A home-cooked dinner for €15, a coffee for €3, or a pack of potato chips for €0.70 — the Dutch will send a Tikkie for absolutely any occasion.
Living in the Netherlands means you’ll eventually come across windmills, canals, tulips, and the notorious Tikkie request from a Dutchie.
It’s inevitable, so just accept your fate!
What is it?
If you’re new to the world of eccentric quirks that the Dutch proudly possess, then you’re probably left very confused. What exactly is a Tikkie? And why is it such a big deal? 🤔
Basically, it’s an online system that allows you to send people payment requests.
How it works is simple. If someone owes you money, you just enter the owed amount into the Tikkie app, write a note explaining what it’s for, and then share the generated payment link to your desired WhatsApp contacts.
But there’s a catch. The infamous Tikkie app has exactly zero limits on how low you can go when asking for shillings, which totally caters to the penny-pinching ways of the Dutch. 💸
Why do they do it?
The Tikkie app grew enormously amongst the Dutch crowd in the past years, and it’s not the least bit surprising.
It clicks perfectly with an all-important part of their culture and behaviour: splitting the bill!
Not only that, but it’s also a surefire way that they can keep every smidgeon of cash in their bank account and ensure that not a single person is indebted to them, which is just how the Dutch like it.
Listen, we get it. It’s a natural human instinct to want to give back what you owe to others, and rightfully so, but we can argue that etiquette is just as important a factor to consider.
With that being said, you might want to hold off on sending a Tikkie for things like hand soap or toilet paper rolls — unless, of course, you’re:
a high-schooler on a tight allowance,
a university or college student with little to no disposable income,
or living in an apartment with three or more roommates.
Why is it quirky?
Imagine being invited as a guest to a Dutch person’s home. You share a couple of drinks, they cook you a lekker meal for dinner (if you’re lucky), and you go home feeling satisfied with the evening.
The next day, you unexpectedly receive a text message that reads, “Please could you pay me €15 for half of the dinner ingredients and drinks.” We hate to tell you, but you just fell for the classic Tikkie bait. 😬
And unfortunately, that’s just one of the many scenarios where you’ll find yourself being Tikkie-ed.
In the Netherlands we don’t say “thanks for the fun night” we say “Niet vergeten Tikkie te sturen he!!!!” and I think that’s beautiful
Borrelen with your colleagues? Tikkie for the round of beers. Asked out on a date? Tikkie for the entire three-course meal. Offered a bite of cake? Tikkie for that one, individual bite.
As an international living in the Netherlands, you’ll inevitably start to familiarise yourself with Dutch traditions and habits.
You might even join in on some of them so you can truly know what it’s like to live like the Dutch.
However, while getting your money back is always great, we’d suggest holding off on the habit of sending Tikkies for anything less than €4 or €5, at the cost of looking kinda scrimpy.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Even better? One lucky participant can win an “adventure seat”, right in the middle of the orchestra.
3. Finally start investing (yes, really)
As the days grow shorter and the holiday season draws nearer, it’s a natural moment to plan for next year and sort out the admin you’ve been putting off, investing included.
As someone diving into investments myself, I find autumn’s slower pace the perfect time to read up and get my head around how it all works.
It often sounds more intimidating than it is, and a good app can ease you into the basics without much fuss. Our guide to investment apps will walk you through the best options currently on the Dutch market, and the pros and cons of each.
4. Tuck into Amsterdam’s first Japanese dinner show
Fancy a night out that’s equal parts feast and festival? The Arigato Show returns for its second edition on September 11, at Spijkerkade 2 in Amsterdam.
Expect sushi and sashimi prepared live, sake, followed by taiko drumming, karaoke, and Japanese DJs to carry you from the long shared tables to the dance floor.
The whole evening is built around omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), intended to bring people together.
5. See the heather bloom at the Veluwe
If you’ve never seen the heide (fields of heather) in full bloom, September is your chance.
The Veluwe nature reserve transforms into a rolling carpet of colour that looks almost too pretty to be real, so don’t forget your camera.
There’s plenty to explore, so grab your walking shoes or a bike, and check out our Veluwe guide for the best things to do in the region.
