Oostvoornse Lake Live Cam

The Netherlands has a rich history, with many cities having fascinating stories of their own. One such city is Arnhem. Located in the east, it is one of the largest in the country. These days it is renowned for its wide open spaces and beautiful parks. Arnhem is believed to have been inhabited by Neanderthals tens of thousands of years ago. Arnhem has in fact been the site of many archaeological discoveries.

Further, there is proof of early settlements in the city dating back as far as 1500 BC. However, many consider the origins of city to have actually begun in 1233, when city rights were bestowed by Count Otto II. Like most cities in Europe it has seen its fair share of conquerors. The first such recorded incident is in 1473, when it fell under control of Burgundy. This lasted for a little over forty years when it was taken over by the Duke of Guelders.

About three decades after that the city fell into the hands of Roman Emperor Charles V. Later in the century it was part of the Union of Utrecht, becoming one the united provinces of the Netherlands. Still, there were subsequent occupations by the French for a few years in the 1670’s and later for an eighteen year period, ending in the early 19th century.

Following the final French occupation the town became home to many of the onetime sugar barons and planters from the Indies. This led to it becoming known as the Little Hague of the East.

During World War II, it was the scene of vigorous military operations by both Britain’s 1st Airborne Division as well the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade of Poland, their mission being the securing of Arnhem’s bridge. Unfortunately they were unsuccessful at doing so, with the end result being the German capturing of many British forces, the rest withdrawing. The 1970’s movie A Bridge Too Far depicted this event, among many others.

The current Arnhem Bridge is actually the third one built at the same location. The first was destroyed by the Netherlands’ own army upon the invasion from the Germans. The second being by the US Army Air Force following the 1944 battle.

Arnhem was finally liberated once and for all in April 1945 by Britain’s 49th Infantry Division of the First Canadian Army. Today Arnhem boasts a population of over 150,000 and is a popular tourist destination with many railway stations linking to several other notable European cities.

The History of Venlo

No trip to the Limburg province would be complete without a visit to the bustling city of Venlo. Situated near the German border, the city offers travelers plenty of dining and shopping opportunities. Venlo is home to many international shops and excellent restaurants. The city has not forgotten its rich history, however. Historic monuments, churches and government buildings can be found throughout the city as well.

It is believed that Venlo was once known as Sablones, a settlement located along the Roman road that connected Xanten and Maastricht. Many Celtic and Roman coins have been found in the city. Remnants of a traditional Roman bridge can also be found on the river Meuse.

Venlo was, at one time, a prominent trade post in the Meuse-Rhine region. It officially earned its city rights in 1343 and became a part of the Hanseatic League in 1375. Throughout history, Venlo was the victim of many sieges, with the most significant one being carried out by Menno van Coehoornin 1702.

In November of 1939, the Sicherheitsdienst captured two British Intelligence Service agents in what would later be called the Venlo Incident. The Nazis used this incident to connect Great Britain to the failed assassination attempt of Hitler by Georg Elser. This information was used as a basis for an invasion of the Netherlands, which was still a neutral country in 1940.

The city’s rail and road bridge over the Meuse River were destroyed after numerous bombing raids during the war. In an attempt to cut off the German supply line, the Allied Force tried to destroy the city’s bridges. Alas, German troops wound up damaging the bridges to prevent the Allied Forces from advancing further.

Eventually, Venlo would be liberated by the Allied Forces, but 300 people were killed during the many bombing raids that took place. Many historical buildings were also destroyed in the process.

Before the Second World War, Venlo had a thriving Jewish community. While many members have returned to the city, the community has never truly recovered.

Although several historical buildings were destroyed during World War II, the historic city hall and Romer house still remain today. These two buildings are among the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Visitors who make the trek to Venlo can visit the Limburg museum, which includes a wealth of information on local history and also features special exhibitions.

Amsterdam for Children

Do you want to take your children for an out of the country trip? If you do, then prepare all your passports and the items you have to bring and be ready for a flight going to Amsterdam. You may think that the area may just be about lots of coffee shops where you can enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee and a platter of café treats over a good book. But, you have to think again since Amsterdam is not all just about that image you are picturing out. Like Paris, Rome and other European counties, Amsterdam is also filled with places where grown-ups can enjoy and also places where your kids will definitely have fun all day long. Do you want to be introduced to those places so you can plan on the places you can include on your places to go list? If you do, then here they are.

Canal and Harbor of Amsterdam

Are your kids those who loved water adventures so much? If they are, then planning on boating tour in the canals and harbor of Amsterdam is a perfect activity to include on your list. Going on a boat tour is just the perfect way of enjoying and experiencing the magnificent sights of Amsterdam’s canals. Through the boat tour, the possibility of your child complaining about getting tired is also slim. While the boat tour is on-going, the designated tour guide will also provide several fascinating background information in several languages. If ever you or your child feels the need to go the bathroom, no need to worry, there is one on the boat.

Kinderkookikafe or Children’s Cook Café

If your child or kids are those who enjoy much accompanying their moms and helping while preparing your meals, then going to Kinderkookikafe will surely be appreciated and also be as enjoying to them. In this children’s café, your child will be given the opportunity to wear an apron and a chef’s hat and make their own creations. Staying at the café will let your child bake pizza, cookies and chocolate croissants or make sandwiches. It is located nearby Vondelpark and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Vondelpark

There you go. After sometime letting your kid have fun in the kitchen of Kinderkookikafe and make their dream of becoming a chef a reality, you can proceed to Vondelpark. This famous park of Amsterdam has a lot of fun to offer to your child. The park features a paddling pool and a playground where you can stay while letting your kid have the fun of their lives. If you prefer to explore the beauty of the park, then you can take your child for a little stroll or rent a bakfiets.

Museums of Famous Dutch Painters

Okay, so maybe your child loves anything that shows art. If that is the case, then you must not let the chance pass without bringing your child to this museum. The museum is comprised with exhibit rooms where each is named according to the painter whose artworks are shown. There, you can take your child to see the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt House and a whole lot more!

Now that you have an idea of where you can bring your child to have a memorable and informative trip to Amsterdam, why not finish your list and tell your child about your itinerary!