Ever wondered what happens when you throw art and science together? Magic. The Days of Art&Science festival is returning to Leiden from September 15 to 21, 2025, promising a week of mind-bending events thatโll make you question everything you thought you knew about creativity and discovery.
This annual celebration brings together artists, scientists, philosophers, and curious minds for seven days of exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and performances across Leiden.
You can watch robots learn, explore the ethics of lab-grown meat, or let your kids loose with actual university researchers. ๐ฌ
Whatโs on offer?
The festival spans multiple venues throughout the city, from Leiden Universityโs historic Academy Building to the tranquil Hortus botanicus, ensuring thereโs something for every type of curious soul.
But let’s give you a taste of some of the fascinating events on offer during this week:
๐ก Night of Discoveries (September 20): The festivalโs flagship event transforms university buildings into interactive wonderlands where you can explore everything from astronomy to botany after dark.
๐ง Brave Young Minds (September 21): A mini-festival designed for kids, where little scientists can experiment with installations guided by actual Leiden University researchers.
๐ผ Wavelength Festival (September 18): An exploration of how sound and science intersect, which is perfect for anyone whoโs ever wondered about the physics of their favourite tune.
๐คฏ The Age of Deception (September 20): An interactive event thatโll have you questioning the information you receive.
๐ Brave New World Conference (September 18): A deep dive into what the future holds and how it might affect your work and life
The programme also features art installations like โAndroidsโ and โReinforced Learningโ that challenge our assumptions about AI and robotics, plus philosophical discussions about creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Let’s talk logistics so that you can gather all your nerd and art friends. ๐
๐ When: September 15 to 21, 2025
๐ Where: Various venues across Leiden
๐ธ Cost: Varies by event, but you can check individual listings for pricing
Ready to expand your mind and question everything you thought you knew about art and science? You can check out the full programme and secure tickets here.
Want to know more? Leiden is a driving force behind the #NewDutch campaign. This is a bold new initiative launched by a wide range of partners, including Leiden&Partners, to showcase the very best of Dutch creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking. From tech and sustainability to health and design, it shines a global spotlight on the trailblazing ideas and collaborations that are shaping the Netherlands of tomorrow.
What are you looking forward to the most? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
A world record attempt. Four million dominoes. A lone sparrow. And a chain of events that led to a devastating (and ridiculous) domino effect.
Ever heard of the Domino Day Sparrow? Itโs a day thatโs imprinted into the lives of many Dutchies in a whirling tale of twists and turns. Readers, settle in.
Now, the Dutch arenโt strangers to ridiculous events, that much we definitely know. Remember the time the Dutch team won the European football championship in the 80s and sank a bunch of houseboats in celebration?
Because Dutchies are Dutchies and love this kinda stuff, the TV show was a hit for more than two million people, airing from the late 1990s all the way to 2009.
Down came a birdโฆand washed the dominoes out
In 2005, they had a huge goal: to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. The Domino Day team spent weeks assembling a whopping 4 million dominoes in a line.
But then, a cute lilโ bird came calling, and catastrophe shook the lands of Europe.
A house sparrow snuck into the Frisian Expo Centre in the northern city of Leeuwarden, where Domino Day took place, and set off a domino: leading to 23,000 of the 4 million dominos collapsing in what weโre sure was a simultaneously breathtaking and devastating event.
Of course, no one messes with the Dutchies and their world records. The domino team called in an animal expert in an attempt to catch the bird and set it free โ but it was unsuccessful.
Instead, this little birdie’s crime ended with a death sentence.
An employee from Duke Faunabeheer was ordered to terminate the bird. Talk about adding fuel to the flamesโฆ
The Domino fans breathed a sigh of relief. โSucces!โ they thought. Yet, the drama had only just begunโฆ
What the producers and Faunabeheer failed to realise is that the tiny sparrow was part of an endangered species in the Netherlands.
Letโs review: Bird finds a domino event. Bird knocks over dominoes. Bird gets shot. Animal activists say โ nuh-uh.ย ๐
The commotion that followed was so humongous that it became world news, and both companies went to court for their actions against the domino sparrow.
