size of New Jersey. Part of the great plain of north and west Europe, the Netherlands has maximum dimensions and is generally low and flat except in Limburg in the southeast, where some hills rise up to (1056 ft).
The horizontal nature of the countryside makes the humble bicycle the ideal device for getting around, though there are decent train and bus networks to transport those with pedal-weary feet. You can also drive or motorcycle around, but only if you have an impeccable sense of direction and
a knack for finding parking spaces.
The Netherlands has relatively mild summers and moderately cold winters, coastal provinces tend
to be wetter than inland, but rain is a possibility at most times of year.
A trip to the Dutch capital wouldn't be complete without a romantic canal boat cruise, but Amsterdam's must-see attractions are its tremendous museums. The Rijksmuseum, Rembrandthuis and Van Gogh museums are world-class - as is the truly-moving Anne Frank museum. Art museums throughout the country, particularly in The Hague, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, are packed with works by old masters
and modern artists alike. Further afield, the Hoge Veluwe National Park offers one of the country's
best modern art museums in a delightful setting. To see the famous tulips, go on a trip to the Kreukenhof Gardens, the country's most expansive bulbfields - blooming and beautiful in spring and
summer. Eindhoven, home to the Dutch technological powerhouse Philips, offers interesting diversions and is home to one of the country's most famous football teams (PSV Eindhoven). The windmill landscape at Kinderdijk is unique, with 19 mills still operating in summer months, pumping water along the canals.
Traditional Dutch dinners are heavy on starch and rather dull, but modern eateries are now springing up in most towns, while the country's colonial history adds some extra verve. For example,
the Netherlands boasts some of the world's best Indonesian cuisine. For a serious blow-out, try a
rijsttafel - a huge buffet of spicy dishes with plenty of rice. If you're feeling peckish, stick a euro in a
slot in the wall and buy a deep-fried hot snack from one of the uniquely Dutch vending machines found in many streets. Dutch beer is a real pleasure, and you'll probably need to quaff a few if you plan to try another Dutch favourite, raw herring eaten whole, head first. Don't forget to try the subtle flavours of Dutch cheese. Local Edam and Gouda taste quite unlike the bland, rubbery creations sold abroad.
