THIS IS HOLLAND

Let me be honest upfront — THIS IS HOLLAND is cheesy. It is a simulated flight ride over the Netherlands where you sit in a moving chair and they blow wind in your face and spray a tiny bit of water when you "fly" over the sea. It is the kind of attraction that makes you think "this is going to be corny" when you walk in. And it is corny. But here is the thing: it is also genuinely fun, and almost everyone I have sent here has come out smiling.

My friend Iris brought her parents when they visited from Chicago. Her dad is 67 years old, a retired engineer, not a man who is easily impressed by tourist attractions. He came out of THIS IS HOLLAND grinning and said "that was really something." Iris was shocked. Her mom immediately wanted to go again. For reference, her mom found the Van Gogh Museum "fine."

Here is what the experience actually is. You start with a brief pre-show about Dutch history and culture — how the Netherlands was built, the water management, the Golden Age, that kind of thing. It is well-produced and more interesting than you would expect. Then you enter the main theater where you sit in a row of seats that lift off the ground and hang in front of a massive dome screen. For about five minutes, you "fly" over the Netherlands — tulip fields, windmills, Amsterdam canals, the Deltawerken, beaches, cities. The seats move, there is wind, there are occasional water droplets, and there might be a smell effect or two. It is immersive.

The best word for it is "delightful." It is not going to change your life. It is not a profound cultural experience. It is a well-executed entertainment attraction that gives you a beautiful overview of the Netherlands from above. The footage is high-quality, the flying sensation is surprisingly convincing, and even the most cynical person in your group will probably crack a smile when you swoop over the canals.

The whole experience takes about 40-50 minutes including the pre-show. The actual flight is around five minutes. Some people feel that is short for the ticket price, which is around 18-20 euros for adults. It is a valid criticism. My friend's dad said "I would have paid for 15 minutes of the flight part." But for what it is, especially on a rainy day when your outdoor plans are ruined, it is a solid option.

Location: THIS IS HOLLAND is in Amsterdam Noord, right next to the A'DAM Tower. You can see it from the ferry landing. Take the free Buiksloterweg ferry from behind Centraal Station and it is a two-minute walk. Combine it with the A'DAM Lookout next door for a full Noord afternoon.

This is ideal for three situations. First: families with kids. Children absolutely love it. Iris's nephew, who is eight, calls it "the flying movie" and has been twice. Second: rainy days. When Amsterdam weather kills your outdoor plans, THIS IS HOLLAND is a quick, fun, indoor activity that saves the afternoon. Third: people who want a break from museums. If you have been to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh, and the Anne Frank House and you need something lighter, this is it.

Who should skip it: budget travelers (20 euros for a short experience adds up), people who get motion sickness (the movement is mild but it might bother some), and anyone who thinks anything non-historical is beneath them. You know who you are.

Book tickets online for a small discount and to guarantee your time slot. Walk-in is usually fine on weekdays but weekends and holidays can get busy.

My honest take: I went in expecting to hate it and came out charmed. It is not the coolest thing in Amsterdam. But Iris's dad is still talking about it six months later, and that counts for something.