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No trains between Leiden, The Hague and Rotterdam after rush hour Tuesday

This is the one and only time we will encourage you to shove yourself onto a rush hour train — at least if you plan on travelling between Leiden, The Hague, and Rotterdam tonight.

The tracks between the cities need to be repaired, and as a result, there will be no trains running between them after this Tuesday’s rush hour.

So pack your things and say doei to your coworkers, it’s time for you to enjoy some time as a sardine on a Dutch train.

Won’t start again until after 11 PM

The NOS reports that the track between Delft Campus and Schiedam Centrum has been damaged since this morning. 

In order to fix this, the tracks are closed between 7:30 PM and 11:15 PM.

Which routes specifically?

According to the NS and ProRail, this means that all trains between Leiden and Rotterdam and The Hague and Rotterdam will come to a standstill.

However, according to NU.nl, the NS is running buses between Delft and Rotterdam. The NS also suggests that passengers between The Hague and Rotterdam detour via Gouda.

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Terrorist attack was planned for Eurovision in Rotterdam: stopped by Luxembourgish authorities

This month, a 23-year-old Swedish man was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Luxembourg for planning a terrorist attack at the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam. Dutch authorities and festival organisers were completely unaware of the planned attack.

As reported by Het Parool, Alexander H. was arrested at his home in Luxembourg in early 2020. There, police found a document, titled “Fun time for Eurovision 2020 – For a better and less over-accepting future.”

The document detailed the then 17-year-old’s plans for the attack.

According to the Luxembourgish news outlet RTL Today, the document was written by H., who co-wrote it with a then 18-year-old Dutch accomplice, whose identity remains undisclosed.

However, what is known is that the pair’s plans were very disturbing.

Cyanide, explosives, and chaos

The NOS reports that the document revealed plans to poison attendees of the contest with either cyanide or ricin.

The document also mentioned the use of chlorine, gas in the ventilation systems and explosives. And these weren’t just words on paper; preparations for the production of chlorine and explosives were found in H.’s house.

Luxembourgish media reports that H. had been a member of the neo-Nazi paramilitary organisation The Base since 2019. The Base aims to establish a white ethnostate.

Dutch authorities had no idea

This is all news to Dutch authorities, with the Dutch Public Prosecution Service telling Het Parool that they knew nothing about the case.

This was the same for the producers of the show, with The NPO and broadcaster AVROTROS releasing a joint statement to ANP:

“We only became aware of this case after recent media reports. We were unaware of this threat at the time. We are awaiting further legal action.”

The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest was ultimately cancelled. However, it took place in Rotterdam the following year.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

Feature Image: Vugarİbadov/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

This street in Amsterdam is dealing with a rat infestation (and TikTok queues aren’t helping)

Amsterdam’s famous shopping street, Kalverstraat, is no longer just a tourist hotspot. It’s become a paradise for rats and a total nightmare for locals.

As reported by De Telegraaf, the heart of the city crawls with furry freeloaders, and no one seems to be able to stop them.

Shop owners are desperate, residents are horrified, and the rats? They’re living their best lives. 👀

Rats on fries and window seats

They’re not even hiding anymore. Rats are rummaging through French fry containers, lounging by garbage bins, and even sneaking into people’s homes.

One was spotted climbing into a house on Voetboogstraat and casually washing itself in the window, tail swaying outside. No shame whatsoever. 😳

Café owner Willy White has had enough. “I don’t even sell food, but they still come right into my place,” he tells De Telegraaf. “Under the bar, crisscrossing the customers. They’re terrified.”

And it gets worse. The rats chewed through the cords of his beer tap. “I’d really like a cat,” White said, “but according to hospitality rules, that’s not allowed because a cat is unhygienic.” The irony? Chef’s kiss. 😒

Fries, garbage and a perfect rat buffet

The infestation isn’t just bad luck — humans are laying out the welcome mat. Every day, TikTok-snack lovers queue for fries, eat right on the street, and leave behind a salty trail of leftovers. 🍟

READ MORE | 13 things living in Amsterdam has taught me

But the fries are just the appetiser. Trash bins are too few and too small, so bags pile up beside them. During the day, “deposit hunters” tear them open for bottles, leaving a mess that rats happily claim.

