Ah, cycling in the Netherlands. Whether you’re dodging tourists in Amsterdam or coasting past cows, it doesn’t take long to realise that the Dutch have cracked the code when it comes to cycling.
Here, hopping on a bike and getting around is easy, effortless, and fun. It’s just better… but why?
A cyclist’s paradise, paved in red
The Netherlands isn’t just bike-friendly — it’s bike-obsessed.
With over 35,000 kilometres of cycling paths, bikes here outnumber people, and riding one is practically a national pastime. Whether you’re commuting to work or grabbing groceries, the bicycle reigns supreme.
But it’s not just about numbers. The infrastructure is world-class: wide, separated bike lanes, clever traffic signals just for cyclists, and even multi-storey bike parking garages (yes, they exist, and they’re glorious).
Here, the bike isn’t fighting for space with cars; it’s been given its own kingdom.
No helmet? No problem
It might seem odd to outsiders, but in the Netherlands, most cyclists don’t wear helmets — and no, it’s not because they’re reckless. It’s because they don’t need to.
The roads are flat, the paths are safe, and the system works. Cyclists have priority, and drivers actually respect them (seriously).
So yes, it’s perfectly normal to see a parent cycling with one kid on the front, another on the back, all while holding an umbrella but not wearing a helmet. Welcome to the Dutch commute.
Cycling is in the Dutch DNA
Unlike in many other countries where cycling is a lifestyle or a sport, here it’s just life.
Kids cycle to school, pensioners cycle to the market, and office workers cycle in heels and blazers. The infrastructure doesn’t just make it possible — it makes it easy, safe, and natural.
The Dutch approach to urban planning has put people first — not cars. And that means quieter streets, cleaner air, and communities that feel a little more human.
forget the car, in the Netherlands, you cycle. Image: Freepik
Thinking of joining in? Here’s what to know
If you’re new to cycling in the Netherlands, don’t panic — you’re not alone. Renting a bike is easy, and there are loads of services offering everything from classic omafietsen to e-bikes.
A few tips:
Stick to the right, pass on the left.
Use hand signals to let people know where you’re going.
Don’t block the bike path while checking Google Maps — or prepare for a symphony of angry bells.
Good for the planet, great for your thighs (and mind)
Let’s be honest: cycling is an easy win. It cuts carbon emissions, eases traffic congestion, and gives you a free workout on the way to work.
You’ll skip the gym, save on petrol, and feel just a little more smug every time you glide past a car stuck in traffic. And of course, cycling is so much better for your mental and physical health than wasting your time doing other stuff.
The Dutch government knows this too. By investing in cycling, they’ve created healthier cities and healthier people — a model that other countries are still trying to catch up with.
Dutch cities keep bikes in mind. Image: Depositphotos
Want something scenic? The Netherlands delivers
Sure, cities like Utrecht and Groningen are a cyclist’s dream, but don’t miss the countryside.
Ride along the North Sea Route for windmills and waves, or explore the Veluwe for forest trails and maybe even a deer sighting.
Every route feels like it was designed by someone who really, really loves bikes — because, well, it probably was.
Cycling in the Netherlands isn’t just better — it’s how it should be. So grab a bike, ring that bell, and enjoy the ride. 🚲💨
What’s your favourite thing about Dutch cycling culture? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Spring 2025 is soaking the Netherlands in sunshine, and the rainclouds? Nowhere to be seen.
Let’s dive into what’s going on, what the forecast looks like, and what all this means for summer. 👇
Smooth sailing into the weekend
Last Tuesday brought textbook spring perfection, with highs between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius. It was the ideal day for a canal cruise or an outdoor picnic, which we took full advantage of. 🌞
And the sunshine’s not packing up anytime soon. According to AD, this calm, dry weather, with slightly cooler temperatures, will stretch into the weekend.
Expect temperatures ranging from 15 degrees Celsius along the coast to around 20 degrees inland. A light northerly breeze will keep things comfortable, especially by the sea. 🌬️
Heading into next week, you can look forward to a few fluffy clouds drifting by, but rain? Still not invited. The mercury will sit nicely between 17 and 22 degrees.
