History

Why does everything in the Netherlands look the same?

Visitors to the Netherlands will probably be struck by a very specific element about this country. Things...

Why do people call Amsterdam ‘Mokum’?

A'dam, Dam City, Venice of the North: these are all nicknames for the beloved Dutch capital. But...

Calvinism in the Netherlands: why are the Dutch so Calvinist in nature?

Travelling around the Netherlands, you'll spot tons of beautiful churches, and meet people living simply and modestly...

Afrikaans and Dutch: the differences and similarities

Afrikaans and Dutch — what is the connection? Are these two languages as similar as they're rumoured...

Koek & zopie? Let’s talk about this mysterious Dutch ice skating snack

During my first Dutch winter, I spent a lot of time missing my seasonal favourites from home...

Why the Netherlands will never have an ‘Elfstedentocht’ (Eleven Cities Tour) again

An Elfstedentocht in Friesland, the Netherlands is what the Dutch people want more than winning a World...

Here’s how technology changed the iconic way the Dutch sell their flowers

Somewhere in the Dutch city of Aalsmeer, you'll find a warehouse that holds the title of one...

The Dutch and South Africa: more than just Apartheid and Boers

The Dutch changed the course of South African history, culture, and identity the moment they first stepped...