Restaurant owner David Stapel told De Telegraaf the situation is out of control. Poison is no longer allowed, rats are multiplying, and customers are vanishing.

“In the evening, you literally hear people running out of the alley screaming. This way, not one dares to come and have a drink with me anymore.”

Amsterdam’s plan to stop the squeaking

The city says it’s aware things are getting hairy — or in this case, furry. Instead of launching a full-blown rat offensive, Amsterdam is tiptoeing around the issue with a prevention plan.

A city spokesperson tells De Telegraaf that the plan focuses on reducing food waste, improving waste collection, and educating people on how not to invite rodents into their lives.

@emelie261 Legends say the rat is still running… #tomundjerry #amsterdam #niederlande #netherlands #studylife #run #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Can Can – Rias Orchestra & Helmuth Brandenburg

Big businesses must now use proper containers, and soon, garbage bags will be banned from the streets altogether.

However, the city also expects residents and shop owners to contribute. Because nothing says ”public health crisis” like a shared group project. 🙃

Should Amsterdam be doing more to clean up this furry disaster? Or is it time to arm the locals with cats and steel wool? Tell us what you think — before the rats claim the comments section. 👇

The Netherlands is calling for a ceasefire in Gaza — while also being the largest EU investor in Israel

Yesterday, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs, Casper Veldkamp, co-signed a document calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. At the same time, recent research has outed the Netherlands as the EU’s largest investor in Israel.

It’s about as contrary as calling for an unnervingly loud barrel organ to stop playing, while simultaneously slipping coins into its cup.

So what’s happening here? Let’s break this all down.

A call for a ceasefire

Minister Veldkamp, along with 24 other foreign ministers signed a joint statement concerning the occupied territories in Palestine. The statement begins with a simple message:

“We, the signatories listed below, come together with a simple, urgent message: the war in Gaza must end now.”

“The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths,” it continues. “The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity.”

It also rejects Israel’s proposal to relocate Palestinians to a “humanitarian city”, calling it “completely unacceptable. A Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.”

READ MORE | An estimated 150,000 people draw a “Red Line” for Palestine in The Hague once again

However, the letter also made sure to point to the hostages held by Hamas since October 7:

“The hostages cruelly held captive by Hamas since 7 October 2023 continue to suffer terribly. We condemn their continued detention and call for their immediate and unconditional release.”

Signing a statement like this marks a shift in the Netherlands’ approach to taking a stance against Israel. Aside from calling for investigations, so far, politicians have been careful not to indicate a position on the genocide.

However, this call for a ceasefire contradicts where the Netherlands’ cash is flowing…

Largest EU investor in Israel “by far”

A recent investigation by SOMO has revealed that while politicians may be saying one thing, the money says another.

After analysing EU trade and foreign investment into and from Israel, SOMO concluded that the European and Israeli economies are deeply intertwined.

However, it had to point to the Netherlands in particular as it is “by far the largest investor in Israel and is responsible for two-thirds of EU investment in Israel.”

In fact, in 2023, the Netherlands invested no less than €48.9 billion. In comparison, the second largest investment after this amount was €7.7 billion from Luxembourg.

SOMO explains that this data is based on FDI stock. “The total value of the loans and equity investments from companies from a particular country into the Israeli economy in a given year.”

While FDI data for 2024 will not be released until December 2025, SOMO points out that according to UNCTAD’s 2025 World Investment Report, FDI investments into Israel increased in 2024.

Remember, the Netherlands is a tax haven

However, there is one important thing to consider when looking at these stats. SOMO points out that the Netherlands’ position as a tax haven could be distorting these figures.

