Issue: 03/2006

Tour the colourful Netherlands

Spring is a good time for travelling abroad, and the Netherlands is a possible destination famous for its colourful tulips in spring. It is also well known for windmills, wooden shoes and cheese, and has many museums.

Cycle and see the flowers

Hundreds of thousands of colourful flowers bloom in Keukenhof Park in Amsterdam from March to May each year, including tulips, hyacinths and lilies. The more than a thousand tulip species offer a particularly delightful scene. A bicycle path in the park leads to Noordwijk, with more flowers and trees.

Smile and say ‘cheese’

The Netherlands is noted for its cheese. The famous Alkmaar Cheese Market is open from mid April to mid September, and visitors can see thousands of cheese merchants dressed in colourful costumes trading their wares the traditional way. People can also buy cheese at the market. The Kaasmuseum is another interesting place to visit.

Music and Miffy in Utrecht

There is a music museum in Utrecht with many interesting musical instruments and music boxes, some antiques displaying excellent craftsmanship. The Central Museum in the city displays works by Dick Bruna, creator of the famous Miffy cartoon rabbit.

Parkland and Van Gogh in Apeldoorn

The De Hoge Veluwe park in Apeldoorn is the country's largest national park, with spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. The Kroller Muller Museum in the park has about 300 works by Van Gogh. There is also a Rembrandt museum in Amsterdam, displaying the paintings of the 17th-century Dutch master.

Travel tips: Visa-free access for Hong Kong SAR passport holders Netherlands Consulate in Hong Kong: 2522 5127 Netherlands Board of Tourism and Convention web site: http://www.holland.idv.tw

Information and pictures courtesy Netherlands Board of Tourism and Convention