Here’s an open secret: taking designer drugs at parties or festivals is common practice in the Netherlands. 💊
Ecstasy, MDMA, 2C-B, ketamine, or cocaine — if you visit a Dutch festival, you can probably even get your drugs checked for purity at so-called ‘drug control stalls.’
We know that the Dutch have a laissez-faire attitude toward cannabis, but why does this liberalism extend to much harder synthetic drugs?
What is it?
Ecstasy pills are famous for their different colours and patterns. Image: Depositphotos
Grinding jaws, endless energy, and widened pupils — if you know what to look for, you’ll find the signs of drug use at any ordinary party or festival in the Netherlands.
Drugs use in the Netherlands
Especially among young adults, party drugs are ever-popular. The percentage of people who have tried ecstasy at some point in their lives is far higher than in any other European country, says the National Drug Monitor.
The same trend goes for other drugs. In 2020, more than a quarter (26,2%) of party-goers aged 16 to 35 opted for a line of cocaine before hitting the dancefloor.
Persecution of hard drugs in the Netherlands
While drug use of this scale might also occur in other countries, the Netherlands undoubtedly has a liberal approach to dealing with it.
In the Netherlands, criminal law makes a distinction between soft drugs (think: alcohol, cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms) and hard drugs (think: LSD, cocaine, amphetamines etc.).
For both categories, the Dutch apply their (in)famous toleration policy.
Basically, drug use in itself is not a crime, but you’re technically not allowed to produce, carry or own any hard drugs.
Generally, this means that you won’t be prosecuted for carrying a pill or two of ecstasy. However, the drugs will most likely be confiscated, and you risk a fine.
Check out this video, where the presenter explores how to get your drugs tested in the Netherlands!
Why do they do it?
If the banning of illegal and hard drugs is more forcefully pursued by other European countries, why isn’t it the same in the Netherlands?
Well, there isn’t a definite answer, but here’s a not-so-glorious fact about the lowlands: the Netherlands, alongside Belgium, is one of Europe’s biggest producers of amphetamines.
In 2022, the police announced that they ‘only’ uprooted 93 production sites, much less compared to the previous years.
In 2019, Politico even said that the Dutch province North Brabant claimed the title of Europe’s biggest producer of synthetic drugs alone.
Then there is also the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s biggest harbour, which represents a huge entryway for cocaine imports from South America into the Netherlands.
It won’t be long after your big move until you have to make international calls from the Netherlands.
Whether you’re craving a catch-up with your grandparents who haven’t figured out FaceTime yet or need to handle some bureaucratic business, it’s crucial to find the right provider that’s handy, clear, and won’t cost big bucks.
So, whether you’re a seasoned expat or a complete newbie; an EU citizen or from outside of Europe, here’s all you need to know about international calls from the Netherlands.
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Calling someone in a non-EEA country from the Netherlands
Unfortunately, making international phone calls from the Netherlands to countries outside of Europe can be a tricky (and pricey) endeavour — but there are some providers who are making things easier.
The best mobile providers for international calls from the Netherlands
While most Dutch mobile providers don’t have options for calling numbers outside the EU cheaply, we’ve scouted out the few that do offer good deals and bundles.
For just €5 per month (on top of your SIM-only subscription), LEBARA offers unlimited calling minutes to 44 different countries, including 18 outside of the EEA, such as the US, Canada, India, and China.
Prefer a prepaid option? Get an international bundle from just €15 for 500 minutes of international calling or €20 for unlimited international calling.
Lyca offer a range of prepaid international bundles priced between €10 and €30, giving you the flexibility to select either a single country or a bundle of countries to call to.
Additionally, their standard SIM-only subscriptions include 100 international calling minutes, starting at just €6.50 per month.
Though Odido doesn’t boast the most affordable options for calling outside of the EU, they are one of the biggest Dutch telecom companies.
Their Unlimited Plus (€37.50/month) and Unlimited Premium (€49.50/month) subscriptions offer international calling options to the EU, Switzerland, the United States, and Turkey.
Can I make calls outside of the EU with my regular Dutch phone plan?
You certainly can, but it will usually cost you a pretty penny.
