Zealand, province of beaches and seafood

The eighth province we visit is one of the southernmost provinces of the Netherlands! The province was already inhabited in Roman times and has a turbulent history, including a huge flood disaster and beautiful beaches. The largest city of this province is Middelburg (+-39,200 inhabitants), and is also the provincial capital. Zeeland is located on the North Sea and is also the province where one of the Netherlands' most impressive buildings is located, the Delta Works.

Frisia, pompeblêden en skûtsjesilen

The seventh province we visit is one of the most water-rich and most unique provinces in the Netherlands! The province has its own language, a flag with “hearts” (pompeblêden) and a turbulent history that dates back to before Roman times. The largest city in this province is Leeuwarden (+-93,600 inhabitants), and is also the provincial capital. Friesland is located on the Wadden Sea and is also the province to which 4 of the 5 (inhabited) Wadden Islands belong.

South Holland, something to do for everyone!

The sixth province we visit is one of the most densely populated and industrialized areas in the world! The largest city of this province is Rotterdam (+-625,000 inhabitants), however, the capital is The Hague, which is also the residence capital of the Netherlands. South Holland is located on the North Sea coast and was previously 1 province with North Holland, until the split in 1840.

Flevoland, battle against the water.

We are almost half way through our journey through all 12 provinces of the Netherlands! The fifth province we visit is the smallest and youngest province in the Netherlands! The largest city in this province is Almere (214,000 inhabitants), however, the capital is Lelystad, which was named after the former minister of water management (and who commissioned the reclamation of this province, Cornelis Lely). Flevoland is situated next to the IJsselmeer and was completely made by the Dutch by reclaiming it. It is a wonderful example of the battle with water that the Netherlands has always waged.