Travelers looking for a magical experience should know that fairytale travel in Amsterdam is calling their name. The city’s history, culture, and sheer beauty creates a natural, other-worldly adventure that most only dream about! The city started out as a fishing village but soared to the heights of craftsmanship in the 17th century. It remained a trading center until the industrial revolution killed individual creativity and the technology industry replaced assembly factories. However, there is a happy ending for the city. Dutch businesses forged ahead and revitalized Amsterdam with both tech and high-end personal care products. For those who are nerdy enough to appreciate true craftsmanship, those trades are thriving again in the city. Amsterdam boasts of chocolatiers, sausage makers, and breweries. Fairytale travel in Amsterdam is calling you, what are you waiting for?
Fairytale Travel in Amsterdam
Orange Is the New Royal
Amsterdam has a constitutional monarchy, so those who daydream of royal connections will have a chance to observe some royal atmosphere. The House of Orange-Nassau make up the Dutch Royal House. The family originated with William of Orange, who lived in the 1500s. You will find the color prominent in the Netherlands to celebrate royalty. If you travel on King’s Day, which is April 27, you will find yourself bathed in orange with festive celebrations fit for well..a king.
Dutch Fortresses and Castles Set the Adventure
There are a number of castles, estates, and fortresses surrounding the city and visiting will set you in a fairytale mood. Muiderslot, a 700-year-old castle located east of the city, is the real thing with a drawbridge, moat battlements, and towers. It is the ultimate site for a fairytale. The De Haar Castle, dating back to the 14th century, is near Utecht. It has a magical ambiance with towers, an iron door gate, and Gothic statues. Those who prefer to visit an evil lair should go to Fort Pampus. It looks like an island but is actually a 1890s submerged sea fort complete with secret tunnels. It was restored in 2007 and is open for tourists. Nothing says fairytale travel in Amsterdam like castles and beautiful views!
Amsterdam’s Architecture Creates Romance
A city with a rich history like Amsterdam lends itself to fairytales in its beauty. Many of the buildings are centuries old and offer a charm as fascinating as a rainbow. However, the most romantic view is the 400-year-old Amsterdam’s Canal Ring. The city has a water network that showcases its architecture. That is especially true at night when the yellow and orange glow of canal and street lights transport you to another place and time. It’s some of the best pictures you will ever take.
Go Wild at Artis Zoo Amsterdam
The Artis Zoo Amsterdam is the perfect place to add to your fairytale fantasy. There are 750 types of animals and more than 300 plant species to explore among the zoo’s 19th-century buildings. The zoo has much more to see though. The Gardens of Artis bloom with spring romance as their blossoms bud. There are other walks for the mystical-minded, such as paths through butterfly gardens, the African Savannah, an aquarium and a wolf forest. There is even insect section and the Micropia museum, dedicated to microscopic science, for the geek in everyone.
Step Into Fairytales
Those who want to journey into a fairytale picture book should go to the Fairytale Forest where you can literally step into a story. This enchanted world allows you to see trolls, giants and all things magical. The walk-through experience takes you through stories like Pinocchio, The Dragon, Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping Beauty. It is truly an escape for those who live in their imaginations. This magical place attracts people from all over Europe and is called the Efteling. It’s only one hour drive from Amsterdam.
Fairytale Shopping
The Fantasyshop Chimera is a must-go-to spot in Amsterdam. Here is where you can buy your own personal goblin. Really. It has all things magical from fairies to goblins and offers them at reasonable prices. The displays are from another world with people of all ages surprised at every turn. It is located on a side street off the square at Damstraat 7, 1012 JL Amsterdam.
Go to the Theater
Any Amsterdam tourist should finish at least one evening going to a movie. However, the Theater Tuschinski isn’t just any theater, but one of the most interesting cinemas you will experience. The building is notably the Netherlands’ prize jewel. Built in 1921, this cinema palace offers both audio and guides tours before films and that makes for a great ending of your fantasy trip. Tour admission includes a cup of coffee or tea. Its movies are of all varieties from classics to the latest releases.
Amsterdam has never-ending intrigue in its richness and culture with a modern mix of science and technology. It lends itself to the perfect fairytale vacation for those who want to live the fantasy of both the medieval era and the sci-fi element that is the future.