6. Get ready for Prinsjesdag
On the third Tuesday of September (September 15 this year), the Netherlands celebrates Prinsjesdag, or Prince’s Day.
It’s when the government presents its plans and budget for the year ahead, and the king delivers a speech from the throne in The Hague.
Expect a lot of pomp and ceremony. Image: Dreamstime
There’s plenty of pomp, some seriously extravagant hats, and a lot of news about what might change in your taxes and benefits. Keep an eye out, because this is the day that shapes the year to come.
7. Prepare for a season of strikes
Mark Wednesday, September 9, in your calendar, because getting around will be tricky. The FNV trade union has called a strike affecting all public transport across the country, all day long.
Trains, trams, buses and regional services are all expected to grind to a halt, so plan an alternative if you rely on them.
And, if you’re flying this month, you’ll also want to plan for extra travel time.
Schiphol’s security staff have announced a series of strikes over poor working conditions, and they’re being announced only a few hours in advance, which makes them hard to plan around.
With strikes on the horizon, prepare for some delays this September. Image: DepositPhotos.com
At the very least, expect longer queues and general chaos at security.
8. Honour the fallen at Market Garden commemorations
September also marks the anniversary of Operation Market Garden, the huge Allied airborne operation of the Second World War that swept through the southern Netherlands in 1944.
Around September 19, commemorations take place across the region, particularly around Arnhem and Nijmegen, to honour those who fought and fell.
It’s a moving reminder of the country’s wartime history and the freedom that followed, and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
9. Sample some Dutch wine in Limburg
Here’s one that surprises most internationals: the Netherlands makes wine, and September is when the wijngaarden (vineyards) come alive.
Down in the rolling hills of South Limburg, which is home to about a third of the country’s vineyards, the grape harvest runs from mid-September into October.
Who doesn’t love a good wine tasting? Image: Dreamstime
Many wineries mark the season with tastings, walks and cycle routes through the vines, so you can sip a crisp Dutch white with a view that looks more like Burgundy than the flat, grey Netherlands you’re used to.
And there you have it! September really is a month of small joys and beautiful scenery, plus a few things worth keeping an eye on.
What are you most looking forward to this month in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments.
In order to learn more about this, the people would need access to the royal archives past the year 1934 — but for now, the king has them under lock and key.
So, did no one notice that their queen was on meth?
As you can imagine, people actually did notice that something was up with their queen.
Although it wasn’t the general public, it was the ministers.
Marcel Verburg tells Historiek that, at the time, the queen was popular. For the government, however, she was a disaster.
In his book Geschiedenis van het Ministerie van Justitie 1940-1945, Verburg describes how the queen insulted ministers during meetings, made strange decisions, and postponed important discussions.
This behaviour apparently led the ministers to question “whether her majesty was normal,” Verburg writes.
How am I just learning about this now?
You’d think this would be the scandal of the century, but the Dutch have known about Wilhelmina’s drug use for a while now.
In fact, many historians have casually mentioned it, and it was not uncommon for many world leaders to use hard drugs at the time.
However, in recent years, one TV show, Het Verhaal van Nederland — Oranje Nassau (The Story of the Netherlands — Oranje Nassau) brought this chapter in history to life.
In a hilarious twist, the show not only dramatised the former queen’s drug use but also paired the scenes with a snippet of music from the famous TV show Breaking Bad, Metro Nieuws reports.
This spoof sure had everyone cracking up (wink, wink).
Did you know about Queen Wilhelmina’s drug use? Tell us your thoughts on this in the comments below!
Moving to the Netherlands is a huge step to take, especially when it’s for love. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience.
We all go through an obsessive Googling phase before deciding to move to the flatlands of Europe. When I was in this stage, DutchReview proved to be a trove of useful information.
Now that I have been here for some time, survived a pandemic, and learned quite a few lessons of my own, I thought I should pay it forward and help out the next lovepat.
1. Romance aside, you’re going to have to learn the language
You’ve heard it a million times before: “Everyone speaks English in the Netherlands!” So you probably think you can get by without learning the notoriously hard Dutch.