While you’re easily able to make international calls with any Dutch or EU phone provider, it’s crucial to know that most providers handle notably higher per-minute rates for such calls — up to a casual €4.50 per minute. 😳
So yes, while you can always make calls beyond EU borders with your regular Dutch phone plan, it’s recommended that you verify the specific rates with your provider — or find a cheaper alternative.
Other options for calls from the Netherlands outside the EU
If you’re looking for ways to chat with your friends or family from home without breaking the bank, there are other alternatives that you can consider.
Why not try video-calling with platforms like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype? Not only do these options offer a fun and interactive way to connect, but they also tend to be more wallet-friendly when calling across oceans.
Video calling is a great way to connect face-to-face. Image: Freepik
Of course, there are some limitations to these platforms. For example, relying on these services requires a stable internet connection, meaning you’ll need access to Wi-Fi or a strong data connection (which also costs money).
To call landlines or government numbers, you can also make use of so-called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, which allow you to make voice calls using an internet connection instead of a regular phone line.
Calling someone in an EEA country from the Netherlands
What about making calls from the Netherlands to other countries within the EEA? That’s pretty straightforward and usually much cheaper than calling outside of the EU.
Countries that are part of the EEA
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Using a Dutch mobile phone provider
If you live in the Netherlands and have a Dutch SIM-only plan, prepaid SIM, or eSIM, any call to another EEA country is either included in your plan or incurs the same charges as a local call would, that is, maximum €0.19 per minute (+VAT).
And that’s all there is to know — easy! Looking for a provider that can give you a good deal on your EEA calls? Besides the three already mentioned earlier, check these out. 👇
Roaming to the Netherlands with your existing EEA phone plan
Thanks to the EU’s “Roam like at Home” policy, calls between EEA member countries always cost the same as domestic calls within an EEA country.
This policy is meant to allow EEA citizens to use their normal phone subscription while travelling to other European countries without running up the bill.
Now, if you’re an expat who moved to the Netherlands from another European country, you might think, “Oh, so I can just continue using my original phone plan at no extra cost then — right?”. Well, it’s not that easy.
Roam like at Home comes with some ground rules. Image: Depositphotos
Roam like at Home, allows you to make use of the same fees you would in your home country. This means that if your current plan is limited to calls within your home country, then you will still be charged for any phone call you make outside of it.
Let me give you an example to make this simpler. Let’s say I have a phone subscription from Luxembourg (my home country). It includes:
Unlimited calling and texts within Luxembourg (not internationally),
20GB of data per month.
If I travel to the Netherlands, I can:
Call and text Dutch, Luxembourgish, or any other EEA number unlimited,
Use up to 20GB of internet while “roaming”,
However, if I make a new friend and return home to Luxembourg and want to call them, my Luxembourg provider can charge me for making an international call because I am no longer “roaming” or “travelling”.
Note: It is always most beneficial to have a phone plan in your actual country of residence. Why? Not only can your mobile operator cap your international usage under the fair use policy, but a local phone number also makes it easier to contact local authorities.
How do I make an international call from the Netherlands?
Making international calls from the Netherlands is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to know the correct dialling procedure to make sure your calls actually go through.
It’s important to know your country codes. Image: Freepik
To dial an international number from the Netherlands, you typically start by entering the international access code, which is represented by a plus sign (or two zeros), followed by the country code of the destination you’re calling.
The country code specifies the country you’re trying to reach. For example, North America’s country code is +1, while Luxembourg’s is +352, and Australia’s is +61.
Once you’ve entered the international access code and the country code, you dial the phone number of the person or business you wish to reach. If you’re making a call to the US, for example, you’ll type either 001 – (phone number) or +1 – (phone number).
This process ensures that your call is routed correctly to its destination, whether it’s a neighbouring country or halfway around the world.
Whether you’re calling your long-distance bestie to hear the latest hometown gossip or need to schedule an appointment with the town hall for your next visit, the ease of international calls from the Netherlands makes it a breeze.
How do you stay in contact with your loved ones back home? Let us know in the comments.
The story of The Hague during World War II is a tumultuous one. From V2 rockets installed in the Haagse Bos to the accidental bombing by the British forces, The Hague was marked by the war.
To better understand the city during the war, we must explore one of the darkest periods of European History.
