Waterways Of The North

Düsseldorf

Dusseldorf is one of Germany's economic hubs, with a densely
populated city centre housing about 600,000 people. The city is
lively, with a love of music and culture that is hard to resist.
Dusseldorf is famous for its trade and fashion fairs and attracts
visitors from all over the world to these big and exciting events.
Streets like Bolkerstraße, Ratinger Straße and Kurze Straße are
alive with entertainment in the evenings. Those looking for an
authentic drink can sample the locally-produced Altbier (meaning
old-style beer) for which Dusseldorf is known.

Much of Dusseldorf was destroyed in World War II. The city is
therefore not as scenic as others in Germany despite its ancient
history, the first mention of which dates back to 1135. Modern
architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, however, in
Frank Gehry buildings and the colourful Colorium, all clustered in
the harbour district.

There are several pedestrian malls to stroll through and plenty
of museums and parks to enjoy. Visitors will be hard-pressed to
find a cleaner and more elegant city in Germany, even if there are
fewer historic buildings than may be expected. There is a
long-standing rivalry between Dusseldorf and Cologne but both
cities are gems for visitors - just order the right beer in the
right city!

Dusseldorf is located within easy distance of Bonn and Cologne,
and due to its proximity to the border also makes a good base for
weekend trips to Amsterdam, Paris, or Brussels.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam wears two faces. On one, it beckons youth with its
notorious Red Light District and liberal views around marijuana
use. On the other, it offers discerning travellers some of Europe's
finest museums and art galleries. Its house boats, bicycles,
cobbled streets, and quaint canals are a visual treat.

For tourists, Amsterdam's compactness is a plus. The old part of
town is a story-book setting of narrow lanes, gabled houses and
ancient bridges, and a pleasure to explore on foot. Visitors can
shop boutiques for souvenirs such as Delft china or wooden clogs,
or relax at cosy bars and pavement cafes.

At night even the most conservative visitors are drawn to the
Red Light District's lively atmosphere, where prostitutes stand in
shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy
floorshows. For the most part, travellers will find the best bars
in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.

Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen is a charming town located in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. Situated on the banks of the Ijsselmeer, Enkhuizen offers visitors a picturesque setting with its historic buildings, scenic canals, and beautiful waterfront.

Enkhuizen has a rich maritime history, dating back to its glory days in the 17th century when it was one of the most important trading ports in the country. This maritime heritage is still palpable today, and visitors can explore it firsthand at the Zuiderzee Museum. This open-air museum showcases the history and culture of the region, with traditional houses, workshops, and exhibits that give insight into the life of the people who lived along the Ijsselmeer.

One of the highlights of Enkhuizen is its well-preserved old town, which is a delight to explore on foot. Cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and charming canals create a romantic atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. The historic buildings in the old town display a range of architectural styles, from traditional Dutch houses to grand merchant mansions. Some notable landmarks include the Drommedaris, a 16th-century defensive tower that offers panoramic views of the town, and the Westerkerk, an imposing church with a beautiful interior.

Enkhuizen also offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is part of the West Frisian Woodlands, a region known for its forests, lakes, and meandering rivers. Visitors can explore this natural beauty by hiking or cycling along the numerous trails that crisscross the area. The nearby Enkhuizen-Stavoren ferry is a popular way to discover the Ijsselmeer and visit other charming towns along its shores.

For those interested in maritime history, a visit to the Enkhuizer Almanak Museum is a must-see. This small museum showcases the oldest continually published nautical yearbook in the world, providing insight into the seafaring traditions and practical knowledge of the Dutch. The museum also highlights Enkhuizen's role as a center for navigation and cartography.

Enkhuizen is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, particularly during the summer months. The town hosts a variety of festivals, including the annual Enkhuizen Jazz Festival, which attracts international musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike. The outdoor theater festival, Sprookjeswonderland, is also popular among families, offering performances and activities for children of all ages.

As for cuisine, Enkhuizen boasts several restaurants and eateries that offer a range of gastronomic delights. Seafood lovers will be in heaven, with fresh fish and other seafood specialties readily available. Traditional Dutch dishes, such as herring and stamppot, are also on offer, as well as international cuisines to cater to every taste.

Enkhuizen is well-connected to other parts of the Netherlands, making it easily accessible for visitors. The town is serviced by a train station, with regular connections to Amsterdam and other major cities. Alternatively, a trip to Enkhuizen can also be combined with a visit to the nearby historic towns of Hoorn and Medemblik, which are accessible by train, boat, or bicycle.

In summary, Enkhuizen is a delightful destination that offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its maritime heritage to its well-preserved old town and scenic surroundings, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Dutch town. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Enkhuizen has it all.

