Netherlands Conclusion

Ronny:

For me, the Netherlands is recommended for a visit. The people here seem open and approachable. The old towns have a charming character. The Netherlands has a lot to offer in terms of landscape with its canals, flower fields and coastal areas. From a tourist perspective, however, it is very expensive and also exaggerated. You even have to pay money to visit a church. A leisurely stroll in the city centers is not possible because they are open to traffic, so you always have to be on your guard to avoid being driven around.

When you travel in the Netherlands you get the feeling that everything is subject to guidelines. That makes an oppressive impression on me. On the one hand, driving is relaxing because everything is flat and straight. On the other hand, in the cities and roundabouts it is also tiring because you have to constantly watch out for cyclists and can hardly see the cycle network.

Visiting museums and the few castles is difficult because each facility arbitrarily has its own closing days and opening hours. This means you often find yourself standing in front of locked gates. I would visit the Netherlands again but only to cycle.

Ela:

The Netherlands certainly has a certain charm. Anyone who likes to go on long bike rides or sail on the IJsselmeer will get their money's worth here. The western North Sea with its long sandy beaches is also a perfect place for family holidays. However, things look more difficult when the weather is persistently bad. Historically, the Netherlands has very little to offer in terms of museums. Palaces and fortresses are also few and far between. You then have to go to a bigger city to experience something. The transport network is well developed here, but the road users are very aggressive and reckless. Cyclists and moped riders mainly travel quickly in the pedestrian zones. It's almost impossible to take a look at a shop in peace because you're constantly afraid of being knocked over or hit by a car. Just like we had to observe in the end. Likewise, bikes are knocked over and left lying around, or salt and pepper shakers are thrown down at the dining table. You look after it and just leave it there. This ruthlessness is also noticeable among young people. More than in other countries we have seen. On the other hand, the Netherlands are very open and friendly to the older generation. Rarely have we talked so much.

Of course, the canals and houses in the smaller towns and communities are enchanting. And the northern part of the Netherlands, Friesland, is also a must for those seeking peace and quiet. Due to the protected landscape areas, there is less mass tourism here. Would I visit the Netherlands again? Maybe, it's definitely not my favorite vacation destination. Overall I found it rather boring and meaningless.