14 Strange Things Only In The Netherlands!

14 strange and interesting things only in the Netherlands the Netherlands a small country in western Europe holds countless surprises that astonish the world it's not just about windmills and tulips as you may have heard in fact this is a land of strange and unbelievable things where everything seems to defy logic have you ever thought of living on a houseboat in the middle of a city can you imagine living on such a houseboat where your neighbors are ducks and swans and just picture this in some homes here by simply walking from the living room to the

kitchen you step into a different country governed by different laws so how many more secrets does the Netherlands have waiting for us to discover join us on this journey as we uncover 14 strange and fascinating things only found in the Netherlands what makes this tiny country one of the most unique and astonishing places in the world we'll find the answer in today's video number 14 The Peculiar border with Belgium the border between Bay nesso Netherlands and barl to Belgium is one of the quirkiest and Most Fascinating borders in the world surprising many visitors instead of

a clear straight line like most International borders the boundary between these two countries is a complex puzzle of enclaves and exclaves this creates a unique maze that cuts across streets squares and even private homes and buildings for locals this Geographic chaos is something they used to but for tourists it's a captivating curiosity Bal hertog technically a part of Belgium includes 22 small areas completely surrounded by Dutch territory meanwhile Bley Nassau in the Netherlands also contains several Belgian plots within its borders in total there are 26 small pieces of Belgium entirely inside Dutch territory making determining

the exact boundary quite complex one of the most remarkable features of this border is how it runs through buildings meaning many houses straddle both countries to simplify this confusion the boundary is marked with white crosses running along the sidewalks streets and even cutting through homes this leads to an amusing situation in one house you could be sitting in your living room in the Netherlands and take a step into Belgium just by moving to the kitchen for example in a restaurant located on the border if you sit at one table you're in the Netherlands but just

by switching seats to another table you'll be in Belgium this quirky Arrangement has led to some interesting issues for residents if a house sits on both sides of the Border its residents must follow the laws of the country their front door opens onto this means if your front door is on the Dutch side you abide by Dutch laws but if you'd rather follow Belgian laws you could simply move your front door to the Belgian side in the past there have been cases where homeowners Chang their front door location to avoid taxes or stricter regulations of

one country over the other interestingly the complexity of this border has created a series of special regulations that only exist in Bal for instance each country has different public holidays and Store opening hours there have been cases where a store in the village remained open during a Dutch holiday because the store was located on Belgian land at night some bars on the Dutch side have to close earlier while bars across the street can stay open because they're in Belgium creating an amusing scene where half of the bar is closed while the other half remains Lively

with music number 13 the village with no roads GE on have you ever imagin living in a place where instead of paved roads you travel by boat yet we're talking about dethorn a peaceful and picturesque Village in the province of over a Jessel Netherlands dethorn is often referred to as the Venice of the north and is considered one of Europe's Most Beautiful villages with over 90 km of canals creating a Serene and magical landscape the atmosphere here feels entirely different like stepping into a fairy tale World detached from the hustle and bustle outside founded in

the 13th century geith horn has preserved its pristine and simple beauty the houses here are built with wood and have traditional thatched roofs nestled along the canals creating a perfect picturesque scene small wooden bridges connect the houses making traveling within the village all the more delightful there is no noisy asphalt roads filled with cars only the gentle sound of water as boats glide through the clear canals the unique thing about Geor is that there are no roads for cars that's right you will never encounter traffic jams or blaring car horns here instead people mainly Get

Around by punter boats a type of flat bottomed boat characteristic of the area gently propelled by long poles these punter boats drift lazily along the winding canals beneath lush green trees passing by thatched roof houses hidden amongst flower gardens it's no surprise that geith horn is regarded as a Hidden Gem of the Netherlands this Village has appeared in many films postcards and travel videos becoming a symbol of peaceful and poetic Beauty if you want to experience life in a place where streets a made of water come to Geth horn and get ready for an unforgettable