And you’re right! It’s perfectly possible to live here without speaking Dutch; in fact, the Dutch are the best non-native English speakers in the world
However, not learning the language will limit life in significant ways.
It’s a tricky language, but if you and your partner plan on staying in the Netherlands, you’re going to have to learn Dutch eventually. Image: Pexels
Without een beetje Nederlands (a bit of Dutch), integrating into society and striking friendships with the local crowd is trickier, and depending on your professional profile, the job hunt is harder.
It is common to see internationals caving in and learning Dutch at some point; some do it six months in, others hold off for a decade — but it eventually happens, especially when your partner is Dutch. 🇳🇱
Their no-nonsense approach to life can be equally refreshing and frustrating. Be prepared!
3. You’ve got your partner, now you need some friends
Making new friends as an adult is challenging, but they are an integral part of a happy life, and you’ll need to find some in your new home — and no, your partner can’t be your only friend.
There are many events and apps for expats that you can use, but what really did the trick for me was social media — Facebook no less (yes, I was shocked too)!
Partner aside, you’re going to need some friends for your life in the Netherlands. Image: Pexels
There are groups of expats in each city, which offer great support for doubts and recommendations, but also a platform for you to introduce yourself frankly and find like-minded souls on a similar boat. 🤝
I had better luck in women’s only groups (yes, they’re a thing!), but each experience is different. Don’t overlook this avenue when on the friend prowl!
4. The weather will play with your feelings
Everything you heard about the Dutch weather is true. It has multiple personalities, and they all seem to come out at least once a day. 🌧☀⛅
Raincoats and sunglasses are often packed together, and a drizzle will never bother you again once you’ve lived here long enough.
As an immigrant from a warmer climate, I tried to prepare in advance, only to realise that none of my new clothes and shoes were good enough.
If I could give my old self a tip, it would be: download the weather app, remember to check it before getting dressed and shop here once you’ve got the hang of it.
5. Integration will force you to be realistic
Integration is the word when discussing immigration in the Netherlands. It means different things for different types of immigrants, but on the most basic level, you should feel like you fit in well in your new home.
And a welcoming partner is not enough to achieve this.
After being here for 1.5 years and far from feeling this way, I realise I should have set more realistic expectations for the integration process.
It will take time, but you can do it. Image: Pixabay
Although the Dutch can be a welcoming lot, it is alienating not being able to read the news, fully engage with Dutch culture, and having to pay taxes without having the right to vote.
Against the integration blues, I find that the best remedy is to throw yourself into the making of the building blocks of your new life and enjoy all the fun things that the tiny land of tall people has to offer!
Moving to the Netherlands for love offers its challenges, but you can do this!
Take it one step at a time — and it’s always good to know you have your liefje to help support you. 🫂
Did you move to the Netherlands for love? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Jumbo is recalling four of its cheeses after finding that they may contain listeria, a type of bacteria that causes dangerous foodborne infections.
If you’ve bought any cheese from Jumbo in the past few weeks, double-check that you’re not chowing down on some contaminated dairy.
Which products are affected?
Four own-brand products are mentioned in the safety warnings:
Cheese
EAN-code
Best-by dates
Jumbo Lepelkaasje
8718452662012
All of them
Jumbo Kaasplateau Verrassend
8718452871698
All of them
Jumbo Biologische brie
2308084xxxxxxx
01-09-2026
Jumbo Gorgonzola Dolce
8718452637508
03-09-2026, 08-09-2026, and 10-09-2026
Two of these cheeses (Jumbo Lepelkaasje and Jumbo Kaasplateau Verrassend) are new on the list of recalls, with a warning sent out yesterday, September 1.
Image: Jumbo
Meanwhile, the other two (Jumbo Biologische brie and Jumbo Gorgonzola Dolce) have been on the list of recalls since last week.
Image: DutchReview
Get your money back
If you’ve bought one of the affected products, you can take it back to a Jumbo near you for a full refund. No receipt is needed.
For questions, the supermarket directs you to their customer service hotline: 0800 – 0220 161. You can also contact this number via WhatsApp.
What is listeria?
According to the RIVM, listeria is an infectious disease caused by the listeria bacterium, “usually found in food, but can also be found in animals, in the soil, in water or on vegetables”.
