History

The narrowest houses in Amsterdam: everything you need to know

Amsterdam’s architecture is unique and varied. You’ll find tall houses, historic houses, slanted houses, and even sinking...

Here’s why the Netherlands doesn’t have many skyscrapers

You'd think a wealthy, densely populated country like the Netherlands would be bristling with skyscrapers. Instead, the...

What was the Eighty Years’ War? The Dutch War of Independence explained

The Eighty Years' War is also known as the Dutch War of Independence. It stretched from 1568...

Leidens Ontzet: a day of freedom, fun, and boozing!

Every year, there’s one day that all Leiden residents look forward to, Leidens Ontzet (Relief of Leiden)....

The 14-year-old assassin who lured Nazis and traitors to their deaths

Freddie Oversteegen was just 14 years old when she became an assassin for the Dutch resistance during...

10 things to do in the Netherlands this October

October is the month Dutch summer finally stops pretending and autumn moves in with its umbrella, its...

Did the Dutch really buy New York for 24 dollars? 

Ever wondered how New Amsterdam became New York? That's because the Dutch once bought New York. The...

A love/hate relationship: the Dutch-Belgian rivalry explained

You know that annoying sibling that you kind of hate but also absolutely love? Well, it turns...