Adventure number 12 the MCE lering when discussing Water Management in the Netherlands the mace lancering cannot go unmentioned in engineering Marvel considered one of the modern world's wonders located at the mouth of the Nei water WG river near the port city of Rotterdam mace lering is one of the largest and most advanced storm surge barriers ever constructed completed in 1997 it's a crucial part of the Delta Works a coastal protection project hailed as one of the seven modern engineering Wonders that protect the Netherlands from flooding the structure of Mace lancering is O inspiring comprising two

enormous Gates each the length of the Eiffel Tower about 210 M long and weighing 6,800 tons when not in use the gates rest in docks on either side of the river allowing ships to pass through the neui water WG River as usual however when a severe storm or high sea surge is forecast to threaten reddam the system automatically activates closing the gates to form a massive wall that blocks the North Sea from flooding the Inland areas what's remarkable is that the system can complete the closure in Just 2 hours while similar structures often take several

days to prepare M Ling's quick response showcases its outstanding efficiency when activated The Gates lower and slide horizontally across the water aided by Giant floating pontoons once they reach the closing point the gates sink to the riverbed forming an impenetrable barrier against the sea the entire process is controlled by a complex computer system that continuously monitors weather conditions sea levels and environmental factors to determine the optimal time for closure number 11 house boats in Amsterdam if you think living on a houseboat only happens in movies or fairy tales then you should visit Amsterdam where thousands

of people live on floating homes along the city's canals yes in Amsterdam life on houseboats is not only a unique lifestyle but also an integral part of the city's culture and Landscape these house boats come in all shapes and sizes from simple barges to Luxurious apartments with full amenities some are decorated in vintage classic Styles While others are modern with glass walls and roofs covered in Greenery the variety of houseboat designs creates a colorful and unique picture of Amsterdam with over 2,500 houseboats mored along the canals Amsterdam is considered the houseboat capital of the world

decades ago houseboat Boats were a temporary solution to the housing shortage in Amsterdam when the population grew rapidly and land became scarce houseboats became a practical option to address the housing crisis especially during the postor War II housing shortage abandoned barges on the canals were quickly transformed into temporary residences over time houseboats evolved from a temporary solution into a symbol of a creative nature integrated lifestyle today living on house boats in Amsterdam is very common and these boats are equipped with all the modern conveniences you'd find in homes on land the city has developed separate

systems for water supply electricity and waste disposal for houseboats ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly life for residents some houseboats even have their own Gardens rooftop Terraces and sunbathing decks number 10 love for orange the Dutch have a long-standing and intense love for the color orange an irresistible affection that is reflected in every aspect of the country's cultural and social life this is truly interesting because the predominant colors on the Dutch flag are red white and blue however if you have the chance to participate in any festivals sports events or national holidays in the Netherlands you

will see that orange is the king that dominates this special color symbolizes the national spirit and pride of the Dutch people stemming from the Glorious history of the House of orange Nassau the story of orange began in the 16th century with William of Orange often referred to as William the silent he was the leader of the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule which started in 1,568 this 80-year war led to the establishment of the Dutch Republic and William of Orange is considered the founding father of this independent nation due to the association with the name orangi

Orange in Dutch orange became a symbol of the struggle for Independence Freedom unity and sovereignty of the Dutch people the pride in this historical origin has deeply ingrained itself into the daily life and culture of the Dutch the people of love for orange is most clearly expressed on April 27th each year when the entire country jubilantly celebrates coning stag King's day this is one of the most important and eagerly awaited holidays of the year over 17 million Dutch people immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere creating a spectacle of a vast sea of orange on coning

dag the Dutch dress in Orange from head to toe not only do they wear orange clothing but they also Dawn hats wear glasses paint their faces and even their pets are dyed orange to join the celebr streets are decorated with orange Flags lights and balloons in major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam thousands of people flock to the city center forming rivers of people overflowing with orange the festival is filled with a series of exciting activities such as flea markets parades concerts and outdoor games not only on national holidays but the love for orange is also

strongly expressed during sports events especially football when the Dutch national team competes the entire Stadium turns into a brilliant sea of orange the Dutch nickname for the national team is orangi which is also the color of their jerseys Dutch fans known as het arangi liio in the orange Legion always show their enthusiasm through clothing accessories and even their faces painted orange when the Netherlands participates in major tournaments like the Euro or World Cup you can see fans from all over the world Gathering wearing orange shirts and waving orange Flags creating a lively and energetic scene

number nine windmills when it comes to the Netherlands the first image that comes to mind for many is the giant windmills turning steadily over vibrant tulip fields windmills are not only a national symbol but also represent the Ingenuity creativity and indomitable Spirit of the Dutch people in their battle to reclaim Land from the sea these ancient windmills have stood for hundreds of years bearing witness to the technical skill and craftsmanship of the Dutch in adapting to harsh natural conditions windmills began to appear here in the Netherlands in the 13th century and gradually became an integral