For example, according to De Nederlandsche Bank, 12% of Dutch investment into Israel comes from “shell companies” — companies that serve no purpose other than as tax havens.

How heavily these figures are distorted, however, is unknown.

Israel also investing in the Netherlands

However, the Netherlands is also benefiting from investments from Israel. In 2023, the country received €47.3 billion from Israel.

In fact, economic relations between the EU and Israel seem to have remained relatively happy in spite of the start of a genocide.

SOMO points out that according to data from the EU Commission, the total trade in goods between the EU and Israel actually increased by €1 billion between 2023 and 2024.

And what does that mean? SOMO lays it out in black and white:

“Since the beginning of the genocide, the EU has actually increased its supply of resources to Israel’s economy, providing the country with essential resources to sustain its economy of genocide and occupation.”

What do you think of these findings? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Dutch Quirk #86: Call people Abraham and Sarah on their 50th birthday and wildly decorate their home

Plenty of countries celebrate someone’s 50th birthday as a huge milestone, but the Dutch do it differently.

Yes, yet another weird tradition when it comes to celebrating the golden birthday in the Netherlands.

Namely, calling the celebrant “Abraham” for men or “Sarah” for women and filling their home and/or office with very questionable decoration. 🤨

What is it?

Indeed, Dutchies love to wish you a happy birthday, and bestowing the name Abraham or Sarah upon anyone who turns 50 is just one way of celebrating.

The wild home or office decorations might include funky inflatables and possibly embarrassing posters.

Picture plenty of 50th birthday memorabilia from streamers and hats to cake toppers and cards.

Then, the main event: big 50 lettering and the names “Abraham” and “Sarah” strewn everywhere.

But here’s the million-euro question: who on earth are Abraham and Sarah?! 🤔

Why do they do it?

Well, it turns out that these weirdly specific names are biblical references to two people, Abraham and Sarah, who lived until very old age.

READ MORE | ”Verjaardagskring”: A guide to surviving the circle of death at Dutch birthday parties

Once you turn 50, you’re old enough to be “visited” by Abraham or Sarah, who pass on their wisdom from old age.

That is to say, you’ve become a wise person through years of experience. And because it’s so important to the Dutch, they go all out with the decorations.

Turning 50 is worth all the congratulations and decorative excitement, so they don’t shy away from the potentially embarrassing decor.

Overall, it’s a sweet sentiment — you’ve lived long enough to gain all this wisdom and experience, and it’s a milestone worth celebrating. 🥳

Why is it quirky? 

It’s interesting that the Dutch still use Bible stories as part of a tradition for a non-religious celebration.

Granted, the Netherlands was known for being a Calvinist country in the past, but religion is not as important for a majority of Dutch people as it used to be.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #43: Hang a birthday calendar in the toilet

To the average person, the Dutch are just throwing around random names for people turning 50.

Should you join in? 

For sure! It’s always fun to celebrate a birthday, and Dutchies like to make 50th birthdays even more special.

Doesn’t this birthday feest (party) look so fun and wholesome?

Just know if you’re celebrating this special birthday here, prepare for lots of funny (or embarrassing) decor. 😉

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Dutch Quirk #85: Put all their national pride into HEMA

Ah, yes, the Netherlands! The land of cheese and bicycles…and HEMA? Indeed, this Dutch chain store is an integral part of the Netherlands.

We can’t help but adore this quaint variety store, but it is also a hidden gem outside of the Netherlands.

What is it?

HEMA, which stands for Hollandsche Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam (Hollandic Standard Prices Company Amsterdam), is a variety-store chain founded in Amsterdam.

It was set up by the luxury department store De Bijenkorf in 1926 (nearly 100 years ago!).