As for the second half of May, brace yourself: temperatures are climbing even higher. 🥵
A spring full of sunshine, and summer that’s looking hot
This spring hasn’t just been sunny — it’s been record-breaking. 🏆
Since March 1, AD reports that the Netherlands has seen 37 very sunny days, edging past the previous record of 36 set in 2020. (For context: 2024 had just three. Ouch. 👀)
And it’s not just about how often the sun shines, because its overall intensity is rising, too, prompting cities like Amsterdam to look into sustainable ways to stay cool.
And, while we’ve been steadily racking up over 660 sunshine hours this year, Dutch UV levels have also been climbing. This week alone, they reached a 5 to 6 on the UV Index, which is strong enough to burn unprotected skin in 15 to 30 minutes.
A recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, there are so many things to do in Kinderdijk, a small village in the south of the Netherlands.
If you’re looking for a break from the bustling cities of the Netherlands, Kinderdijk is our top recommendation. Whatever you desire, there’s always things to do in Kinderdijk!
Perhaps you’ll cycle beside the water and admire the ingenuity of Dutch water control or take a peek inside a real 17th-century windmill.
Out of a disaster rose something beautiful. However, if you do choose to visit, remember that 17 of the 19 windmills are private residences, and no drones are allowed. 🚫
One of the most important things to do in Kinderdijk is to actually look inside the windmills — and Blokweer Mill is one of the two mills in Kinderdijk that remains open to the public.
Experience the Dutch past at the Blokweer Mill in Kinderdijk. Image: Kinderjik.nl/Supplied
You can explore inside the mill and take a peek into what life was like in the Netherlands in the 20th century. How? The mill has been built to recreate it!
3. Quench your curiosity in the Nederwaard Museum Mill
You can also peek inside the second of the two mills. This mill allows an accurate look into what everyday life was like for millers in the 18th century.
Visiting the Nederwaard Museum Mill is just one of many things to do in Kinderdijk. Image: Kinderdijk.nl/Supplied
Originally inhabited by the Hoek family as early as 1744, the mill has real items from the millers’ lives, as well as historical photographs. Upstairs, you can even see the old bedroom, in which up to ten children would sleep together.
4. Rent a bike and enjoy the landscape from the comfort of your saddle
A wonderful way to take in the landscape in Kinderdijk is to rent a bike and cycle the many pathways.
Renting a bike and cycling is a wonderful thing to do in Kinderdijk. Image: Depositphotos
You can spend a relaxing afternoon with a loved one cycling around the village, admiring the genius of Dutch millers and builders who managed to claim the land by building windmills.
With a huge selection of different cycling routes, you’re sure to find the path to suit you so you can chat, cycle, and feel like a true Dutchie. 🚵♀️
5. Take an inspiring boat tour along two different routes of your choice
Hop on a boat in Kinderdijk and take in the epic views in comfort. Image: Kinderdijk.nl/Supplied
Using the same ticket that also grants you entrance to the two mills (and the pumping centre! 😉), you will get a canal tour included in your visit to Kinderdijk.
An opportunity you just can’t pass up, a boat tour around Kinderdijk will allow you to admire the windmills from a very important perspective — the water. 🌊
The tour boats run all day long, and you have your own choice between what routes you would like to take.
One boat, The Hopper, goes along a fixed route and will take you to the Nederwaard Mill and the Blokweer Mill.
For the second route, you’ll board The Cruiser, which sails for half an hour along the Lage Boezem of the Overwaard, a section of the river surrounding Kinderdijk.
Unable to choose? Geen probleem! You can hop onto both of these cruises if you have the time to spare. ⌛
Got any engineering nerds in need of a bit of excitement? This ancient pumping centre, built in 1868, is one of many wonderful things you can do at Kinderdijk!