part of life for the Dutch farmers of old windmills were not merely beautiful architectural structures but also the silent Heroes of daily life the gigantic blades turned steadily in the wind converting wind power into energy to operate tasks such as grinding grain sowing wood pressing oil and most importantly pumping water water control has always been a matter of survival for the Netherlands a country with over 26% of its land lying below sea Lev level the Dutch harnessed the power of windmills to pump water out of low-lying Swampy areas transforming these regions into fertile agricultural land

this process was labor intensive and meticulous requiring patience and high skill before the Advent of electric motors and modern pumping systems windmills were the primary means of water management helping create thousands of hectares of fertile land for agriculture one of the most famous and remarkable examples of the windmill system in the Netherlands is Kinder a group of windmills located in the southern part of the country Ked features 19 windmills built in the 18th century working together to drain water from the surrounding lowlands these windmills are not just pumping machines but also an architectural Marvel that

combines engineering and Artistry with graceful shapes and large blades reaching out to greet the wind the Kinder windmill complex has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site becoming a symbol of the Dutch creativity and resilience in the fight against the sea each year millions of tourists from around the world flock to kinder to witness the ancient windmills and learn how they have contributed to shaping the landscape of the Netherlands the windmills at Kinder still operate today though most are primarily for display and preservation purposes number eight the canals of the Netherlands if you've

ever set foot in Amsterdam you can't miss the beautiful canals stretching throughout the city like a vital Network these canals not only offer a picturesque View but also serve as a vibrant Testament to the engineering talent and excellent urban planning of the Dutch the canal system of Amsterdam dates back to the 17th century a period known as the Dutch golden age at that time the canals were built not only to serve Commerce and defense but also as a crucial solution for water management and flood prevention Amsterdam with its intricate and sophisticated Canal system is often

called the Venice of the north it's not by chance that this city has such a nickname The Ark shaped canals here were systematically planned and constructed consisting of three main canals Herra princen gr and KES gr surrounding the city center the entire Canal system in Amsterdam stretches about 100 km with approximately 1,500 Bridges spanning across notably these Bridges showcase various design styles from ancient wooden bridges to Modern steel ones in 2010 the Amsterdam Canal system was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site becoming an integral part of the city's cultural and Architectural Heritage these

canals not only bring charm and romantic Beauty to Amsterdam but also play a crucial role in water management with a geographical characteristic of lying below sea level the Dutch face The Continuous threat of flooding the canal system was designed not only to channel water but also to regulate climate reduce flood risks and provide water for agriculture the canals in Amsterdam were also essential for transporting goods in the 17th century helping the city become a bustling International Trade Center number seven tulips and cucin Hoff Gardens the Netherlands is not only famous for its windmills but also

known worldwide for its vibrant tulip fields Every Spring when tulips Bloom the Dutch Countryside is like a giant floral carpet stretching to the Horizon millions of tulips in various colors red yellow pink and purple blend together creating a stunning sight that captivates anyone who gazes upon it it is said that if you visit the Netherlands without visiting the T Fields especially cucin Hof Gardens than you have not truly experienced this land cucin Hoff The Garden of Europe located in the town of Liss is a must visit for anyone who appreciates the beauty of flowers cucin

Hof is one of the largest and most famous flower gardens in the world each year over 7 million tulip bulbs and thousands of other spring flowers are planted across 79 Acres from mid-march to mid-may cucin Hoff opens its doors to millions of visitors from around the globe to admire this beautiful sea of flowers in cucino flowers are not just randomly planted they are meticulously arranged by themes creating vibrant and artistic scenes every path and every corner of the garden is adorned with carpets of tulips daffodils hents and many other spring flowers with harmonious and subtle

color combinations on sunny days when sunlight shines down on the flower garden it creates vibrant patches of color like a giant oil painting visitors feel as if they have stepped into a fairy tale world where everything is filled with the colors and fragrances of flowers but did you know that tulips are not actually native to the Netherlands they were brought to Europe from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century initially tulips were only planted in The Gardens of the nobility and were seen as symbols of wealth and nobility however in the 17th century tulips quickly

became the focal point of one of the first economic frenzies in history tulip Mania during that period the value of tulip bulbs reached outrageous levels a single tulip bulb was worth more than a house in Amsterdam and flower Growers and Traders rushed into this market like gold rush Prospectors people were willing to pay a fortune to own rare bulbs especially unique varieties like Seer Augustus with its red and white petals however this tulip bubble eventually burst leading to the collapse of the tulip market although the Tulip Mania frenzy quickly subsided it left a profound mark