@chris__too__pher

Everytime I visit The Netherlands, i am running to @HEMA and check our the interior pieces. What do you think? #hema #hemanederland #interior #interiordesign #fypシ #fy #colorful #living #rennrad

♬ Life Will Be – Cleo Sol

This beloved establishment sells generic household goods at a low price.

HEMA has a few locations outside of the Netherlands, including Belgium (of course), the UK, France, and even Mexico!

Why do they do it?

Dutchies are known for being a little stingy, so a variety store where they can get pretty much anything for standard prices is an appealing deal.

While products don’t cost 10 to 25 cents anymore, you can buy relatively good products for cheap.

Not to mention, HEMA has all kinds of cute products. From fashion and beauty to office supplies and home goods, you can find almost anything you need at HEMA.

They even have a small grocery section and offer photo services, such as printing pictures or creating posters.

At certain locations in the Netherlands, HEMA stores come with a take-away restaurant, so you get to enjoy delicious fresh snacks and drinks on a budget, too (just like the iconic IKEA). 💁‍♀️

Why is it so quirky? 

HEMA is a great representation of the Dutch spirit — practical in both money and time; it’s no wonder that everyone in the Netherlands would defend HEMA till death.

The Dutch government almost became the new owner of HEMA at one point, until Jumbo bought HEMA in 2020. Despite facing financial troubles, someone always wants to save this old and beloved company.

Should you join in? 

Our answer is a definite yes! HEMA is a lovely store to shop at, and it’s always nice to support a local business.

READ MORE | 7 Dutch foods you need to try before you die

And you can try all the delicious Dutch delicacies they sell, including (vegan) rookworst and tompouce.😋

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

Exploring Dutch islands: a guide to visiting Texel

1

Texel is an island located just five kilometres north of Den Helder across the Wadden Sea. It has seven villages, is home to about 13,500 people, and over a quarter of it is made up of the Dunes of Texel National Park.

With lots of beautiful nature, countless cycling paths, and, of course, the sea, Texel is the perfect place for a Dutch summer escape.

Even better? With the most sunshine hours in the whole of the Netherlands, it’s your best bet if you want to escape the dark and dreary weather. 😉

Taking the TESO ferry to Texel

You can reach Texel by an hourly ferry from Den Helder, which takes roughly 20 minutes.

A return ticket costs only €2.50 for pedestrians and €5 if you take your bike or moped. ⛴️

READ MORE | 17 adventurous things to do in Texel in 2024

To take your car across the Wadden Sea, you’ll pay €31.00 for a return ticket if you travel on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, and €46.50 if you travel on one of the other days of the week.

There’s a café on board, a couple of gift shops and a lovely outside deck to enjoy the views.

We have to warn you, though — if you venture out on the deck, you’ll be sharing it with hungry seagulls that like to tag along for the ride, too.

Getting around Texel

The traffic on the island is minimal, which, together with the numerous cycling paths across the island, makes it the perfect place for a relaxing bike ride.

If you aren’t keen on taking your bike, bike rental shops are located all over the island.

photo-view-of-texel-netherlands-from-bike
Texel offers countless scenic cycling routes.📷 Image: Emma Brown/Supplied

One is right across from the ferry port, so renting a bike on Texel involves minimal effort.

READ MORE | 7 of the best scenic bike paths in the Netherlands

If bikes aren’t your thing at all, make use of the bus service that runs over the island or take your legs for a long stretch.

Oudeschild port harbour

One of the most popular bike routes on Texel is 23 kilometres long, taking you along the island’s coast to the famous lighthouse in De Cocksdorp.

You’ll cycle past pretty beaches where you can stop, sit down, and take it all in, arriving at one of seven villages on Texel, located less than halfway along this route: Oudeschild.

READ MORE | Best beaches in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch beaches

Its picturesque harbour has lots of nice little boutique shops, bars, and restaurants, with plenty of outside space to enjoy your beverage. 🍷

Oudeschild-harbour-from-the-water-in-Texel-the-netherlands
Enjoy a glass of wine or a beer in the picturesque Oudeschild harbour. Image: Emma Brown/Supplied

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than a classic bike ride, you can rent Tuk Tuks for €150 per day from Monday to Friday, and €160 per day on weekends.

