Canals, tram, tulips – these are just three of many hallmarks of the Dutch capital Amsterdam. Anyone who has been there knows what is being discussed. The whole city is crossed by the typical Amsterdam canal rings, so you might think here would be more water than roads. Apartments in Amsterdam are much sought-after, not just by the Dutch. Above all Germans are very interested in real estates in this beautiful city. Crowds in the shopping street, the tram pushes through and – especially in the summer months – everywhere you look: tulips seller.

Many tourists visit the typical daily attractions: Heineken Brewery, Van Gogh museum, Coffee Shops, Anne Frank House, Canal Cruise and so on. But to get to know more of this magnificent city you should inconspicuously mingle among the people – the best by bicycle! In hardly any other town you see so many bikes, as in Amsterdam. No matter if spring, summer, autumn or winter – at any time of year, the Dutch are on the road on their bicycles. This is not only practical because of the lack of parking in downtown, but also very environmental friendly and healthy to have. Many hotels in Amsterdam offer a bike rental service and also in the city there are numerous bicycle rental stations.

Holidays between city and country
North from Amsterdam Central Station, on the other side of the harbor, lies the magical campsite in the middle of a 62-acre forest area: VliegenBos. It has spaces for campers and caravans with electricity, campground for tents, little hiker’s cabins and very hygienic sanitary facilities. Next to the reception you find a kiosk where you find everything you need for camping. In just six minutes you come on foot to the ferry that runs every ten minutes to Amsterdam Central Station. So you can easily get with your own bike to the other side and into the beautiful city.

At the beginning, cycling in Amsterdam is getting a little used to, because the Dutch ride in a fairly rapid pace. Although there are extra lanes on the roads for cyclists, the traffic situation appears a little dangerous at first glance. Still: accidents happen rarely here. You get the feeling as if the entire traffic – including the cars, cyclists, mopeds and pedestrians – is an ordered harmonious flow. Hardly traffic jam, no wild honking, no fights on the street. The relaxed Dutch mentality and friendly coexistence determine the everyday life in Amsterdam. Many tourists report that they had rarely experienced such friendly and caring people. Now, if you cycle through the side streets, linger here and there for a short time, let the ornate house fronts effect on you and watch the wild and yet so harmonious bustle of people, then you see the true beauty of Amsterdam.