The official punishment? A โฌ200 fine for illegally killing the bird. The unofficial punishment? A lifeโs worth of death threats for the Faunabeheer hunter. Yikes! ๐ฌ
The now taxidermied bird can be seen on display at an exhibition in the Natuurhistorisch Museum in Rotterdam, with an insane backstory that weโre sure all the other exhibits are jealous of.
What do you think about the sparrow of Domino Day? Tell us in the comments below! ๐
People in Amsterdam witnessed something straight out of a reality show yesterday, with a sleek black Mercedes cruising through the city, covered in giant white graffiti spelling one word loud and clear: CHEATER.
Far from hiding in an alley, the car boldly made its rounds through the streets like a four-wheeled walk of shame.
Online in seconds
Onlookers did what any good 21st-century citizen would: they whipped out their phones, laughed, and instantly uploaded the drama on socials.
โI LOVE this ๐ she slayed.โ A user commented under the video.
โWhat happened? A man happened,โ said another.
Maybe a clever ad?
But not everyone bought the story. A second camp suspected the whole thing was staged, with some pointing out that the driver was smiling cheerfully in the front seat.
โYou sure it’s not a stunt?โ Many comments like this appeared under the videos.
Others pointed out that the car was also seen driving around the city centre last Saturday.
Regardless of the truth, the Mercedes has now earned celebrity status as Amsterdamโs most talked-about vehicle this week.
Did you catch the โcheaterโ Mercedes cruising through Amsterdam, or are you just here waiting for the tea to spill? Drop your theories in the comments!
Finding a home to rent in a foreign country can feel like an especially daunting task.
When it comes to huren(renting) in the Netherlands, there are many types of accommodation to choose from, despite the ongoing housing shortage.
Whether you want to rent a studio, live in a cosy shared flat, or join in the fun of a big student house, there is something for almost everyone in the Netherlands.
However, there are some truly odd Dutch traditions, and an unexpected administration unique to the Dutch renting culture.ย
Whether you are signed up to 20 Facebook groups or are regularly refreshing Kamernet, hereโs how to prepare for the culture shock when trying to find the perfect rental in the Netherlands.
1. Hospiteeravond in the Netherlands: Speed dating for housemates
Want to feel insecure about how well you make a first impression? Then a hospiteeravond is for you!
Many cultures are used to the concept of an open house, but the Dutch take this to a whole new level, just for finding a new roommate!
Ready and waiting to grill you at a Dutch ‘hospiteeravond’ when trying to find a room. Image: Pexels
At a hospiteeravond, everyone interested in the room turns up with a stash of alcohol and gives it their all to impress the current housemates โ by invitation only, of course.
If youโre brave enough to show up, the hosts arenโt afraid to ask you some, um, interesting questions.
Donโt be surprised if you get asked, “What kind of road sign are you?” or “If you had to be a fruit, which one would you be?”. Yep, itโs just as awkward as it sounds.
2. No internationals/Dutch speaking only
So youโve found a great room in a beautiful flat within your price range through a Facebook group. Great! But a quick scroll down reveals the dreaded words: โNo internationalsโ or โDutch speaking only.โ
Letโs be honest: labelling a post with “No internationals” is exclusive and can be perceived as a little xenophobic. After all, what if youโre an international who is fluent in Dutch?
The Dutch are officially the best non-native English speakers in the world, so you’d think they wouldnโt mind switching languages over lunch.
Dutchies want to speak Dutch with their new roommates. Image: Freepik
On the other hand, itโs understandable that Dutch natives want to speak their mother tongue in their own homes. The Dutch already fear the loss of their language in the wake of globalisation.
Maybe this is another example of Dutch directness coming into practice. At least you wonโt waste your time responding to people who will only end up ghosting you. ๐
3. Ongemeubileerd and kaal: Bare as a baby’s bottom
When the Dutch say unfurnished, they mean unfurnished! Donโt be surprised if you walk into your new Dutch rental to find that it doesnโt have any curtains, floorboards, or even kitchen appliances.
Even if you view the property with all these items, the current tenants may strip it back to its original state when they leave.
Often, you can agree and buy any necessary furnishings from the previous tenant, but you will have to arrange this between yourselves.
So if the rent sounds cheap, check the small print!