Eierland lighthouse

Once you reach the other end of the island, you get to the Eierland lighthouse.

Red-lighthouse-with-village-in-the-dunes-from-Texel-islands-of-the-netherlands-dutch-islands-wadden-islands
With its cheerful red and white appearance, it stands out against Texel’s dunes and grass. Image: Depositphotos

This lighthouse is a massive tourist attraction on the island and can be visited for a small fee of €6.

Just below it, you’ll find vast sandy beaches and beautiful restaurants overlooking the sea. 🌊

Vuurtorenweg Texel beach

Vuurtorenweg Texel Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches north of the island.

Located just below the lighthouse, it is the perfect spot for taking photos. The dunes that are part of the Dunes of Texel National Park also begin here.

READ MORE | Islands of the Netherlands: a guide to the Wadden Islands

They stretch for miles, so there is always ample space for you to enjoy, no matter how busy it is.

The north of the island tends to be windier, making it great for kite flying.

Vuurtoren-lighthouse-in-texel-the-netherlands
Explore Texel’s most famous lighthouse and its surroundings. Image: Emma Brown/Supplied

However, beware — the wind can also pose a challenge when you cycle back to the ferry port, and a “quick” cycle back from the beach can take you three times as long as you expected.

Anything else to see and do in Texel?

There are many other things to do on the island, including visiting various museums (such as the Shipwreck and Beachcombing Museum Flora).

Visiters can also check out the Ecomare — an aquarium filled with adorable seals, porpoises, birds, and fish. 🐟

To savour a relaxing afternoon after a long cycle, there are also wineries, chocolatiers, breweries, and plenty of good food.

Have you visited this beautiful Dutch island? What’s your favourite spot in Texel? Tell us in the comments! 👇

Digital currency tax rules every expat in the Netherlands should know

If you’ve been living in the Netherlands for a while, you’ve probably noticed the Dutch have a very thorough approach to taxes. And if you own Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other digital currencies, you’re about to discover just how thorough they can be.

While the Netherlands isn’t cracking down on digital asset ownership, the tax rules are quite different from what many internationals expect.

Unlike countries that only tax you when you sell, the Dutch tax office wants to know about your holdings every single year, regardless of whether you’ve touched them or not.

Digital assets aren’t legal tender, but they’re definitely taxable

We’ve got crypto nieuws for you perhaps, as you can’t pay your rent or taxes with Bitcoin here, and the Belastingdienst treats digital currencies as taxable assets. This means they go into Box 3 of your tax return. This is the section for savings and investments.

Here’s the part that catches many internationals off guard: the Netherlands taxes you on a presumed return from your assets, not your actual gains or losses.

photo-of-freelancer-in-the-Netherlands-sitting-by-window-on-laptop-looking-up-business-bank-accounts
That’s right, your presumed assets, not the actual assets. Image: Freepik

Think of it as the tax office saying, “We assume you made money from your digital assets this year, so we’re taxing you on that assumption.”

One way you can stay on top of what’s happening is by keeping up with the latest crypto news to ensure you don’t miss any changes.

There’s always news, updates, and guides available online that help digital asset owners trade and stake digital assets the right way while declaring their holdings.

Currently, you’ll pay 36% tax on the deemed return from your total Box 3 assets (which includes digital currencies, savings, and other investments). The good news? There’s a tax-free allowance of €57,000 per person, so you only pay tax if your total assets exceed this amount.

Box 3 rules apply even if you never sell

This is the big surprise for many internationals. Even if your digital assets just sit untouched in a wallet, you still need to declare their value on January 1st every year.

It doesn’t matter if your portfolio crashed 40% during the year — the tax calculation is based on the value on New Year’s Day.