on Dutch culture and forever linked this country with tulips number six almere flower auction when it comes to flowers one cannot Overlook the almere flower auction one of the largest and most vibrant flower auctions in the world located in almeir this auction is considered the epicenter of the global flower industry where millions of flowers converge to find their way to International markets you will be surprised to learn that the Almia flower auction is held in an area spanning over 100,000 square meters equivalent to the combined area of 20 football fields with its scale and bustling

activity elme deserves to be called the sanctuary of flowers every day millions of flowers from all over the world are brought to almeir not only does it host the famous Dutch tulips but it also receives countless other types of flowers such as roses carnations orchids and many unique species from Africa South America and Asia within just a few hours each morning all transactions take place and the fresh flowers are sorted packaged and shipped immediately to markets across Europe and Beyond with its incredible speed and efficiency flowers from the auction can appear on dining tables or

in bouquets in European countries on the same day the unique feature of the almeir auction is the Dutch auction system instead of prices increasing as in traditional auctions here the starting price of the flowers is set relatively high and then gradually decreases until a buyer accepts the price this auction system creates a lively and tense atmosphere as buyers must quickly decide to secure the flower lot at the best price in such a vast space thousands of transactions occur within just a few hours creating a vibrant and exciting Ambience number five the glowing path have you

ever imagined the feeling of cycling on a glowing path as brilliant as the one depicted in Vincent Van Go's Starry Night in the Netherlands this is not just a dream but a reality this special bike path is located in yuin a small town in the southern Netherlands which is also the homeland of the genius painter Vincent Van Go designed by Dutch artist and Creator Dan Rus sagardi this path not only offers a fantastic cycling experience but also serves as a testament to the Perfect Blend of art technology and the environment the approximately 1km long path

is made up of thousands of glowing stones and a lead lighting system recreating the image of a dazzling Starry Sky like that in Van Go's famous painting starry night during the day these Stones absorb sunlight and as night falls they start to glow softly creating a sparkling light Trail for cyclists the light from the stones is not overly bright but just enough to create an enchanting atmosphere helping cyclists navigate while giving the feeling of stepping into a living artwork the idea for this glowing path stems from honoring Vincent Van Go's Legacy who left behind inspiring

masterpieces filled with light Don ragard was inspired by star KN to create an outdoor Art Space where people can experience the beauty of the night sky in a completely new way this path is not merely a walkway it is a contemporary artwork connecting the past and present nature and Humanity in addition to the artistic aspect the glowing bike path in unn is a prime example of how the Dutch apply technology to improve life in an environmentally friendly way the use of glowing stones and Lead lights not only creates a unique landscape but also helps save

energy instead of installing traditional street lights these glowing Stones can absorb natural light during the day and self- illuminate at night significantly reducing electricity consumption and light pollution in the area number four Animal Crossings did you know that the Netherlands cares not only for its citizens but also has a special concern for Animals yes this country has always been at the Forefront of Environmental Protection and biodiversity conservation to minimize the number of animals killed in traffic accidents and help them safely live in their natural environment the Netherlands has built a system of overpass and tunnels

dedicated to animals these structures known as EOD duct not only showcase creativity but also demonstrate the Deep concern the Dutch have for nature animal overpasses are not just regular Bridges they are designed with vegetation trees and grassy areas that mimic natural habitats providing a familiar and safe feeling for animals crossing a notable example of this system is the natur brug Xander Cru the world's longest animal overpass measuring up to 800 m this overpass connects fragmented habitats divided by railway tracks highways commercial areas rivers and sports complexes allowing animals to move safely between Forest regions thanks

to structures like the naturea brander Kayu species such as deer badges foxes and even wild boes can roam freely between Forest areas this not only reduces the risk of traffic accidents but also maintains the diversity of animal populations ensuring that species can access food sources and new habitats without facing Danger from Vehicles Studies have shown that after the construction of these overpasses the rate of animals killed in traffic accidents in highdensity animal areas has significantly decreased contributing to improved ecological balance in the forests not stopping at building over passes the Dutch also pay attention to

smaller animals such as frogs hedgehogs snakes and even insects they have constructed small tunnels under roads highways specifically for these little creatures these tunnels help them safely navigate through busy traffic areas minimizing the risk of being hit for instance the Frog tunnel system near marir has significantly reduced mortality rates for frogs and other amphibians so if you have the chance to visit the Netherlands and see a grass-covered bridge in the forest don't be surprised it is not a path for humans but a highway dedicated to the wild inhabitants of the Green Woods number three the

