A giant art sculpture of two whale tails saved a Dutch train that overran the track from disaster by bringing it to a stop, preventing it from plunging to the ground below. The aptly-named sculpture is called, "Saved by the Whale's Tail," and the incident occurred at De Akkers metro station in Spijkenisse, near Rotterdam.

The silver sculpture was designed by architect Maarten Struijs and is made out of reinforced polyester, and it was installed at the station in 2002. While the cause of the incident hasn't been confirmed, it unfolded just after midnight when the train, which is part of the Rotterdam Metro network, shot through the automatic buffers at the end of the track, according to the train’s operator RET. It landed on one of the whale tails, saving it from plummeting 32 feet to the ground.

De Akkers is the terminus for two metro routes – C from Capelle aan den IJssel and D from Rotterdam – and at the time of the accident, there were no passengers on board. The driver of the train was uninjured and managed to exit the train after it came to a stop. The track in question lies directly above water and the area can’t accommodate large cranes, adding to the complexity of the delicate removal process. "We are trying to decide how we can bring the train down in a careful and controlled manner," a local safety board spokesman told broadcaster NOS.

As authorities work out how best to remove the train from its unusual perch, the curious scene is attracting fascinated locals, although they are advised to keep their distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

You might also like:

This famous Italian relic has been confirmed as Europe's oldest wooden sculpture
This stunning Paris art museum will open in a former stock exchange
This live-cam helps scientists in the Arctic study beluga whale

This whale tail sculpture saved a train that went off the rails

With fabulously pancake-flat, scenic landscapes beckoning along every last dyke, canal, river and coastal shore, two-wheeling in the Netherlands is one of Dutch life's greatest pleasures (headwinds notwithstanding).

While the bike-loving Dutch practically live on their well-worn, beloved fietsen (bicycles) – cycling for visitors is a wonderful means of exploring and getting around. Bike-rental outlets are ubiquitous, and the country is crisscrossed with some 32,000km (19,883 miles) of cycling paths. Here are 10 of the country's best cycling spots.

Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

Amsterdam to Waterland loop

Twenty minutes from central Amsterdam, feel like you've step centuries back in time in Waterland. Cows, dykes, canals and lots of expansive green fields are on full display on this classic Dutch scenic route.

Bossche Broek

Immediately across the Dommel River from the center of Den Bosch, the urban landscape gives way to open meadowland in this 202-hectare (499 acres) nature reserve. It's laced with cycling trails and offers attractive views back towards the city skyline and ramparts. To access the area, take Sterrebosweg, the paved cycle-road that crosses a bridge from the northern end of Pettelaarsweg.

Leiden to Bulbfields loop

The best time to take this route is mid-March to mid-May when the tulips and daffodils are at their peak and the ribbons of bold colors are astounding. But it's a lovely ride at any time, and especially good in summer when you can stop at the beach for a break on the sand and a refreshing dip in the sea.

Ooijpolder route

Cycle along the Waalbrug – the main bridge across the Waal River, Europe's busiest waterway – for breath-stealing sunset views of the old town, water and boats below.

Breda Border Loop

To get away from the city bustle jump on a bicycle and take the LF9 cycle path which meanders through pretty countryside following the Mark River. Visit Breda, a Belgian shrine-village then return through the Mastbos Forest.

Kinderdijk

Join the pedaling masses along the canal-side cycling path in Kinderdijk – an iconic World Heritage–listed site. This stretch of the Alblasserwaard polder encompasses two canals, 19 traditional windmills, a pumping station that's been repurposed as a visitor center and a dual pedestrian and bicycle path between the canals. Two of the windmills – the 17th century Nederwaard and Blokweer mills – function as museums, offering an insight into the past lives of miller families.

The length of the site and back is an easy 5.7km (3.5 miles). A cafe and ice-cream stands are dotted along the pathway. If you're lucky, some of the mills will have their sails spinning – a truly majestic sight.

Scheveningen

Ride north or south along invigorating dunes and Scheveningen beaches to leave the Den Haag crowds behind.

Alkmaar

Midway between Alkmaar and Edam, the village of De Rijp on the N244 is at the south end of several good rides along dykes that give an excellent feel for just how low the land is compared to the waterways coursing between the earthen walls.