Visiting the Wisboom pumping centre is a great thing to do in Kinderdijk. Image: Kinderdijk.nl/Supplied
The pumping centre was originally operated by a steam engine, but as modern technology advanced, this engine was replaced by an electrical engine.
At the pumping centre, thousands of litres of water were pumped through from the polders into the river beyond.
Travelling by waterbus not your style? You can also get the bus from Dordrecht and travel with ease on the bus to Kinderdijk.
Got a bike? You can bring it along with you and save yourself the cost of renting a bike once you get there!
💰 Price: From €9.60, and bringing a bike is free! ⏰ Opening hours: Runs from 9 AM to 6:30 PM 📍 Location: Erasmusbrug, 3011 BN Rotterdam
8. Check out the floating exhibition at Kinderdijk
Right in front of the Blokweer Mill is the floating exhibition at Kinderdijk. This exhibition is hosted on a barge called ‘Everything has a time.’ The barge has been restored and is now a part of the World Heritage Site.
Step back in time at the floating exhibition on a day trip to Kinderdijk. Image: Kinderdijk.nl/Supplied
On the barge, you can learn more about the St. Elizabeth flood, and get some insight into the kind of challenges that climate change will bring to polders such as those in Kinderdijk.
At Café de Klok, you can take part in an organised group hike. The cafe offers a breakfast deal followed by a hike, or, if you’re a late riser, you can opt for an afternoon start! 🚶♀️
A wander around the countryside in Kinderdijk could be the cure for autumn blues. Image: Unsplash
There are hiking trails winding their way around the village, so whatever your energy level, you’re sure to find a trail to enjoy when you’re in Kinderdijk!
Take part in a group tour, or, if you’re the more silent type, take a hike by yourself and let your thoughts wander away… 💭
💰 Price: €25.95 for the morning package, €31.95 for the afternoon package ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 1.30 PM 📍 Location: Molenstraat 117, 2961 AK Kinderdijk
10. Hop across the water and grab dinner
While there are many things to do in Kinderdijk, for dinner you’ll have to hop on over to Ridderkerk, a nearby town.
Grab a bite to eat after a long day of exploring. Image: Unsplash
There, you can have your pick between many different restaurants, though perhaps you could grab yourself some tasty seafood dishes, or even try a few different cheeses and eat like a true Dutchman!
💰 Price: Depends on what you order ⏰ Opening hours: Usually 5 PM to 12 AM 📍 Location: Ridderkerk
11. Bring a picnic and eat with a spectacular windmill backdrop
If you’re looking to cut down on expenses (we all are during this cost-of-living crisis), one of the cheaper things you can do in Kinderdijk is bring your own picnic and eat while you watch the marvellous sight of the windmills operating.
Enjoy a picnic in the classic Dutch countryside. Image: Unsplash
Like true Dutchies, pack your own krentenbol for the day, and eat for cheap once you arrive. Then, simply hop on the waterbus home, and make sure you take lots of pictures to show your ever-eager friends.
As Kinderdijk is a protected World Heritage Site, not only will you be able to see centuries-old windmills, but you will also spot some very rare birds.
Bring your little ones along and let them try to find the birds. Image: Unsplash
Inside the bird theatre (the Vogeltheater), you will be guided through the different species of birds (and other protected animals!). Keep your binoculars and camera close because you might just catch sight of something awe-inspiring!
13. Pop into a café for a coffee and a wonderful view
To us, there seems no better way to enjoy the view of the majestic Dutch countryside than by grabbing a steaming hot latté and a plate of poffertjes while you visit the windmills.
Enjoy a hot cup of Joe on your visit to Kinderdijk. Image: Unsplash
What could be a better thing to do in Kinderdijk than relaxing with your loved ones as you recount the day (and ponder all the iconic history you’ve learnt!)
💰 Price: Dependent on what you order ⏰ Opening hours: Typically between 9 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk is an iconic village in the Netherlands, packed full of history, intrigue and many things to do.