Quick Dutch language guide for renting
Dutch
English
What it means
Gemeubileerd
Furnished
Basic furniture is included, and perhaps some other amenities (plates, pots, glasses, etc.)
Ongemeubileerd
Unfurnished
Just the apartment, generally with flooring, curtains, and lights present (but not always, so double-check!)
Gestoffeerd
Upholstered
Curtains, lights, and flooring, but no furniture.
Kaal
Bald
No flooring, curtains, lights, or furniture. Walls may be painted.
4. Antikraak: How the Dutch keep squatters out
Looking to rent for the short term and wouldnโt mind living in a former bank or theatre? Antikraak could be the answer.
It translates to โanti-squattingโ and pretty much does what it says on the tin, as it stops people from illegally squatting.
The idea is you are basically a legal, tidy squatter, paying a reduced rent to keep the water running and preventing the property from being vandalised.
Netflix and legal squatting (‘antikraak’) in the Netherlands. Image: Pexels
It isnโt the best option if you’re looking to rent for the long term, as they can boot you out with as little as two weeks’ notice.
But there’s a wide range of spaces available, from churches to office blocks and even unused schools. ๐ข
5. Strict rules on maximum registered residents
If you and your partner want to rent a two-bedroom house, donโt bank on using it as a side hustle by renting out other rooms.
In the Netherlands, all residents are required to register at an address, and municipalities place strict limits on how many people can register at each property.
That means that even if you rent a house thatโs bigger than you need, you canโt (legally) rent out a room to another student. Yep, there goes that holiday fund.
6. Huurtoeslag: The Dutch government helping to pay your rent
Sometimes, it feels like there are a lot of costs involved in moving to the Netherlands. From health insurance and registration fees to having to pay for a bank account (itโs only โฌ3 a month, but Iโm still bitter).
But, thanks to the Dutch social care system, there is help out there for those on a tight budget, even with your rent.
Bills pile up, but the Dutch housing benefit could help you. Image: Depositphotos
Huurtoeslag is a Dutch housing benefit and is available to anyone on a low income.
There are some specific criteria, but even expats are eligible for the allowance! Good to know the Dutch governmentโs got your back! You can find out if you’re eligible on the government tax website.
7. Agency fees: What am I paying for?
There are pros and cons to using real estate agencies to find a place to stay in the Netherlands.
To start, you are less likely to be vetted by the current housemates in a dreaded hospiteeravond. However, you often have to pay an agency fee before you find a house that you want to apply for.
These fees are required for you to view the property and can range from less than โฌ50 for a whole year to a few hundred. The legality of this is a grey area, but that doesnโt stop agencies from charging whatever they like.
The only exception to crazy Dutch real estate agency fees is the sleutelgeld. This is a payment separate from the deposit, also known as a โkey fee.โ
Rental agencies in the Netherlands help you find housing, but know your rights. Image: Depositphotos
It may be worded in the contract as a fee to โrelease your keyโ or as a โtakeover feeโ. This is illegal.
If you have been asked to pay this by an agent, landlord, or tenant, you can get free legal advice from agencies such as!Woonor Juridisch Loket. Question any charges that arenโt clearly explained. Know your rights!ย
8. Rental scammers in the Netherlands
In an ideal world, everyone would be honest, decent, and not try to scam you. Unfortunately, there are those out there who try to take advantage of your desperate need for a Dutch house (thanks, housing crisis).
Rental scammers are especially common in the Netherlands. Scammers are hiding in every nook and cranny of Facebook rental listings, but paid websites like Kamernet and Pararius arenโt immune, either.
Donโt sign a contract before you have viewed the property, in person or virtually.
NEVER give over a deposit before signing a contract and (preferably) receiving the keys.
Be suspicious of everyone, but especially those who refuse to give you a tour of the property.
9. Rental deposits (and landlords keeping them)
Deposits are the bane of a renterโs life. Sometimes it feels like a chunk of money you will never see, as it bounces from one landlord to the next. But deposits can come at a particularly hefty price in the Netherlands.
Dutch rental deposits can cost you quite a lot of geld. Image: Unsplash
It can be a lot of money, sometimes as much as three monthsโ rent โ the most landlords and rental agencies are allowed to ask for. You sure as hell want that back!
