Page 15 – DutchReview

What was the VOC? The Dutch East India Company explained

Ailish Lalor

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July 2, 2026

What was the VOC? The Dutch East India Company explained

A lot of the time, it’s not entirely clear what the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) was, what it did, and whether we should be proud or ashamed of it.

The VOC (Dutch East India Company) is crucial to Dutch history. If you’ve lived in the Netherlands for a while, chances are you’ll have heard of it.

Let’s take a deep dive into the world of the VOC. For nearly 200 years, the VOC brought the Netherlands international power and wealth while exploiting local populations, creating colonies, and trading in human beings.

The story of the VOC is complicated, and this is not an exhaustive history of it (if you want that, there are plenty of books to choose from). This article offers a primer on the VOC: a less-than-casual introduction. Enjoy!

How did the VOC begin?

The VOC was established in 1602 to dominate the lucrative spice trade (think nutmeg, cloves, and pepper) with the so-called Spice Islands in what’s now Indonesia.

The Dutch government quickly granted it a 21-year monopoly on trade with Asia, and the company took off from there.

Sounds nice and simple, but the VOC soon became the first conglomerate company: a fancy way of saying they did many different things (like shipbuilding, slave trading, and colonisation) under the same company name.

What was the VOC?

In the early 1600s, the VOC became the first company listed on the stock exchange. Along with its worldwide reach and transnational employees, this is among the reasons the VOC was a forerunner of modern-day multinational corporations.

The VOC had powers that a corporation today would (hopefully) never have: it could wage war, take and execute prisoners, coin money, negotiate treaties, and establish colonies. And so it did.

As much as modern-day corporations like Google and Shell have way too much power, the VOC was on a whole different, scary level.

Where did the VOC operate?

The VOC started operating in India and the Indonesian archipelago. Over the next century, it expanded its operations across Asia, reaching Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Not all of these locations were the sites of permanent settlements or even permanent trading posts, but listing them all here gives us an idea of how massive this company was.

How did such a transnational company work in the age before instant communication? It was, in fact, far more than a company — it was also a war machine.

What was happening in the Netherlands when the VOC was in operation?

The VOC was ostensibly founded after a Dutch ship returned from Southeast Asia filled with very profitable spices in 1596. What was going on in the Netherlands that would have made this massive company worth investing in?

Basically, the Netherlands was under threat. It had just declared its independence from Spain in 1581, forming the Dutch Republic. Quite an ambitious move, considering that the Spanish had the force of half of Europe behind them at the time.

Masthead-of-a-ship-from-the-VOC-fleet-with-a-lion — The VOC was also an instrument of war. Image: Pixabay

Given this vulnerability, you can see the advantages of drawing wealth from outside the tiny Dutch Republic and using it to shore up the newly established country against foreign control (while, of course, controlling other countries — but we’re not talking about morality or even ideological consistency here).

The VOC created the shareholding system (and also global capitalism)

The VOC is considered the first modern multinational company and first made use of many of the features we associate with modern corporations: think shareholders, corporate identity, legal personhood, etc.

This collection of innovations meant that the VOC could mobilise wealth in a way that only monarchies could before, giving it unprecedented power.

The VOC was also innovative when it came to acquiring this wealth. It formed Amsterdam as the financial capital of the contemporary world by allowing the public to invest in the company (rather than in the things the company was doing).

The VOC and war

Of course, a massive company like the VOC attracts attention — and because of its dominance in international trade, that attention was mainly negative.

It got into conflict with the British East India Company for obvious reasons: they were both going for the same thing.

Because of the weird space that the VOC occupied — part company, part state — its trade objectives often aligned with military goals.

For example, in 1667, when the Treaty of Breda was signed, ending the war with Britain, the VOC acquired sole control over the nutmeg trade.

Wars also played a role in the colonisation of different areas. In South Africa, a prolonged, low-level conflict with the local Khoikhoi population eventually resulted in the Khoikhoi society breaking down and expanding European settlements in the area.

There were also three wars between the VOC and the Javanese in Indonesia, and in 1641, the VOC took control of Malacca from the Portuguese.

The VOC and colonisation

One of the problems with the VOC is that people in the Netherlands aren’t sure what it was.

A business? A force for colonisation? A slave-trading enterprise? A force for bureaucracy in the world? The truth is that it was all these things and more.

map-of-the-so-called-dutch-east-indies — The Dutch East Indies were crucial for the VOC. Image: Hariboneagle927/Wikimedia Commons/CC0 1.0

The Dutch East Indies: what did the VOC do?

Colonisation in the Dutch East Indies is an intriguing topic because when you boil it down, “true” colonisation of the area only began once the VOC failed financially and was nationalised in an attempt to save it.

Territories that had belonged to the VOC became part of the Dutch Republic’s territory — but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t consider the colonisation that was taking place before the nationalisation process.

For example, the VOC grew cash crops in Jakarta in the early seventeenth century (then known as Batavia by the Dutch).

This was a clear move from trading spices to growing crops. That way, they could also profit from land that was not theirs. The VOC also took over the surrounding territory to safeguard these crops, increasing their power in the area.

voc-ship-in-amsterdam — A few replicas of VOC ships remain on display in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos

By the late seventeenth century, the VOC had become deeply embroiled in the internal politics of Jakarta, despite their initial intentions not to get involved in domestic affairs.

They encouraged divisions between the different kingdoms in the Indonesian archipelago (again, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the phrase ‘divide and conquer’ before) and took part in two wars against the kings of Mataram and Banten.

After the VOC collapsed in 1800, the trading posts and colonies in the Indonesian archipelago became nationalised as the Dutch East Indies.

How the VOC colonised South Africa

In the Cape, colonisation took place over almost two centuries.

First, Dutch settlers in South Africa were outnumbered by the local Khoikhoi population — for context, there were 200 Europeans and about 20,000 Khoikhoi. So the Khoikhoi initially didn’t have much of a problem with that.

The Cape acted much more as a trading hub than a colony. Slowly, though, the VOC’s plans for expansion became apparent: their transportation of slaves to the colony was just one symptom of their plans to settle a large colony of Europeans there.

In the 1660s, conflicts broke out between the Khoikhoi and the Dutch, and the Dutch burghers expanded their farms outwards. But in 1713, 90% of the Khoikhoi were killed by smallpox.

Map of South-Africa-when-the-VOC-controlled-the-Cape — The VOC controlled the Cape. Image: Htonl/Wikimedia Commons/GFDL

By the end of the eighteenth century, Khoikhoi society had disintegrated, and 20,000 Europeans were living in the Cape. In 1795, the British ceded the territory when Napoleon invaded the Netherlands during the Napoleonic Wars.

In 1795, French troops invaded the Dutch Republic. Fearing the Cape would fall into French hands, Britain invaded and seized it from the VOC, holding it until 1803, when it was briefly handed back to the Dutch.

However, that peace didn’t last long. Britain retook the Cape for good in 1806, and formally received sovereignty over it in 1814.

It remained a British colony until 1910, when it became part of the Union of South Africa — which only gained full independence in 1931.

The VOC and slavery

The VOC also took part in slavery and slave trading during its nearly two hundred years of activity. It exploited workers in the East Indies, sometimes engaging in slavery from its inception. However, its use of slaves picked up when it took control of the Cape in South Africa.

After realising that the backbreaking work of settling would need to be done by slaves, the VOC deliberated over enslaving the local Khoikhoi population, even though it vastly outnumbered them.

When they determined that if they annoyed this group, they could easily be kicked out, they decided instead to import slaves from Mauritius and the Dutch East Indies.

VOC slavery in the Cape

For much of the seventeenth century, the number of slaves in the Cape remained low — about one thousand at a time. Slaves were mostly taken from Ceylon, Madagascar and Malaya.

Because the population was mostly male, it was constantly renewed with new slaves. In the eighteenth century, this number jumped to about 17,000 as the international slave trade increased.

Most of the slaves in the Cape came from either East Africa or the VOC’s territories in the Dutch East Indies.

