Visit the Netherlands’ 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Part 2

Continuing from the first part of this article, here are six more UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Netherlands to visit.

Dutch Water Defence Lines

Spanning more than 80 miles, the Dutch Water Defence Lines consists of a 53-mile-long defense line, 45 forts, six fortresses and two castles. Built between the 17^th and 20^th centuries, these water-based defenses showcase some of the best forms of human ingenuity, in which the Dutch utilized flooded plains, earth walls, brick, sluices and other materials to construct these great defenses.

© Hollandse Hoogte / ANP Foto

Kinderdijk Windmills

This picture-perfect region features 19 stunning windmills, all still inhabited and operated. The windmills, built around 1740, work to prevent flooding in the region, revealing once again the Dutch people’s creativity in reclaiming the land navigating the natural features. Evidence of flood prevention in the area goes back nearly 1,000 years, and visitors can admire the many dikes, waterways, mills and locks present.

The Woudagemaal

As the largest steam-powered pumping station in the world, Woudagemaal lies in a building inspired by the architectural style of the Amsterdam School. Built in 1920 to pump away excess water in Friesland, the station can pump out more than 4,000 cubic meters of water per minute, or about 6 million cubic meters of water per day. Today, the station is used during high water and to educate stokers and machinists, as well as awe the public who visit the amazing machine.

Schokland

A former island in the Zuiderzee, Schokland represents a symbol of the Dutch fight against the waters. With more than 160 archaeological sites showing the development and history of the residents of the area, visiting Schokland provides insight on centuries of human life here. In 1984, human footprints found in Schokland were dated to more than 4,000 years ago. As the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Holland, Schokland also features the remains of a lighthouse, church ruins and Schokland Museum.

Colonies of Benevolence

The Colonies of Benevolence, situated in Flanders, Overijssel and Drenthe, served as a way for low-income city dwellers to work the land, thus reducing the poverty rate. Founded in 1818, this concept even appeared in Belgium and visitors today can visit some of these Dutch colonies and museums to learn about the history of the people who lived there.

© Robin Utrecht

Canals of Amsterdam

Perhaps one of the most iconic sites in the world, the canals of Amsterdam shape the city, with the 17^th-century canal ring circling the city, providing visitors and locals with beautiful views and boat rides. Originally used to transport food and other goods in an efficient way and to control the waters to keep potential enemy armies at bay, the canals today welcome all to experience its wonders with walks over bridges to cruises on boats.