Probably the biggest form of recreation and exercise for the Dutch is bicycling through parks and countryside. The excellent network of bicycle paths (fietpads) can take you from any point to any other point in Holland, safely. I wonder if all this emphasis on bicycle riding besides being so healthy is also responsible for the Dutch being so tall. After all it does really stretch those legs!
Whether it’s on the thousands of canals, or out on lakes or the vast waterway in the north, Boating is very popular among the Dutch. Outings are big occasions and friends and family usually make a day of it. Even downtown Amsterdam’s canals turn into festive sights as boat after boat of merry makers pass under bridges waving at onlookers. Don’t miss an opportunity to join them! On the rare occasion when the canals are frozen, the Dutch take to the ice on skates.
When the weather allows, picnics are a popular pastime at Holland’s parks or beaches. These can be very elaborate with multi-course meals, champagne, even candelabra!
Movies are very popular in Holland and all are shown in the original language with Dutch subtitles, never dubbed. That’s another reason why the Dutch speak English and other languages so well.
The arts are alive and well in Holland thanks to a very advanced form of subscriptions that allow an infinite selection of shows, concerts, class, etc. Each year the UitMarkt is a weekend event that highlights the coming arts season with free performances of plays, music and other art previews.
Travel is something ingrained in the Dutch blood, from their days as the world’s greatest traders. They love to take vacations, especially during the bleak winters, to exotic destinations using the all-inclusive hotel package popular in Europe. For one price they get a room or apartment in say Turkey, Morocco, or Bali that includes meals. These deals can be great bargains, and it’s worth inquiring about if you plan an onward journey from Holland. Just stop in any travel agency and pickup the brochures to the destinations that interest you. It’s often much cheaper to book a trip in Holland than in the U.S. Of course independent travel is popular with young people and the Dutch get 4 to 6 weeks (paid vacation) off each year in which to explore the planet.