VOC slavery in the Dutch East Indies

Slavery was also part of how the VOC operated in the Dutch East Indies, but the story there is more complicated.

In their operations in South Africa, the VOC specifically transported slaves from other regions to exploit while building their colony. The VOC mainly used local slaves or slaves from the area in Asia.

On top of that, some of these slaves would have already been enslaved by their local community.

But the presence of the VOC heightened the demand for slave labour, so just because slave labour was part of life in some Asian countries before their existence, the VOC is not absolved of guilt.

How the Dutch East India Company ended

Given that the VOC was so big, you would imagine that its end would have been quite catastrophic to the status of the Netherlands worldwide.

You might also wonder what happened to this company to make it collapse in 1800 — after all, controlling a lot of the spice trade gives a company a fairly hefty advantage.

Infographic-showing-the-wealth-of-the-VOC-compared-to-modern-companies — The VOC’s wealth (adjusted for inflation) was enormous. Image: Visual Capitalist/Visual Capitalist

Commercial problems in the VOC

There were many problems with the VOC’s operation in Asia — some of which did work in its favour in the beginning. However, as time progressed into the eighteenth century, cracks began to show in the VOC’s commercial prowess.

One problem was that it brought all the goods it traded between Asia and Europe first to its trading posts in Asia to be sorted or stored.

This was an advantage for the VOC at the beginning of its trading journey because it had a better understanding of Asia commercially in a centralised place than its competitors did.

However, it also meant that other companies were making faster journeys and providing fresher goods. For example, the British East India Company would trade directly between Europe and, for example, China.

The Dutch East India Company staff

Another problem was its staff. The VOC was, frankly, a terrible employer. Like many modern-day multinational companies, it offered low wages.

Not only that, but it also forbade its staff from engaging in private trading, meaning they had no opportunity to increase their wages legally.

Of course, many of them did: the VOC suffered huge amounts of corruption among its employees, mostly because making the journey to Asia wouldn’t have been financially worth it for them without this extra income.

The financial bounty had to be good because we’re talking about a fairly dangerous time for travelling the world. War, illnesses, malnutrition, and some nice venereal diseases killed plenty of VOC staff.

The VOC did not understand maths

Finally, there was a mathematical problem: the VOC paid its shareholders dividends over the profits they made from 1730 onwards.

Let’s say that again: the VOC decided to pay its shareholders more than it made. We are not businesspeople, but this is unequivocally a bad idea.

What this meant in practice was that the VOC did not have enough liquidity to finance its operations for the last seventy years it was active — it relied on short-term loans to do so. Eventually, things would have to change.

The VOC and war

And they did, but not in the way the VOC might have hoped. In 1780, the fourth Anglo-Dutch War began, and half of the VOC’s fleet was destroyed.

The war weakened the VOC’s control of the Asian trading posts. The VOC was a complete financial mess after the war. As was the Dutch Republic, which didn’t exist for almost thirty years after the Anglo-Dutch War ended.

From 1799, the VOC’s contract was not renewed, and it ceased to exist. After the Congress of Vienna in 1814, some of the Netherlands’ territories in Asia were returned to it, and these became colonies of the Netherlands.

Reception in Dutch society now

The VOC was a huge part of how the Dutch Republic functioned for almost two hundred years. Today, it affects the national image of the Netherlands, what we have in our museums, and what lines the national coffers.

The “VOC mentality”

As we move into an era where colonialism is (thankfully) viewed as a negative thing, the image of the VOC in the Netherlands has become complicated and fraught with conflict. In 2006, the then-prime minister Jan Pieter Balkenende coined the term “VOC mentality” in a speech about Dutch commercial thinking and innovation.

Many people were offended by this association of the VOC with purely positive characteristics, without acknowledging the harm it caused over its two centuries of operation.

Dutch colonialism in society

In general, the Netherlands’ colonial history has received much attention over the last decade.

From the annual Zwarte Piet debates to the Mauritshuis’ decision to take down its colonial founder’s bust, the country is (very) slowly coming to terms with its past.

Museums have begun returning stolen objects to their countries of origin.

Universities have started the complicated process of decolonising their curricula, and the Amsterdam Museum has decided to drop the phrase “Golden Age” from its permanent exhibition texts. The relatives of colonial victims in Indonesia have been heard in court.

In December 2022, then-Prime Minister Mark Rutte formally apologised on behalf of the Dutch state for its historical role in slavery.

Then, on 1 July 2023 — Keti Koti, the day marking the abolition of slavery in the Dutch colonies — King Willem-Alexander went further, personally apologising as head of the House of Orange-Nassau.

The Dutch Golden Age: fool’s gold

Part of the reason this reckoning is taking so long is that for a lot of Dutch people, the VOC’s trading prowess coincided with, and in part caused, the “Golden Age” of the Dutch Republic to occur.

This was a time when a very small country held superpower status over much of the world and fended off its much larger and better-equipped enemies in Spain by controlling other parts of the world.

And in a world where global power is still glamorised and coveted, it is understandable (though not excusable) that many people want to hold on to the memory of the VOC nostalgically.

List for further reading

Dutch Colonialism, Migration and Cultural Heritage – Gert Oostindie
Dutch South Africa: Early Settlers at the Cape – John Hunt
Four hundred years on: the public commemoration of the founding of the VOC in 2022 – Leonard Blussé
The VOC and the exchange – Henk den Heijer et al.
Batavia: Een koloniale samenleving in de 17de eeuw – Hendrik Niemeijer

What did you already know about the VOC? Let us know in the comments below!

Urban exploring in the Netherlands: the ultimate urbex guide in 2026

Art
Culture

Vlad Moca-Grama

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July 2, 2026

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Urban exploring in the Netherlands: the ultimate urbex guide in 2026

Urban exploration, shortened to urbex, means going around your city and finding places to explore that are way off the beaten path, usually only known by locals.

Industrial sites, abandoned buildings, old tunnels — you name it.

Urban exploration will bring you as much as your curiosity allows you, so bring a flashlight, a camera, and a buddy, and get out there to explore!

What is urban exploration exactly?

Truth be told, we don’t know exactly when urban exploration began. Curious people must have been exploring the unexplored for a long time.

Photo-of-disused-service-tunne;l — Looks inviting! Image: Andriusa/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

However, urban exploring as we know it today started with the advent of the World Wide Web. With like-minded people finding it easier to connect through the internet, an online subculture dedicated to urban exploration emerged.

Initially as obscure as the very places urban explorers went to, urbex has now become more mainstream, with plenty of blogs dedicated to this hobby.

The basics of urban exploring in the Netherlands

The thing about urban exploring is that you’re not really sightseeing the most famous locales in a city. Quite the opposite — you’re out to find the most hidden places you could go to.

Especially when it comes to going urban exploring in abandoned buildings, there are some norms you should keep in mind.

An often-used quote describing what your aim is when going out to explore is to “take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.” 👣

Abandoned places bring all sorts of visitors. From homeless people to teenagers out to vandalise the walls, you’ll find remnants of past visitors in the buildings.

That’s why it’s important to bring a friend with you, in case something goes wrong. You are, after all, entering places that are not exactly structurally sound, so caution needs to be exercised when exploring.

Depending on where you’re going, you might need to consider bringing a mask as well. Especially if you’re exploring disused tunnels or any underground location, you’ll run into mould and a lot of dust, so it’s best to protect your lungs from them.

Is it legal to go urban exploring in the Netherlands?

Well, technically, not. While urban exploring, you are also more than likely trespassing on private property. In all honesty, that is also part of the thrill of urban exploring.

Now, the chances of you getting caught or fined really depend on what you’re (urban) exploring.

Going to explore a tiny cabin in a rural area? Chances are that no one will be bothered by it. Going into an abandoned military base? You might run into some guards.

photo-of-tunnel-in-netherlands-with-graffiti — Graffiti and tight corridors, a typical experience while urban exploring. Image: Adam J.W.C/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Intention also matters. If a guard runs into you and your buddy and you both have a camera around your necks, it will be quite obvious that you’re just out there to explore and take photos, nothing else.