You also can’t deduct trading fees or offset losses like you might in other countries. The Dutch system assumes a standard return on your entire Box 3 portfolio, and digital currencies are just part of that calculation.

When digital assets move to Box 1

Not all digital currency activities stay in Box 3. If you’re earning digital assets as salary, actively day trading, or mining as a business, these activities fall under Box 1 — regular income taxation with rates between 37% and 49.5%.

The key question is whether your activities constitute “normal asset management” or cross into professional trading territory. If you’re aiming for returns that exceed what’s reasonable from normal asset management, or if it’s part of a professional activity, the income goes to Box 1.

Discuss filing your income tax return with a tax consultant who can help you determine whether you should file digital asset profits under private or corporate income.

medium-shot-woman-working-on-laptop-using-qonto-for-freelancers
You need to determine what falls under box 1 and box 3. Image: Freepik

The consultant can also help you figure out whether you must use Box 1 or 3 to avoid unexpected back taxes.

For mining specifically, if you mine as a hobby (and likely make losses after costs), your mined coins go to Box 3. If mining consistently profits, that income gets taxed in Box 1.

New arrivals and the M-form

If you moved to the Netherlands partway through the year, you’ll file an M-Form with your tax return. Here’s the important bit: your Box 3 obligations only apply if you were a Dutch resident on January 1st.

New arrivals should avoid making common financial mistakes, one of which is paying wealth tax that may fall under the tax threshold.

The 30% ruling reality check

Here’s where things get more complicated for many expats. The partial non-resident status that previously exempted 30% ruling holders from Box 3 taxation is being phased out.

This means that as of January 1, 2025, new 30% ruling recipients can no longer claim exemption from Box 2 and Box 3 taxes.

If you had the 30% ruling in December 2023, you can still use the exemption until 2026 under transitional rules. But after that, everyone pays Dutch tax on their worldwide assets, including digital currencies.

Regulatory changes you need to know

The regulatory landscape is shifting too. Since December 2024, digital currency companies can no longer register with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). They now need licenses from the AFM under new European rules.

photo-of-two-people-shaking-hands-after-signing-mortgage-deed-when-buying-a-house-in-the-Netherlands
Things have changed when it comes to licensing. Image: Freepik

For users, this means checking that your exchange or wallet provider has proper licensing. Companies providing services without the required registration face hefty fines.

In fact, recent enforcement measures were put in place after Peken Global Limited offered crypto services without registering with the DNB.

European regulations (MiCA) are standardising rules across the EU, which should bring more clarity and consumer protection. But don’t expect this to change Dutch tax obligations anytime soon.

Foreign wallets still count

One misconception that gets expensive quickly: you must declare all digital assets, regardless of where they’re held. Whether your Bitcoin is in a US exchange, a hardware wallet in your home country, or a Dutch platform, it all needs to be reported.

The Dutch tax office has access to financial data sharing agreements that make tracking foreign assets increasingly straightforward. Failing to report can result in significant penalties.

person-holding-wallet-in-the-netherlands
You can face penalties if you don’t declare all foreign assets. Image: Freepik

Bottom line: plan ahead

Digital currency taxation in the Netherlands follows local rules, not blockchain principles. Your assets might be borderless, but once you’re a Dutch resident, they’re subject to Dutch tax law.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Track your holdings’ value every January 1st
  • Expect to pay tax on presumed returns, not actual gains
  • Consider how the changes to the 30% ruling affect your situation
  • Keep records of all your wallets and exchanges
  • Get professional advice if you’re actively trading or mining

The rules aren’t simple, but they’re clear about one thing: digital currencies have a definite place in the Dutch tax system, and that place is front and centre on your annual return.

Remember: Tax rules change frequently, especially for digital assets. Always consult the latest guidance from the Belastingdienst or a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.