May 10, 1940, the invasion begins
The German invasion of the Netherlands started relatively early in the war. Although the Netherlands was officially neutral, it also expected a German attack.
The Dutch plan was to fall back on their “water” defences in the west of the country at Fort Holland.
German paratroopers over The Hague in World War II, 1940. Image: Nationaal Archief/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
The Germans planned to overwhelm The Hague through an aerial attack and secure the airstrips and the city itself. Part of the plan was also to capture the royal family located in the city.
Early in the morning, German planes flew over The Hague. The idea was to deceive the Dutch into thinking they were attacking the United Kingdom but the planes ended up alarming the Dutch.
The German forces captured airfields in and around The Hague but failed to capture the city and the royal family.
After a Dutch counter-offensive the same day, the Germans troops retreated and lost their initial progress.
The successful counter-offensive of the Dutch forces in The Hague didn’t last long. On May 14, in the aftermath of the Rotterdam Blitz, The Netherlands capitulated.
The German occupation of the Netherlands
This marked the start of a harsh German occupation.
They deported the Jewish community of The Hague (the second largest in the country) and almost completely exterminated them in Auschwitz and other Nazi camps.
Roma residents of the city also met their demise in extermination camps.
By 1943, the Dutch had begun to construct the Atlantic Wall near The Hague. The Atlantic Wall provided coastal defences that Nazi Germany made to prevent an Allied invasion from the seas, even though, in the end, it didn’t work.
The construction involved many demolitions around the city’s coastal areas, displacing tens of thousands of residents.
The Atlantic Wall had a great impact on the city. Its legacy is still visible today, whether it’s the bunkers by the coast or the dramatically changed areas following demolitions.
The V2 rockets of the Haagse Bos
By 1944, it was becoming increasingly clear that Nazi Germany was losing. The German forces pushed hard during the last stage of the war in a desperate attempt to turn the tide. It was only a matter of time until the Allied were victorious.
One of the projects to push back was the infamous V2 rockets. This expensive rocket was the world’s first long-range guided ballistic missile.
Its development was long and expensive, but starting in September 1944, around 3,000 V2 rockets were launched by the German Army. They targeted London and, later on, Antwerp and Liege in Belgium.
V2 rockets were launched in the Haagse Bos (The Hague) in 1945 from World War II. Image: Ian Dunster/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
In The Hague, mobile launch units were placed in the Haagse Bos and the Duindigt racecourse. The forest, extending on a long and wide strip, presented the perfect spot to launch rockets, given its dense foliage.
In November 1944, German forces launched 82 rockets from the Haagse Bos towards London.
Due to time constraints, the rocket had technical issues, like all rushed projects. Its guiding system was quite rudimentary, and it wasn’t guaranteed that they would hit their targets.
The Germans launching the rockets could only cross their fingers and hope they successfully passed the North Sea and hit London.
While a formidable weapon, the V2 rockets were less successful in helping the Nazis hold off Allied invasions.
With Allied bombings, the Red Army marching through Eastern Europe, and the D-day landings on the Western Front, the Axis were on the verge of losing the war.
The accidental British bombing of Bezuidenhout
On March 3, 1945, the British Royal Air Force commenced a mission to bomb the V2 installations in the Haagse Bos. This was around a month before the end of the war in Europe.
The pilots got incorrect coordinates and flew in foggy weather — they ended up accidentally bombing the nearby residential neighbourhood of Bezuidenhout.
The 1945 bombing of the Bezuidenhout area in the Hague was actually a British accident in World War II. Image: The Hague Municipal Archives/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
The bombings destroyed most of the neighbourhood, killing 511 people. When they realised their error, the Royal Air Force dropped flyers apologising for the mistake.
Trouw, the Dutch resistance newspaper at the time, wrote the following about the bombings:
“The horrors of the war are increasing. We have seen the fires in The Hague after the terrible bombings due to the V2-launching sites. We have seen the column of smoke, drifting to the south and the ordeal of the war has descended upon us in its extended impact.”
“We heard the screaming bombs falling on (the) Bezuidenhout, and the missiles which brought death and misery fell only a hundred metres from us.”
“At the same time we saw the launching and the roaring, flaming V2, holding our breath to see if the launch was successful, if not falling back on the homes of innocent people.”