Now, the best way to make sure you’re not screwing something up is to make sure that you are not breaking and entering. So if you find a locked door, try not to force it open. If the door or entrance is wide open, you can allow yourself inside.

Alternatively, if you want to explore a place and it’s locked, you can go the legal way by requesting permission from the local municipality to go inside for the purpose of documenting the site.

They should be more than happy to help if you set your intentions clearly.

Another thing to consider is that not all urban exploring needs to be in abandoned places.

Urban exploring can also be done legally, in places that were abandoned for some time and since repurposed, or generally in areas that are away from the shiny touristic attractions.

Let op! Don’t vandalise anything. That will make your exploration case harder to explain to the guard. 👮🏻‍♂️

Urban exploration in the Netherlands

The issue about urbex in the Netherlands is that the Dutch are known for their efficient usage of space. This means that places don’t stay abandoned for long, especially in urban areas.

You can find a lot of locations online in the Netherlands which have since been refurbished or demolished.

And even if they are abandoned, going inside usually means you are breaking and entering. The Dutch are notorious rule-followers, which means you’ll get fined for trespassing, no matter your intentions.

Still, that doesn’t mean you should give up. In the urbex subculture, it’s encouraged to find your own location to explore. The more people know of a location, the more explored it is, which makes it less of an authentic experience.

But remember: there’s nothing wrong with using the internet as a starting point for potential locations.

Places to urban explore in the Netherlands

Most locations in the Netherlands can usually be found on the outskirts of cities or in harbours, usually in the form of abandoned factories. There are also several locations in the east of the Netherlands, which is abundant with abandoned places.

Urban exploring at Radio Kootwijk

An iconic urban exploring site in the Netherlands is Radio Kootwijk. Built in 1918 as a radio transmitter, it connected the Netherlands to its colonies.

It was captured by Nazi Germany during World War II and used to communicate with submarines until the end of the war.

radio-kootwijk-tower-in-apeldoorn-on-a-sunny-day — The radio transmitter was designed by Dutch architect Julius Maria Luthmann. Image: Depositphotos

Throughout the rest of the 20th Century, the Radio lost its importance and shut down, with some of its buildings being demolished. However, its iconic Station A remains, and the park around it can be visited.

Station A can also be rented for events, which isn’t very urban exploring-like, but we’ll take what we can get in the Netherlands!

Bunkers and World War II in the Netherlands

One of the biggest urban exploration places in the Netherlands is the Atlantic Wall.

Built by the Nazis during World War II, it was composed of a series of bunkers and fortifications along the west coast of continental Europe, which were meant to fend off an Allied invasion (which didn’t exactly work).

Atlantic-wall-bunker-museum-urban-exploring-netherlands — The Atlantic Wall Museum in the Hoek van Holland. Image: Frans Berkelaar/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

The bunkers are still there to this day. One of the best spots to see them is in the dunes next to Scheveningen, where they are lined up in the dunes facing the sea.

The Hague itself has plenty of bunkers throughout the city in all sorts of unexpected locations, such as in public parks like Clingendael.

If you want to do things the legal way, head to the Atlantic Wall Museum in Hoek van Holland, or time your visit for the annual Bunker Day (Bunkerdag), when dozens of bunkers along the Dutch coast throw open their doors for the public.

It’s usually held on a Saturday in late May — tickets are sold on-site as a wristband, so bring cash just in case.

Industrial decay and urban exploring at NDSM

Finally, for the industrial fans amongst you, consider visiting the NDSM in Amsterdam. While it’s not abandoned and it is quite well-known, it’s still a great urban exploration site.

NDSM-warehouse-in-amsterdam-noord-on-a-sunny-day — There’s more than what meets the eye. Image: Ceescamel/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Situated in an old shipyard on the IJssel River in Amsterdam, the spot has since become a creative hub.

Nevertheless, it’s certain to scratch your urban exploration itch with plenty of graffiti, rusting industrial architecture, and overall decay.

What are your favourite places to go urban exploring here in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!

Dutch Quirk #43: Hang a birthday calendar in their bathrooms

Ultimate List of Dutch Quirks

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸

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July 1, 2026

2

Dutch Quirk #43: Hang a birthday calendar in their bathrooms

You read that right. It’s the mighty verjaardagskalendar: a calendar that holds birthday reminders and party possibilities, and Dutchies casually keep it in the bathroom.

There are three important things to remember before we embark on this exploratory journey together.

The Dutch don’t mess, miss, or disappoint when it comes to planning and birthdays.

What is it?

If you walk into a Dutch person’s bathroom, chances are you’re going to notice some sort of calendar on the back of their bathroom door or hanging from the cold, shivering tiles.

This Dutch quirk can be found in the form of an old 2007 calendar being reused in modern times.

Alternatively, it can be a monthly formatting which allows for penny-savers to (theoretically 👀) hold on to their dear calendars and use them forever. Very Dutch.

An invention that was brought to you before e-calendars and phone reminders, this mechanism is basically how many Dutch people keep track of whose birthday is coming up while doing toilet-related activities.

photo-of-a-woman-filling-out-her-agenda — No need to check your diary — just look at your bathroom calendar. Image: Depositphotos

One important rule about the calendar: it can only be altered by its owner.

As a guest, you get viewing privileges, but never add your own birthday to the calendar. It’s a social faux pas — you must earn your place on there.

Why do they like it?

It’s certainly a useful reminder of birthdays, that’s for starters.

The location (within arm’s reach of a comfortable and very popular seat) is convenient as well — entertainment or reading material is often needed to kill time.

It’s also a good way to elevate, rank, and take relationships to the next level.

After all, you know you’re truly accepted by the Dutch once your b-day is noted (in pen, not pencil) within that shabby, questionable thing.

Why is it quirky?

It’s a toilet birthday calendar. The quirky part is in the setting, not the sentiment.

Would it be quirky if it were a kitchen birthday calendar? No, and that’s my whole point.

A-woman-sitting-on-toilet — You’ll casually have a birthday calendar behind you while you use the toilet! Image: Freepik

Back to the sentiment, however, it really reflects a soft side of the Dutch that I didn’t think existed.

Think about it: they care about you well enough to ask for your birthday, carry it in their mind, go to the bathroom, and notate it by hand on a tiny piece of paper that will exist forever!

Should you join in?

It’s a truly high item on the integration list, but we can help you decide.

Ask yourself this: are you willing to make a commitment to maintain and uphold a toilet calendar as efficiently and responsibly as the Dutch do?

Follow-up question: Is your phone broken, and are you tired of reading the back of shampoo bottles?

If your answer was yes to the last two questions, then we highly recommend getting a verjaardagskalendar.

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

Working from home in the Netherlands? Here’s how to upgrade your home office with Desktronic

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰

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July 1, 2026

0

Working from home in the Netherlands? Here’s how to upgrade your home office with Desktronic

If you’re spending WFH days hunched over a cramped, rickety desk, it might be time to invest in a proper home office setup — and Desktronic has everything you need to make it happen.

Whether you’re a kennismigrant on a hybrid contract or a ZZP’er (freelancer) running your own show, the odds are good that your home is also your office. Which raises one uncomfortable question: Is your home office setup actually working for you?

If your answer involves a stiff IKEA chair, a laptop balanced precariously on a pile of books, and a tangle of cables that looks like overboiled spaghetti, read on.

Why your home office setup matters more than you think

There’s an important reason why Dutch employers are legally obligated to contribute to home office costs; a decent workspace affects how well and for how long you can work.

Poor posture from an unsupportive chair often leads to back and neck pain, while a desk at the wrong height can cause shoulder strain. And irrespective of how much coffee you drink, fatigue sets in faster when your environment isn’t set up to support you.

dutch-freelancer-working-from-home-splayed-out-on-the-couch-with-some-coffee — While working from the couch might sound like a dream, it’s absolute murder on your back. Image: Magnific

And in a country where remote work is common and productivity is taken seriously, none of that is ideal.

The good news is that you don’t need a dedicated home office room; a corner of your living room or bedroom can do the job perfectly well, provided you have the right furniture.

