THE ROAD TO HOLLAND

Written by MOTORBIKE EUROPE Road Writers -

When you’re going toward The Netherlands, you’re headed for one of the lowest lying countries in the world, as the name also suggests. A full quarter of the country is reclaimed land, protected by levee’s. The Hague, is the seat of the government and parliament.

The Hague is also home of the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court.

THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS

In the Middle Ages, The Netherlands were part of the Holy Roman Empire. On July 26th 1581, the seven northernmost provinces put forth a proclamation of independence, officially instituting the Republic of the Netherlands. The republic was formally recognised as an independent country in 1648, after the peace treaty of Westphalia. Napoleon’s centralising efforts, led in 1806 to the establishment of the vassal-state ”The Kingdom of the Netherlands”, with Napoleons little brother, Louis Bonaparte instated as king.

In 1809 the country was annexed by France. The southernmost areas seceded in 1830 under the name The kingdom of Belgium. A treaty in 1839 fixed the final border between the Netherlands and Belgium. The Netherlands were kept clear of the First World War, but was occupied during the Second World War and experienced a terrible famine during the last year of the war. In the years after the war, the country became co-founder of the Benelux Union and the European Union.

FROM VAN GOGH TO REMBRANDT

There is much to do and see in the Netherlands, especially in Amsterdam, which is the official capital, with a population of 780,000 inhabitants. The city is known for the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt Museum, the House of Anne Frank, the multitude of canals and bicycles. But this is where you bring your motorcycle into the picture. Park your bike and go exploring and relax a bit. Do a few overnight stays and take in the culture or let loose in this party town, known for its libertarian views.

LONG DYKES AND MOTORBIKES

After a few days, you’ll probably be ready for some fresh air. Head to IJsselmeer, the great freshwater lake between Waddenzee and Markermeer. Take your bike across the 32 kilometre long dam Afsluitdijk. The water level in IJsselmeer is kept at 40cm below sea level. IJsselmeer was a lake that the Romans called ”Lacus Flevo”. A great flood connected IJsselmeer to the North Sea in the Middle Ages.

Take a trip around the country where about 60 percent is below sea level, and remember to bring a lifejacket, just in case.