Weerribben-Wieden National Park

A serene and mysterious landscape of canals, ponds and lakes, the Weerribben-Wieden National Park is the largest freshwater wetland in northwestern Europe. Its swampy 10,000 hectares contain centuries-old peatlands, bogs, reed beds dotted with different orchid varieties, forest and a treasure trove of wildlife. Enjoy it all on one of the many scenic cycling trails.

Frisian Islands

The crescent of islands over Friesland – Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog – form a unique natural entity and a distinct Dutch region. A natural barrier between the Frisian coast and the North Sea, they hem in the mudflats of the Waddenzee, a Unesco World Heritage site since 2009. Villages, polders and salt marshes fringe the islands along their Waddenzee shores, while swaths of beach and dunes lace the seaward side. Inland, expect ample forest and heath crisscrossed with hiking and cycling trails.

Sun, sea and Schiermonnikoog: which Frisian Island is right for you?

Vondelpark

A private park for the wealthy until 1953, Vondelpark now occupies a special place in Amsterdam's heart. It's a magical escape, but also supplies a busy social scene, encompassing cycle ways, pristine lawns, ponds with swans, quaint cafes, footbridges and winding footpaths. On a sunny day, an open-air party atmosphere ensues when tourists, lovers, cyclists, in-line skaters, pram-pushing parents, cartwheeling children, football-kicking teenagers, spliff-sharing friends and champagne-swilling picnickers all come out to play.

You might also like:

Top 20 free things to do in Amsterdam
Exploring Schiedam, the gin capital of the Netherlands
An insider's guide to Amsterdam's hippest neighborhoods

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter . Make sure you're ready for anything with travel insurance from our trusted partners.

The Netherlands' 11 best cycling routes and locations 

As any traveler who has ever visited can attest, biking is big in the Netherlands. Not only is it a wildly popular activity for locals and tourists alike and a great way to explore an area, the entire infrastructure of the country – the road and transport system –  has been designed with cyclists in mind. The latest example sees one of the largest bicycle parking garages in the world being unveiled in The Hague. With room for 8000 bikes, visiting it is like stepping into an ultra-modern, futuristic museum or airport.

Located underneath a plaza right in front of the central station, the gigantic parking garage makes it incredibly easy for users to access trains to get out and about to explore the wider area. The garage was recently completed, with an urban development project for the above-ground area currently underway. Once finished, commercial and residential buildings on the site will also have exits linked to the bike garage for ease of use. Where some bike garages are dark and have low ceilings, this new one is bright and spacious, and has electronic smart directional markings that show visitors the exact number of vacant spaces in each aisle as they cycle through the building. The aisles are spacious and there are back-lit glass walls to make it feel modern.

Listed as one of Lonely Planet’s top choices for experiences in the Netherlands, cycling is often hailed as a fantastic way to see both the city and the countryside. With bikes available to rent pretty much anywhere and a flat terrain that makes traveling at a leisurely pace easy, perhaps no other country in the world is better suited for cycling. The Netherlands boasts thousands of kilometers of bike lanes and paths that link most parts of the country together, with countless scenic routes available.

“Cycling is good for people and for the environment. In Dutch cities, it is the most convenient and often quickest way to go from A to B. Also, since COVID-19 the bicycle has been an increasingly popular means of transport,” said Rene Toneman, Partner at creative agency SILO who were involved with the project told Lonely Planet.

He also said that the design was inspired by one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated graphic artists. “By subtly weaving together facade elements of iconic buildings of The Hague, we have created a luminous cityscape akin to the works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. We took inspiration from the impression one gets from cycling through a city at high speed. Buildings appear to blend into one another in one continuous flow. A visit to a bicycle parking garage has never been such a museum experience, free entrance!”

Read more:

This Greek student was stuck in Scotland - so he cycled 3500km home
A new cycle route will take you from Yellowstone to Minneapolis
This couple's cosy upcycled home on wheels has to be seen to be believed

The Netherlands’ newest bike garage is like an enormous space-age airport for cyclists

A new exhibition focused on contagious diseases throughout history and the impact they have had on the world has been opened at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in the Netherlands, ironically following delays caused by COVID-19.

Officially opened in Leiden by Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Contagious! explores the history of diseases, looking at how people confronted epidemics and sicknesses such as the bubonic plague, smallpox and AIDS, while examining what insights history can offer for the future as well as science-based solutions. The project was originally supposed to open back in March.