🛍️ Want to get even more off your order? Use code DUTCHREVIEW25 at checkout and get a discount on your Desktronic products.

Meet Desktronic: your home office (but better)

Desktronic is a European brand specialising in home and professional office furniture.

It’s the grown-up, higher-quality version of those IKEA home office pieces we’ve all subjected ourselves to. Think height-adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and accessories that help your workplace stay organised.

They ship across the Netherlands, so whether you’re in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, or some village with a gezellige view of cows and fields, getting kitted out is refreshingly straightforward.

If you’ve been quietly jealous of your colleague’s home office background on those weekly Zoom meetings, now’s your time to shine.

What are some must-haves for your Dutch home office?

Needless to say, not all home office upgrades are created equal.

Here are the three that make the biggest difference in your comfort and productivity, and how Desktronic offers some solid upgrades.

A height-adjustable desk

In recent years, zit-sta bureaus (also known as sit-stand desks) have gone from an office luxury to an everyday essential, and for good reason.

Being able to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day reduces the physical strain of long working hours, improves circulation, and helps you stay alert during that post-lunch slump we all know too well.

desktronic-sit-stand-desk-with-button-to-adjust-height-with-monitor-on-desk-dutch-home-office — *Whether you prefer sitting during meetings, standing, or a bit of both, zit-sta bureaus allow you to adjust your desk to a comfortable height.* Image: Desktronic

Desktronic’s range of zit-sta bureaus includes motorised options that adjust at the touch of a button, so you needn’t be a tech whiz to operate them.

And, rest assured, if you live with flatmates or noise-sensitive neighbours, these desks move smoothly and quietly.

Check out Desktronic’s sit-stand desks

A supportive, ergonomic chair

A low desk is bad enough, but an uncomfortable chair is the real silent saboteur of remote work.

Most of the time, you won’t even notice the impact until your neck and back start aching — usually at an inconvenient time, such as just before a deadline or during a long video call with your boss.

A great alternative is ergonomische bureaustoelen (also known as ergonomic office chairs), which are typically designed to support the natural curvature of your spine.

two-freelancers-in-the-netherlands-using-desktronic-ergonomic-chairs-in-their-home-office-setup — Ergonomic chairs come with lumbar support, you can wave “doei” to back pain. Image: Desktronic

In addition to reducing pressure on your lower back, they also keep you comfortable throughout long work sessions.

Desktronic’s ergonomic chair range offers adjustable lumbar support, seat height, and armrests, so the chair adapts to your body (rather than your body adapting painfully to the chair).

Check out Desktronic’s ergonomic office chairs

A sturdy monitor stand

Have you ever ended a workday with a painful, stiff neck? Chances are, your monitor’s sitting too low, forcing you to hunch over for hours on end.

Thankfully, the fix is refreshingly simple. Investing in a monitor stand or monitorstandaard lifts your screen to eye level, so you can keep your head up and your spine happy.

desktronic-monitor-stand-to-optimise-dutch-home-office-setup — Adjust your screen to a comfortable height — your neck will thank you! Image: Desktronic

Beyond the ergonomic perks, raising your monitor also frees up valuable desk space underneath, so your hands needn’t be cramped while typing on your keyboard.

Desktronic’s monitor stands are built for stability, so they can comfortably support either a single screen or a dual-monitor setup. Best of all, assembly takes around five minutes with the included tools — no engineering degree required.

Check out Desktronic’s monitor stands

Proper cable management tools

While this may not be the most glamorous upgrade, loose cables can be a tripping hazard, and damaged wires may spark a fire.

In other words, proper cable management can keep your home and belongings safe, in addition to ensuring your home office setup looks aesthetically pleasing.

dutch-home-office-setup-with-laptop-sitting-on-sit-stand-desk-with-cable-organiser — Who wants to trip over a messy cable setup? Not us, that’s for sure! Image: Desktronic

Desktronic offers a solid selection of cable management accessories, such as under-desk trays, cable clips, and even routing solutions to keep everything tidy without requiring you to become an amateur electrician.

Check out Desktronic’s cable management tools

Is Desktronic worth it?

For most remote workers in the Netherlands, especially those making do with cheap and rickety furniture, the honest answer is yes.

Desktronic’s models slide quite nicely in a niche between budget options and the more expensive office fit-out brands, which is ideal if you want quality products without your wallet weeping.

As mentioned earlier, delivery is available across the Netherlands, and clear instructions make assembly manageable (even if you aren’t particularly handy with tools). Customer support is also available in English, which is a major plus if you’d rather not navigate the process in Dutch.

And with a product range that covers the full setup, from a desk to chair and accessories, you can put together a workspace without sourcing from half a dozen different places.

While it’s easy to lean into “why bother?”, if you’re spending thirty-plus hours a week at your home desk, the cost of a proper setup tends to justify itself quickly.

What are your tips for building a comfortable and productive home office? Share your advice in the comments below.

These major changes are rolling out across the Netherlands from July 1, 2026

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰

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July 1, 2026

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From Wednesday, July 1, cold calls get banned, banks gain new powers to freeze suspicious payments, and new cars start watching your eyes on the road.

Here’s everything you need to know.

In a hurry? Skip ahead

Dutch banks can now freeze suspicious payments for up to five days

The Financial Intelligence Unit Netherlands (FIU-Nederland) can now order banks, payment providers, and crypto platforms to pause suspicious transactions.

As confirmed by FIU-Nederland, the hold can last up to five working days — or ten if a foreign FIU made the request. Your bank will notify you if your transaction has been suspended.

This change is meant to stop suspected criminal money from moving before investigators can act, so it won’t affect your everyday transfers.

woman-holding-dutch-bank-card-making-daily-transaction — Generally, your regular Dutch transactions won’t be flagged, so don’t stress! Image: Magnific

However, if you’re moving unusually large sums, it’s worth knowing that your payments can now legally be delayed while they’re checked.

No more surprise sales calls, even from your own providers

In the Netherlands, companies have needed your consent to cold call you since 2021. However, there was always a loophole: if you were a current or former customer, they could ring anyway.

From July 1, the Dutch government is closing that loophole entirely. Companies can only call potential or existing customers if they have explicitly been given consent, and consumers are legally granted extra time (3 working days) for door-to-door and street sales.

This new change covers your energy supplier, telecom provider, and even your insurer trying to sell you an upgrade out of nowhere.

That being said, there are a few exceptions. Charities, lotteries that donate to good causes, and newspaper or magazine publishers can still make surprise calls to existing customers.

You’ll get a payment reminder before your traffic fine grows

The Centraal Justitieel Incassobureau (CJIB or the Central Judicial Collection Agency) is piloting a free payment reminder for traffic fines from July 1. Anyone with an unpaid fine gets a nudge before the first automatic increase kicks in.

Stricter training rules for childminders

If you use a gastouder (a childminder who looks after a small group of children, often in their own home) or are thinking of becoming one, the rules just got tighter.

New childminders starting after July 1 must complete a course that includes a pedagogical module, according to the Dutch government.

babysitter-in-the-netherlands-taking-care-of-little-girl-in-living-room — With extra training for childminders, your little ones will be in exceptionally good hands. Image: Depositphotos

Every childminder also now needs a backup carer who can step in within 15 minutes in an emergency, even if they only look after one child.

However, the changes don’t apply retroactively. Childminders already registered before July 1 can carry on as before.

Greater safety monitoring for new cars

New cars sold in the EU must now be fitted with a camera-based system that tracks whether the driver’s eyes are on the road, thanks to a new EU safety regulation.

Dubbed the Advanced Driver Distraction Warning, or ADDW, this system beeps if your gaze drifts away from the road for too long.

Technically, this rule kicks in from July 7 onwards, as EU deadlines rarely line up neatly with Dutch ones. In addition to this, it only applies to new vehicles, so any vehicles already on the road or bought secondhand are unaffected.

Expect exhaust checks for diesel, LPG, or hydrogen vehicles

Police can now check whether the exhaust system on diesel, LPG, and hydrogen vehicles is working properly, and whether AdBlue (a fluid that cuts harmful emissions) has been topped up correctly.

