The Netherlands & The Baltic

A 21-day adventure by Bruce & Stacy Read more

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Trip start
April 30, 2023
The Netherlands & The Baltic
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Day 2
Monday, May 1, 2023 at 1:12 PM
☁️ 57 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
Netherlands Laurens Janszoon Coster 52.381667, 4.63666752°22’54” N 4°38’12” E
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Haarlem
May 1, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F
While in Haarlem, we visited the Grote Maarkt, St. Bravokerk, and stopped by the Ten Boem home that was used as a hiding place for Jews during WWII.
Love Haarlem! [Kimmie]
5/7/23Reply
We too Katie here but it was closed. darn it was a Monday. [Kimmie]
5/7/23Reply
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Day 2
Monday, May 1, 2023 at 3:19 PM
⛅ 61 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Galgewater 52.161667, 4.48166752°9’42” N 4°28’54” E
Leiden
May 1, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
We arrived at Schipol in Amsterdam at 9am and took the train to Leiden. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we enjoyed coffee and a light breakfast and a stroll through the city before heading by train to Haarlem. Later in the day, after returning from Haarlem, we visited Rembrandt's birth place and St. Pieter's Kerk, where the pilgrims worshipped before coming to America.Read more
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Day 3
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM
☁️ 48 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Keukenhof 52.268333, 4.5552°16’6” N 4°33’0” E
Keukenhof
May 2, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F
One of the main reasons we came to the Netherlands in the spring was to see the Keukenhof. This was an item on Stacy's bucket list and a place I had last seen as a teenager and wanted to visit again. The gardens were spectacular, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. In fact, after our afternoon canal cruise in Lisse, we returned to the Keukenhof for another walk around the gardens.Read more
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Day 3
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 50 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
Netherlands Keukenhof 52.268333, 4.54833352°16’6” N 4°32’54” E
More Keukenhof
May 2, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F
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Day 3
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 3:55 PM
⛅ 54 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Lisse 52.26, 4.55666752°15’36” N 4°33’24” E
Lisse
May 2, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
After lunch, we walked through the town of Lisse and went on a canal cruise to see a few nearby windmills. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon.
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Day 4
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 10:11 AM
⛅ 48 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
Netherlands Hofvijver 52.081667, 4.31333352°4’54” N 4°18’48” E
Den Haag
May 3, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F
Today, we visited The Hague. In the morning, we walked around on our own and visited a farmer's market, the Binnenhof, Hofvijver, and Lange Voorhuit. After visiting the Mauritshuis, we spent the afternoon on a city tour that included stops at various places to enjoy local foods. In the early evening, we took the tram to Scheveningen to see the pier and walk in the promenade. On the way back, we stopped at the Peace Palace home of the International Court of Justice.Read more
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Day 4
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 11:15 AM
☁️ 52 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
Netherlands Binnenhof 52.08, 4.31552°4’48” N 4°18’54” E
Mauritshuis
May 3, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
We visited the Mauritshuis primarily to see Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earing, but we also enjoyed seeing works by other Dutch masters. We even ran into a group of Dutch elementary school students who were being guided by a docent and her puppet Maurits Muis!Read more
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Day 4
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 6:10 PM
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
Netherlands Scheveningse Pier 52.116667, 4.28166752°7’0” N 4°16’54” E
Scheveningen
May 3, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
Later in the afternoon, we rode the tram to Scheveningen. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we enjoyed visiting the pier and walking along the promenade.