Will you be heading to Kinderdijk soon? Let us know your plans in the comments below! 👇
Following Amsterdam, several other Dutch municipalities are formally recognising the Gaza crisis as a genocide and are urging the cabinet to condemn Israel’s campaign of destruction and mass killing.
Although municipalities typically do not intervene in international politics, growing pressure from residents has pushed local governments to acknowledge the severity of the situation and make their voices heard. 📢
Yes, it’s a genocide
Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, has been among the outspoken voices, calling the cabinet out to put pressure on Israel. But Amsterdam is not alone in the fight, either.
According to the NOS, various other Dutch municipalities — including The Hague, Groningen, Tilburg, Apeldoorn, Arnhem, Amersfoort, Leiden, and Utrecht — have also passed motions to name the violence in Gaza a genocide.
While this is long overdue, it’s a decision that reflects what many have been saying for months. In a recent NRC report, seven respected scientists have unanimously concluded that Israel is, indeed, committing genocide in Gaza. 👇
Incredibly powerful investigation in Dutch newspaper NRC: Seven of the world’s leading genocide scholars — including renowned Holocaust experts — describe Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal.
All municipalities mentioned above have now committed to using the term genocide when addressing Gaza during official communication.
Meanwhile, other cities have taken a different approach.
Rotterdam is still on the fence and is planning further discussions. Almere, Zaanstad, Den Bosch, and Eindhoven have declined to comment so far. Haarlemmermeer and Zwolle do not support this call.
However, in moments like this, silence does not stand neutral. 🙄
No more looking the other way
Residents and civil society groups have been calling out the crisis in Gaza for well over a year. Yet, it seems it took tens of thousands of deaths before many local officials were willing to shift their language from “conflict” to “genocide”.
As Lucas Bolsius, mayor of Amersfoort, explained, “When an event has a major impact on Amersfoort society and how we as Amersfoorters live together, that is different”.
Meanwhile, Apeldoorn’s mayor, Ton Heerts, urged the Dutch cabinet to take a clear position: “The Netherlands must commit itself to real de-escalation and humanitarian support.”
Will this do anything?
Pushing the national government through local channels is the first step.
Local representation matters, and when municipalities voice what residents are feeling, it can help build momentum for broader political action.
As professor of decentralised government, Geerten Boogaard notes, “if this feeling lives among the local population, then it is also the task of the municipal council to convey that.”
However, others remain cautious.
Pieter Jeroense of VNG International (the association of Dutch municipalities) warns that while municipalities can express opinions, national governments will likely resist direct interference with international policy. “In that case, too much interference with foreign policy is not appreciated,” he explains.
In parallel with these political developments, Amnesty International is organising a demonstration on Sunday, May 18, in The Hague. The protest, titled “De Rode Lijn”, aims to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for an immediate end to the genocide.
Let’s be honest — unless you’re a medieval history nerd or got stranded on the wrong train from Utrecht, you probably haven’t spent much time thinking about Gorinchem (pronounced Gore-in-khem).
…But maybe you should! This under-the-radar gem in the province of South Holland is the largest fortified city in the Netherlands, and it was recognised by the Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB) as the country’s most beautiful fortified town in 2021.
The town blends historical charm with modern vibrancy, and is a great place to visit for anyone — from history buffs to culture enthusiasts or those simply seeking a picturesque escape.
1. Traverse the historic fortifications of the city
You can start your visit by literally walking around the entire town, following the 5-kilometre-long ‘Vestingwandeling‘, which follows the original 1600s city walls.
This self-guided fortress walk provides panoramic views of the rivers and leads you past landmarks such as the Tolhuis, Dalempoort, and two historic flour mills.
2. Climb the Grote Toren for breathtaking views
Dominating the skyline of Gorinchen is the Grote Toren (big tower), inviting visitors to climb its 256 steps.
Why would you do that to yourself, you ask? Well, because brave climbers are rewarded with the best sights of the town, and a view that stretches all the way to the Dom Tower in Utrecht on a clear day.
Guided tours are available on Saturdays from May to September, offering insights into the tower’s construction, history, and charming tilt. (Yes, it leans ever so slightly. Kind of like Pisa, but Dutch and way less crowded.)