It commonly turns up in food like:
soft (mouldy) cheese made from raw milk,
smoked fish,
cold cuts,
steak tartare,
pâté,
and ready-made products, such as raw vegetable salads and ready-made pancakes.
While outbreaks are rare in the Netherlands, Voedingscentrum notes that consequences for eating contaminated food can be severe, especially among pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system.
In these groups, the infection may present as meningitis, encephalitis, or blood poisoning (sepsis). Among healthy people, however, symptoms present as “mild flu symptoms, nausea, and diarrhoea”.
The days are growing shorter and the nights longer. Here in the Netherlands, that tends to mean only one thing: we’re all scrambling to catch those sun rays when we can.
Dutch weather is dark, gloomy, rainy, windy, and subject to complaints all year around. But did you know that lack of sunlight can be detrimental to one’s health? Experts are rallying to bring attention to its effects.
Indeed, most people living in the Netherlands are not getting enough sunlight, as they spend much of their time indoors (let’s face it, it can get too cold to go outside).
The result? The amount of light most of us get is just not enough to keep up with daily life.
How does a lack of light affect our health?
There’s never a lack of water in the country of dikes, canals, and, well, rain. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Well, in our brains, we all have an organ called the hypothalamus, which maintains homeostasis (balance and stability) and regulates the hormonal balance of the body.
When we don’t receive enough sunlight, this organ stops functioning properly, causing a hormonal imbalance, which in turn can lead to symptoms of depression.
More specifically, a lack of sunlight can lead to a drop in serotonin levels — the brain chemical that affects your mood.
Melatonin levels (the hormone that monitors your sleep cycles) are also affected by the change in seasons since darkness produces more of the hormone, directly inducing sluggishness (now that explains a lot…).
But if you think this means that taking an extra afternoon nap will help you beat the seasonal depression, we’re sorry to say that that won’t cut it.
“It is not so much about sleeping longer, but about the quality of sleep,” chronobiologist Marijke Gordijn from University Medical Center Groningen tells RTL Nieuws.
“How fast you fall asleep, how often you wake up during the night and how deep you sleep; the quality of your sleep has a huge effect on your body.”
How does poor-quality sleep affect your health?
The link between sunlight, sleep quality, and depression is undeniable.
Gordijn explains, “There are direct connections between your eyes and the part of the brain that controls your mood. Insufficient light influences your mood negatively and can even lead to depression.”
There’s a clear connection between your surroundings and mental and physical health. Image: DepositPhotos.com
But a lack of (high-quality) sleep can also lead to numerous other health risks — some of which can keep you up at night (ironically).
For example, Gordijn says that hormonal imbalances caused by lack of sunlight and proper sleep increase the risk of obesity.
In general, depression has also been associated with the worsening of existing (chronic) diseases, headaches, loss of libido, and digestion issues, among other things. Ouch. 😬
How much light do we need?
Gordijn and her colleagues conducted three studies to establish how much sunlight we would need in a day to function well.
It’s not always easy getting enough sunlight during the Dutch winter. Image: DepositPhotos.com
According to the Working Conditions Act, your work desktop needs to emit light of 500 lux. Gordijn, however, disagrees. She states workers should be exposed to at least 1000 lux, which is equivalent to the light we get on a cloudy day.
We also know that the employees of offices where artificial light is designed to simulate daylight sleep better, she says. They also perform better, as they are in better spirits.
Three ways to avoid seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Gordijn says you have to find ways to get the light fix your body requires to function at an optimum level. Here is her advice to avoid SAD:
🏃♀️ Go out for a walk or jog for at least half an hour every day (she recommends going in the morning between 8 AM and 9 AM if you can).
☀️ Try sitting close to a window to bask in any natural light. If that is not possible, get stronger lamps that mimic sunlight.
💪 Finally, brave the cold, get out there and stay active. Layer up and get those muscles moving even if your brain is telling you otherwise!
Living with seasonal depression in the Netherlands can be hard. How do you cope with it? Let us know in the comments below!
