I recently stumbled across a most distressing take on Netherlands. You've probably seen it; it was a rather sensationalist 'there is evil afoot' style depiction of Dutch way of life by a well-known news group. It was quite sad to see a beautiful country with a rich past and culture being reduced to a handful of prejudices and assumptions.  And I am not defending Netherlands simply because I have friends and family based in the Benelux region. My reasons are also spurred by my fondness of the Dutch culture. So this video did ruffle my feathers and, in the end, prompted me to write this article. Here are my reasons why Netherlands is amongst my must-see destinations. This week I want to highlight some of the wonderful historical spots sprinkled throughout Netherlands.

A slice of the past

Isn't the main reason why most folks travel to parts of Europe? To have the chance to stand before a towering building and say, 'The battle that changed the world started right here'? Or at least something to that effect.

Ann Frank's house

Netherlands exemplifies the rich in history idea. This country has been witness to the meandering pathway of the world's timeline and thus, can easily give the history buff a few thrills and chills with its treasure trove of stories. Cases in point? What about Anne Frank's house? Located in Amsterdam, this museum used to be the last hideout for Anne Frank and her family before they were captured by the Nazis. I would say that there are very few folks who can stroll through this place without getting misty-eyed; after all, her depictions of life in 1930s-40s helped place a human face on the ongoings of that time.

Pelgrimvaderskerk

And then there is a church called Pelgrimvaderskerk in Delfshaven. Might I add that this is a place of interest for both Dutch and American residents. Those with a love of historical facts will note that this is the very same place that waved farewell to a group of pilgrims; the very same group who joined up with two other ships to head off to the New World. Folks around there are immensely proud of this connection and eager travelers can drop by to visit this historic church.  

Hermitage Amsterdam

Then there are other, equally fascinating attractions that can tell you tales of stories past. They might not be as turbulent as a war and as groundbreaking as a significant nautical journey. However, they are relevant because of their almost fantastical ability to paint a picture of the past: a past that we hear about only in movies and books. My favorite example in this regard is the Amsterdam Hermitage. This is a museum that showcases the intricate and complicated lifestyles of the Russian nobility. Hence, this place offers a sneak peek into their way of life, their exquisite collections, their social etiquette and so many other facets of a by-gone era. This charming place is also testimony to the interconnected nature of all our pasts. For instance, would you believe that Peter the Great was extremely fond of European life and thus, sought to have a Dutch sounding name for St. Petersberg?


And so much more. I could spend hours listing many more must-see places. In fact, a quick perusal of any travel guide will bring up tons more. I have simply listed a few to serve as an example and to illustrate my point – that there is more to this tulip-loving nation than a RLD and coffee shops.