3. Enjoy the lively Lingehaven
No Dutch town is complete without a picture-perfect canal, and Lingehaven delivers. Situated in the heart of the city, this little marina buzzes with activity.
Surrounded by waterside cafés and terraces, it’s the perfect spot to relax, watch boats navigate the locks, or partake in annual events like the Open Harbour Day in May and the Boat Show in September.
4. Shop and stroll along Langendijk
You didn’t think you’d escape without a bit of boutique browsing, did you?
To do so, head to Langendijk — one of Gorinchem’s oldest streets, and also one of its trendiest.
This is where centuries-old facades meet modern design, indie stores, and charming cafes — all wrapped up in cobblestones and history.
5. Take a break at a local museum
Need a break from all that walking? We getcha: time for a quick museum visit.
Housed in the former city hall and dating all the way back to 1860, the Gorcums Museum showcases Gorinchem’s rich history and artistic heritage.
Exhibits highlight tales of the ‘Martyrs of Gorkum,’ Hugo Grotius, and the city’s Renaissance painters, offering a comprehensive look into the events and figures that shaped Gorinchem.
Alternatively, you can explore the Hendrick Hamel Museum to discover the adventures of Hendrick Hamel, a Gorinchem native who became the first Westerner to document life in Korea after being shipwrecked there in 1653.
The museum, located in his birthplace, offers insights into his 13-year captivity and the cultural exchanges that ensued.
6. Hop on a ferry and explore the Fortress Triangle
Gorinchem is part of a historic “Fortress Triangle” with Woudrichem, Loevestein Castle, and Fort Vuren — and getting between them by foot ferry or water taxi is half the fun.
The journey itself feels like a step back in time, with river landscapes, castle towers, and ancient fortresses straight out of a Dutch fairy tale.
Do it all in a day or space it out, but whatever you do, don’t skip Slot Loevestein. It’s got moats, turrets, and just the right amount of medieval drama.
7. Visit Molen Nooit Volmaakt
“Molen Nooit Volmaakt” (yep, quite a mouthful) literally means “Mill Never Completed,” but don’t let the name fool you.
This charming 18th-century windmill is a total gem. It’s still grinding flour the old-fashioned way, and you can pop in to learn about traditional Dutch milling or snag a bag of fresh flour and cookies from the on-site shop.
Because nothing says “authentic Dutch experience” quite like eating a biscuit made from wind-powered grain. 🇳🇱
Gorinchem’s charming blend of historical depth, cultural richness, and scenic beauty makes it a must-visit destination. We’ll see you there!
Do you know of any more things to do in Gorinchem? Share them in the comments.
Are Wilhelmina pepermunts a token of Dutch heritage, or a disastrously large block of chalk?
Now, we don’t mean to start a controversy here, but it is nearly unfathomable to us that any person in their right mind would enjoy the “royal freshness” of this Wilhelmina mint nonsense.
We get almost enraged upon receiving one of these deceivingly horrible palate cleansers at the end of a meal, and there are a few somewhat rash and likely exaggerated reasons for that.
What is it?
Simple: Wilhelmina mints are a Dutch mint made by a brand called Fortuin. They were created in 1892 as a tribute to Princess Wilhelmina, who turned twelve years old that year.
In our humble, international opinion, they have the texture of chalk and a taste that screams, “We haven’t touched the recipe since 1892.”
But let us tell you, Dutchies love them — so much so that they insist on handing them out everywhere, to everyone, all the time.
Now, we are sure most of us have graciously attempted to make our way through one of these enormous mints, only to be caught spitting out that seemingly never-ending block of chalk. So it’s hard to answer this question.
The only logical explanation is that, for example, the Dutch like to refresh their breath after devouring a lekker portion of pickled herring.
Makes sense. But why not just chew a nice, soft piece of gum?
Quite frankly, we don’t even think Wilhelmina herself would be too happy with all this…
Why is it quirky?