Rotterdam

Unlike many historic cities in the Netherlands, which sport
Gothic churches and Renaissance buildings, Rotterdam is a gleaming
cluster of high-rises. Indeed, some of them are marvels of
20th-century architecture. Public parks, spacious streets and slick
shopping malls dot this efficiently designed city, making it the
perfect destination for travellers who lean more towards the modern
than the classical.

Many parts of the city were bombed in World War II. In fact,
only three buildings in Rotterdam's historic centre survived the
onslaught, namely, the art deco City Hall, the iconic White House,
and St Lawrence Church. The Delft Harbour area also escaped
destruction. Extensive rebuilding has given the city a unique
personality when compared to the rest of the country. Travellers
should view it from the iconic Euromast Space Tower, which has a
revolving sit-down elevator.

Rotterdam hasn't forgotten its roots, though, despite its modern
look and feel. Its museums cover art, World War II, architecture,
photography, maritime history, natural history, and the
Netherlands' rail system. Rotterdam is also a multicultural city,
with larger immigrant populations than most of the Netherlands.

That said, the city is roughly 16 miles (26km) away from a
prominent cluster of windmills, which are an enduring symbol of the
Netherlands. Located in the small town of Kinderdijk, these
structures are fully functioning and drain water from the
Alblasserwaard polder. They're also a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
and one of the most popular attractions in the region.

Antwerp

Antwerp is perhaps best known for its
diamonds, and the city's sparkling allure attracts the glitterati
with a thriving fashion and entertainment culture. The city also
has countless shopping opportunities, trendy bars and nightclubs
for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.

As the second-largest city in Belgium and a
major European port, Antwerp has a more modern face than many of
its neighbours. Much of the city was destroyed in World War II, but
its history is present in its beautifully-preserved Gothic and
Baroque architecture. At the centre of the city is the Grote Markt,
with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. The work of baroque
sculptor Pieter Paul Reubens is visible all over the city, most
notably at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.

A visit to Antwerp is a must on any Belgian
holiday. Indeed, the city does a uniquely European balancing act of
old and new, offering plenty of pretty sights, good museums, family
attractions and sidewalk cafés.

Willemstad

Dutch settlers came here in the 1630s, about the same time they sailed through the Verazzano Narrows to Manhattan, bringing with them original red-tile roofs, first used on the trade ships as ballast and later incorporated into the architecture of Willemstad. Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another. The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time. The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay. On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history. And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs. In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships. All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily. Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort. From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge. Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft. Amsterdam.

Dordrecht

Dordrecht is a charming Dutch city located in the southwestern Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of South Holland and has a population of just over 118,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful canals and medieval architecture, as well as its many museums and art galleries.

Dordrecht is located on the confluence of the rivers Oude Maas and Merwede, and is therefore an important hub for inland shipping. The city has a long history, dating back to the 9th century when it was first mentioned in a document. In the Middle Ages, Dordrecht was an important trading city, and many of its historic buildings date from this period.

Today, Dordrecht is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to admire its beautiful canals and architecture. The city also has a lively cultural scene, with several museums and art galleries. There are also many good restaurants and cafes, making Dordrecht a great place to visit for a day or two.

Arnhem

Arnhem is a city located in the eastern part of the Netherlands. The city has a population of around 150,000 people and is known for its historical landmarks, museums, and parks. Arnhem is also home to the Dutch Open Air Museum, which is one of the largest outdoor museums in the world. The city is located on the banks of the Rhine River and is a popular tourist destination.

Düsseldorf

Dusseldorf is one of Germany's economic hubs, with a densely
populated city centre housing about 600,000 people. The city is
lively, with a love of music and culture that is hard to resist.
Dusseldorf is famous for its trade and fashion fairs and attracts
visitors from all over the world to these big and exciting events.
Streets like Bolkerstraße, Ratinger Straße and Kurze Straße are
alive with entertainment in the evenings. Those looking for an
authentic drink can sample the locally-produced Altbier (meaning
old-style beer) for which Dusseldorf is known.

Much of Dusseldorf was destroyed in World War II. The city is
therefore not as scenic as others in Germany despite its ancient
history, the first mention of which dates back to 1135. Modern
architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, however, in
Frank Gehry buildings and the colourful Colorium, all clustered in
the harbour district.

There are several pedestrian malls to stroll through and plenty
of museums and parks to enjoy. Visitors will be hard-pressed to
find a cleaner and more elegant city in Germany, even if there are
fewer historic buildings than may be expected. There is a
long-standing rivalry between Dusseldorf and Cologne but both
cities are gems for visitors - just order the right beer in the
right city!

Dusseldorf is located within easy distance of Bonn and Cologne,
and due to its proximity to the border also makes a good base for
weekend trips to Amsterdam, Paris, or Brussels.