So you’ve decided you’re going to move to Leiden, congrats! It’s a beautiful Dutch town, and living here will be a life-changing experience.
But now that you’ve made your decision, there are some choices to be made. Where should you live? How will you get a job? And what will you do with yourself?
This article will help you get on your feet if you’ve just made the move to Leiden (and hey, it may even help out a few Leiden locals).
1. Decide which neighbourhood suits you best
With its cosy, compact centre, you’d be forgiven for thinking there aren’t many options in terms of neighbourhoods to live in, but you would also be wrong.
Let’s talk about some of your options. 👇
Living in Leiden’s city centre
Leiden is a very beautiful and historic city that is filled with authentic Dutch buildings. That’s probably why you actually want to live there!
This is also why living in the city centre of Leiden can be a bit more costly, due to the historical and sentimental values of the houses situated there.
Leiden’s city centre is like walking around inside a postcard. Image: Dreamstime
Plus, it’s small, and there’s a high demand from students.
Everything in between the old canals of Leiden is considered the old heart and centre of Leiden.
You’ll get the classic Leiden vibe at its best, and with the city being really compact, you can always walk or bike to almost anything.
That being said, while it is on the pricey side for renting or buying a house, all the events and students there make it a buzzing scene (but also a bit too busy for some).
Leiden’s suburbs
If you venture a little further, you can find multiple neighbourhoods that are just as lovely. For instance, the neighbourhoods of De Merenwijk and Stevenshof are just a few minutes cycling away from the city centre.
These two areas are good for families, as they are fully equipped with schools, playgrounds, and shops.
One thing’s for certain: the city’s got quaint canals galore! Image: DepositPhotos.com
The houses in these neighbourhoods were built between the 1970s and 1980s and carry the true spirit of traditional Dutch suburbs.
Even fancier and closer to the centre of Leiden are neighbourhoods like the Tuinstadwijk, de Lage Mors and the Professorenwijk.
These Leiden neighbourhoods have some classy 1930s houses and are very popular among both Dutch and expat families.
Or try neighbouring municipalities
Another great option is living in Leiden’s neighbouring municipalities. Leiderdorp, Voorschoten, Warmond, Oegstgeest, and Katwijk are popular with families and often offer a better space-to-price ratio.
Oegstgeest would be the most popular option as it is right next to Leiden and generally offers more spacious housing options as well as classic Dutch-style houses.
The neighbourhood is also generally safe, clean, and family-friendly. However, fair warning: the prices can be pretty steep. 💸
Katwijk (AKA Katwijk aan Zee) has more of an independent character to it.
A former fishing village, Katwijk is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to live in the middle of all the hustle and bustle and wants the beach to be just a short bike ride away.
In addition to being closer to Leiden, Katwijk is far less crowded than Scheveningen! Image: DepositPhotos.com
However, the cost of housing isn’t that friendly here, and there’s limited availability. A lot of the accommodations here are only available temporarily for holiday-goers.
If you just want to visit Katwijk, that’s an easy 30-minute bus ride or 30-40 minute cycle from the Leiden city centre. 🚲
Good to know: As with so many Dutch regions, Leiden and its neighbouring municipalities are all conveniently within biking distance of each other with lovely bicycle paths to boot.
So now you know a bit more about potential living spots in or around Leiden. Time to properly settle yourself and register with the municipality of your new home.
Moving to a new town can be quite an ordeal. Thankfully, Leiden has an excellent Expat Centre which can help you. In partnership with Leiden’s Tourist Information Office, the ECL provides essential information about living in the Netherlands.
2. Find a job in Leiden
When it comes to finding a job in Leiden, there are multiple sectors that you can dive into. While the city may not be massive, it’s got some big names based here.
Leiden University
Leiden is famous for being a university town, its biggest and most popular one being, of course, Leiden University.
This famous university was attended by historical figures such as Rembrandt and Einstein, as well as multiple members of the Dutch royal family.
Currently, the university has a large international staff spread across seven faculties.
Another place in Leiden where a unique job opportunity may arise is the Bio Science Park.
Leiden’s Bio Science Park offers many job opportunities. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
It is the largest bioscience facility in the whole of the Netherlands, with a staggering number of 26,000 employees. It is Holland’s best life science research centre, which focuses on both education and business.
