Holland: We Discover Its Myths And Truths

In all countries and cities, certain beliefs proliferate that, whether they are true or not, help to create an image of that place that often does not have much to do with reality. One of the countries about which there are more myths is the Netherlands, especially when it comes to its capital, Amsterdam. Next, we are going to disassemble (or not) some of them.

Amsterdam only goes to party

It is true that Amsterdam’s nightlife is famous and that part of the tourism it receives comes for this reason. However, it is far above the fantastic cultural offer of the city. There we have great museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the Stedelijk Museum.

Tulips and windmills are everywhere

Tulips are the most representative flower in Holland, true. In fact, you will see them in many places, but they do not flood its streets or you will see them at any time in its fields.  They bloom between March and May. Therefore, if you want to enjoy its beauty and color, you should leave the visit to the tulip fields for spring.

As for the mills, you will see many, but most are located in very specific areas. You will find the most representative ones in Kinderdijk, Schiedam or Zaanse Schans

In Holland everyone rides a bicycle

Although not all the Dutch use this means of transport, it is a great truth. In fact, it is said that in Amsterdam there are more bicycles than inhabitants.

In addition, Holland is a flat country, so it is very comfortable to move around pedaling. Here the bikes are very easy to move through towns and cities and there are huge parking spaces specifically for them.

Dutch has a very cold character

It is true that, in general, the Dutch have a colder and less expressive character than those born in Mediterranean countries. However, that does not mean that they are not hospitable to foreigners or that they will not help you at any time if you need to.

In Amsterdam everything is canals

Not all, but the capital of the Netherlands has no less than 100 kilometers of canals, some 1,500 bridges and around 90 islands. For this reason, it is known as the “Venice of the North”. Such is the importance of the canals in the city that in 2010 Unesco included the area delimited by one of its famous canals in the list of World Heritage Sites.

And not only in Amsterdam, canals and dikes are part of the Dutch panorama and you will find them in many towns and cities.

Marijuana is smoked everywhere

Marijuana in the Netherlands is decriminalized, but this does not mean that all Dutch people smoke it. Its consumption is also restricted in many areas and even a good part of the famous coffee shops have been transformed into places that only their members can go.

In Holland there is a lot of prostitution

Prostitution is legalized, which does not mean that there is neither more nor less than in other places. Workers in this sector pay their taxes like any other and offer their services in specific places.

The clearest example is that of the Red Light District in Amsterdam. Here prostitutes are shown in shop windows to offer their services, but as we say, in specific places.

Dutch cheese is one of the richest in the world

The Dutch consume an average of 15 kilos of cheese a year, being one of the largest consumers in the world. It is also one of the major exporting countries. Dutch cheeses are famous all over the world  and owe this recognition to the balance they have between spicy and sweet.

The most famous cheeses are Gouda and Edam, but Limburger, Maasdammer and some varieties of goat cheese are also very popular. In Amsterdam, a mandatory stop is Reypenaer’s tasting room on the Singel canal to sample their artisan Gouda cheese. Will not disappoint you!

If you don’t speak Dutch, you have nothing to do

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but its second language is English. Therefore, as soon as you defend yourself with English you will be able to communicate without any problem there. In addition, it is very common that more languages ​​are spoken, such as French, Italian and even Spanish.

Holland has its peculiarities, which make it more special, if possible. Therefore, it is a good destination to visit. Do you dare to discover more Dutch myths?