It has a popular saying that God created the world but the Dutch created Holland. And that statement seems not far from reality, this ancient proverb reflects a metaphor for the authenticity of a culture like that of the Netherlands, where since the wildest coast to the most renowned painters were attracted world one day for these unique lands of northern Europe.

Photography by larsjuh

Beyond the famous and beautiful canals of Amsterdam and the acclaimed paintings by great masters such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Bosch, the Netherlands there is still an unknown and rarely visited by masses of tourists, where wildness and adventure still mixed with the romantic and idyllic scenery endless.

An adventure: to discover the Dutch coast

Upon arrival you can make a tour of the Dutch coast entering in the unknown lands of the north. The first can happen even in the lighthouse in Harlingen. Were you ever dreamed of sleeping in a lighthouse? For the Netherlands this is possible only port city in the province of Friesland, where the lighthouse has been completely refurbished to comfortably accommodate two guests with panoramic views over the old port of this Dutch coastal town. The roar of the waves of the North Sea and the soft song of the gulls at dawn make this area unique and magical experience, which is only possible to live here in Holland.

Photography by cocoinzenl

Harlingen lighthouse is part of a network of twenty lighthouses located along the Dutch coast, of which eighteen are today still in operation. It was built between 1920 and 1922 by C. Jelsma and restored between 1998 and 1999 by B. Pietersma. Today, the lighthouse is privately owned and is available to accommodate two people during the day or night, with all facilities and amenities (phone, TV, stereo / CD, and wind speed sensor and mini bar).

A destination: the island of Texel

On the second day of the trip we can continue our way by car to the Frisian islands, known for its special flora and fauna, unique to this region. Located in the northwest of the Dutch coast, the island of Texel is the largest in the archipelago, and now has about 14,000 inhabitants. It is located a reasonable distance and well-connected by train with the Dutch capital. A regular train line linking Amsterdam Den Helder and a bus connects the train station to the pier, where a company Teso ferry, sailing from Den Helder to Texel, brings us to the picturesque island. The journey takes about half an hour, and boats leave every hour from Den Helder to return rates for 4 euros (for other rates, please consult the website of the Tourist Office in the Netherlands.

Photography by Brianfit

Texel is a fishing village which is about 20 km long and 8 km wide and consists of two islands: Texel Eierland south and north. Maybe this part of the country gets to break the myth that the Netherlands is done by the Dutch, as it is one of the few places untouched by human hands, where you can still meet face to face with nature pure state. Sand Sea and melt through some wild waves approaching the North Sea and the Wadden Sea to the northernmost coast of this country, where even today hidden charms like this can surprise the most avid traveler and adventure find himself. Its neighboring islands, Vlieland, Terschelling and Schiermonnikoog are also surrounded by the aura of mystery even more difficult to access, as there are fewer boats that connect them to the Dutch coast.

A recommended route, if weather conditions permit, is to rent a bike and tour of the island with this means of locomotion, from the port to the center of Den Burg, where you can find a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants. This is also the best way to see the famous polders (a kind of levees) that are gradually drying to gain ground in the sea through channels that carry water from the famous Dutch windmills, this technique was first used time in the twelfth century and also visit a natural as the Nationaal Park Duinen van Texel (a bird sanctuary that is only accessible on foot). In the event of rain flooded roads, it is always possible to stop time on the island and enjoy our Dutch cuisine paired with beers from the area in a typical restaurant surrounded by forests (Restaurant Greenland). Tourists can spend the night in a pension of place situated in the wooded surroundings of Texel and near one of the pristine white sand beaches surround the island. And to end our fun weekend trip, we stop at the last stop: Den Helder, to pick up our car and start our way back to the capital.

Photography by martin_vmorris

Tip:

The option to go to Texel road is perhaps more comfortable if they are to visit the island by car. You can also easily make the trip from Amsterdam by the A7 motorway (Amsterdam-Den Helder Den Oever) or the A9/N9 (Alkmaar-Den Helder) along the North Channel and following the directions of signs » Texel. Once on the island, you can visit by car or bike designing a tailored itinerary.

Good Luck!