What has your experience been with this? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Dutch Quirk #102: Refuse to drive drunk, but biking drunk is fine (of course)

Swerve to the left, swerve to the right… we all know that Dutchies love their bikes. They also love their beers with some fried snacks on the side. 🍻

Putting two and two together, we’re not too surprised that drunk cycling is a common phenomenon in the Netherlands. 🚲

And it’s not even technically illegal.

What is it?

In the Netherlands, drunk driving is frowned upon (and criminalised) just as much as in every other European country.

If your blood alcohol level is above 0.05% and the police catch you, that’s it. That’s about one to two glasses of beer or wine.

Since 2019, you risk a one-year prison sentence, losing your driving licence, or facing heavy fines for driving drunk.

And drunk cycling? Well, you know… of course, you shouldn’t.

But the Dutch government doesn’t really persecute drunk cycling. You’re just sort of advised not to do it, but you don’t risk losing your driving licence.

You may face getting a fine of up to €200, or you can be banned from driving or cycling for a number of hours (more common).

Except if you’re a serious hazard to the people driving or cycling around you, which can lead to a lawsuit. 😐

Oh, and texting while biking (a big no-no as well).

Why do they do it?

We can only speculate, but it’s probably because the Dutch cycle so much (and rely on snackbars after drinking enthusiastically) that it would put too big of a burden on the Dutch police.

beer-biking-in-the-netherlands-normal-while-pub-crawling
Beer bikes? Yeah, that’s a thing in the Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos

Generally, the Dutch are quite comfortable cyclists.

Helmets are considered unwanted accessories, and traffic lights are seen as rough guidelines at best.

You’ll also frequently see a Dutchie cycling with a biertje in hand or balancing a crate of Heineken on the back of their bike.

Why is it quirky? 

It’s another thing the Dutch feel more chill about than other countries.

(It’s also another thing that’s a bit legally ambiguous — just like cannabis. 🌿👀)

Should you join in? 

We think you should be a rebel on this one and ditch the trend.

Of course, you’re an excellent cyclist (😉), but it’s better to stay on the safe side of things.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

This international school works with MIT and UNICEF: Meet Nord Anglia

When choosing a school for your children, you’re laying the first stepping stone on their educational journey. As an international parent in the Netherlands, how can you be sure you’re making the best decision when you’re unfamiliar with the local school system? 

It’s actually easier than it seems! At least, if you choose a school that not only helps kids obtain great academic results but is also experienced in tailoring its teaching to international families.

Introducing: Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam

As a school with 60-plus years of experience, the Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR) offers classes for 3 to 18-year-olds. 👨‍🎓  

All students follow an international curriculum, from Early Years through Primary and Middle Years to the final International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Wait, first things first: what is the IBDP? The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year, internationally renowned graduation programme for students aged 16-19. It’s taught at over 5,700 schools in 159 countries and counts almost 2 million students! 

While NAISR is a small private school, it is part of Nord Anglia, a global network of 84 schools across 33 countries, with over 74,000 students and 9,000 teachers. 

This way, NAISR can draw on the expertise of thousands of outstanding teachers worldwide — and offer unique chances to each student.

A school with an international reach and unique opportunities

So, now that you’ve made your first acquaintance with NAISR, let’s take a closer look at what makes this school so special. 👇

Collaboration with MIT: preparing students for the future

In Years 1 to 11, students at NAISR benefit from a partnership with the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which enhances their learning opportunities in the field of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths). 

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Students get to work on projects that make real change! 💪 Image: Paul Pacey/Supplied

This year, for example, year 9 students had a particularly exciting project, based on designing solutions with AI. In the words of NAISR’s STEAM teacher, “students took an everyday or recyclable item, and tried to improve the design of the item using AI. Then, if possible, they made prototypes.”

“In the middle of the year, we entered the MIT trip Competition and two of our Year 9 students were put forward for the final round. One project was ultimately chosen, and she will be attending workshops at MIT in Boston in November 2025.”