Leiden’s Bio Science Park offers a range of interesting jobs and is constantly looking for new great minds to join the team.
So if you want to work while simultaneously conducting crucial research, the Bio Science Park in Leiden may have some great job opportunities for you.
Creative and start-up scene in Leiden
More on the creative side of life? Leiden has more than its fair share of creative companies and promising start-ups.
Want some examples? Think about the exciting start-up venue of PLNT, where Leiden fosters dozens of young creative and innovative companies, or the media-imperium of DutchReview, which is also located in Leiden (hey, wait, that’s us 😉 ).
For some more examples of sectors to work in Leiden, you might want to check out Key Region Leiden!
Work at shops and restaurants in Leiden
Aside from a very impressive educational and creative scene, Leiden is also booming with life.
That is why this rather small town has so many different types of shops and restaurants. While finding a job in customer service in Leiden may be hard if you do not speak Dutch, it’s not impossible.
Imagine going to work with this view in front of you? 😍 Image: DepositPhotos.com
After all, Leiden is a university town full of students from all over the world. This means that the town is becoming more open to English speakers in customer service, and businesses are looking for student workers.
So, people won’t be surprised if their barista doesn’t speak Dutch.
Let’s also not forget that Leiden is geographically located in a very convenient place. Big cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are within a 30-minute train ride. So if you’re having a hard time finding a job within Leiden, you can always look in the nearby cities.
Leiden also boasts the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, the Hortus Botanicus, dating all the way back to 1590.
Need to get a bank account, find a school, apply for a BSN number, sign up with a doctor, or even discuss setting up a mortgage? The Expat Centre can help you sort it all.
For all the science lovers out there, there is also an observatory on the grounds, which is open to the public.
The old observatory is truly the place to be if you’ve an interest in astronomy. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Established by Leiden University in 1633, Leiden’s observatory is the oldest operating university observatory in the world.
4. Or even just take in the sights
Leiden is a very picturesque town (there’s a whole lot of Instagram material to prove it!) Filled with beautiful canals, charming cafés and restaurants, an exciting street market, and breathtaking views.
One way to get you started on a sightseeing journey through the city is to go on an expedition to find all the poems written on Leiden’s buildings.
Also, while walking through Leiden, you can’t help but notice De Burcht.
This 11th-century fort is perfect for walks and some pretty amazing photos. People even have their weddings here, and there’s a cute café at the entrance. 💖
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, there is also the Leidse Hout, a marvellous park located on the border of Leiden and Oegstgeest.
It’s so big that it’s pretty much like a forest, so it allows for a perfect escape from the city. 🌳
5. Join a club or society
The quickest way to make friends in Leiden? Join a club. Seriously, it’s like fast-tracking your social life.
If you’re into running (or just pretending to be), check out 071 Run Club. They meet regularly for group runs around the city, and the vibe is welcoming whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to burn off those bitterballen.
The city is full of internationals like you who are looking to make connections. Image: Magnific
Looking for a more general expat community? Try the Leiden Social Meetup group. With over 2,000 members, they organise regular casual hangouts at different locations around town.
If you’re looking for a more female-centred space, Girls Gone International Leiden is a Facebook group that hosts social events and provides a space for women to connect with other international women in the area.
And if you’re a bookworm? The 21st Century Book Club meets monthly to discuss everything from classics to contemporary fiction — perfect if you want stimulating conversation with your coffee.
Whatever your interest, there’s probably a club for it in Leiden. And if there isn’t? Start one yourself.
Whether you’ve decided you want to move to Leiden or are already living there, we hope these tips will help you during your stay. 🤗
Can you think of any other reasons why living in Leiden is a great idea? Let us know in the comments below!
Dutch police have now arrested 34 people from four different countries in connection with the deadly nighttime shooting in Overasselt, in which one man was killed and two police officers were injured.
The victim has now been named to Dutch media as Berry, a 51-year-old security guard from the nearby village of Wijchen.
According to the press release, officers found Berry seriously injured at the scene, but medical assistance was unsuccessful, and he ended up passing away.
