With more than half of its "land" area, and two-thirds of its 16 million inhabitants precariously situated below sea level, Holland is beginning to get a little bit nervous about climate change and rising sea levels. If some kind of a tipping point is in the offing that might cause sea levels to surge by as much as 2m (over 6ft), any attempt to hold back the tides could turn out to be a lost cause. One possible solution is floating homes, and there are plans to construct several hundred at the new IJburg waterfront development on the southern shore of the IJsselmeer. Constructed from wood and aluminum on a base of polystyrene-filled concrete, the floating homes are an experiment that might pay off some time in the future. You can reach IJburg on the no. 26 fast tram from Centraal Station. In addition, an experimental "floating road" is being constructed at the new suburb.
Here's a look at what else is new in Amsterdam since Frommer's Amsterdam, 14th Edition came out.
Planning Your Trip
There have been a few changes to customs regulations. Duty-free allowances for travelers 17 years and older arriving from countries that are not members of the European Union have changed. This only affects travelers who wish to carry in large quantities of things like tobacco or alcohol. Remember, duty-free shopping has been abolished in the EU. Therefore, standard allowances do not apply to goods bought in another EU country and brought into the Netherlands.
For more information in English on the exact allowances, visit the Netherlands Customs website: www.douane.nl.
The Dutch government has postponed until 2009 the possible introduction of a law to ban smoking in restaurants and possibly in public spaces in hotels.
Getting Around
The introduction of the new OV-chipkaart public transportation smart card continues. From January 1, 2009, these cards will be the only way to pay for all public transportation around the Netherlands. All other types of paper and plastic tickets and cards -- including the much-loved, if oftentimes baffling nationale strippenkaarten (national strip cards) -- will be abolished. Until then, though, all those other tickets and cards described in the print edition of Frommer's Amsterdam, 14th Edition will still be valid. But be advised: They are on their way out, and the OV-chipkaart, which at this writing has been introduced only on a few Metro lines, will gradually muscle its way onto more and more routes, and will eventually be the only game in town (and countrywide).
Three main types of OV-chipkaart are being introduced: a re-loadable "personal" card that can be used only by its pictured owner; a reloadable "anonymous" card that can be used by anyone; and a non-reloadable "throwaway" card that can be used by anyone for a ride or two and then be thrown away (or recycled if you value the future of the planet). Electronic readers automatically deduct the correct fare when you ride. Reduced-rate variants of all three cards are available for seniors and children. The personal and anonymous cards, both valid for five years, cost 7.50€ and can be loaded and re-loaded with up to 30€; the throwaway card costs 2.50€. Reduced-rate variants of all three cards are available for seniors and children.
To keep up with the latest picture, go to Amsterdam's Municipal Transportation Authority's website www.gvb.nl and click the "OV-chipkaart" link in the English version.
One leg of Netherlands Railways old triad of domestic train services has been snapped off. The sneltrein, or fast train, which stopped only at decent-sized places on a particular line, has disappeared and an increased InterCity service has been introduced. This won't likely affect you if you are just traveling in Amsterdam, but it's something to be aware of if you are planning a side trip.
Ferry service from the new Waterplein-West dock behind Centraal Station has been extended. Four ferry lines for passengers and two-wheeled vehicles depart from here. In addition, a jetfoil service to the sea coast and an antique touring ferry depart either from Waterplein-West or from a nearby dock (there's some uncertainty about this while the station area's waterfront is being redeveloped).
Where to Stay
A good option for budget travelers looking to stay near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the Etap Hotel Schiphol, Schipholweg 185, 1171 PK Badhoevedorp (tel. 020/348-3533; www.etaphotel.com). This bare-bones facility, part of a French-owned chain, leaves out no opportunity to leave luxury at the door -- Etap hotels used to sport a front-door notice, "You are now entering a luxury-free zone." However, the rooms can accommodate three (in twin beds and a bunk-bed that's ideal for a one-kid family), there's a TV and in-room bathroom and shower. They cost just €59, plus €5 a head for breakfast. And the hotel is just 7 minutes from Schiphol by way of a free hotel shuttle.
What to See & Do
Redevelopment of Amsterdam's waterfront continues at a rapid clip. The Centrale Bibliotheek (Central Library; www.oba.nl), is due to move in July 2007 from its current home on Prinsengracht to a shiny new building on redeveloped Oosterdokseiland, an island just east of Centraal Station.
Due to open its doors in 2007 is what sounds like a museum to die for: the Uitvaartmuseum (Funeral Museum; www.uitvaartmuseum.nl), at the vast cemetery called the Oosterbegraafplaats in the east-side Watergraafsmeer district.
It looks like the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) on the Dam will not re-open to visitors until early in 2008, not fall of 2007 as reported in the book.
I wonder if the closing of Holland Experience, the kitsch multimedia insight into tourist-level Holland on Waterlooplein, has anything to do with Frommer's Amsterdam attaching an overrated icon to the "attraction." Speculation aside, Holland Experience is no more and it's hard to imagine that the city will suffer greatly from its absence.
One closed attraction that will be sorely missed -- even though its absence is temporary -- is the Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum). Until some time in 2009, the museum, which is housed in 17th-century building, will be getting a 21st-century refurbishment. Check out the website at www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl to keep up with the progress. Meantime, you can visit the museum's full-size replica of the 18th-century Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (United East India Company) sailing ship Amsterdam, just across the water at a dock beside the NEMO Science Center.