“It is horrible to see the monsters take off in the middle of the night between the houses, lighting up the skies. One can imagine the terrors that came upon us now that The Hague is a frontline town, bombed continuously for more than ten days.”
“Buildings, burning and smouldering furiously, a town choking from smoke, women and children fleeing, men hauling furniture which they tried to rescue from the chaos. What misery, what distress.”
The ruins of the Bezuidenhout neighbourhood in The Hague after the British bombing. Image: Nationaal Archief/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0
The war in Europe ended not long after that, on May 8, 1945. The Dutch quickly reconstructed what they lost in the war, notably in Rotterdam.
The areas affected in The Hague were also reconstructed following a construction boom in the 1950s and 1960s.
The war might be long over, yet the scars remain. If you ever find yourself in Bezuidenhout, you’ll find different signs telling the stories of the bombing, and you can go on a little walking tour to find all of them.
Have you learned anything new about the war in the Netherlands? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Are you thinking about buying a house in the Netherlands? As an expat, buying a Dutch house might seem about as challenging as navigating Amsterdam Centraal after a few biertjes.
By that, we mean that it may be seen as a complicated and stressful process that probably differs from what you’re used to at home.
But don’t worry, buying a house doesn’t have to be (too) complicated.
We asked our readers their burning questions about buying a house in the Netherlands. Then, we asked the mortgage experts at Hanno to answer them.
Hanno offers independent mortgage advice to internationals in the Netherlands who want to buy a house here. That’s right, they’re here for people just like you.
Here’s what they had to say.
How much do I have to earn to buy a house in the Netherlands?
The answer really depends on your personal situation.
As an approximate rule, the maximum mortgage you will be eligible for in the Netherlands is around 4.5 times your yearly brutto (gross) income.
As Hanno’s mortgage expert, Cees Vernooij, explains, “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it greatly depends on individual circumstances, including whether you’re buying alone or with a partner.”
However, he does point out that singletons aren’t out of the running simply because they don’t have a partner.
Just because you don’t have a partner, that doesn’t mean you can’t buy a house in the Netherlands, the mortgage experts say. Image: Freepik
“In 2024, the Dutch government introduced a significant change to assist single homebuyers, providing an additional €16,000 in borrowing capacity,” he says.
Yep, the Dutch government hasn’t forgotten about the singles just yet.
“This adjustment reflects the government’s recognition of the unique challenges faced by single individuals in the housing market and aims to make homeownership more accessible to a broader range of people,” Cees explains to us.
Tip! Want a more precise calculation? You can try Hanno’s mortgage calculator.
What initial costs do I pay when buying a house in the Netherlands?
Prospective buyers must be prepared for several upfront costs when embarking on the journey to homeownership in the Netherlands.
Hanno’s real estate expert, Bram, tells us, “Before the keys are handed over, buyers encounter a variety of initial expenses.”
These include:
The taxatie rapport (appraisal report): This determines the value of the home and typically costs approximately €750.
Notary fees: Hiring a notary will usually cost you around €1,000.
Real estate agent commissions: A real estate agent will help you find a home, review the contract, and accompany you to the notary office. You can expect to pay anywhere from €3,000 to €6,000
The bank guarantee: a bank guarantee usually costs about 1% of the amount guaranteed.
Mortgage advisor fees: Most people work with a mortgage advisor when buying a house in the Netherlands. They usually cost between €1,000 and €3,000.
While you may be rolling your eyes at these costs, each plays a pivotal role in buying a house in the Netherlands.
As Bram says, “It’s money well-spent as it will ensure the process’s legality, financial security, and a proper valuation of the property.”
Of course, being aware of and budgeting for these expenses can significantly smoothen the path to acquiring your new Dutch home.
How much is the deposit if I want to buy a house in the Netherlands?
You usually pay a deposit of 10% for a house in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
In the Netherlands, you can finance 100% of the purchase price of a house. However, there are some upfront costs that you must pay out of your own pocket.
These include costs such as taxes, notary fees and the fees for a mortgage advisor.
When signing the contract, you also agree that if you change your mind outside of the thinking period, you’ll pay a 10% fee to the sellers if you cancel. This is the deposit you pay for a house in the Netherlands.