As confirmed by the Dutch government, the rule covers trucks, cars, buses, and both light and medium vans. Drive with a broken or bypassed system, and you’ll now risk a fine.

Trucks now pay by the kilometre on Dutch roads

Owners of trucks over 3,500 kilograms will start paying a per-kilometre charge on motorways and some provincial roads under the new vrachtwagenheffing (truck toll).

Why? Well, cleaner, lighter trucks pay less per kilometre than older, heavier ones, states the Dutch government.

To offset the new charge, road tax disappears entirely for trucks under 12,000 kilograms and drops sharply for heavier ones. Much of what the toll raises goes back into subsidies for electric and hydrogen trucks.

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Keti Koti: the most significant Dutch holiday you’ve probably never heard of

Chuka Nwanazia

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July 1, 2026

8

July 1 is a special day in Suriname every year. Tens of thousands of people in Suriname and the Netherlands celebrate Keti Koti on this day. But what exactly is the holiday?

While many Dutch people are unfamiliar with Keti Koti, it is an important holiday for the Surinamese and Antilleans.

It commemorates the abolition of slavery in Dutch America and the West Indies in 1863, making the Netherlands one of the last European countries to abolish slavery and the slave trade.

So, what exactly is Keti Koti? Well, here is everything you need to know about this day of emancipation and the celebrations that come with it.

What is Keti Koti?

The term Keti Koti (also written as Keti-Koti or ketikoti) comes from the Surinamese language Sranantongo (a Creole language). When translated, it literally means “broken chains.”

As some may know, the Netherlands was a major player in the transatlantic slave trade. Much of the country’s wealth, growth, and development came from the enormous profits generated by the slave trade.

This included procuring, transporting, and selling human beings as commodities, mainly for free, inhumane, and hard labour.

Where do you celebrate it?

Keti Koti is a day of dancing and pure merriment in Suriname, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. Dressed in beautiful traditional costumes, Surinamese and Antillean folks dance, sing, eat, and drink.

Yet they also take this day to reflect. In Suriname, the women wear a beautifully coloured traditional dress (kotomisi) and headscarf (angisa).

During slavery, enslaved women used these as a way of communicating. The way a woman folded her angisa let other enslaved women know how they were feeling or if they were looking for a lover.

Keti Koti is celebrated every year on July 1 in Suriname, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. A regular feature is a parade (Bigi Spikri) in traditional costumes.

“Bigi Spikri” is a Surinamese term that literally means “Big Mirror”. During the annual festive parade in Suriname, folks dress up and walk along the shop windows in Paramaribo.

The shop windows serve as large mirrors, which they use to admire themselves. This tradition of dressing in authentic cultural costumes has made its way to the Netherlands.

Since 2009, Keti Koti festivities have seen a colourful Bigi Spikri parade in Amsterdam. Since 2002, several other cities in the Netherlands have adopted the celebrations, but it’s still yet to be declared a national holiday by the Dutch government.

The most famous commemorative ceremony occurs in the Oosterpark in Amsterdam, where the National Slavery Monument is located.

Keti Koti celebrates the freedom of victims of slavery in Suriname and the Dutch Antilles, but it also holds important symbolic significance. Image: Chuka Nwanazia/Supplied

The Mayor of Amsterdam and other national and foreign representatives are often present. After this formal ceremony, the full Keti Koti Festival officially starts (at the same location).

During the festival, various performances and lectures take place on stages set up by the organisers. The festival is free to enter, and the commemoration is broadcast live on national television (NPO).

In Curaçao, they commemorate Emancipation Day on August 17. The day that a great slave revolt broke out in 1795. This day is called the “Dia di lucha pa libertat” (“Day of the Struggle for Freedom”), a national holiday in Curaçao.

This year the festival will be celebrated in Museumplein from 13 to 23.

The history behind the festival

Slavery in the Dutch Atlantic world had five distinct themes: the early colonies of Brazil and Nieuw Nederland; the West African forts; the plantation colonies on the Wild Coast (Suriname, Essequibo, Berbice, and Demerara); in the West Indies on the islands of Curaçao, St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Saba, St. Maarten, and Aruba; the Dutch participation in the transatlantic slave trade.

In the 19th century, abolitionism became increasingly popular. At this point, King William I was forced to issue a ban on the transatlantic slave trade via Dutch ships in 1814 by Royal Decree. However, this did not completely end the practice.

The abolition of slavery went through several phases in the Netherlands. This started with the directly administered territories of the Dutch East Indies on January 1, 1860.

This was the year the so-called Act establishing the Regulations on the policy of the government of the Dutch East Indies was introduced.

A few years later, the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles followed. On July 1, 1863, the “Laws for the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles” (better known as the Emancipation Law) outlawed slavery.

The law was passed as early as 1862 but was enacted on July 1 of the following year.

In the early morning of that day, 21 cannons were fired from Fort Zeelandia in Paramaribo to celebrate the abolition of slavery. Finally, in an official capacity, the chains of slavery in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles were broken, and enslaved people became free people.

Freedom? By name alone

In Suriname, about 33,000 enslaved people and about 12,000 in the former Netherlands Antilles were freed. However, said freedom was relative. Enslaved people in Suriname didn’t taste full freedom until 1873.

Before this, there was a mandatory 10-year transition period where they worked on plantations for minimal pay and with state-sanctioned force.

If they stepped outside the plantation grounds without a pass, they could be jailed. Enslavers were also compensated for their “losses.”

In Suriname, they received 300 guilders per enslaved person and in Curaçao, Bonaire, Aruba, and St. Eustatius, the compensation varied from 150 to 250 guilders.

While (former) slave traders and plantation owners received compensation for the loss of “free labour,” freedom didn’t mean sunshine and roses for the formerly enslaved people. Many continued working as essentially “poorly paid slaves” for their former masters and were often forced to sign exploitative contracts.

Many newly freed people signed contracts without knowing exactly what they signed because they never learned to read or write.

Still, many others had broken their chains and could finally live their own lives, even if it meant limited opportunities in a “white man’s world.”

The famous Kwakoe statue in Paramaribo. Image: Mark Ahsmann/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Keti Koti doesn’t just celebrate breaking the chains of these formerly enslaved people; it also sheds light on their stories, experiences, and lives after emancipation. A century after the legal abolition of slavery, locals unveiled a statue depicting a formerly enslaved person who had broken his chains in Paramaribo.

Like many others, this statue would come to mean so much to the Keti Koti celebrations in Suriname and other parts of the world.

Why do few Dutch people know about Keti Koti?

A possible answer to this question is that the Netherlands doesn’t like to be reminded of her atrocities. Here’s something to think about: the Dutch often point out how they were “victims” in history.

A prime example is the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during WWII. Another example is the MH17 Malaysia Airlines Flight, shot down on July 17, 2014, over eastern Ukraine while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

Investigations revealed that three Russians and one Ukrainian were responsible for downing the jetliner. Of course, the Netherlands has every right to call for those responsible to face the music.

There have also been calls from the Dutch government on Russia to hand over the perpetrators to face justice and to apologise to the Netherlands and the victims’ families.

The festival also brings awareness to the Dutch’s involvement in the slave trade. Image: Chuka Nwanazia/Supplied

Wider Dutch society shows little to no interest in its involvement in slavery. Until the turn of the century, slavery was seen as something the USA did, not as a Dutch phenomenon.

Entire generations have grown up without learning anything about it because much of it isn’t covered in Dutch schools. As a result, very few white Dutch people know that slavery was at the crux of much of the wealth they gained from centuries of trade, exploitation, rape, and murder.

However, in recent years, the history of the Netherlands’ relationship with slavery has become an increasingly important point of discussion in the media, politics, and even in schools.

The Surinamese community in the Netherlands has asked the Dutch government to apologise for the Dutch slave trade for years officially.

Finally, at the end of 2022, Mark Rutte officially apologised for the Netherlands’ role in the slave trade.