Who are the 34 suspects?
As reported by NOS, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) revealed that the suspects include French, Belgian, and Algerian nationals — in addition to a few Dutchmen. Police aren’t ruling out the fact that more arrests may be made.
Videos circulating on social media site X allegedly show footage of the arrests:
Investigators still need to work out the level of involvement each suspect had in the incident, OM prosecutor Monique Vinkesteijn revealed in a press conference. She expects that authorities will have a much clearer picture over the course of the week, once further investigations have been carried out.
For now, a heavy list of charges is being levied against the group, including murder, manslaughter, and attempted manslaughter.
All 34 are currently being held under full restrictions, according to police, and they are only allowed to speak to their lawyers.
Vehicles and weapons were seized
According to police, arrests were made “at multiple locations throughout the country”, including “the A73 just across the provincial border in Limburg, on the A76 near Maastricht, in a cornfield near the Ewijkseweg in Overasselt, and at the Stationsplein in Nijmegen”.
They also confirm that various warning shots were fired during these operations, and multiple weapons, data carriers, and vehicles were seized.
The two injured police officers were the first to arrive on the scene, after a report of gunshots came in during the early hours of Tuesday morning. Other officers tended to them, reports Deputy Police Chief Jolanda Aalbers, “at risk of their own lives”.
Who (or what) was behind it all?
Police and prosecutors are remaining tight-lipped while the investigation is underway. The Public Prosecution Service also declined to comment on rumours linking the violence to fugitive drug lord Bolle Jos.
Citing various inside sources, Het Parool claims that the shooting was a result of a conflict over “hundreds of kilos of cocaine allegedly belonging to the group surrounding the fugitive criminal ‘Bolle Jos’ Leijdekkers”.
This shipment of cocaine, totalling a whopping 812kg, was found in a truck with a Dutch registration and seized at the French-Spanish border last Saturday.
As yet, these claims are still unconfirmed by authorities. What prosecutors have confirmed is that the shooting was part of a long-running conflict, and that the same property was shot at last year.
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While I’m sure to enrage a few Dutchies with this question, I just had to ask. Do Dutch people not know how to throw a proper house party?
Before you come at me with a hooivork (pitchfork), ask yourself: what do you think a house party is?
Is it a raucous event with multiple speakers, tons of people, dancing, and mingling? Or is it 20 people, all sitting around the apartment with a Heineken. And I’m not even talking about the Verjaardagskring (circle of death) at every Dutch birthday party.
Where I grew up (in sunny California), house parties were pretty much the only way to have some good dirty fun before you turned 21. Needless to say, we took these debaucherous events very seriously.
So imagine my surprise when, upon arrival in the Netherlands, I found the efforts…lacking.
To be fair…
Obviously, there are some qualifying factors here. US cities are structured differently: unless you live in New York, you’re much more likely to live in a condo or a shared house than a high-rise apartment complex.
Meanwhile, in Amsterdam (where I reside), people live in apartments or shared dorms. Maybe I’m just hanging with the wrong crowd, but I’ve never been friends with anyone who actually lives in a house.
They may be pretty, but these little apartments don’t scream “party time!” Image: DepositPhotos.com
Plus, Dutch weather doesn’t exactly allow for the best backyard partying.
Nevertheless, some things are just plain different. Here’s what shocks me about Dutch house parties.
Beer or bust
Speaking as quite the beer-lover myself, what is up with the drink choices at Dutch house parties?
It seems variety is not the goal. Crates of Heineken offered by the host are usually complemented with the wildly adventurous (kidding) six-pack of Grolsch brought by each guest.
Back home, the second ‘B’ in BYOB really did stand for beverage, not beer. Different people brought different drinks, which might not have been great in terms of hangovers, but was excellent in terms of fun and flavour.
Seriously, are we expecting everyone to have the exact same tastebuds? Niet lekker, guys.
Music is not the enemy
Another bone I have to pick is with the, shall we say, soundscape of the modern Dutch house party.
While my old days of partying involved a designated dancing corner fueled by smooth sounds and a whole mix of genres, Dutch people do it a bit differently.