In the Netherlands, you can get a bankgarantie (bank guarantee) to help cover this fee. Just be aware that this will cost 1% of the amount loaned.
Are there any hidden taxes when buying a house in the Netherlands?
Good question! Understanding the tax landscape is essential in the realm of Dutch real estate.
No, there aren’t any hidden taxes you have to pay when buying a house in the Netherlands.
But there is one obvious one: transfer tax.
The amount of transfer tax you have to pay depends on your situation:
If you are a first-time buyer between the ages of 18 and 35 who is buying a house worth a maximum value of €510,000 in 2024, then congrats! You don’t have to pay transfer tax.
If you fall outside this exemption, then you must pay a transfer tax of 2% of the value of the house.
Are you buying the house as an investment property? Then you must pay 8% transfer tax.
However, it’s not all bad news when it comes to taxes and buying a house in the Netherlands.
There aren’t any hidden taxes when buying a house in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
As Bram points out, “While the transfer tax is a known cost, first-time buyers benefit from certain allowances, making the process more attainable for them.”
“Additionally, homeowners can take advantage of various tax benefits, which can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with property acquisition.”
These mechanisms are designed to encourage homeownership and provide financial relief, making it crucial for buyers to be well-informed about these opportunities.
In short, yes, there are taxes that you must pay when buying a house in the Netherlands — but no, they aren’t hidden.
Do I need to have a permanent employment contract to be eligible for a Dutch mortgage?
You don’t need a permanent contract to be eligible for a Dutch mortgage. Image: Freepik
Put simply: no, you don’t need a permanent employment contract in order to become a proud homeowner in the Netherlands, explains Bram.
Diverse employment situations, including those of self-employed individuals (ZZP’ers), can still lead to mortgage eligibility, provided specific criteria are met.
This inclusivity ensures that a wider array of people have the opportunity to pursue homeownership, reflecting a more flexible and accommodating approach by Dutch financial institutions.
Want to know if your employment situation will enable you to buy a home in the Netherlands? You can book a free consultation with Hanno’s experts to learn more about your buying potential.
Can I get a Dutch mortgage while I’m living or working overseas?
In today’s globalised world, the prospect of securing a Dutch mortgage from abroad is a question many internationals face.
While possible, there are a few more hoops that you’re going to have to jump through if you want to buy a house in the Netherlands while travelling or working abroad.
You have to meet a number of requirements in order to get a Dutch mortgage while living abroad. Image: Freepik
For example, you may have to:
Indicate when you plan on living full-time in the Netherlands
Prove that you have enough income to fund the buying of the house while also paying your accommodation costs abroad.
These stipulations ensure that you, as an international buyer, are well-positioned to manage (and fund!) a new house effectively, regardless of your physical location.
Will my student debt affect my chances of buying a house?
The impact of student debt on purchasing a home is a concern for many.
However, when looking at your mortgage application, mortgage advisors are not going to draw a big red circle specifically around your student debt and throw your application out the window.
Your student debt will be treated like any other debt when getting a mortgage in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
Advisors are more concerned about your debt overall.
As Bram explains, “All debts, including student loans, are considered when determining your borrowing capacity. This comprehensive assessment ensures that buyers are not overleveraged, promoting financial stability and responsibility in homeownership.”
It’s not just about whether or not you have student debt, what matters is how high any debts are.
Want to know how your specific debt will affect your chances of getting a mortgage?
Nope, we’re not joking. Believe it or not, sometimes you can actually help energy suppliers by using electricity — and instead of charging you, they’ll pay you for it.
Today is one of these magical days. Specifically, this afternoon between 1 PM and 3 PM, nu.nl reports.
However, before you crank on your dryer, boil multiple cups of tea, and blow dry your cat’s hair, let’s clarify a few things.
You need to have a specific energy contract
Firstly, you must have a dynamic energy contract. Under a dynamic energy contract, the rates for your electricity use vary from hour to hour.
These rates are determined by the supply and demand for energy.
However, on certain days, like today, the rate will actually turn negative, meaning you will receive money instead of being charged.
Note: The true rate today will be -20 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) used. However, suppliers will include taxes and surcharges, bringing the amount you earn to nine cents per kWh. This amount may vary slightly between suppliers.
