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Maps of the Netherlands: 9 maps to understand the Dutch landscape

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Maps of the Netherlands: 9 maps to understand the Dutch landscape

It’s a running joke that Holland is flatter than a stroopwafel, but have you ever wondered what maps of the Netherlands reveal about the landscape? 🤔

From cities more densely packed than passengers in an NS train to wide expanses of open countryside where cows go boe, there’s much to explore.

Here are some fascinating maps of the Netherlands to help you tour this gorgeous country, whether you’re a tourist, adopted Nederlander, or just a curious Dutchie!

1. The Netherlands on a map of Europe

map-of-the-netherlands-within-europe
The US doesn’t have a monopoly on red, white, and blue. 😉 Image: Freepik

Sandwiched between Denmark in the north and Belgium in the south lies the tiny country of the Netherlands.

A haven for cheese lovers (and fans of watching people do crazy antics on bikes), this Western European country is best known for its innovative and progressive society.

2. A map of the Dutch provinces

Image-of-a-colorful-map-of-the-netherlands-and-its-provinces
Believe it or not, Holland is only a fraction of the entire Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos

Proving that good things come in teeny-tiny packages, the European part of the Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces:

  • North Holland: home to sights such as the stunning windmills of the Zaanse Schaans, the cheerful Spaarnestad of Haarlem, and Amsterdam (of course!)
  • South Holland: a bustling province best known for The Hague’s International Court of Justice, the quaint university town of Leiden, and Europe’s largest seaport in Rotterdam
  • Utrecht: sharing a name with its capital city, Utrecht, this province is home to dreamy historic sights like Kasteel de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands
  • Zeeland: popularly known as New Zealand’s namesake, it also boasts one of the best storm barriers in the world, the Delta Works 🌊
  • Gelderland: the Netherlands’ largest province by landmass contains sights ranging from Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city, to the unspoilt beauty of the Hoge Veluwe
  • Flevoland: a marvel of Dutch engineering, the Netherlands’ youngest province was reclaimed from the sea and features former islands like the UNESCO World Heritage site Schokland
  • Groningen: best known for containing the rich gas fields of the north, it is also home to the vibrant student city of Groningen (yes, the city and province share a name!)
  • Drenthe: famous for its hunebedden (ancient burial mounds), this quiet province has a wealth of stunning sights, including the Dwingelderveld National Park
  • Limburg: its capital, Maastricht, is a bustling student hub, but the Netherlands’ only ‘mountain’, the Vaalserberg, really puts it on the map 🗻
  • Overijssel: tourists may flock to this province for Giethoorn, the Venice of the North, but the lively cities of Zwolle and Enschede also beckon for a visit
  • Friesland: birthplace of the Elfstedentocht, it also boasts its own official language (Fries) and the gorgeous Wadden Islands
  • North Brabant: the birthplace of Van Gogh, it’s home to places ranging from innovation hub Eindhoven to student city Tilburg

Many Dutchies tend to live in the Randstad, an area in the centre of the country that is made up of cities in the provinces of North Holland, South Holland, Flevoland, and Utrecht.

3. Is Holland crowded? A population density map of the Netherlands

a-map-showcasing-the-netherlands-population-density-in-2020-showing-that-most-people-live-in-the-western-Randstad-area
Most of the population tends to live in the Randstad. Image: nerdy.maps/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

With an estimated population of over 18 million people jam-packed als haringen in een ton (like fish in a barrel) in its 41,450 square kilometres of area, we’d say that the Netherlands is quite a densely-populated country.

In fact, CBS (the Dutch Bureau of Statistics) predicted that this humble land of cheese and clogs would hit the 19 million population mark as early as 2037. That’s a lot of people in a small area!

However, the majority of the population is concentrated in the Randstad, resulting in bustling cities but a quiet countryside.

4. Map of the Netherlands below sea level

map-of-the-areas-of-the-netherlands-below-sea-level-showcasing-a-considerable-part-of-the-country-for-example-Amsterdam-falls-bellow-sea-level
I guess you could say the Dutch give a dam about rising sea levels. Image: Jan Arkesteijn/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Let’s just say that there’s a reason why the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg have historically been nicknamed the ‘Low Countries.’

About 26% of the Netherlands lies below sea level, and the lowest point in the country is the Zuidplaspolder at around 6.76 metres below sea level in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #124: Not care about the fact that they’re living below sea level

That means that, without the Netherlands’ extensive system of dikes and dams, if you were to stand in front of Amsterdam Central Station, the sea would be well over your head — help!

5. The Dutch mountains: a topographic map of the Netherlands

topographic-map-of-the-netherlands-in-several-shades-of-blue-showcasing-the-highest-points-of-the-country-in-the-east-and-south-east-and-also-demonstrating-that-the-majority-of-the-country-is-completely-flat
Despite being mostly flat, the Netherlands does slope upwards on the south-eastern part of the country. Image: Freepik

Although most of the country is as flat as a pannenkoek (pancake), the Netherlands does have one major point of elevation: the Vaalserberg.