The Dutch are known for being frugal, which means landlords in the Netherlands can be exceptionally stingy when it comes to returning your extortionate deposit.
In theory, it shouldnโt be hard to get your deposit back, but some landlords like to drag their feet. They cannot keep your deposit for general wear and tear, but donโt expect to get it back if youโve punched a hole in the wall.
Have you experienced any of these Dutch oddities when renting? Or do you have any tips about finding a house in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
A 26-year-old man from Katwijk, identified as R.d.J., is accused of recruiting teenagers to shoot someone in the leg; a plan that ended in tragedy when one of the boys accidentally killed himself.
On February 5 2025, a 16-year-old boy entered a bathroom at his high school in The Hague with a firearm. While handling the weapon, he accidentally shot himself.
Despite emergency services rushing to the scene, the teenager died from his injuries.
A failed plan turned deadly
AD reports that, according to the Public Prosecutorโs Office, the fatal incident was linked to a broader plan.
R.d.J. allegedly hired three teenagers โ aged 15, 16, and 19 โ to shoot an unknown individual in the legs for โฌ2,500.
He is said to have provided them with money, a firearm, and vehicles. He and potentially another person gave the younger boys additional instructions on Snapchat for how the attack should be carried out.
The court cases
On Monday, September 8, the 26-year-old appeared at a preliminary hearing, where he was charged with recruiting underage boys for violent crime and also suspected of involvement in soft drug trafficking.
The trial of the 26-year-old suspect is scheduled for January 2026.
The 19-year-old, who was allegedly set to drive the getaway car, will face a hearing in October 2025.
Meanwhile, the 15-year-old, accused of arranging the escape vehicle, will be tried in juvenile court on the same day.
Beyond the courtroom, the case has sparked renewed concern about the recruitment of minors into organised crime in the Netherlands.
Authorities warn that young people are being lured by money and status into carrying out dangerous tasks.
For most of the Second World War, the daily life of people on the island of Texel was rather uninterrupted.
Sure, the German forces built some bunkers and deported some men from Texel to Assen, but overall, life just went on as usual on the island.
That was until the Georgian uprising broke out in April and May 1945.
What were Georgians doing in Texel?
Georgians? On Texel? As in Georgians from the state of Georgia from the Caucasus mountains? Yes indeed, those are the Georgians we are talking about.
The Georgian soldiers present on Texel were part of the 822nd Georgian infantry division. They arrived on the island in February 1945, numbering 800 soldiers.
Most of them were prisoners of war who tried to escape their harsh conditions by serving in the German Army. Some of them volunteered in the hopes of ousting communism in their home country.
However, it soon became clear that the Germans would lose the war, so the Georgians found themselves in a bit of a tricky situation.
If they returned to the Soviet Union as German allies, their co-national Stalin would do, well, what he did best, which is a spectrum of things between the firing squad and the gulag.
But if they fought back, maybe there was a chance of glory โ or survival, at least.
The uprising starts
And so, fight back they did. On April 6, 1945, the Georgians were supposed to be sent off to the front to fight the Allies.
After midnight, however, they started their uprising instead, killing 450 German soldiers, most of whom were asleep. Initially, the uprising went smoothly. But then a fierce battle ensued.
The Georgians failed to capture naval batteries in the north and south of the island, and the Germans quickly sent reinforcements to quell the uprising. It took five weeks of heavy battles to end the uprising.
The battle claimed the lives of 565 Georgians, 120 Texel residents, and around 800 Germans. While Germany surrendered on May 5, the battle in Texel continued until May 20. The uprising became the “last battlefield in Europe.”
Most of the fallen Georgians were buried at a dedicated cemetery called Loladze on Hoge Berg. The rest of the 228 surviving Georgians were able to return home.
You can go visit the cemetery in Texel and pay respects to the fallen rebellious Georgians, with the memorial even having a good ol’ hammer and sickle on it.
Did you know of this chapter in the history of the Netherlands and Texel? Let us know in the comments!
Something that has always been there, but which you might not have noticed so strongly until now, are the many birds that are always busy nesting around the Netherlands.