Put simply, today, you will receive nine cents per kWh of electricity used between 1 PM and 3 PM.
So, if you have an electric car, this is the time to charge it!
Why today?
Two glorious circumstances have converged to cause this unusual shift.
Firstly, it’s going to be sunny and warm, which means solar panels will generate a lot more power than they have over the past few days.
This will produce a lot of extra electricity. However, it’s also Labour Day.
You know, the day the Netherlands might not celebrate by having a day off from the office, but many other European countries do?
The Netherlands celebrates Dodenherdenking or Remembrance Day on May 4 to commemorate civilians and soldiers around the world during World War II and other conflicts.
At 8 PM on May 4, the entire country observes two minutes of silence.
Why two minutes of silence on Remembrance Day?
The Netherlands chooses to observe a two-minute silence for a particular reason. According to NPO Radio 1, the tradition originated in a memorial service hosted by Cape Town’s mayor for World War I soldiers in South Africa all the way back in 1916.
The actions of Cape Town’s mayor were recognised across Europe.
The first minute is for those who died, and the second minute is for those who returned from battle, as well as “where the war had an impact for generations to come”.
Now, many European countries continue to observe two minutes of silence during Remembrance Day.
How does the Netherlands celebrate Remembrance Day?
Apart from observing two minutes of silence, Dutch people will often hang the Dutch flag in their windows or at half-mast on flagpoles from 6 PM until the sun sets. This marks the mourning period.
I’m blown away. At a busy restaurant in the Netherlands on their Remembrance Day, EVERY SINGLE PERSON in that restaurant observed the 2 minute silence at 2000hrs this evening. This happens across the entire country. We could take a leaf out of their book. 🇳🇱 #lestweforget2022pic.twitter.com/HmFvjj5MA1
The Netherlands holds the official commemorative service at the National Monument in Amsterdam (Dam Square). The King and Queen attend, give speeches, and lay wreaths.
Hundreds of people attend Amsterdam’s memorial service each year. Image: Depositphotos
What should you do as an international during Remembrance Day?
Many municipalities hold commemorations across the country, the biggest and busiest being at Amsterdam’s Dam Square.
Citizens also hold memorials at war cemeteries in The Hague. Other large cities host commemorations in squares or outside the city hall.
Unable to attend? No problem, people don’t really go out of their way to attend commemoration ceremonies, so don’t worry if you can’t.
Instead, many people choose to pay their respects by holding their own two minutes of silence on May 4 and stopping what they are doing for a few minutes.
How do you usually pay your respects during Remembrance Day? Tell us in the comments below.
Don’t get us wrong — we were lucky with the King’s Day weather. But today’s temperatures will have us wishing we could do it all over again, with more orange shades and fewer orange coats.
Well, that is until the storms begin this afternoon.
It will be a truly sizzling summery day across the Netherlands today, with temperatures ranging from a casual 20 degrees to a blissful 27 degrees, NU.nl reports.
It will even stay in the double figures overnight with temperatures as high as 14 degrees, so sunny terrasje evenings feel more of a reality than they have for a while. 🌞
But don’t get too excited yet.
Temps off the scale, but hail will prevail?
Of course, this weather comes with lots of dangers. Burning, exhaustion, overheating… but what about the whiplash caused by how much it changes?!
From freezing temperatures last week to this morning’s soaring sunshine, however, it’s set to turn again.
While you may enjoy sunshine this morning, you can expect thunderstorms and hail later today. 🌩
We have a saying here in the Netherlands related to the weather in April that can be translated to roughly mean "April does whatever the fuck it wants"
That + Climate Change = probably the reason why
— Rin 🐾 | vTuber | commissions open (@mochirinmusic) April 30, 2024
The southwest of the country will have its worst before it gets better, with a showery morning and spells of thunder until the sun breaks through.
Then, across the rest of the Netherlands, the familiar strong winds, thunderstorms and possibly even hail (yes, HAIL) will develop in the late afternoon and evening.
This is especially likely in the southeast and northern coastal areas.
The Dutch celebrated in over 10 cities across the country and some footage of the original celebration has survived! Amongst them, video footage from the Randstad cities of The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.
