Flat, flatter, Netherlands

The Netherlands is the flattest country in Europe. The highest point (Vaalserberg, 322 m) is lower than the lowest mountain in Germany. The average height above sea level: 1 meter. One-third of the country lies below sea level — protected by a 17,500 km long system of dikes, dams, and dunes.

Polders

A polder is a piece of land reclaimed from the sea, lying below sea level and kept dry by dikes and pumps. There are about 3,500 polders in the Netherlands — they form the most fertile agricultural land in the world. Despite its tiny size, the Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter in the world (after the USA)!

The typical polder landscape: endless green meadows, canals (sloten), windmills on the horizon, sheep and cows on the dikes. A paradise for cyclists — no hills in sight, just wind (which can be quite strong).