Well, they’ve named their national brand of mints after a royal. Mind you, from what we’ve gathered about this Wilhelmina lady, she was anything but your standard royal.
The former Queen of the Netherlands was the longest-reigning monarch and saw the country through WWI and WWII.
Wilhelmina was thrust into power at a mere 10 years old after her father’s death, although her mother carried out the Queen’s duties until her 18th birthday.
An unshapely statue of Queen Wilhelmina in The Hague, with engravings of the ominous title of her autobiography, “Eeenzam maar niet alleen”, in the background. Image: Depositphotos
This might be why she gave her autobiography the chilling title “Eenzaam, maar niet alleen,” or “lonely, but not alone.” Or maybe that was because of her unfaithful husband. 🤔
It seems that Dutchies love this chalky mint, not necessarily for its taste, but because it’s a token of their heritage.
Should you join in?
Many people dislike Wilhelmina mints, finding them too large and too chalky.
That said, they are vegan, claim to be sustainably packaged, and are probably the classiest mint you’ll ever see, sporting the portrait of a literal Queen.
Don’t be fooled by the accents on screen — Dutch actors appear more frequently in Hollywood movies and TV shows than you might realize.
The Netherlands is a small country filled with straight-shooting, honest people who don’t pretend to be someone else.
Yet, the nation has produced enormous talent for doing just that — in the acting world.
There are many famous Dutch actors in Hollywood with Dutch heritage. Bogart, Brando, De Niro, Theron, Akroyd, the Carradine’s, Van Dyke, Fonda, Aguilera.
But let’s look at nine Nederlanders and people with significant Dutch heritage who play on screen. 🎥
1. Audrey Hepburn
Being one of Hollywood’s most widely recognised Dutch actors, Hepburn was born in Belgium in 1929 but grew up in Arnhem with her mother, a Dutch Baroness. 👑
They fell on hard times in her teen years when the Nazis took over the Netherlands, suffering malnutrition to the point of grinding tulip bulbs as bread flour to survive.
Always a stunning beauty! Image: Pixabay
At 16, she was a volunteer nurse during the Battle of Arnhem and worked with the Dutch Underground. After liberation and a few movie roles in Europe, she headed for Hollywood.
Audrey Hepburn was an iconic Hollywood actress playing wholesome parts. She starred in movies in the ’50s and ’60s, including Roman Holiday, Funny Face, Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, and My Fair Lady.
She received three Academy Award nominations and won Best Actress.
Hepburn also turned down a role in the movie Anne Frank, as having watched people be executed in Arnhem would be too emotionally painful for her. She was very philanthropic and died in 1993.
She is one of 19 people who have won an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award). 🏆
2. Carel Struycken
Born in The Hague, Carel Struycken played many quirky parts in Twin Peaks, Star Trek, Men in Black, Witches of Eastwick, and Haven.
He also played in the popular The Addams Family movies, where he portrayed Lurch (one of my favourite characters growing up), among many other roles.
This Dutch actor in Hollywood usually played a giant in non-leading roles, but is an extremely recognizable character.
3. Michiel Huisman
Michiel Huisman, a Dutch actor and singer, was born in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
He starred as Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones and as Ellis Jones in the fantasy romance film The Age of Adaline.
Michiel Huisman on the red carpet of Game of Thrones. Image: Jagpal Khahera/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Other notable titles you might recognise him from are Orphan Black, The Invitation, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Black Book, and HBO’s Treme. 📺
But with 56 screen credits to his name so far, there are many more stories you’ve probably seen him pop up in.
4. Jeroen Krabbé
Born in Amsterdam, Jeroen Krabbe is known for acting in The Fugitive, Immortal Beloved, The Living Daylights, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, and Transporter 3.
Who said Krabbes can’t be handsome? Image: AVRO/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
You might also recognise him from his role as Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank. He came to prominence playing opposite Rutger Hauer in Soldier of Orange.
If you’re not yet impressed, Krabbé has over 100 credited roles in his career — woah! 😮
5. Rebecca Romijn
Born in California, Rebecca Romijn is the daughter of a Dutch mother and a half-Dutch father.
