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Charmingmarie

California girl in the Netherlands

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view of Dom tower over canal in Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Netherlands

3 things I love about the Netherlands

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I’m no newbie to the Netherlands. I have been visiting for the past four years and even lived in Amsterdam for a short while. However, 3 months back home in Los Angeles made me think of all the things I miss about Dutchland! Here is a short list containing 3 things I love about the Netherlands (because 20 was too long to write about).

All of the Castles

Girl sitting on castle steps at Kasteel de haar in Utrecht, Netherlands
Kasteel de Haar

When considering visiting the Netherlands most visitors think of windmills, tulips, or the Red Light District. But did you know that this country is home to 300 or so medieval castles? These impressive-looking structures were built in the Golden Age during the 17th and 18th centuries. They are open to the public and definitely worth a visit.

I had the chance of visiting the beautiful Kasteel de Haar since it is located in Utrecht. It truly looks like a castle from a fairytale and is one of the largest and most visited castles in the Netherlands. The gardens are itself are so picturesque and great for a sunny stroll. Also, Muiderslot is very compelling to see in person. I am looking forward to the weather getting warmer so I can visit these castles soon! Next on my list is the lovely Kasteel Ammersoyen!

Biking is a way of life

bike at Utrecht canals, Netherlands

Being from Los Angeles where distances are far, the freeway system is congested and the primary mode of transport is by car. I am over the moon to be back in a country where cycling is an important part of the culture. In fact, there are more bicycles than residents here! It’s just way more efficient this way. When living in Amsterdam it was only a six-minute cycle from home to the workplace. In LA it can take up to 30-45 minutes to travel a distance of two miles. It is also nice to bike in protected lanes whereas in Los Angeles I have a higher chance of getting run over.

I’m thankful to be living in a city where biking is a way of life, promoting healthier well-being and a better environment. Not to mention, cycling beats the traffic and is totally free!

Snacks & more Snacks!

Kibbeling is one of the 3 things i love about the Netherlands

Dutch cuisine has a variety of delicious sweet and savory snacks that you must try! They say that one of the best ways to get to know a culture is through its food. Every day I crave biterballen! These deep-fried balls filled with meat and served with mustard are so comforting (and addicting). Find any Dutch bar and you’ll be certain to see them on the menu. How about some Kibbeling? This is a popular Dutch snack containing pieces of fish that are deep fried in oil. You can eat them alongside fries and they are super yummy.

Other snacks I love are Poffertjes, warm stroopwafels, Appeltaart, rookworst. Honestly, this list can go on forever so watch out for a separate post containing the entirety of my favorite Dutch snacks.

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  • biking
  • castles
  • dutch cuisine
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  • Netherlands

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22 comments
  1. tweenselmom says:
    April 9, 2020 at 9:50 am

    Poffertjes, warm stroopwaffels, Appeltaart, rookworst, first time to see these kinds of food, I’m curious!

    1. Hannah Scott says:
      April 10, 2020 at 8:49 am

      Oooh wow i loveeee Appletaart and Rookworst!

  2. Olufunke says:
    April 8, 2020 at 4:34 am

    After reading this, if I ever get the chance I’ll love to visit Netherlands.

  3. Natalie says:
    April 7, 2020 at 6:00 pm

    I can’t wiat for all this to pass so I can finaly visit NETHERLANDS. Thank you for this lovely article.

  4. Miljana says:
    April 7, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    Oh yes, biking’s so popular, especially in amsterdam! i love those people – health-informed and easy to communicate with, but hard-working as well!

    1. Hannah Scott says:
      April 8, 2020 at 8:12 am

      Yes I love that they have a bike culture here! It is such a healthy way of getting around and also helps the environment.

  5. Christopher Mitchell says:
    April 5, 2020 at 10:45 pm

    I honestly think that biking is my favourite part of being in the netherlands. It’s just such a part of the culture there!

  6. Lavern Moore says:
    April 5, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    These are some really great reasons to visit the netherlands. I am excited to visit.

  7. Lavern says:
    April 5, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    These are some really grear trasons to vis the neTherlands. I am EXCITED to Go now.

  8. aisasami says:
    April 5, 2020 at 11:00 am

    Not many people talk about the Netherlands but it looks really pretty and full of natures. I love the food!

  9. Joanna says:
    April 5, 2020 at 9:36 am

    I have been to the Netherlands once, visiting Rotterdam and Leiden. I remember how good the snacks were, especially the bitterballen – if i spelled that right

  10. Rachel Loza says:
    April 5, 2020 at 2:27 am

    I’ve never been to the netherlands but I’ve always wanted to go.

  11. Jimmy says:
    April 5, 2020 at 12:51 am

    I am going to add the Netherlands to my bucket list

  12. Jackline A says:
    April 4, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    Great travel guide. I have never been to Netherlands. I am excited now.

  13. Celebrate Woman Today says:
    April 4, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    I would love to try those yummy snacks. And one day, I would love to visit this country.

  14. catherine santiago jose says:
    April 4, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    such AN AMAZING PLACE TO VISIT, I DEFINITELY LOVE NETHERLANDS IT’S ONE OF THE PLACE IN WORLD THAT I DREAM OF GOING. HOPE IT WILL HAPPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

  15. World In Eyes says:
    April 4, 2020 at 11:14 am

    Netherlands is the country of loving and caring peoples, I have the experience of working with peoples of Netherlands. your post is showing same love with Netherlands.

    1. Hannah Scott says:
      April 5, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      Thanks so much!! 🙂

  16. Kate Nnonyelu says:
    April 4, 2020 at 5:10 am

    Wow! I can tell you had so much fun. If I ever visit Netherland, I will certainly check out these castles. Thanks for sharing

  17. Rose Ann Sales says:
    April 4, 2020 at 4:38 am

    Snacks are loved everywhere,but when it comes to biking and castles experiences. Netherlands is the place to go.

  18. Marienne G.D. says:
    April 3, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    I was raised in the netherlands. You are Seriously giving me food nostalgia with thOse delicoUs dutch snacks.
    –
    Marienne G.D.
    https://www.genaradenis.com/

    1. Hannah Scott says:
      April 4, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      You’re from the best place! I loveeee the snacks here.

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