Top 10 Destinations for Taiwanese Travelers Abroad / 8 Must-Do Experiences in the Netherlands

Written/Compiled & Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network | Provided by Moleskine Editorial Department

According to statistics, over 11 million tourists visited the Netherlands in 2011, an increase of approximately 400,000 from 2010, marking a growth rate of over 3%. In addition, Taiwan saw over 85,000 visitors to the Netherlands last year, ranking second among non-Asian destinations, showing the significant place the Netherlands holds in the hearts of Taiwanese travelers. But beyond the world-renowned tulip fields and windmill villages, there are many other unmissable experiences awaiting visitors.

1. Classic Canal Tour in Amsterdam

The Netherlands, with its low-lying terrain, dug numerous canals in the past to expand urban living space—serving both to drain marshlands and facilitate water transport. Today, these canals have become the most beautiful urban scenery in the lowlands, with church bell towers reflected on the water, elegant gabled canal houses lining the banks, pedestrians strolling leisurely along the riverside paths, and houseboats moored along the shores creating a romantic and unique landscape.

2. Must-See Masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

When flipping through the history of Western art, aside from Italy—the birthplace of the Renaissance—the most important artistic hub lies in the north, in the Netherlands. Long before da Vinci, Northern painters such as van Eyck had pioneered a new path for Netherlandish art with their meticulous brushwork. After centuries of development, it finally flourished in the 17th century. Protestant Holland, which prohibited idol worship, produced many masters of portraiture and landscape painting, including Rembrandt, known for his masterful use of light, Vermeer with his simple yet moving style, and Hals, adept at capturing fleeting expressions. Meanwhile, Catholic Belgium saw Rubens lead the way, founding the glorious Flemish school of painting.

3. Stroll Through the Tulip Fields of Keukenhof Gardens

The tulip actually originated from the northern foothills of the distant Himalayas. When it was eventually planted in the barren soil of the Netherlands, it was destined to bloom everywhere in this country. During the tulip season from March to May each year, people from all over the world flock to Keukenhof Gardens south of Amsterdam, all for one reason—to witness the breathtaking sight of over 6 million flowers blooming in unison.

4. Explore the Windmills of Kinderdijk in Rotterdam

When it comes to the Netherlands, it’s hard not to think of windmills, so seeking out these iconic structures is only natural. In the past, windmills served as primary sources of power and drainage tools, sprouting up all over the Netherlands—where it was common for a single region to have thousands of them. However, with technological advancement, most windmills have been dismantled, and today seeing them takes a bit of effort.