A Dutch actor in Hollywood that everyone can be proud of, she has played the character Mystique in four X-Men movies and also appeared in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
Romijn has 61 acting credits, including the TV series Ugly Betty, Just Shoot Me!, The Librarians and Eastwick.
6. Famke Janssen
Famke Janssen was born in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and is a writer, director, and actor.
Famke’s career is certainly an impressive one! Image: Gage Skidmore/Flickr/CC2.0
She’s played many major roles, including Xenia Onatopp in the James Bond Series Golden Eye, Jean Grey/Phoenix in the X-Men films, and Lenore Mills inTaken.
Janssen has also had recurring roles on the TV series Nip/Tuck, Hemlock Grove, and Black List.
The actress has been outspoken in her disagreement with Hollywood’s ageism for women when not cast in the last X-Men movie. 👏
7. Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour was born in England, but her mother was Dutch. She spent much of her childhood in Vught, the Netherlands, and speaks fluent Dutch.
As an actress and producer, she is known for the TV series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, the James Bond movie Live and Let Die, Wedding Crashers, several mini-series, and TV movies.
Seymour has over 220 credits to her work, with twenty-two award nominations and nine wins, including two Golden Globe awards and an Emmy.
8. Carice Van Houten
Carice van Houten was born in Leiderdorp, Netherlands. With 55 credits as an actress, Van Houten is most recently known for her dark role in Game of Thrones and her role in Black Book.
Carice van Houten at the Game of Thrones Season 8 World Premiere. Image: Sachyn/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
Her Dutch-language film Love Life broke box office records in the Netherlands. 💥
She also played opposite Tom Cruise in Valkyrie and was nominated for several Saturn and SAG awards (amongst others), winning many awards, predominantly in Europe.
9. Rutger Hauer
Ever heard of Blade Runner? Rutger Hauer starred in this legendary sci-fi flick as self-aware android Roy Batty. He delivered a brilliant performance and even rewrote the ending dialogue.
While a little older now, Hauer remains a big name. Image: Depositphotos
Hauer has over 100 movies to his credit, taught a master class in the Netherlands, and is a “Knight of the Order of the Dutch Lion” for his contributions to acting and philanthropy.
Hauer had a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe award for Escape from Sobibor.
So there you have it. Who’s your favourite from the list? Are there any Dutch actors in Hollywood that we missed? Tell us in the comments below!💬
KLM plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv at the end of May, after suspending service nearly a year ago.
Although the airline insists the conditions are now safe enough, the decision draws sharp criticism from crew members.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has urged the Dutch government to stop ignoring the atrocities in Palestine.
KLM staff push back on Israel flights
Plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv have sparked backlash from KLM’s employees, with unions representing crew members and pilots raising concerns about passenger and crew safety.
Tensions grew even higher on May 4, when a rocket just missed Ben-Gurion Airport, the main Israeli airfield from which KLM operates its flights.
In comments reported by NOS, one employee narrated the harrowing ordeal, recollecting that their colleagues “had to go into bomb shelters under loud sirens and be quickly repatriated home.”
Responding to the growing unease, the union of KLM cabin crew members proposed relocating layovers to Larnaca, Cyprus.
Despite these fears, KLM maintains that safety assessments have been thorough, with a spokesperson for the airline stating that they will ensure “everyone feels safe when carrying out these flights.”
Two senior staff members, including the chief pilot of KLM’s Boeing 737, will be on the first flight to reinforce that message.
While the airline denies that financial pressure played a role, it has previously acknowledged that suspending flights to Tel Aviv negatively impacted its revenue.
Mayor Halsema adds her voice: don’t ignore Gaza
Beyond the airline industry, concern is growing over renewed ties with Israel.
One of the loudest voices at the moment is Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema. In a speech to the city council, she urged the Dutch government to take a firmer stance on the ongoing violence in Gaza, and plans to send a formal letter to the cabinet calling for immediate action.