The exhibition includes both scientific objects and art works. Visitors can see a plague doctor’s outfit from the 17 th century made from raw silk that has been hand-colored with pigments from walnut husks and adorned with embroidery. It has even been impregnated with the DNA of plague bacteria. There is also a more modern protective suit with face coverings on display. Other items include a wax casting of a face showing symptoms of the plague, and a silver child’s rattle that was superstitiously said to have granted the young immunity from disease.

The exhibition also explores the outbreak of the new coronavirus and ties in with the national and international debate on vaccinations. Museum director Amito Haarhuis said the timing of the exhibition and the pandemic were a coincidence that underscored the importance of the subject matter.

“While this exhibition has been scheduled for some time, it has become even more acutely relevant than we could have imagined. Outbreaks of contagious diseases have always been and still are a lurking danger. We hope the exhibition and the thought-provoking supporting program will help the widest possible audience discover the importance of science for our lives today,” he said.

The Rijksmuseum Boerhaave was recently elected European Museum of the Year for 2019-2020. Contagious! is available to view now. More information on the exhibition is available at the official Rijksmuseum Boerhaave website.

Read more:

What it's really like to buy a €1 Italian home
A new 'smart' face mask can translate speech into eight languages
These school buses have been converted into adorable hotels

Exhibition on infectious disease ironically opens late due to COVID-19

Dutch company Hardt Hyperloop has announced the findings of a study that gives them hope that ultra-fast, low energy travel via high-tech, train-like systems could become a reality within the next eight years. According to the company, the model would make it possible for a traveller to get from Paris to Amsterdam in just 90 minutes.

A discussion is currently underway in the Netherlands, with the company identifying five potential Hyperloop routes that focus on maximising connectivity of the metropolitan area.  A study looked at the impact of Hyperloop, focusing on accessibility, connectivity, and decongestion around the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area and to destinations beyond the country’s borders, with the results suggesting improved overland travel times with the new system.

“Hyperloop for passengers can become a reality as early as 2028. What makes it so unique is its high capacity, low energy use and high speeds that indeed shorten travel times substantially. A trip between Amsterdam and Paris, for example, will only be 90 minutes, while it will be just like catching a train,” a representative of Hardt Hyperloop told Lonely Planet.

The company also said that the realisation of the Hyperloop would bring about the creation of a new Daily Urban System, in which cities and regions would be connected to one another on both a national and international level. Within the Netherlands, the connections from Amsterdam to Groningen and Amsterdam to The Hague were studied. On an international level, the study focused on connections with Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Paris.

“A Hyperloop connection between Amsterdam and Eindhoven takes just 15 minutes. And Düsseldorf can be reached in less than half an hour. The perspective on home and work distances will be radically altered. The Hyperloop is especially perfect for international connections,” said Stefan Marges, Project Manager of Hardt Hyperloop:

Alongside that, the impact of the Hyperloop on short-haul flights and sustainability was also examined, suggesting that Schiphol could make a change to more eco-friendly international flights with Hyperloop covering more internal travel.

More information on Hardt Hyperloop is available at the official website.

Dutch Hyperloop company plans to connect Paris to Amsterdam in just 90 minutes

A Dutch tulip farm has created an eye-catching message of hope out of colourful flowers in a field. Photos of the artistic project proved to be a big hit after they were shared online recently.

Created by Bulb farming company Dutch Daffodils and tour company Tulips in Holland, the idea was to make a message of positivity for all the tourists who can’t travel to The Netherlands this year. “The tulips in the fields are in peak bloom, situated in the Dutch flower area of Noordwijkerhout (about 30 minutes by car from Amsterdam). We are used to seeing many tourists in the spring season. This year it was so quiet, so we teamed up to do something special,” Nienke Ringersma of Tulips if Holland told Lonely Planet.

The companies brainstormed last Friday to come up with ideas before creating the 145-foot wide message that read “see you next year,” on Sunday. The process took approximately five hours for a small team to assemble the flowers by hand the traditional way.

“We choose the message after many readers on our social media commented on a previous post saying that they wish that they were here, or “I was supposed to travel to the Netherlands on this day”. Many readers expressed that they miss the flowers this year. That is why we came up with this message. As an encouragement and an expression of compassion, we do miss all of them,” Nienk said.

The reaction was way beyond what the farm expected, and on the first day, they got coverage in local magazines, before the story spread to regional and national television stations and newspapers.