Ricks Museum and the night watch the rigs Museum the famous national museum of the Netherlands houses thousands of Priceless works of art but perhaps the most renowned painting is REM Brands the night watch completed in 1,642 this painting is not only a masterpiece of art but also a symbol of Dutch national pride with his masterful use of light and Shadow rembrand created a vivid scene of a militia preparing to March however few know that the night watch has undergone many ups and downs in its nearly 400-year life the painting has been damaged multiple times due

to movement and historical events and it was even trimmed on some edges to fit the display space despite this the painting endures is an immortal symbol having been restored and preserved through many generations notably in 2019 the rigs Museum launched a comprehensive restoration project for the night watch what's particularly interesting about this restoration project is that it is being conducted right at the Museum in full view of the public known as operation night watch the restoration process takes place in a large glass room where visitors can directly witness experts at work they meticulously clean restore

colors and refine the details of the painting using the latest Technologies to scan analyze and repair each small part this process resembles a live art show allowing visitors not only to appreciate a masterpiece but also to see how it is cared for and preserved over time number two the lowest country in Europe about 26% of the land area and 21% of the population of the Netherlands live below sea level this topography creates vast plains sprawling grasslands and picturesque Villages the lowest point in the country is zuid plus paer located 6.76 M below sea level lower

than the basement of many skyscrapers you might think that this would put the Netherlands at constant risk of flooding but thanks to their skill and persistence the Dutch have become masters of water management so how did they accomplish this the secret lies in the complex system of d canals and pumping stations that the Dutch have built over centuries this system not only prevents seawater from invading but also manages the flow from major rivers the seaw wall is one of the most critical components in the Netherlands Water Management plan since Medieval Times the Dutch have started

building High earn Mounds Turpin to protect their living areas from floods gradually these Mounds were improved into more robust dyes and today the Dutch Dyke system has become an engineering Masterpiece spanning thousands of kilometers one of the greatest achievements in the history of Dutch water management is the Delta Works project completed in 1997 Delta Works is a series of massive Hydraulic Engineering Works including dams sloes locks and storm surge barriers this project was built after the devastating flood disaster of 1953 when a severe storm from the North Sea caused significant loss of life and property

since then Delta Works has become the shield protecting the country from severe Coastal storms and is recognized as one of the the seven wonders of the moders of the modern world the most famous structure in Delta Works is the uster shelding a 9 km long storm surge barrier with massive Gates that can close during storms to prevent seawater from invading Inland the Dutch water management system is not only about land protection it also shapes Society infrastructure and the lifestyle of the people they love water to the extent that they have made it an essential part

of their daily lives number one safe country for cyclists to conclude this list we cannot Overlook a cultural aspect that has become the identity of the Netherlands cycling riding a bicycle in the Netherlands is not just a means of transportation it is a way of life symbolizing convenience environmental friendliness and a healthy lifestyle the Dutch have an endless passion for two wheels with an estimated 23 million bicycles for a population of 17 million yes that's right there are more bicycles in the Netherlands than people so what has contributed to this admirable cycling culture firstly the

Netherlands is a flat country perfect for cycling furthermore the Dutch government has heavily invested in cycling infrastructure with over 35,000 km of bike paths stretching across the country in every city in town you can find bike Lanes separate from car roads along with convenient traffic signals and bike parking facilities in the Netherlands cycling is not limited by age or gender you will see children adults and even the elderly cycling to work school school or the market parents ride bicycles carrying their children in cargo bikes at the front or back like a family minibus the Dutch

love cycling so much that there are events like National Bicycle Day in the Amstel gold race where thousands gather to celebrate and express their passion for two wheels so we have explored 14 strange interesting and sometimes surprising things about the Netherlands from the intense love for the color orange the historic windmills to the creativity in water management and the stunning Canal systems the Dutch have shown the world their inventive spirit and remarkable adaptability and before we conclude this journey remember that this is just a small part of the countless Wonders that the Netherlands has to

offer click on the video appearing on the screen to continue exploring the strange and fascinating things around the world see you in the next Adventures