Exploring Dutch Destinations for Ecotourism

Exploring Dutch Destinations for Ecotourism

Have you ever dreamed of exploring amazing destinations that combine nature, culture and adventure all in one package? For those seeking an unforgettable experience, look no further than the Netherlands - a country with a wealth of destinations for ecotourism.

The Netherlands is a small but densely populated country on the north-western edge of Europe. It’s best-known for its tulips, its windmills, its blue-cheese and its low-lying countryside dotted with canals, or ‘grachten’. It’s also a country with a deep appreciation for its natural environment, making it a great place for eco-tourism.
Evan Sanchez @ Unsplash

Eco-tourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. The Netherlands is a great country for this type of responsible travel; its small area provides an exciting, close-to-nature escape.

Birdwatching in the Netherlands

Spring is a particularly great time for visitors to the Netherlands, when the Dutch countryside is alive with birds heading to their summer nesting sites. There are almost 200 species of birds in the region, many of which can be seen in the Waddenzee, an area of natural beauty and one of the largest continuous tidal wetland systems in Europe. Migrating birds from around the world pass through here, making it a great place for birdwatchers.

The Netherlands also has several world-recognised bird-parks or sanctuarys, where visitors can observe and photograph rare birds. Two of the best known parks are ‘Het Oostvaardersplassen’ and the ‘Vogelpark Avifauna’; both excellent locations for seeing wildlife in its natural environment.

Cycling Holidays in the Lower Countries

The Netherlands is also a great place for cycling holidays. With its flat roads and warm climate, it’s the perfect place to explore by bike. With more than 30,000 km of cycle paths, exploring by bike is one of the best ways to see the country.

Heading out on a multi-day route is a great way to experience the Dutch countryside. In particular, the ‘Lauwersmeer National Park’, the ‘Hoge Veluwe National Park’ and the ‘Veere’ area are all popular destinations. Here you can find wide open spaces where you can slow down and enjoy nature.

Sailing is also a popular holiday activity in the Netherlands. The Frisian lakes, the Waddenzee, and the IJsselmeer are just some of the beautiful locations where visitors can sail, windsurf and kite-surf on the country’s rivers and canals.

Local Food and Drinks

Visiting the Netherlands is also a great opportunity to sample some of its unique cuisine. From traditional Dutch dishes like ‘stamppot’ (a classic mashed winter dish) to ‘poffertjes’ (small pancakes), there are plenty of delicious options for visitors to enjoy.

The Dutch also love their beer. Craft beer is growing in popularity and there are lots of trendy bars in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other cities that offer a great selection of artisan brews.
Nathan Anderson @ Unsplash

The Netherlands is a great place to explore, experience nature, and enjoy some delicious local food and drinks. It’s a small country, with a population of just over 17 million, but with plenty of different destinations for eco-tourism. Whether you’re interested in bird-watching, sailing the Dutch canals, or exploring a nature reserve, the Netherlands has something for everyone.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Dutch Traditional Crafts and their Role in Society

Image
Understanding Dutch Traditional Crafts and their Role in Society When you think of Dutch culture, many things come to mind: its charming canals, its iconic wooden shoes, the great variety of its sandwiches, its vibrant art scene, and of course its traditional crafts. But what are these traditional crafts and what makes them so special? What role do they play in Dutch society? Dutch traditional crafts have ancient roots, and represent a time when each trade was handed down for generations. This rich history has left its mark on the culture, and the artisans of today have stayed largely true to their core methods, materials and designs. Textiles, pottery, jewelry, glassware, furniture - the list of distinctive Dutch handicrafts is vast and varied. Hop Utensils, Delftware and Gouda Cheese When looking into traditional Dutch crafts, there are a few staples that come to mind. Hop utensils, Delftware and Gouda cheese are particularly famed creations. Hop or beer brewing and drinking wer...
Read more

The Impact of Dutch Social Movements and their Legacy

Image
The Impact of Dutch Social Movements and their Legacy We often don't think of Dutch social movements when we think of Dutch history - we often forget about them in comparison to the Western European nation's many landmarks and attractions. However, they played an incredibly important role - movements such as feminism, environmentalism, and education reform in Dutch society were majorly influential in pushing change. The fight for women's rights in the Netherlands is a story that can be traced all the way back to 1870, when the first women's rights movement began. This push for gender equality saw a number of changes, including the right to vote in 1917, the creation of a female-led political party in 1918, and of course the modern feminist movement of the 1970s. The environmentalist and conservationist movements have been an integral part of Dutch society since their introduction during the 1960s. Highlights of their impressive campaign included the banning of plastic ...
Read more