The
Netherlands blends historic charm, innovative design and a beloved
cycle-friendly lifestyle. Discover the surprising facts, cultural
traditions and modern quirks that reveal the deeper character of this
uniquely Dutch destination.
• One-third of the Netherlands lies below sea level.
• Dutch people are among the tallest in the world.
• Bicycles outnumber residents, with more than 22 million bikes in the country.
• The Dutch consume the highest amount of liquorice per capita globally.
• Many streets have dedicated bike-priority crossings and traffic lights.
• The Dutch invented the microscope, telescope and early versions of the submarine.
• Wi-Fi as we know it today was co-developed by a Dutch engineer.
• The Netherlands pioneered modern flood-control systems, admired worldwide.
• Dutch windmill engineering revolutionised early industry and land management.
• The Dutch value direct communication — honesty is appreciated over politeness.
• Splitting the bill (“going Dutch”) is common in social settings.
• Cycling rules are strict, and fines apply for using a phone while riding.
• It’s considered polite to schedule visits rather than arrive unannounced.
• Most shops close early, especially outside major cities.
• Vincent van Gogh, one of the world’s most influential artists, was Dutch.
• Anne Frank’s diary is one of the most widely read books worldwide.
• Rembrandt transformed European portraiture and light techniques.
• Rutger Bregman and other modern Dutch thinkers influence global social debate.
• The Netherlands has over 4,000km of navigable canals.
• Tulip fields near Lisse and Noordoostpolder attract millions each spring.
• The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich biodiversity.
• Amsterdam’s canal ring is one of the world’s largest urban conservation areas.
• The country is compact — you can cross it in a few hours.
• Cycling is the main mode of transportation for many.
• The Dutch enjoy “gezelligheid,” a sense of warmth and togetherness.
• King’s Day is celebrated nationwide with markets, music and bright orange outfits.
• Weekend coffee rituals with pastries like stroopwafels are common.
• Cheese markets in towns like Alkmaar still follow centuries-old traditions.
• Dutch design is globally recognised for its minimalism and innovation.
• The Netherlands has some of Europe’s highest English-fluency rates.
• Sinterklaas celebrations blend folklore, tradition and local customs.
• The Dutch Golden Age spurred major advances in science, art and trade.
• The Netherlands once held a vast global trading empire.
• Windmills played a pivotal role in land reclamation and water management.
• The country maintained a tradition of religious tolerance for centuries.
• Kinderdijk’s 19 windmills form one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
• Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens globally.
• The Delta Works are considered a modern engineering marvel.
• Giethoorn is a village with almost no roads — only canals and footpaths.
• One-third of the country is below sea level.
• Cycling is the dominant mode of transport.
• The Dutch are among the world’s tallest people.
• Amsterdam has more bikes than cars.
• Tulips originally came from Turkey, not the Netherlands.
• Liquorice is a national favourite snack.
• The Netherlands exports more flowers than any other country.
• Dutch design is globally influential.
• The Delta Works protect millions from flooding.
• The country has exceptionally high English proficiency.
• Many towns have historic cheese markets.
• The Netherlands has over 4,000km of canals.