The same Surinamese and other black communities in the Netherlands have long called for slavery to be mentioned in the Dutch history books and taught in schools. Currently, the Netherlands has done very little to that effect.

How has Keti Koti developed in the Netherlands in recent decades?

The Dutch government largely ignored Keti Koti throughout the 20th century, making it a quiet affair. This was because many Dutch people just weren’t interested.

In the 80s and 90s, it was mainly celebrated in Surinamese circles, but as times change, these circles are growing and becoming more diverse.

Keti Koti offers many activities and attractions for those who attend. Image: Chuka Nwanazia/Supplied

An important moment was the unveiling of the National Slavery Monument in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark in 2002. Rotterdam and Middelburg erected their own monuments in commemoration, and since then, Keti Koti has been celebrated in cities such as Deventer, Utrecht, and Berg en Dal.

Over the past ten years, a new generation of energetic and vocal young black people has emerged, devoting a lot of time and energy to making Keti Koti more popular.

Social media has also greatly helped their efforts. As the fight against Zwarte Piet and systemic racism continues to gain momentum in the Netherlands and abroad, the significance and popularity of Keti Koti also continue to grow.

How does the Dutch government view Keti Koti?

Some say that things may slowly be changing. The murder of the African-American George Floyd in 2020 by police officers in the US triggered worldwide protests against racism and police brutality.

These protests also found their way to the Netherlands, with people demonstrating against systemic racism. Protesters defaced several colonial-era statues and monuments.

It’s a day of remembrance and celebration. Image: Chuka Nwanazia/Supplied

In light of the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 and wider discussions about racism, it has become clear to many people in this country that the Dutch colonists were not just spice traders and explorers.

They committed all sorts of atrocities while also writing the history of slavery — the same history that has created a distorted picture of what they did.

It’s also important to note that the cultural sector in the Netherlands is predominantly white. For black history and art to be shown (which doesn’t just entertain but educates people), these cultural spaces must become more diverse and inclusive.

A lot of work has to be done for inclusion and diversity in the cultural and other sectors.

The first step is to have more non-white politicians in politics and the halls of power. A more inclusive and diverse parliament ensures that different perspectives are considered.

It is crucial that all communities in this country are equally considered when it comes to housing, poverty alleviation, education, business, the cultural sector, etc.,. A more inclusive and diverse parliament ensures that the voices of marginalised groups are also heard and taken seriously.

An important festival, whether you celebrate it or not

Some Surinamese and Caribbean people in the Netherlands don’t celebrate Keti Koti. They don’t consider it a festivity.

“How can you celebrate getting back something that should never have been taken from you in the first place?” they ask. They would rather have a memorial in self-reflection and silence, like May 4 in the Netherlands.

Suriname-women-and-children-celebrating-Keti-Koti-festival-in-traditional-dress — Some celebrate through festivity; others believe the day should be marked as a memorial with silence and self-reflection. Image: Public Domain Pictures/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0

Whatever the opinion, Keti Koti remains filled with culture, colour, pomp, and circumstance. It must remain a day highlighting Dutch slavery history and past atrocities.

It continues to pressure those in power to apologise and do right by the descendants of those who gave blood, sweat, and tears to build this country.

The sacrifices that they were forced to make should not be forgotten. And the voices of their descendants should be amplified and rewarded. These and many more are the reasons why we celebrate Keti Koti.

What do you think about Keti Koti, and have you ever been to any of the celebrations? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!

7 Dutch foods you need to try before you die

Veronika Licheva

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July 1, 2026

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7 Dutch foods you need to try before you die

There are so many Dutch foods you need to try before you die, or at least before you leave the Netherlands.

Despite what you may have heard, Dutch food can be incredibly tasty!

From Christmas-themed pepernoten to the everyday krentenbol, there are so many delicious Dutch foods you just have to try. 😋

1. Poffertjes: the cute version of Dutch pancakes

Think of this Dutch dish as mini pancakes, but puffier. They’re made with yeast and buckwheat flour and are typically served topped with powdered sugar and butter.

But why limit yourself, when whipped cream, syrup and strawberries are also possible toppings? 🍓

Photo-of-poffertjes-Dutch-food — Have you tried these tasty delights? Image: Pixabay

These cloud-like bites of heaven can usually be bought from street vendors in the winter. Poffertjes are typically served in mini cardboard boxes, which can be eaten with (of course) mini plastic forks.

It’s all about the small things in life, right? 😉

2. Bitterballen: one of the most savoury Dutch foods

These savoury bite-sized balls of chewy goodness are perfect for you if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth!

Bitterballen are battered in a crunchy breadcrumb coating and filled with a gooey mixture of chopped beef, beef broth, flour, butter, herbs, and spices.

bitterballen-in-frying-pan-on-plate-next-to-sauce — The absolute best borrel food! Image: Pixabay

And if this doesn’t already make your mouth water, you get mustard on the side, too.

Available at almost every cafe and bar in Amsterdam, bitterballen go extremely well with a glass of cold Dutch beer. 🍺

3. Stroopwafels: the most popular Dutch cookies

Stroopwafels are one of those delicious treats that you buy for your friends and family when you go back home. Made from two thin layers of batter with a sticky syrup filling in the middle, these Dutch cookies are simply delicious.

You can buy them in bulk from every Dutch convenience store, and they’re great for stocking up for the cold Dutch winter! 🥶

photo-of-traditional-Dutch-treat-stroopwafels-on-plate — These syrupy delights go great with warm drinks. Image: Takeaway/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Shops also offer these stroopwafels in a very unique Dutch-style tin packaging, so it’s the perfect souvenir!

But if you want to try the real thing, just buy fresh ones from street vendors in Amsterdam. Small tip — stroopwafels go great with tea or coffee. ☕

4. Hollandse Nieuwe Haring: Dutch sushi

Think of it as the Dutch version of sushi, but not really! This raw fish might not be up to everyone’s taste, but you must try it at least once!

Herring fish is typically served with chopped onions. Mmm!

You can also eat it with bread and pickles as a sandwich if you want to tone down the explosion of flavours a bit. Lekker? 🐟

photo-of-men-Eating-herring-in-the-Netherlands — Eating herring in the Netherlands: You either love it or hate it. Image: DutchReview/Supplied

The traditional way of eating herring is by holding the fish by its tail and eating it in one go with your head tilted backwards.

This method is attempted only by the most daring tourists! Oh, and don’t forget to have a mint after that, just so that you don’t kill anyone with your breath. 🤢

5. Kroket: you will absolutely love this Dutch snack

Think of kroketten (croquettes) as a bigger and better version of the bitterballen. The original Dutch kroket is made from beef or veal. But recently, many other flavours have been popping up.

You can try chicken satay, shrimps, goulash or even vegetarian croquettes. If you want to, you can eat it just like that. However, the Dutch usually prefer it in sliced white bread with mustard. 😋

Photo-of-Dutch-snack-Kroket — Krokets are normally eaten with bread. Image: Pixabay

You can easily find Dutch kroketten in vending machines (yes, I meant what I said). The Netherlands has cafes with special vending machines that keep different types of food warm.

All you have to do is put some coins in and voilà, a small door opens, and you can grab your kroket. Genius!

6. Erwtensoep: a must when visiting the Netherlands in the winter

Erwtensoep, or green pea soup, is something that the Dutch absolutely love! The main ingredient is, of course, green peas, but the rest is all up to you.

Typically, this soup is cooked with slices of rookworst (smoked sausage), celery, onions and leeks. However, some Dutchies like adding some potatoes and carrots in there as well.

photo-of-erweten-soup-traditional-dutch-food — Yummmmm. Image: Pixabay

The point is, you can go wild with any ingredients you want, as long as the accent is on the green peas.

This thick soup is usually very popular around wintertime, so if you happen to be in Holland when it’s cold, you know what to order! Your body and soul will be warmed up instantly.

7. Cheese: the food that the Dutch excel at

You can live in the Netherlands for as long as you want, but you’ll probably never get to try all the variations of cheese or kaas. Dutch people have so many different types of cheese that you can eat it every day and never get sick of it.