“Even some schools made an assignment out of it. All kids are at home due to COVID19 and teachers let the kids draw their own colourful flower fields. After that, the international media learned about this story, and the social media accounts of both Dutch Daffodils and Tulips in Holland were exploding with sweet messages from readers saying that it was an uplifting message and brightened their day.”

Keep up to date with Lonely Planet's latest travel-related COVID-19 news here.

You might also like:

Flower-lovers can now enjoy the Netherlands' amazing tulips online

Spring flowers around the world

Dutch tulip farms shares colourful heart-warming message of hope

At this time of year, the Netherlands is usually carpeted in beautiful tulips, which normally attracts a huge number of visitors. They can only be enjoyed online this year however, after the Dutch government closed public places to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The closures mean that this year's famous Keukenhof Flower Exhibit has been cancelled, which is a blow as it attracts a huge number of visitors. The festival is held annually in the 32-hectare Keukenhof, which dates back to 1857 and is located in the town of Lisse.

Keukenhof is the world’s largest bulb-flower garden, with over seven million bulbs and a total of 800 varieties of tulips. It opens for just eight weeks from March to May, when its fields and planted displays of multicoloured tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are in bloom.

The festival has now decided to launch "Keukenhof Virtually Open," where it is sharing a series of videos showing what the grounds look like. Gardener Owen shows off the most beautiful hyacinths in the park in one video, while managing director Bart takes viewers to his favourite place in the park and gardener Daan shows Beach Garden, Mill Forest and the fountain.

"In the months leading up to spring, a lot of hard work has gone into providing visitors with a beautiful experience," says Keukenhof. "The park is already blooming beautifully and will become even more beautiful in the coming weeks. Keukenhof likes to show this to people under the slogan, 'If people cannot come to Keukenhof, we will bring Keukenhof to the people.'”

You can check out Keukenhof's website here and its YouTube channel here.

Keep up to date with Lonely Planet's latest travel-related COVID-19 news here.

You might also like:

With crowds away, this Florida conservation group is helping local marine life

Oceans restored by 2050? Scientists report it can be done

Flower-lovers can now enjoy the Netherlands' amazing tulips online

Why Amsterdam is great with kids

Amsterdam is so much more than the red-light district and coffeeshops – it is green, compact, and surprisingly awesome for the wee ones. The city is sprinkled with winding canals, pockets of green spaces, and a deluge of kid-friendly museums, power-packed cultural centres, and fun-filled family attractions. Here are some of the best family activities in the Netherlands ' capital.

Activities

1. NEMO Science Museum
Take your little ones on a voyage of discovery at NEMO, where they can experiment and learn in an engaging way. Housed in a prominent green building in the eastern docklands, this is a hugely popular spot to go in Amsterdam with kids. Its five floors are filled with demonstrations, workshops, and constantly updated exhibitions. Everything is interactive, so anyone can join in regardless of age (that means you too!). NEMO’s biggest surprise is the sloping roof that encompasses an outdoor cafe, flowing water fountains and fantastic views of Amsterdam’s city centre.

2. Vondelpark
Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s version of New York’s Central Park, is the best place in the city for kids to run. The green space is a hodgepodge of picnic spots, lakes, outdoor cafes and a summer concert ground. Rent a bike to weave your way around the park and enjoy lunch at one of the many family cafes. Het Groot Melkhuis is a hot favourite – it has a glorious outdoor deck by the pond and a big adjoining play area. For the little ones, Kinderkookkafé will satisfy any young chef’s dream of whipping up their own pancake or pizza.

3. A’DAM Lookout
Poised on the top floor of the A’dam Tower in Amsterdam Noord, this observation deck reveals the best panoramic views of Amsterdam. Spot the city’s historical centre, its pulsating port, and the unique Dutch polder landscape. If the kids aren’t too excited about the view, they will surely be impressed by the swing on the sky deck. "Over the Edge" is Europe’s highest swing, and it gives daredevils the chance to swing 100m above the ground, back and forth over the edge of the tower. This is not for the faint-hearted! (The minimum height for the swing is 1.20m.)

4. Canal cruise
Hopping onto a cruise is the best way to explore the network of canals that criss-cross Amsterdam. Little pirate-wannabes will love the canal cruises run by Blue Boat Company that include a special pirate-themed audio guide, a booklet, and a pair of binoculars for young guests aged 5–12. Another kid-friendly boat trip that brings you out of the canals to the IJ waterfront is the Pannenkoekenboot. It offers an all-you-can-eat pancake buffet and a ball pool below the deck.

