Ruiter - Holland, as we see it

Beachscapes

Near Den Helder (photo: Ingrid Meijerink)

Kijkduin (The Hague) (photo: Rob Kints)

Waddenzee at Terschelling The Waddenzee is the area of sea between the north of Holland and the islands called the Waddeneilanden (Wadden Islands). The protected area is full of birds and sea life inlcuding seals. At low tide one can cross from the mainland to the islands on foot, though professional guidance is necessary to avoid being surprised by the tide coming in. (photo: Lodewijk Buma)

Bergen aan Zee The wooden poles run into the sea and are meant to break the force of the waves. (photo: Michel Boontje)

Beach houses (photo: Jeanette Zwiers)

Light my fire The lighthouse of Texel, one of the Waddeneilanden. (photo: Johan Oostindin)

Wouter Standing fierce in the dunes of Terschelling. (photo: Toon Overweg)

Walk the dog Heavy clouds just after a fierce shower. (photo: Martin van Lochem)

No delay Quickly cycling home. (photo: Jan Harm Bakhuys)

Taking the long way Hikers on Ameland during a five-day hiking event that covers several islands: the Waddenvijfdaagse. (photo: Corine van Kapel-van der Vlugt)

Colorful landscapes The Wipwatermolen in Bergambacht (Zuid-Holland). (photo: Tosca Kramer)

Near Zwolle (Overijssel). (photo: Rick Wijnberg)

Drentsche Aa (Drenthe). (photo: Marita Weener-Veldscholte)

The Biesbosch, a natural reserve in Zuid-Holland. (photo: Patrick van Vugt)

Colorful cityscapes

Groningen Dwellings in Reitdiephaven, a newly developed area that includes a marina. (photo: Bert Meijer)

Maastricht Franciscus Romanusweg on the river Maas. (photo: Jacqueline Lemmens)

Stadshaven van Leusden. (photo: Ton van Zegveld)

Maassluis The word 'sluis' refers to sluice, an important means to balance water levels in Holland. Maas refers to the river Maas (Meuse). This is the Stadhuiskade. (photo: Ton van Zegveld)

Colors When it come to colors, the Dutch have a reputation to defend. This applies to famous painters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh, whose work can be seen in several Dutch museums. But Holland is probably best known for the colors of flowers, more specific tulips. In spring they can be seen on specific locations behind the coast of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland and in a special park called Keukenhof - and in virtually every Dutch household. Actually the flowers are a by-product. It's the bulbs that count and are exported all over the world. (photo: Marjan Verkaik)

Alinda Beauty combined with beauty in a tulip field near Sassenheim. (photo: Hans van den Broek)

White tullips (photo: Marjan Verkaik)

Tullips red/white close-up (photo: Paula van Ommen)

Giant klomp Flower show, showing another Dutch icon: the klomp, wooden shoe. Plus two girls who seem to sit here by chance. (photo: Hugo de Jong)

By air Nicknamed Gateway to Europe, Holland has excellent connections with surrounding countries and beyond, by air, rail, road and water, in order to get the goods that come in, out again in time. This especially applies to flowers. Luckily, the main flower growing area is a short distance from Schiphol, our main airport that is an important hub for many airlines. (photo: Feike Westenbroek)

By train Holland has the most extensive railway system in Europe, perhaps in the world. This is life saving, since about 17 million people live in quite a narrow space. You don't want them all travelling by car. Despite these blessings, people complain when train are a few minutes late. We get carried away sometimes. (photo: Christa van Gend)