3 facts about Amsterdam

Let’s take a moment here by the canals to share some fascinating facts about the Netherlands’ capital. You may have noticed that Amsterdam is gradually banning cars from its city center… to make space for walking and, above all, cycling! In fact, there are more bicycles in the city than there are residents! That’s because Amsterdam is the world’s cycling capital, with more than 400 kilometers of bike lanes. Eco-friendly, fast, and great for staying in shape, cycling has become the most popular mode of transport for Amsterdammers. Another interesting fact: Amsterdam is actually located two meters below sea level. Yes, that’s possible! When settlers arrived here in the 12th century, they faced frequent flooding. To protect themselves, they began building dikes and canals to control the water flow. Over time, this process caused the land to gradually sink lower, leading to Amsterdam’s current position today. Unfortunately, climate change is now a big threat, as rising sea levels might increase the risk of flooding both the city and the Netherlands as a whole. Here’s on last fun fact for you, allow me to tell you about a famous Dutch legend: the tale of the Flying Dutchman. This 17th-century story speaks of a great Dutch captain who set sail for Indonesia. Onboard, he challenged Satan himself, and boasted that he could navigate through any storm without trouble. Satan then summoned a massive tempest. The ship’s crew begged the captain to turn back, and the Devil demanded that he admit his defeat. But the captain refused. His arrogance cost him his life as well as killing his entire crew, as the ship crashed into a rock. A punishment for his pride, he was condemned to haunt the seas for eternity as the ghostly Flying Dutchman. To this day, Dutch sailors avoid crossing paths with the phantom ship, fearing that such an encounter would bring misfortune. Whether the legend is true or not remains a mystery, but the morale of the story is that reckless arrogance can lead you to your death!