Another amazing place is Het Kasteeltje aparthotel. It’s located in the heart of the historic district of Alkmaar and occupies a very charming old building, which in appearance resembles a small castle with a slate roof and tall towers. The amazing facade hides two stylish rooms with modern romantic interior in black and white. Duplex apartment feature smart designer furniture and unusual circular chandeliers. …
Open
The first reference to Alkmaar was documented in the 10th century. At that time it was a fortress on the border in the war against the inhabitants of the Frisian islands. Nowadays it is a famous ancient city, which means "surrounded by water". In the Netherlands, Alkmaar is famous for its huge cheese fair and for the sewing factory that produces a uniform for sailors. On the beautiful antique narrow streets, you …
Open
The house of the city guard is another interesting historical building; its construction was completed in 1618. This is a very unusual house, built in the shape of the letter "T", and it is much more engaging to the admire it from the inner yard. For many years city guards lived in this, and when the guard was disbanded, the city archive was founded in this historic building. Despite the fact that it is closed for …
Open
The title of the most prestigious and well-known hotel in the city can be claimed by Grand Hotel Alkmaar. Its guests enjoy exclusive suites with an open-plan bathroom featuring ultramodern spa bath. The top floor of the hotel has a unique luxury room with a small sauna featuring aristocratic elegant furnishings. The famous Bar X-Press, which is known to fans of vintage wines, as well as a restaurant Zegels, which …
Open
When you want to diversify your holiday with an interesting cultural event, you can go with the whole family to inspect the old mill Molen van Groot, which has survived in the city. Today, it has been converted into an interesting museum. The mill managed to preserve almost all the original equipments. There is a mill on the river bank, in one of the most picturesque areas of the city. If the mere inspection alone …
Open
The charming Hotel Bergen can be found in the immediate vicinity of Alkmaar; travelers will appreciate its refined atmosphere. The hotel is designed in simple style. Rooms painted in bright colors are complemented with designer accessories in the style of past centuries. These include wooden furniture upholstered in luxurious fabrics, mirrors in carved frameworks and original paintings. All rooms are decorated in …
Open
Moving around in Netherlands - transportation
![]()
Scooters can be an alternative option. They are also quite popular among the local population. However, you can’t drive them on highways, so this transport is permissible within the limits of one city. It’s worth to rent a car only if you decide to go to another locality, as it will be very inconvenient to ride this vehicle within one city. For example, in Amsterdam, there is a speed restriction of 50 kmph. Alternatively, you can rent small electric cars. In this case, the problem of traffic jams won’t be avoided, but you can save a lot. No toll fee is collected from e-cars, no insurance and parking is paid. You can use the services of a taxi. However, this mode of transport is expensive, so tourists don’t use it trying to save money.
…
Open
Economy roadmap of Netherlands
Since 2011, the Netherlands government together with the monarch has undertaken harsh measures to save money. During this period, there was a significant decrease in tax revenues, as well as a decrease in the country's total GDP. The budget deficit was reduced only in 2013, after a significant increase of taxes for developed industries. Along with this, social expenditures per capita increased too, due to the increase in the unemployment allowance. Despite the difficulties, the Netherlands is still at a fairly high economic level. Therefore, all socially unprotected sections of the population get large monthly payments and pensions. The economy of the Netherlands, first of all, is focused on the welfare of every single citizen of the country. The comfortable environment for the emergence and development of small business is created, while the system of cost reduction functions normally. The insurance system is well-developed too. Therefore, absolutely all citizens of the country feel protected.
…
Open