Birdwatching has become a more popular pastime for Dutchies โ and with the past few years of life probably traumatising all of us to the core, we now relish the moments where we can spend time in the great outdoors, reflecting and observing the nature around us.
Online resources to get you started
Vogelbescherming Nederland (Bird Protection Netherlands) is an agency for all things bird-related in the Netherlands.
This organisation was one of the first to notice the heightened attention and awareness that people had about birds during the first infamous coronavirus lockdowns (many moons ago).
Bird Protection has even provided a free online course (in Dutch) for those interested in getting to know the birds in their backyards a little better and the beautiful songs they make.
Nevertheless, we’ve also decided to compile our own list of some birds you might be seeing in your backyard โ or perhaps even from your kleine balcony!
Crows, ravens, and other corvids
Crows and ravens have a bad reputation as omens of death, but these cheeky birds are actually one of the most intelligent animals out there.
Both problem-solvers and tool-users, observing these birds, are bound to surprise you.
These birds are all part of the greater family of corvids, which includes other birds such as the magpie, jackdaws, and bluejays.
Known for being intelligent, hanging out in trees, and their extra loud and often irritable “caw”. Image: Depositphotos
Crows are social animals, and you will see them hanging out in trees (probably judging you for your fashion sense).
Ravens, on the other hand, are cool, solitary animals that either hang out alone or in small groups of up to three.
You can distinguish them by size and feathers. Crows are smaller, and their feathers are compact on their body, while ravens are much bigger, and their feathers are more all over the place and fuzzy around the chest area.
If you have some crows hanging out in your backyard, it might be a good idea to feed them.
If they like you enough, they might even come back to you with little shiny gifts in exchange for the food you offered. (We’re not joking. It happened to a little girl who’s been getting gifts from crows for many years.)
Seagulls
Listen, seagulls are deceptive and evil animals. Under no circumstances attempt to feed a seagull.
Why, you may ask? Because the seagull will impolitely swoop down and steal the food you wanted to give to it anyway (ungrateful vultures ๐).
Seagulls are not hard to miss, because they are quite big birds. They’re very recognisable by their distinct sound, which transports everyone who hears it to Miami during the ’80s while wearing Hawaiian shirts.
Overall, the only enjoyable moment you might encounter with a seagull is when you can get a good laugh out when it swoops down and steals somebody else’s food.
Rose-ringed parakeet
You might have noticed a bird in your garden that isn’t exactly one you would expect to find โ more like a bird that seems to have escaped from someone’s home.
The green-feathered and red-beaked parakeet isn’t even a native species but was actually introduced accidentally somewhere at the end of the 20th Century.
Quite the beauty…these imported parrots. Image: Pixabay
Make no mistake, these parrots are not pets but actually full-fledged wild animals.
Nevertheless, if you put some seeds in your bird feeder, they will be more than happy to keep you company.
The house sparrow
Tiny, adaptable, and full of sounds, the house sparrow is actually the most widespread bird in the Netherlands, despite its population falling by half since 1980.
The sparrow species is actually quite renowned in the Netherlands, but not just for being the most common bird in Dutch gardens.
A familiar face amongst the Dutch crowd. Image: Depositphotos
Ever heard of Domino Day? Well, this little fellow plays a major role in one ridiculous, yet tragic event. ๐
In May, Eurostat released the results of a study showing the average working hours of European countries in 2024. And where did the Netherlands land? In last place… but it’s a good thing this time.
In 2024, people in the Netherlands worked the lowest number of hours in the EU, with the average work week for people aged between 20 and 64 lasting 32.1 hours.
What does this mean? Well, if you live in the Netherlands, you’ll notice that the four-day work week is becoming the norm.
How has this happened?
According to the Financial Times, this is because the Netherlands has the highest rate of part-time work in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
And where did this all start? With women, of course. ๐
The Netherlands operated like many other countries up until the 1980s โ men went out to work, women stayed at home with the kinderen, but that all changed in the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.
During this time, women started entering the Dutch labour force, working in part-time roles.
And as we all know, women are the real trend setters. As time passed, more men also started to work part-time, especially when there were young children at home.
However, it’s worth noting that while the work weeks are shorter, work lives are longer. People in the Netherlands work an average of six years longer compared to other European countries.