Of course, the most popular one is Gouda Cheese, but you’ll be missing out on so much if you just stop there.

cheese-at-a-market-stall-traditional-Dutch-food — Addicted to Dutch cheese? Us too. Image: Pexels.

Apparently, the Dutch have been making cheese since 800 B.C. In fact, they got so good at it that the Netherlands is the largest cheese exporter in the world.

So if you’re walking down the streets in Amsterdam and feel like having a cheeky little bite, walk into any cheese shop.

There are so many cheeses to taste that you will get full in no time. Not to mention that you can also buy cheese packages for your friends and family from back home. How cheesy!

So there you have it! Seven Dutch foods you need to try before you die. Did we miss out on any of your favourite Dutch foods? Let us know in the comments below!

After one year in the Netherlands, this is what I’ve learned

Magdalena Laas

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July 1, 2026

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After one year in the Netherlands, this is what I’ve learned

I arrived on these shores just over a year ago, and the Dutch lifestyle has already taught me a few things about myself.

So, muse along with me and take this opportunity to reflect on how the lowlands have shaped my life. 🥰

I am decidedly short

At 164 centimetres, I’m admittedly on the shorter side, but I’ve never felt quite as small as I have since moving to the Netherlands.

The average height for a Dutchie is around 183 cm for men and 170 cm for women. From where I’m standing (literally, always looking up), most seem far taller than that.

Dutch men are rated as the tallest and Dutch women as the second tallest in the world. Even the teens are inordinately tall. It leaves me feeling both intimidated and in awe.

According to some, evolution and environmental factors such as good healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition are stronger drivers for growing lanky humans than pure genetics.

Oh, and eating cheese, lots and lots of cheese. 😝

I do not cycle as well as I thought I did

I cycle — at least I did as a student, and I’ve enjoyed getting muddy on mountain biking trails in New Zealand.

So naturally, I thought the first thing I’d do when we arrived in this tiny country of elegant cycling giants would be to hop on a bike.

Embarrassingly, it turns out that even five-year-old children cycle better than I do.

My husband surprised me with a bicycle complete with a child seat, called a moedersfiets, for my first birthday in the Netherlands.

Instead of excitement, I was filled with an overwhelming urge to curl up in a fetal position.

photo-dutch-bike-parking-near-a-station-in-the-netherlands — Just an everyday scene in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos

I mean, 22 million bicycles for a population of 17 million people, seriously? I felt utterly unqualified to join this cycling way of life.

I have been that silly person stepping off a tram, standing clueless in the middle of a fietspad (bicycle path), avoiding injury only because of the ninja-like agility of the Dutch cyclist.

I’ve witnessed parents steering a full bakfiets (a bicycle for transporting children), with a newborn strapped to their chest and another child balancing on the back or even precariously standing on the carrier. 🤯

Initially, I started my cycling adventure slowly and overcautiously. Not daring to diagonally cross a road, despite the little green bicycle arrow telling me I am allowed.

Once, I crossed the road straight over (as I misunderstood this specific green arrow) and was corrected in no uncertain terms by a motorist who nearly ran me over.

I may have recognised the words, “rot op, stommert!” (go away, stupid), and from what I now know about Dutch insults, I think that was rather kind.

I refused to cycle with my son in his seat for at least a week or two, and with good reason, as I’ve fallen four times with him. Every time to be helped up by some aardige (kind) yet amused passerby.

bakfiets-netherlands-dutch-cycling-culture-two-kids-in-a-bakfiets-in-the-forest — Putting a child on a bike seems very strange in many cultures. Image: Depositphotos

Thank goodness I do not adhere to the inherent Dutch resistance to helmets — at least not when he is concerned.

A year on, and I’ve improved both in skill and confidence. I still can’t cycle with my hands in my pockets, or while carrying an umbrella, a crate of beer, a large painting, a ladder, or a massive suitcase.

I still fail miserably at the elegant mount and dismount I see women do, often in a skirt and heels. I am practising this movement where there is no one to point and laugh, though.

I now love my bicycle, and I much prefer it to any other mode of transport. Even my four-year-old is becoming a Dutchie: cycling without stabilisers to school, with me next to him, of course. 🎒

I’ve come to realise that the average cyclist not only has unequivocal pedalling skills but is also remarkably tolerant.

As long as you obey the cycling etiquette of staying on the righthand side of your lane and using your hand signals, that is.

And do remember that icy patches on the road and those sneaky stoeps (sidewalk) edges are not your friends. Oh, and invest in good rain gear — even those ugly rain trousers!

I speak my mind more freely

When I was first told about the ‘Dutch directness‘ and Dutchies’ fondness for their schedules, I conjured up an image of a nation of rude, abrupt, and closed-off people.

I could not have been more wrong. This so-called directness is not onbeleefdheid (rudeness) in the least, but sincerity. 🙌

I no longer have to read between the lines or wonder about the hidden meaning behind someone’s words. You can take a compliment at face value.

photo-three-colleaugues-talking-in-office — Some people actually appreciate it if you just say what you think. Image: Depositphotos

This say-it-like-it-is culture also taught me to be more honest about my feelings and opinions and to get to the point quicker. I find it refreshing.

From my experience, Dutch people are friendly and open — they just like scheduling their lives.

Sure, this habit might hinder spontaneity but it gives more certainty in life, as appointments are most often kept or apologies are given well in advance.

After-school playdates are a different story, as the children organise these during school hours, and as a mere courtesy, inform us as parents when we pick them up from school. Goodbye schedule, hallo spontaneity!

Learning Dutch is not that easy om onder de knie te hebben (to master)

I am a New Zealander by ‘adoption’ but a South African by birth, which means I can also speak Afrikaans. As Afrikaans derives from Dutch, I thought it would be pretty easy for me to learn.

Yet another misconception. 🙃

Although there are some similarities, there are even more differences in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

My Afrikaans knowledge tends to hamper my learning.

I often think I’m doing well until I see complete confusion in the other person’s eyes, followed by “wat zeg je?” (what are you saying?), and I realise I’ve used Afrikaans, or my pronunciation is not nearly guttural enough.

The fun thing, however, is that quite a few innocent Dutch words and sayings are a bit rude in Afrikaans.

A poes might be fluffy but indeed not a four-legged, domestic animal, and a doos is not the container you use to pack your belongings.

Both words relate to a much-loved Dutch profanity (apparently not as strong as its English counterpart), which is often used when referring to things like the weather.

Speaking of weather, I could write a book about the weather in the Netherlands and how often people — including me — complain about it.

photo-of-people-cycling-in-amsterdam-street-in-rain — A wet, windy cycle! Image: Image: Depositphotos

In fairness, few things beat a beautiful summer’s day in the Netherlands, when you can enjoy borrels (drinks and snacks) with friends until late in the evening (as the sun only sets after 10 PM).

Stepping on crunchy leaves on a crisp autumn morning is also magical.

These experiences keep me going as I all-to-often battle the elements of wind, rain, sleet, snow, and then some more rain and wind on my bicycle — all during the same journey. 🥲

What things did you learn after arriving in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Southbound trains from Rotterdam delayed until Saturday: here’s how to still make your journey

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰

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July 1, 2026

0

Southbound trains from Rotterdam delayed until Saturday: here’s how to still make your journey

If you’re travelling south of Rotterdam by train this week, trains will likely be delayed until Saturday, July 4, at the earliest.

In a news bulletin, Dutch rail manager ProRail confirmed that the repair timeline for the track near Rotterdam will take longer than expected. The cause of the original fire still hasn’t been identified.

What does this mean for your commute?

Sadly, the update means that commuters travelling on southbound trains will have to endure rail chaos for a little while longer.

No trains are running between Rotterdam and Barendrecht, Rotterdam and Breda, or towards the Kijfhoek freight yard, including international and high-speed trains.

According to NS, the disruption specifically affects the stretch between Rotterdam Centraal and Zwijndrecht on the Hague–Rotterdam–Dordrecht route.

Beyond Zwijndrecht, the line towards Dordrecht is running as normal.