5. Amsterdamse Bos
Nature-loving families cannot skip out on a trip to the Amsterdamse Bos on the southern fringe of the city. The 1000-hectare forest and nature park has a sleuth of outdoor play areas for kids, including the Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve where kids get to feed, milk and play with ridiculously cute goats. Boerderij Meerzicht is another farm with deer you can feed and a massive playground. For the older kids, the Klimpark Fun Forest located just at the entrance is a hit with kids six years and older.

Recommended neighbourhoods

Colourful and hip, De Pijp is a bohemian neighbourhood perfect for those who want to immerse in Amsterdam without being overwhelmed by the tourist crowd. The lively district is an easy walk from most of the city’s attractions. Families can try quintessentially Dutch stroopwafels (classic caramel-syrup-filled wafers) and all sorts of cheese at the open-air Albert Cuypmarkt. Outdoorsy kids will love the playground in Sarphatipark, and tiny toddlers can go wild at the city’s most popular kids' cafe, Blender.

On the east side of the city, De Plantage is an elegant and family oriented district that houses many regal gardens and the beautiful Artis Royal Zoo. Next to the zoo is Micropia, a fascinating museum perfect for bigger kids who are interested in biology. The district is also home to the lush Hortus Botanicus (botanical garden) and the locals’ favourite brunch spot, Dignita.

How to get around

The tram system in Amsterdam is fast, efficient and easy to navigate. Best of all, it provides easy access for families with prams or strollers. Every tram has a spot designated for prams at the back entrance. There are also counters on every tram, where you can buy tickets and day passes. Children up to the age of four travel for free, and children aged four to 11 years travel on reduced fares. Amsterdam also has a metro system, but accessibility for those with prams/strollers is not as good.

You might also like:

Why you should take your teens to Amsterdam
How to spend a perfect weekend in Amsterdam
Best places to eat in Amsterdam in 2020

Article first published in July 2010, with a new version by Nellie Huang published in April 2020

How to explore Amsterdam with kids

A Dutch museum has confirmed that a Vincent van Gogh painting was stolen from the institution in the early hours of Monday morning.

The Singer Laren museum near Amsterdam is reporting that the Van Gogh painting "Spring Garden" was stolen shortly after 3am on Monday, 30 March – the same day as the Dutch Master's birthday. In a press conference posted to Singer Laren's YouTube channel, museum director Jan Rudolph de Lorm said he is "shocked and incredibly pissed off that this happened," according to De Telegraaf. "A beautiful and moving painting by one of our greatest painters, stolen from the community."

The painting was on loan to Singer Laren (a museum and concert hall which houses the collection of American couple William and Anna Singer) from the Groninger Museum in Groningen. Both museums are temporarily closed due to restrictions in place in the Netherlands amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 1884 painting, otherwise known as "The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring", depicts a rectory garden in the artist's childhood town of Nuenen. "The work from 1884, oil on paper on panel ( marouflé), is the only painting by Van Gogh in the collection of the Groninger Museum," a Groninger Museum spokesperson said in a statement. "We are very shocked by this news. The investigation is currently in full swing and no more can be said about it due to the police investigation."

Singer Laren's general manager Evert van Os pleaded for the painting to be "returned to the public as soon as possible." It is understood that no other artwork was stolen during the raid.

Read more:

Rare and unseen Van Gogh sketches go on display in the Netherlands

A visitor at a Madrid gallery cracked a case of mistaken identity in one of its paintings

Van Gogh's contested self-portrait has been confirmed as authentic

The Netherlands

All Stories

This whale tail sculpture saved a train that went off the rails

The Netherlands' 11 best cycling routes and locations

The Netherlands’ newest bike garage is like an enormous space-age airport for cyclists

Exhibition on infectious disease ironically opens late due to COVID-19

Dutch Hyperloop company plans to connect Paris to Amsterdam in just 90 minutes

Dutch tulip farms shares colourful heart-warming message of hope

Flower-lovers can now enjoy the Netherlands' amazing tulips online

How to explore Amsterdam with kids

Van Gogh painting is stolen from Dutch museum

Places in and around The Netherlands

Amsterdam

The Netherlands

City

South Holland & Zeeland

The Netherlands

Region

South Holland

The Netherlands

Region

North Holland & Flevoland

The Netherlands

Region