So, which would you prefer, a shorter work week? Or a shorter work life? That’s the question.
After a year of living in the Netherlands, Iโve come to find a few things here lacking, so I started wondering if there is anything the Netherlands could learn from New Zealand? Or anything the Dutch could learn from Kiwis?
There is a country at the bottom of the globe named Land of the Long White Cloud (AKA, New Zealand). Its residents are known for their relaxed beach culture, delicious wine, outstanding rugby team, and unrivalled landscapes.
To be clear, there is also a lot that NZ could learn from the Netherlands โ such as living more communally, bike culture, effective public transport, better work/life balance, liberal drug policies, and more โ but that’s for another article… ๐
1. How to make a decent coffee
You can’t get away from good coffee in New Zealand, and you can’t get away from badย coffee in the Netherlands. There is nothing more disheartening than paying nearly โฌ4 for a sub-par coffee.
I just need a decent cup of joe, please. Image: Pixabay/Pexels
There are two places I have found in Amsterdam which do good coffee: Bruno’s in the Jordaan and Scandinavian Embassy in De Pijp (sponsor me please).
Aside from that, can Dutchies please learn how to froth milk properly?
However, the Dutch government still believes that Dutch food remains too cheap and more efforts should be made to invest in environmental and sustainable food.
And it’s true! You can purchase meat so inexpensively, which is quite possibly why the Netherlands’ meat consumption is remaining stable, despite most Dutchies’ awareness of the negative impact meat consumption has on the environment.
In New Zealand, the price of meat more adequately reflects the cost of meat production.
3. Better weather
Hey Nederland, do you realise there are other types of weather apart from rain?
And that there are also four seasons, as well as winter and autumn, there is also summer and spring… fancy that?!
Dutch weather, on the other hand? The less said about it, the better! Image: Depositphotos
Surprisingly, many people think New Zealand is consistently warm despite it getting very cold during winter.
The beauty of seasons is the fact that they are just that, seasonal. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case in the Netherlands.
4. Not wrapping fruit and vegetables in plastic
Walking into a Dutch supermarket after living in New Zealand for so long can be alarming. Counters are loaded with single vegetables wrapped in plastic. So agonisingly unnecessary.
New World, one of the leading supermarkets in New Zealand, kicked off 2019 with “food in the nude”. In this, they eliminated almost all plastic packaging on their fresh produce.
As the NZ Herald reports, Nigel Bond, manager of one of the New World supermarkets, said: “When you take on these projects they can be a disaster and lead to customer pushback, but in my 30 years in the supermarket industry this simple change has resulted in the most positive feedback from customers I have ever received”.
This straightforwardness is so valued in Dutch society that thereโs even a Dutch word for it: bespreekbaarheid. This roughly translates to โspeakabilityโ or “negotiability” and means that no topic should be taboo.
Expat Facebook groups are often strewn with “you won’t believe what a Dutch person said to me today” stories.
When it comes to saying EXACTLY how they feel, the Dutch dive headfirst into the pool of honesty. Image: Depositphotos
I’ve had my fair share of blunt comments, such as the time a stranger told me my hair looked awful. But I find this refreshing as I believe it creates authenticity and builds a good rapport.
When I tell people I came from New Zealand, the immediate response is “everyone is so lovely there!” and whilst they are, I have often found it to be a superficial niceness.
By comparison, people in the Netherlands are far more considerate and genuine. From my experience, the affable nature of the Kiwis is a bit of a social faux pas. Nonetheless, many others believe the Dutch should learn tact from people like the Kiwis.
6. Equality in public toilets
So riddle me this, Dutchies: men get to pee freely by using standing pee stations, but women have to pay? As much as 50 cents? And sometimes โฌ4?!
The lowlands used to perform well in equality rankings, but in recent years, according to the World Economic Forum for gender equality, the Netherlands dropped to number 31.
Maybe the lack of pee stations for women has something to do with this?
This toilet-inequality issue has been heard in court after Geerte Piening, 23, received a โฌ90 fine for popping a squat in an alleyway after a night of drinking.
When she challenged the fine, the judge told her she should have used a public urinal (another Dutch fail! ๐).
7. Not charging for drinking water
If you ask for water when out for dinner in the Netherlands, the waiters will bring you bottled water by default, which you have to pay for.
