If Holland did not protect itself against flooding, half the country would be under water. After all, a quarter is already below sea level, including all the major cities in the west of the country. Holland has an extensive network of polders, canals and pumping stations to keep itself dry.

Museums

There are a number of museums, like the Nieuwland museum situated in the polders reclaimed from the Zuider Zee, which show how Holland reclaimed land from the sea, and built the first polders. The Beemsterpolder is on the World Heritage List, as is Kinderdijk in South Holland, famous for its ancient windmills which keep the Alblasserwaard dry. Flevoland and Noordoostpolder were reclaimed using more modern techniques.

Delta project / Waterland Neeltje Jans

Prince Willem-Alexander, the heir to the Dutch throne, is the figurehead of international water management. Holland has pioneered technologies to protect the country from the sea. The famous Delta Project in Zeeland is an example. The storm surge barrier in the Eatern Scheldt has been called the eighth wonder of the world. More information on the Eastern Scheldt is available at the Waterland Neeltje Jans information centre.

Adventurous new architecture

Architecture also shows a strong link with the water. The Dutch build in, on and with water. Amsterdam stands on wooden piles, and in keeping with tradition, the new residential districts of IJburg and the KNSM Island were created n water. The same goes for the Kop van Zuid development in Rotterdam. A visit there is highly recommended for lovers of adventurous new architecture.