When you enter the party, your ears will be graced (or battered) by one of two options:
Either the lonely jbl speaker is tucked away at the far end of the room, quietly puttering away some unrecognisable house track, or it’s on the central table blasting ear-splitting techno so loudly that you can’t understand the person next to you.
How are these the only two options? And don’t get me started on the dancing…
Why is no one dancing?
Here’s a big one: there is a serious lack of dancing at these so-called house parties.
Maybe it’s too frivolous for the serious Dutchies, maybe the beer just isn’t getting them drunk enough, but something seems to be preventing people at Dutch parties from getting down (as the kids say).
Maybe you recognise the vibes here? If you do, I’m sorry. Image: Magnific
In all fairness, this might also be attributable to a lack of space. Though when it comes to dancing, I’m of the opinion that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Are we really just going to sit around in a circle chatting the whole time? Personally, I thought that was reserved for Dutch birthday parties exclusively.
It’s not a crime to dance, jongens (guys).
While I may have just bombarded our tall friends with criticism, allow me to be diplomatic. I could be wrong!
It’s possible that I’ve just been attending all the wrong house parties, or maybe Dutchies outside the Randstad party differently.
If you recognised these signifiers of a disappointing Dutch throwdown, though, you have my condolences.
Do you agree? What do you think of Dutch house parties? Let us know in the comments!
The Dutch are famous for being super tall, which is hard to miss when there are so many towering people around you — they even have something called Klub Lange Mensen, or Tall People’s Club.
Tips and guides about visiting the Netherlands are aplenty: where to go, what to see, and what to eat. But I have yet to see a simple guide to help short people navigate this wonderfully tiny country inhabited by tall people. 📏
It’s a very serious issue that deserves our collective attention, especially my attention since I stand at a towering 5’3” (160cm). On a good day, I’m 5’3″ and 1/4.
According to 2025’s World Population Review, the Netherlands is the world’s tallest nation, with the average height being 184 cm for men and 170 cm for women.
I know the plight of being a short person all too well; therefore, I fancy myself an expert on the subject. So gather ’round, short people, I present to you the short person’s guide to the Netherlands.
Make friends with shorter people
What better way to feel a little less short than making friends with people who you stand level with? You won’t have trouble shaking hands or seeing eye-to-eye, so to speak.
Try joining expat/international hangouts where you’ll surely meet people who come from countries that aren’t as vertically blessed as the Dutch — we short people have to stick together!
Conquer your bike
Make sure you practice climbing those Dutch roadster bikes. For the inexperienced, these bikes roll with large wheels and daunting, tall seats.
But there’s a way to get on that two-wheeler and ride like a pro. The trick is to position the pedal so that you can step on it, lift yourself onto the seat, and start pedalling. 🚲
Buying a kid’s bike (like I did) is always an option — it’s a shame-free zone here!
Give yourself a boost
I noticed during my time in the Netherlands that everything is placed a little higher, which makes sense — like when I realised I couldn’t reach the top shelves in a Dutch kitchen.
So I suggest keeping a step ladder in your home and wearing platform or high-heeled shoes. 👠
Why not give yourself a little height boost with some high heels? Image: DepositPhotos.com
Without these boosts, your legs will probably start to give out after too much standing on your toes to see through the peephole in your door.
I generally did a lot of tiptoeing and jumping up and down, like when I could only see my forehead and the top of my head in the bathroom mirror, until I got an extra one.
On the bright side, my legs certainly got a nice workout.
Exercise those neck muscles
The Dutch are people you can look up to, literally. If you’re going to socialise with the Dutch, whether it be in a relaxed, social setting or the workplace, expect to look up to the skies pretty often.
Those neck muscles are going to get a good workout, so you’d better practice at home. Try it in the mirror; you’ll want to practice doing this with style and elegance.
Constantly looking up as a short person when you’re talking to a tall Dutch person is tiring; massage that neck! Image: DepositPhotos.com
If you still find yourself fumbling with door handles or feel that your legs just can’t take any more tiptoeing, then it’s time to hop on a train and go to Belgium. 😆
Are you a short person living in this land of very, very tall people with tips to add to our guide? Tell us in the comments below!