Both ProRail and NS are urging travellers to check a travel planner for their route before heading out, as the repair timeline could still shift.

Alternative routes and travel options are available

Thankfully, NS has set up a bus route to cover the affected stretch.

Buses run between Rotterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Blaak, Rotterdam Zuid, Rotterdam Lombardijen, Barendrecht, and Zwijndrecht, following roughly the same stations the trains would normally stop at.

If you’re heading further south towards Dordrecht or Breda, you can take the bus as far as Zwijndrecht, then pick up a regular train from there. However, you’ll need to factor in the extra travel time and expect possible delays, especially during busier periods.

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What if I’m booked on an international train?

If you’re travelling on Eurostar towards Belgium or France, your train has been rerouted.

It now runs between Amsterdam Centraal and Antwerpen Centraal, skipping Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Centraal, with an added stop at Utrecht Centraal instead, according to NS International.

But good news: if your original ticket departed from Schiphol or Rotterdam Centraal, you can still use it on a regular NS train to reach Amsterdam Centraal or Utrecht Centraal and board your booked Eurostar from there. No need to buy another ticket!

However, if you’re taking the Eurostar to London, your journey will now start in Brussels-South/Midi. If this doesn’t work for you, you can cancel your ticket free of charge, or exchange it for a ticket on another Eurostar train.

If you’re on a Eurocity Direct or EuroCity service, these currently run between Breda and Brussels-Zuid/Midi. Since there’s no direct route between Rotterdam Centraal and Breda, you’ll need to travel via Utrecht Centraal.

Why are delays taking so long?

Two things are behind the extra delay, according to ProRail. Sorting and repairing the damaged cables is slow, careful work, and several specialist contractors need access to the site at the same time.

On top of that, the tracks have started rusting from disuse and need treating before trains can run on them safely. How long it takes depends on how much longer the line stays shut, which is partly why the forecast keeps moving.

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7 ways a realtor will sell your Dutch home as fast as possible

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪

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July 1, 2026

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7 ways a realtor will sell your Dutch home as fast as possible

So you found yourself a Dutch home, loved it, lived in it, and now it’s time to part ways. How can you sell it quickly and efficiently? The answer is simple: with a realtor.

While we’d all like to think that in this market, your house is going to sell fast, it’s important to remember that the process of selling a home is something that involves expertise.

Sure, you love and value your house — but that doesn’t mean selling it to others will be easy or quick.

Here’s what a verkoopmakelaar (selling realtor) can do to improve and speed up the process.

1. A realtor will get your house up on Funda

Ahhh Funda. The Facebook of houses and the hunting ground for house hunters.

Getting your home up on Funda is a ‘funda-mental’ step in getting your home on the market — but did you know that you can only do this through a realtor?

photo-of-man-and-woman-pointing-and-smiling-at-laptop-after-Dutch-realtor-put-their-home-up-on-Funda — Want your beloved home to catch some attention? A Dutch realtor will put it up on Funda for you! Image: Freepik

Yep. It’s not as simple as creating your own account and uploading a few pretty pics. Your home will only be able to reach the pearly gates of Funda if a realtor is the one to guide it there.

While it is possible to sell your home without putting it up on Funda, if you’re looking to make the process quick, placing it in the spot where most people look is your best bet.

In the second quarter of 2024, the average time between a house going up for sale and new buyers signing the dotted line was just 27 days. By putting your house up on Funda, you could enjoy similar stats.

Decided to sell your house and opt for a realtor — but don’t know where to begin? Geen probleem. Krib helps people find and choose a realtor that suits them. Their realtors can give you a competitive quote in advance, and you can even compare the average selling times and estimation accuracy of different brokers!

Reach out

2. Dutch realtors are highly qualified

And why can’t you do this yourself? Surely it’s not that hard, right? Wrong. Let’s cut to the chase: there’s a lot more to selling a home than most people realise.

Not only can a verkoopmakelaar get your house properly set up on the market, but they can also perform a valuation, handle all the documentation and take on the negotiations — but more on this later.

What’s important to note is that verkoopmakelaars are highly qualified, licensed real estate agents.

With these qualifications, they’ll perform several important tasks behind the scenes that may otherwise slow down, confuse, or overwhelm the average person during the selling process.

(By the way: how’s your Dutch? Good enough for complex legal transactions involving hundreds of thousands of euros? Mine isn’t.)

3. A realtor will have the time and energy

Are you around during the day to host viewings? Do you know all the relevant information surrounding your home? You’ve made up a floor plan, right? And taken professional-quality photos?

Not only does organising all these elements require your time to complete, but without a realtor, you also have to organise them all by yourself.

photo-of-realtor-showing-man-house-in-the-Netherlands — It’s a realtor’s job to have time for viewings; it shouldn’t be yours. Image: Freepik

With a realtor by your side, you don’t have to surrender additional hours for organising and hosting house viewings. Instead, they’ll handle it all for you while you carry on with your everyday life.

So you head off to work or take a walk in the park — your realtor will tell you the highlights later.

4. Dutch realtors know the value of your home (and how to improve it!)

Of course, a house can be sold quickly, but you also need to make sure that standards don’t slide — especially when it comes to the selling price of your home.

But did you know that when you’re trying to decide on a verkoopmakelaar in the Netherlands, you can opt for someone who is also a licensed appraiser?

photo-of-Dutch-realtor-showing-ways-to-sell-house-faster-to-man-and-woman-smiling — Your realtor sees attributes in your home that you may not, let them emphasise these and sell your home faster. Image: Freepik

This means that you don’t have to waste time looking for an external appraisal, but you also don’t run the risk of undervaluing or overvaluing your home in the heat of it all!

On top of this, a realtor can also advise you on how to raise the value of your home with minimal costs. For example, even the types of lightbulbs you use can influence the value of your home — and in turn, how quickly it sells. 💡

5. You can let the realtor do the talking

Once you’ve caught the eyes of buyers, it’s time to really sell your place to them. Again, the negotiation process can require time — especially if it’s all in Dutch!

This is where you can let your selling realtor step in.

Not only are they skilled in the art of verbal duels, but your realtor will also ensure that the process runs as efficiently as possible — saving you both time and moolah. 💰

Aspiring home-owners in the Netherlands can easily fall prey to higher fees when looking for realtors. Krib offers the perfect comparison tool.

Just fill in the details of your home and where you’re living, and the realtors will come to you! Not only can you enjoy competitive pricing, but they also estimate how much you should sell for.

6. A realtor can advise on any offers you receive

Speaking of moolah, once you have snagged a buyer, you may be tempted to agree to any conditions to close the sale. They’re offering you hundreds of thousands of euros, so it’s easy to get a little starry-eyed. 🤩

But hang on just a second. What are their resolutive conditions? When do they plan on moving in? What do they want to do with your home?

photo-of-realtor-walking-through-bid-on-house-they-are-selling--at-desk-with-clients-Netherlands — A realtor can walk you through your offers and help you make a decision. Image: Dreamstime

A realtor can ensure that all conditions are properly negotiated and are ideal for your situation before you sign on the dotted line.

Once your needs have been met, they’ll also write up a legally binding preliminary contract for everyone to sign.

Note: When selling a house in the Netherlands, the buyer may agree to buy your home as long as certain conditions are met. For example, they can keep all the furniture in the home. These conditions are known as resolutive conditions.

7. A Dutch realtor will close the deal for you

Now, the price has been negotiated, hands have been shaken, and you’re ready to pop the champagne. 🍾 And you should!

But far too many real estate deals still fall apart at this point. That’s why you need to seal the deal by heading to a notary’s office, where both you and the buyers will sign the transfer deed.

photo-of-couple-taking-keys-from-Dutch-realtor-after-selling-them-house — Kick back and let your Dutch realtor seal the deal. Image: Freepik

Worried about signing such an important document? Don’t stress: your real estate agent will also attend this meeting with you to make sure the process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

All that you’ll have to do is sign, blow your old home a farewell kiss, and hand over the keys. 🥂

Have you sold your house in the Netherlands with a realtor? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!