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Day 5
Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM
☁️ 54 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Delft 52.005, 4.36166752°0’18” N 4°21’42” E
Delft
May 4, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
We enjoyed a perfect sunny day in Delft. It's a small Dutch city with lots of charm. In addition to being the home of the Dutch master Vermeer, it's also the home of Royal Delft Blue pottery. It was a memorable day filled with beautiful sites and delicious food.Read more
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Day 5
Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10:14 AM
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Delft 52.001667, 4.36666752°0’6” N 4°22’0” E
Royal Delft
May 4, 2023 in the Netherlands
This morning, we toured the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles or Royal Delft factory. It was interesting to learn both the history of Delft Blue pottery and the production process that has remained largely unchanged since its founding in 1653.Read more
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Day 5
Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 7:53 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 7 ft
Netherlands Museum van Volkenkunde 52.163333, 4.48552°9’48” N 4°29’6” E
National Day of Remembrance
May 4, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
We were privileged to join the citizens of Leiden as they celebrated the Dutch National Day of Remembrance. "Dodenherdenking" is held on May 4 each year. It’s a day when the Dutch can commemorate the soldiers and civilians who died in WWII and other conflicts. The entire country comes to a stop and observes two minutes of silence at 8 PM.Read more
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Day 6
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 6:35 AM
Altitude: 7 ft
Netherlands Museum van Volkenkunde 52.163333, 4.48552°9’48” N 4°29’6” E
Sunrise in Leiden
May 5, 2023 in the Netherlands
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Day 6
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 10:16 AM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Zaansche Schans 52.473333, 4.81666752°28’24” N 4°49’0” E
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Zaanse Schans
May 5, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
We were up early this morning and caught the sun rising over the Leiden windmill. Then we were off ɓy train to Amsterdam to join a tour. Our first stop was Zaanse Schans, known for its collection of windmills and wooden houses that were relocated here for preservation between 1961 and 1974. It's a natural, living museum with farmers, livestock, cheese making, and a wooden shoe factory.Read more
Cute!! [Kimmie]
5/7/23Reply
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Day 6
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:11 AM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Blauwe Hoofd 52.376667, 4.98833352°22’36” N 4°59’18” E
Durgerdam
May 5, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
Durgerdam was once a small fishing village on the coast of the Zijdersee. But after the afsluitdijk was built, the Ijsellmeer became fresh water, so the fishing trade ended. Today, the village is purely residential. Our guide told us that everyone wants to buy a home here, but they never go on sale because nobody wants to leave.Read more
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Day 6
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 12:22 PM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Noordoostpolder 52.648333, 5.67166752°38’54” N 5°40’18” E
Tulip Fields
May 5, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
On our way to Giethoorn, we made a brief stop at a tulip field to enjoy the flowers and take a few pictures.
Gorgeous!! [Kimmie]
5/7/23Reply
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Day 6
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 3:13 PM
🌧 59 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Netherlands Bovenwijde 52.721667, 6.0952°43’18” N 6°5’24” E
Giethoorn
May 5, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌧 59 °F
Giethoorn is a small Dutch village northeast of Amsterdam, sometimes referred to as the Venice of the Netherlands. Each home sits on an individual polder, separated by canals, but joined by 176 little bridges. There are no roads or cars in the village, so residence get around on small boats, on bikes (there is a bike path! ), or by walking. We went on a boat tour around the village and then had time to walk on the small pathways, across several bridges, past the small Mennonite church and beautiful homes.Read more
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Day 7
Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: 10 ft
Netherlands Velsen 52.463333, 4.63666752°27’48” N 4°38’12” E
From Leiden to Amsterdam
May 6, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
Today was our last day in Leiden. It was a brisk overcast morning, so we went on a walk to find a spot for breakfast. We stopped at a small café for coffee and hot chocolate and the most delicious yogurt with granola and fresh fruit. We met a local couple and their dog and enjoyed visiting with them over breakfast. It was also market day, so it was fun to browse all of the fresh local goods. Then it was off by train to Amsterdam, where we boarded the Rotterdam and set sail with Holland America Line for our cruise to the Baltic.Read more
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Day 8
Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 10:05 PM
🌬 50 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Skagerrak 57.497351, 8.03908157°29’50” N 8°2’21” E
Sailing from Amsterdam to Copenhagen
May 7, 2023, Skagerrak ⋅ 🌬 50 °F
Today was a day at sea. It was nice to enjoy a relaxing day! We settled in and explored the ship, went to a couple of presentations that covered upcoming ports, enjoyed a formal dinner, and went to a concert by a classical pianist. Tomorrow we arrive in Copenhagen.Read more
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Day 9
Monday, May 8, 2023 at 8:18 AM
☀️ 50 °F
Altitude: 10 ft
Denmark Amalienborg 55.69, 12.58833355°41’24” N 12°35’18” E
Hygge & Happiness in Copenhagen
May 8, 2023 in Denmark ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F
Since we'd been to Copenhagen before, we decided to join a small group tour that visited some new locations to us. The tour was themed "Hygge and Happiness." Our guide was fantastic, and we were treated to a pleasant mix of history, city life, beautiful sites, and delicious snacks. Definitely hyggely!Read more
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Day 10
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 8:45 AM
🌬 52 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
Germany Warnemünde 54.17, 12.0854°10’12” N 12°4’48” E
Warnemünde
May 9, 2023 in Germany ⋅ 🌬 52 °F
This morning, we arrived in Warnemünde, a small German fishing village on the coast of the Baltic Sea. We spent the morning exploring the town, visiting the Lutheran church, and walking along the Alten Strom to the lighthouse. We stopped for coffee and a German pastry, and for fresh strawberries at a small farmers' stand. Lecker!Read more
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Day 10
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 3:06 PM
🌬 68 °F
Altitude: 66 ft
Germany Alter Hafen 53.891667, 11.46666753°53’30” N 11°28’0” E
Wismar
May 9, 2023 in Germany ⋅ 🌬 68 °F
This afternoon, we went on an excursion to the Hanseatic town of Wismar. At the end of WWII, much of the city was destroyed by allied bombing. Even though at the end of the war, the city was in the allies' control, the Yalta Agreement handed the city to Russia in exchange for other territory. Many of the historical churches and buildings weren't restored until after the reunification of Germany in 1989. Today, the city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a city walking tour and some free time to explore, we finished the day at a local brewery to sample a variety of beers and pretzels. The darkest beer was called mumme, which translates as courage!Read more
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Day 10
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 8:53 PM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Germany Alter Strom 54.173333, 12.09333354°10’24” N 12°5’36” E
Gute Nacht Warnemünde
May 9, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
As the sun set over the Baltic Sea, we were treated to music by the Rostock-Wanemünde Brass Band. Yes, there were lots of polkas!
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Day 12
Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 12:16 PM
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
Latvia Vecrīga 56.948333, 24.10833356°56’54” N 24°6’30” E
Riga: Art-Nouveau District and City Park
May 11, 2023 in Latvia ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Today, we visited the beautiful city of Riga, Latvia’s capital, set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the river Daugava. The city is known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture, and medieval Old Town.Read more
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Day 12
Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 1:30 PM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 72 ft
Latvia Riga Ferry Port 56.95, 24.10666756°57’0” N 24°6’24” E
Riga: Old Town
May 11, 2023 in Latvia ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
We joined a walking tour led by a local woman who was very proud of her city. After walking through the Art-Nouveau district and city park, we explored the old town with its colorful buildings and beautiful churches. In our free time, we went to the viewing platform in the tower of St. Peter's Church, enjoyed lunch at a local bistro, and stopped for coffee and cake at a small bakery. The owner described the beauty of Latvia and offered to show us the picturesque villages outside of the city. He then told us of Latvia’s pride in their freedom from Soviet control, but also expressed concern about the struggle since their liberation in 1990 to find their way both economically and politically.Read more
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Day 13
Friday, May 12, 2023 at 1:08 PM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 151 ft
Estonia Toompea 59.438333, 24.74166759°26’18” N 24°44’30” E
Tallinn
May 12, 2023 in Estonia ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It was established in the medieval ages and became a major trading port and member of the Hanseatic league. Like Riga, it gained independence after the fall of the Soviet Union. Estonia suffered greatly under communism and today, the people cherish their freedom. The Old Town is situated in the upper city and contains old Russian Orthodox and Lutheran churches as well as the offices of Parliament and Prime Minister. The lower city contains the town hall and town square, hotels, cafes, and shops.Read more
I love Estonia! [Kimmie]
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