Join Campanile Hotels for your Netherlands getaway! A country full of history and natural beauty, the Netherlands will entice all lovers of Dutch culture!

The Netherlands is located above Belgium and borders Germany on its eastern front. The country is low and flat with the exception of Limburg in the south-east. Otherwise, approximately half of the country is below sea level. This marvel was achieved with the creation and maintenance of dikes, which started in the medieval period and continued to modernity.

History has it that Julius Caesar found the Netherlands populated by several Germanic tribes. The tribes withstood many attacks but eventually were conquered by the Romans in 13 BC. The Franks held the region in the 4th-8th century and it was assimilated into Charlemagne’s empire following that period in the 9th century. The region was passed along to several royal families, the Burgundy and the Austrian Hapsburgs, eventually falling under Spanish rule. Oppression of this area by Spain’s Philip II led to a revolt by William of Orange in 1568. Eventually Spain recognised Dutch independence. The Dutch became a formidable colonial and maritime power and grew economically. Today the Netherlands continues to be ruled by the house of Orange and has a liberal constitution.

A two-day break
No trip to the Netherlands would be complete without a trip to Amsterdam. There you’ll find plenty of things to fill a two-day stay. Visit the Anne Frank House near the city’s Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal), where Anne Frank hid during WWII. Nearby, walk over to the Westerkerk (West Church), a beautiful 17th century Protestant church, where painter Rembrandt is buried. Up the steeple of the church offers one of the best views of the city. Rent a bike and ride it over to Museumplein where you can go back in time tracing Dutch history in the Rijksmuseum, or across the way to see breathtaking paintings at the Van Gogh museum. Stay at the Campanile Amsterdam Zuidoost hotel!

A week-long stay
While most of the attention is often placed on Amsterdam, many of the neighboring cities offer plenty for the traveller staying more than a couple days. Rotterdam is home to some impressive maritime museums and offers stunning architectural experiments that have been erected since the city was bombed in WWII. The Hoge Veluwe national park is also accessible by public transport and provides free bikes for visitors to see the park.

A family holiday
Come to our Campanile Leeuwarden hotel situated in the north-west of the Netherlands. This part is often overlooked by visitors but is an exciting experience for families willing to make the drive. Leeuwarden is the capital of the province of Friesland. You’ll experience local culture in Leeuwarden that you simply cannot experience elsewhere in the Netherlands. Just outside Leeuwarden’s train station is the medieval centre of the city, surrounded by defensive canals and awe-inspiring architecture.

Transport
Many come to the Netherlands through Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam since it is connected directly to London, Paris and Frankfurt. Nevertheless, there are high-speed trains that make for a comfortable ride between these major cities. The Thalys high speed train also goes between France and the Netherlands and Belgium. Eurolines is another option for those travelling on the ground, and is a reliable method of transportation between major cities as well.

Gastronomy
Traditional Dutch foods can be quite tasty and make for a hearty meal. Dutch specialties include Gouda and Edam cheese, raw herring, (fish cured in salt served with chopped onions), Mooselpan (boiled mussels with vegetables eaten with a cold garlic dip), and pea soup, eaten by itself or with potatoes and vegetables mixed in.

Events
Perhaps one of Europe’s biggest parties, Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) is not something to miss if you find yourself in the Netherlands at the end of April. The festivities commence on30 April, with many people wearing orange-coloured clothing in homage to the House of Orange which continues to rule the country. People sing and dance in the streets and ride boats that fill all the city’s canals. The following day has free markets, Dutch games and events for all ages.

Interesting Fact
50% of the country is only 1 metre above sea level, 25% is below sea level and Schiphol is 4.5 meters below sea level.

Useful links
http://www.holland.com/global/tourism.htm (official tourist site)