Each city had extremely unique experiences during the war years — so how did they each celebrate Liberation Day?
Thank you to RicksFilmRestoration for these beautiful renditions and colourations of old videos. You can watch his full series of Liberation Day videos on his YouTube Channel.
1. Amsterdam celebration of Liberation Day
Of course, starting with the Netherlands’ capital, Amsterdam has unique stories surrounding Nazi occupation.
From the story of Anne Frank to numerous resistance fighters and organisations, Liberation Day was really a moment of celebration for Amsterdammers.
2. The Hague on Liberation Day
The Hague experienced a particularly turbulent time during World War II, including the construction of the Atlantic Sea Wall, the installation of V2 rockets, and the accidental bombing of the Bezuidenhout neighbourhood by the British Royal Air Force.
3. Liberation Day in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is most famous for the Blitzkrieg bombings that destroyed a majority of the old city architecture, resulting in Rotterdam’s uniquely stunning architecture that has shaped the cityscape since the post-WWII years.
Colourised footage brings history to life, giving everyone a sense of what Dutch people felt and experienced all those years ago.
An event as unprecedented as World War II is bound to be filled with stories of human resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
One such story involves a Dutch ship, which came up with a pretty whack — but somehow successful — plan to survive the war.
A secret Dutch ship during World War II
The Dutch Navy had ships in the Dutch East Indies when the Japanese invaded back in 1941. The Japanese Army was ferocious in their attacks, as part of their broader plan to colonise most of the Pacific Ocean.
By 1942, the Japanese Army was clearly winning in South East Asia.
Following Allied defeats during the Battle of the Java Sea and the Sunda Strait in February of 1942, all Allied ships in the region were ordered to retreat.
One of the Dutch ships on the retreat was the Abraham Crijnssen, a minesweeper built in Schiedam in 1936.
The ship was supposed to retreat together with another three ships but found itself having to do the voyage alone.
No ship here, just an island
It was quite a long trip to Australia and the ship was already in a lot of trouble with the waters filled with Japanese warships.
Thankfully, the crew demonstrated some classic Dutch ingenuity and creativity.
They started to cut off trees and vegetation from nearby islands, added them on board, and proceeded to paint the boat in stone-like colours — deciding that the best course of action was to pretend the ship was just an island minding its own business.
Nothing to see here lads, just an oddly long island chilling during World War II. Image: Australian War Museum/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
This is one of those plans that sounds so ridiculous on paper that it’s bound to work. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, it did.
During the day, the ship would pretend to be an island, staying put and just, you know, doing island things — like chilling and probably welcoming crabs on board.
During the night, the sneaky lads would sail closer to the destination, repeating the process until they managed to put a considerable distance between themselves and the Japanese Navy.
The fact that the Japanese Navy seemed to have missed an island shaped like a boat that would change position every now and then is beyond all of us, and probably surprised the hell out of the Dutch crew as well.
We can only imagine a crew member wiping the sweat off their brow with their hand after they escaped, saying “Wow, that worked?!”
A happy ending for the Dutch island ship
For the remainder of the war, the ship stayed in Australia. Following the end of the war, it was used for anti-revolution patrols in the Dutch East Indies.
The ship finally made its way back home to the Netherlands in 1951.
The wartime Dutch ship is not as exciting without the vegetation on and definitely easier to spot. Image: Nick-D/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
Removed from the Navy list in 1960, the ship moved ports across the Netherlands a couple of times, before finally settling down at the Dutch Navy Museum in Den Helder.
You can go give it a visit (although no, unfortunately, it’s no longer disguised as an island).
Have you heard this story before? Tell us your thoughts on this ingenious Dutch plan in the comments below!
This year, we’re celebrating 79 years since the end of World War II. The world we live in today is quite different, making this the perfect day to reflect on the grand historical event that WWII was.
World War II was something unprecedented in the history of humankind, and the marks it left behind are still visible. However, like any major crisis, it brought out both the best and the worst in humanity, be it our ability to demonstrate solidarity or our destructive tendencies.
We’ve compiled a report with photos from World War II in the Netherlands, as a visual reminder of those days not that long ago.
Dutch soldiers on guard shortly after the war started, around 1939