But there are even times I have been charged for tap water. Yes, TAP water. Are you kidding me?
Need to irrigate? It’ll cost ya! Image: Freepik
So it is important to clarify whether the water costs anything or not before you guzzle three bottles and stare in dismay at the bill at the end of the night.
Paying for water is a rarity in New Zealand, and tap water is provided free of charge at most establishments.
What’s more, you will also see water fountains dotted around most cities, so you can even access water while jogging along the beach or pull over in your car and fill up your water bottle.
Of course, both countries can learn a little from each other, but sometimes you just gotta voice your frustrations!
Do you disagree or agree? We love debate and being challenged! Fire away in the comment section!
Itโll soon be autumn in the Netherlands, which means it’s time for everything cosy. So why not go apple picking? ๐
Throughout the year, in different parts of the country, many farms and orchards let you pick your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
From late September to October, you can pick your own apples. Some farms even have pear trees, too!
Why go apple picking?
There’s something so fun about searching high and low throughout rows of trees to find that one perfect apple. If you have a favourite kind of apple, most orchards have their rows labelled, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
This is also a great way to discover new kinds of apples. Besides, it makes for a great day out!
Many places don’t charge an admission fee, and you only pay for what you pick.
The best part is that it’s usually no more than โฌ3 for a kilogram, so you can get a lot of fruit for a great price, especially if you’re one of those people who canโt stop picking.
Remember, though, you might have to bring your own bag, use a basket or push a wheelbarrow to collect your fruits.
Many of these family farms also have a small country market with locally-made goods such as jams, juices, baked goods, and, of course, fruits and vegetables.
Perfect if you love trying new goodies or supporting local businesses!
What will you do with all these apples?
Besides just munching on them, the possibilities are endless. You can make spiced apple cider by boiling the fruits with spices such as star anise or cinnamon sticks, and then use the leftover fruit pulp, called pomace, to bake cookies, muffins or cakes. ๐ฅฎ
Another drinkable option is using a juicer to make your own freshly pressed apple juice. And, of course, with a great nod to Dutch cuisine, you can always make an appeltaart (apple pie).
Afterwards, you can boil the apple skins in water to make a delicious, naturally pink-coloured tea. There are many great recipes for any of these ideas online, or you can come up with your own!
Where can you go apple picking?
Below you’ll find a list of places to go apple picking in the Netherlands. Are none of these places near you? Try searching on Google for โappels zelf-plukkenโ, which means โpick apples yourselfโ in Dutch.ย
๐ Landgoed de Olmenhorst (between Amsterdam & The Hague)
You can pick apples at Landgoed de Olmenhorst from September 6 to October 26. It’s open for picking on Wednesdays from 1 PM to 5 PM, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM. During the autumn break from October 18 to 26, you can pick apples any day.
The cost per kilogram for apples and pears here is โฌ3. Kiosks with food and drinks are available as well.
If you’ve planned your apple picking as a fun weekend activity, remember that you’ll need to make an online reservation and the parking costs โฌ5. If you’re picking on weekdays, you don’t need a reservation.
Live in Zwolle? Fruittuin Verbeek is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 50 PM โ with apples, plums, and flowers available for you to pick. Bring your own bag, or buy their linen bags (cost just โฌ1.50) and pick apples for โฌ2.50 per kilo.
There’s no need to make a reservation, and you can check what apples they have each week, as they have an ever-changing variety.
Live in the north? Geen problem (no problem). You can pick apples at Landwinkel Oldiek on September 13 and 20, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
But here’s the kicker: They’re open year-round! So if you want to pick something that’s not apples, check what they have on their website and take your pick (no pun intended).
There’s also a terrace and country shop on-site, in case you don’t feel like going through the effort of making your own apple pie. ๐
Fruitwekerij ‘T Keetje is open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM (and Saturdays 9 AM to 5 PM). Fancy some farm-fresh produce? The farm shop on site is also worth a visit.
This cutesy orchard and shop really prioritises sustainability and small buyers over massive growth. And the best part is that they don’t throw away any fruits that don’t get picked: they make jams, cakes and juices out of them โ and feed the fruit skins to their local pigs!