Though the video of her speech is in Dutch and may not be understood by all, her message is unmistakable: “The destruction of Gaza must stop. The starvation must stop. The murder of Palestinians must stop.”
Halsema also stressed that human rights must apply across the board. In her speech, she called for Hamas to be convicted and prosecuted, but emphasised that antisemitism should be “condemned and combated at all times and everywhere”.
Her position reflects a wider political shift. Just last week, Utrecht’s city council backed using the term “genocide” to describe what’s happening in Gaza.
For many, silence is no longer an option, whether in politics or at 30,000 feet.
According to UNICEF’s latest research, Dutch children are officially the happiest kids in the world. Not bad for a country that spends half its time under the rain.
How did they reach this conclusion? It’s not as simple as asking children to give a thumbs up or thumbs down.
UNICEF’s Innocenti Report Card 19 ranks countries based on factors such as mental and physical health, life satisfaction, and academic skills.
The top three? The Netherlands, Denmark, and France — which sounds suspiciously like the start of an interesting Eurovision lineup.
Dutch children are pretty satisfied
Ok, so why should parents in the Netherlands feel smug right now?
Between 2018 and 2022, life satisfaction among Dutch children barely budged, dipping just slightly from 90% to 87%. In a world full of chaos, that’s pretty impressive.
It turns out that bikes, stroopwafels, and a healthy work-life balance might actually do wonders for a child’s mood.
Let’s get into the specifics. Dutch kids rank first in the world for mental health, fourth for physical wellbeing, and 11th for skills.
Let’s take a look at the top ten countries overall. 👇
Ranking
Country
Mental Health
Physical Health
Skills
1
Netherlands
1
4
11
2
Denmark
3
3
8
3
France
11
2
9
4
Portugal
2
10
22
5
Ireland
24
11
1
6
Switzerland
13
7
6
7
Spain
4
25
16
8
Croatia
9
31
3
9
Italy
8
16
23
10
Sweden
14
13
14
But don’t brag too much yet
However, it’s not all sunshine. The report also revealed a worrying trend: academic skills are slipping.
Despite being among the happiest, Dutch 15 year olds experienced a drop in functional literacy and numeracy, from 66% down to just 49%.
In other words, more than half of them may now struggle with basic maths or reading.
The culprit? Unsurprisingly, the pandemic. School closures and remote learning left a mark, proving once again that trying to learn algebra over Zoom is no one’s idea of a good time.
Let’s end on a positive note
However, it’s very important to note that COVID-19 has had no effect on their social and emotional skills, meaning that 15 year olds are still capable of making friends, even if it’s from behind a screen.
While Dutch kids may be smiling, there’s still work to be done to keep both their spirits and their grades high.
Do you agree with these findings? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Preparations for the NATO summit are in full swing, but there’s already drama brewing: the US doesn’t want Ukraine’s President Zelensky to attend. 👀
For the first time since 1949, the Netherlands is hosting a NATO summit — and it’s a vital meeting for international peace and security.
Unfortunately, a complication has just sprung up: according to NATO sources, the Trump administration doesn’t want Ukraine to attend.
Russia strongly opposes Ukraine joining NATO
As reported by the BBC, Russia is vehement that Ukraine shouldn’t become a NATO member, as this might bring “NATO forces too close to its borders.”
With President Trump attempting to act as a mediator between the two warring countries, AD notes that the US is reluctant to ignore Russia’s demands on this particular issue.
In the past, Trump has also claimed that Ukraine can “forget about” joining NATO. 👇
However, NATO itself strongly asserts that Russia “does not have a veto” and that all 32 allies have given Ukraine the green light to join the alliance.
Will Trump, himself, attend? Sources say “yes”
While there’s much speculation as to whether President Donald Trump will show up, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that there is “no reason to assume” he’ll give the summit a miss.
Their meeting was “focused primarily on the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague”, with a special emphasis on “efforts to bring a just and lasting end to the war against Ukraine”.
.jpg){kind=link}