Holland
Holland is a region and former province on the western coast of the Netherlands. The name Holland is also frequently used to informally refer to the whole of the country of the Netherlands. This usage is commonly accepted in other countries, but in the Netherlands and particularly in other regions of the country it could be found undesirable or even insulting. From the 10th to the 16th century, Holland proper was a unified political region within the Holy Roman Empire as a county ruled by the Counts of Holland. By the 17th century, Holland had risen to become a maritime and economic power, dominating the other provinces of the newly independent Dutch Republic. The area of the former County of Holland roughly coincides with the two current Dutch provinces of North Holland and South Holland, which together include the Netherlands’ three largest cities: the capital city of Amsterdam; Rotterdam, home of Europe’s largest port; and the seat of government of The Hague.
Capital: Amsterdam
Dialing code: + 31
Population: 1.4 million
Tourist Attractions
- Canals of Amsterdam
Amsterdam began building its famous canals in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht form concentric belts around the city, known as the grachtengordel. Today there are over 100 km (60 miles) of canals and 1,500 bridges. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings.
- Leiden Canals
Leiden is known for the oldest university in the Netherlands, the birthplace of Rembrandt and its beautiful canals. The two branches of the Old Rhine enter Leiden on the east and unite in the city center which also contains several smaller canals. The old center of Leiden is one of the largest 17th century town centers in the Netherlands, second only to Amsterdam.
- Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens is the world’s largest flower garden, and actually a promotion for the Dutch flower industry. Approximately seven million flower bulbs are planted annually in the park with not only tulips, but also hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers on display. The gardens are open from the last week in March to mid-May. Keukenhof is one of the most visit tourist attractions in the Netherlands.
- Hoge Veluwe
The Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands, consisting of heathlands, sand dunes, and woodlands. The Kröller-Müller Museum with it large collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh is located within the park. Bicycles are available for free to visitors of the Hoge Veluwe, with much of the area being inaccessible by car.
- Maastricht Vrijthof
The Vrijthof is the best-known city square in Maastricht, a city in the southern most part of the Netherlands. It features the massive Saint Servatius Church and Saint Jan’s Cathedral. The Vrijthof regularly hosts large festivals at various times throughout the year, including autumn and winter festivals.
Hotel
| Name | Addres | Phone |
| The Toren | Keizersgracht 164, 1015 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 00 31 85 888 5152 |
| Hotel Estherea | Singel 303-309, 1012 WJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 00 31 85 888 5246 |
| Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam | Herengracht 542-556, 1017 CG Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 00 31 20 710 6090 |
| citizenM Amsterdam | Prinses Irenestraat 30, 1077WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 00 31 85 888 6995 |
| Hotel Fita | Jan Luykenstraat 37, 1071 CL Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 00 31 85 888 8946 |
