Netherlands flag

Netherlands

History

The Union of Utrecht bound the rebel provinces together against Spain.
The Act of Abjuration rejected Spanish rule placed the territory under outside administration.
The Peace of Munster recognized Dutch independence.
The Congress of Vienna created the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands became a founding member of the European Economic Community.
Europe thumbnailPart ofEuropeMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalAmsterdam
Population18.1M
Area41,543 km2
Currencyeuro

Short facts

RegionWestern Europe
LanguageDutch
Time zoneCET (UTC+1)
Drives onRight

Worth seeing

  • Amsterdam: Canal ring UNESCO, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.
  • Cycling Nation: Flat terrain and 35,000 km of bike paths make it the world's cycling capital.
  • Tulip Fields: Keukenhof gardens bloom each April with 7 million flowers across 32 hectares.

Find a city in Netherlands

Showing all cities

Amsterdam thumbnailAmsterdamCity

Planning questions

What is Netherlands known for?Amsterdam, Cycling Nation, Tulip Fields.
What is the capital?Amsterdam.
Which language is useful?Dutch.
When is the national day?27 April.

Upcoming events

Showing all 11 events

Amsterdam Dance Event thumbnailAmsterdam Dance Event21 October 2026 – 25 October 2026 — Amsterdam — NetherlandsArmin van Buuren Gashouder Amsterdam thumbnailArmin van Buuren Gashouder Amsterdam21 October 2026 — Amsterdam — NetherlandsArmin van Buuren AMF Amsterdam thumbnailArmin van Buuren AMF Amsterdam24 October 2026 — Amsterdam — NetherlandsTefaf Maastricht thumbnailTefaf Maastricht14 March 2027 – 18 March 2027 — Maastricht — NetherlandsAmstel Gold Race thumbnailAmstel Gold Race20 April 2027 — Valkenburg — NetherlandsKing's Day thumbnailKing's Day27 April 2027 — Across Netherlands — NetherlandsLuminosity Beach Festival thumbnailLuminosity Beach Festival21 June 2027 – 27 June 2027 — Zandvoort — NetherlandsDutch TT Assen thumbnailDutch TT Assen27 June 2027 — Assen — NetherlandsWhite Sensation Amsterdam thumbnailWhite Sensation Amsterdam4 July 2027–5 July 2027 — Amsterdam — NetherlandsNorth Sea Jazz Festival thumbnailNorth Sea Jazz Festival9 July 2027 – 11 July 2027 — Rotterdam — NetherlandsAmsterdam Marathon thumbnailAmsterdam Marathon24 October 2027 — Amsterdam — Netherlands

Use Amsterdam as the first planning anchor for Netherlands, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Stroopwafel thumbnailStroopwafelSignature dishJenever thumbnailJeneverLocal drink

Known for

AmsterdamCanal ring UNESCOAnne Frank HouseVan Gogh MuseumRijksmuseum.Cycling NationFlat terrainTulip Fields
Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.