking marijuana in some regions etc.).

Dutch Cuisine

Stroopwafel is filled with caramel, and is an iconic part of the Dutch cuisine.

Dutch cuisine can be defined as rustic, because Dutch people like to eat well and quickly, without much fuss. Cheese is their trademark, but they are also good at making beer and cooking fish. 

The pastry is another thing they are good at. You should try Dutch stroopwafels, a waffle with caramel syrup. Some say it is one of the best cookies in the world.

Besides fish, in the Netherlands, you can eat many potatoes, meat, and apples. Dutch cuisine is a little like the German one, simple and efficient.

Places to visit in the Netherlands

Amsterdam will most likely be your starting off point in the Netherlands, but dive in deeper, and you'll find a cheese market like this, or something even more interesting!

Amsterdam is the first stop when you come to the Netherlands. The Dutch capital is famous for some pretty specific features, including bicycles, canals, and nightlife. 

Without going into too much detail, Amsterdam nightlife has something for everyone. But Amsterdam is much more than its nightlife. It is a vibrant and colorful city, where you can taste traditional Dutch food, cycle along canals, and visit the impressive art museum. We recommend reading a few travel tips before visiting Amsterdam to keep your budget low and have the best experience. 

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Amsterdam is a clean city, full of bicycles and parks. It encourages you to walk and enjoy life.

You probably heard of Netherlands tulip season, which lasts from March until May. It is probably the best time of the year to plan a trip to Holland. 

Endless fields of colorful tulips will make a lifetime memory. This delicate flower became the symbol of the country. Visit Keukenhof in Lisse, where over 7 million flowers blossom almost at the same time.

What kind of cheese do you have in the fridge? Is it Gouda? Is it Edam? These Dutch cheese towns gave the names of some worldwide known specialties.  

But you can only have the original taste by taking a trip to their homeland. With a centuries-old history, these places are still the mark of the Dutch food culture. Cheese markets are organized periodically, in the good old Dutch tradition.

Dutch Mentality

 

 

Dutch people are considered to be among the happiest people in the world. There are some good reasons for this. They don’t seem to be very affected by rules or by what other people have to say. 

Still, they make their own way, do things as simple as possible, and are very optimistic. More than 30% of them use bicycles as a major conveyance. This probably keeps them healthy and therefore happy.  

They are relaxed (besides football games), serene, and polite. Outdoor activities are always on the “to do” list, and their country is as clean as possible. 

This is why you can still see windmills in the Netherlands (visit the windmills at Kinderdijk, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997).


Holland or Netherlands, whatever you like to call it, is a green and friendly country. There is plenty to see, observe, and learn from the Dutch people. Starting with their serenity and simplicity and ending with a rich cultural heritage, these people seem to have the happiness recipe. Besides, they are kind enough to share it with the rest of the world. In their orange heart is a place for everybody. Tolerant and calm, the Dutch people are an example for all of us.

Monica Radulescu a freelance writer for aSabbatical.com
Travelling is a joy. It's a way to become a better and wiser person. Mountain paths and road trips are my favourites.

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