Collaboration with UNICEF: projects for change

Through a formalised partnership with UNICEF, students of NAISR also have the opportunity to work on projects aiming towards real-world change. 

At 2023’s UNICEF Student Summits in New York City, for example, students learned about the complexity of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They agreed that taking real action is the only way to ensure progress.

This experience gives them not only enhanced opportunities to become global citizens but also a chance to create a network for their future careers. 🤝

A chance to network through the Global Campus platform 

Another benefit of Nord Anglia Education is that its students can expand their network through the Global Campus platform.

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Students won’t be lost in a sea of faces. Image: Lambert de Jong/Supplied

From targeted university planning with counsellors at their desired universities to personal development courses and mental health resources, the Global Campus helps NAISR’s students make connections and draw on knowledge from across the globe.

In the words of Danielle Mashon, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator: “The benefit of being part of Nord Anglia education is that, while we have a small cohort in school, we are part of an expansive global network.”

An advanced “Power of Three Sciences” track

NAISR isn’t just prepping their students for university, as their latest IB diploma programme provides a solid foundation for careers in medicine, engineering, or scientific research.

Dubbed “The Power of Three Sciences“, it allows students to follow three IB science tracks: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.

“Taking three sciences in the IB is a bold choice,” IB Coordinator Bradley Gooding admits, “it’s for ambitious students with clear university goals, strong academic ability, and the resilience to manage a demanding workload.”

How NAISR supports learning and development — from learning to read to finding the dream university

At NAISR, teachers use a personalised approach that makes every student feel supported. With carefully crafted curricula and engaging co-curricular activities, your child’s years at NAISR will prepare them for the academic world and success far beyond it. 💪    

We spoke to some of NAISR’s teachers to find out more. 

NAISR’s Early Learning Programme: setting your kids up for success

The Early Years Learning Programme at NAISR introduces children from the age of three to school life in a fun, active, and (most importantly) child-led way — and it’s vastly different from putting them in a regular nursery. 

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Who wouldn’t want to learn in a classroom setting like this? Image: Paul Pacey/Supplied

How? The dedicated teachers follow the students’ interests to create meaningful topic-based experiences, which are then tied to traditional school subjects such as literacy or maths. 

This child-led approach cultivates the young students’ curiosity, teaches them to love school, and even makes them better at regulating their emotions! 

The IB and pre-IB Programmes at NAISR

Next, we spoke with one of NAISR’s passionate IB teachers and immediately saw that there are a few main things that make completing the IBDP at NAISR a unique experience. 

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At NAISR, students can develop their interests both online and on campus. Image: Lambert de Jong/Supplied

So, what makes NAISR stand out?

  • A close-knit community: With two classes doing the IBDP at a time (Year 12 and Year 13), the small class groups allow for a true sense of community. 
  • Small student-to-teacher ratios: With a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8 to 1:10, teachers can give their students the attention and support they need to succeed.
  • High academic outcomes: Having completed the IBDP myself (and knowing how challenging it is), I’m in awe of the grades that NAISR graduates obtain. Not only do they have a 100% pass rate, but their students’ IB points exceed the global average, year after year.
  • Additional courses offered online: If a course isn’t offered at the school in Rotterdam itself, students can simply follow it online. Handig!
  • Year-round admissions: With a flexible admissions process, NAISR tailors its education to internationally mobile families. Unlike many other schools in the Netherlands, admissions are open year-round!

Is Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam the right choice for me and my children?

If you’re looking for a school with a personalised approach to learning that will celebrate each student’s success and support them through every challenge, you should definitely be looking into NAISR!

Plus, with Virtual Open Days held every few months, you can always register on the NAISR website and tour their Rotterdam campus from the comfort of your home couch.

Want to get in touch with NAISR? You can! 

Do you have any questions about the school or want to discuss your children’s potential future at NAISR? No problem! You can easily contact them or follow their social media.

What do you think about NAISR? Tell us in the comments below!