READ MORE | Did you know there were mountains in the Netherlands?

This “Dutch mountain” is just a smidge over 322 metres tall, making it taller than three Statues of Liberty (who stands at a more modest 90 metres herself). 🗽

However, if we take the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands into the equation, the highest point is actually on the Caribbean island of Saba, where the summit of Mount Scenery, an extinct volcano, is a steep 887 metres tall.

6. Dutch land reclamation efforts: mapped

[GIF] Land Reclamation in the Netherlands 1300-2000 (Individual Images in Comments) [500×621]
byu/Theman77777 inMapPorn

Though reclaiming a whole province (hoi, Flevoland 👋) from the sea was bloody impressive, it barely scratches the surface of what makes Dutchies true masters of the elements.

The Dutch are considered masters of water management — after all, God might have created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands. 😉

7. Bike paths in the Netherlands

map-of-bike-paths-in-the-netherlands-showing-how-incredibly-well-connected-the-Netherlands-is-for-cyclists-and-how-concentrated-they-are-in-cities-especially
As there are more bikes than people in the Netherlands, we’re not surprised by how dense this map of bike paths is! Image: Landgeist

With approximately 23 million owned (and frequently stolen) bikes by 17.6 million Dutchies, we can definitely see why the Netherlands has mapped such a robust system of bike paths.

READ MORE | From omafiets, to mamafiets, and bakfiets — Dutch bikes, explained

The map of bike networks in the Netherlands shows the Dutch commitment to biking — not just from the people but also in terms of government infrastructure.

8. Mapped: the difference between Holland and the Netherlands

In case you didn't know, Holland & the Netherlands are not interchangeable
byu/Initial_Trash inMapPorn

Despite often being used synonymously (and cheers of Hup Holland Hup whenever the country competes in a match ⚽️), Holland and the Netherlands don’t refer to the same area.

READ MORE | What’s the difference between Holland and the Netherlands?

“Holland” comprises the provinces of North and South Holland, whilst “the Netherlands” refers to the country as a whole.

9. Map of the Caribbean Netherlands and Dutch constituent countries

Map-of-the-Netherlands-Antilles-territories-in-the-Carribean-that-still-partially-or-fully-belong-to-the-Netherlands-as-they-stem-from-the-times-of-colonialism
Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is in the Caribbean. Image: Depositphotos

If you thought the Netherlands was just a tiny European country with weed and windmills, think again. 😉

Squinting at a world map will reveal three tiny islands in the Caribbean that also belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.

These are considered special municipalities of the Netherlands located overseas and can take part in Dutch and European elections.

In addition to the previous tiny islands in the Caribbean, you’ll find a further three islands on a map of the Dutch Caribbean.

map-of-curacao-in-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands
Image: Depositphotos
map-of-aruba-in-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands
Image: Depositphotos
Saint-Martin-Political-Map
Image: Depositphotos

These are the Netherlands’ constituent countries: Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.

Unlike municipalities, these countries are relatively autonomous (they even have their own parliaments), though they depend on the Netherlands for things like defence.

Well, there you have it: a fascinating exploration of the Netherlands’ landscape through a collection of maps.

Which was your favourite map of the Netherlands? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Maps in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

Is the Netherlands crowded?

Is a part of the Netherlands really below sea level?

What is the lowest point in the Netherlands?

Does the Netherlands have mountains?

Does the Netherlands have more bikes than people?

How many provinces does the Netherlands have?

Which Dutch provinces border Germany?

American talent heads for the Netherlands as scientists flee US

Lina Leskovec
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American talent heads for the Netherlands as scientists flee US

Donald Trump’s educational policies are pushing hundreds of US-based academics to Europe in search of better opportunities.

Will Dutch universities welcome them with open arms? Naturally, but not without some concern.

US brain drain, Europe’s gain

Amidst mass layoffs in US universities and research institutes, American academics find themselves in a very uncertain position.

Conducting research in the US has become increasingly difficult since the government began denying studies that deal with alleged left-wing ideology, fd.nl reports.

READ MORE | This parody of the Zelensky-Trump spat aired on Dutch TV — now it’s going insanely viral

This is the case for scientists proposing research about gender, who are sent a questionnaire about their ideas — the new US government does love free speech.

Budget concerns

It’s not just about trying to attract this wave of US talent to the Netherlands, but also retrieving Dutch academics who currently work across the pond.

However, there are concerns across Europe about financially accommodating the brain drain.

Plus, we all know that an international talent influx won’t exactly appeal to the current Dutch government as they attempt to curb internationalisation in higher education.

Translation: Top American scientists increasingly want to leave. Because of censorship, bans on their research or simply because of mega-budget cuts. We can bring them here! Other countries are fully committed to it. Why is the government doing nothing?

But we’ll make do

The Dutch umbrella organisation for Universities (UNL) hopes for support from the Hague, both when it comes to finances and making it easier for Americans to obtain a visa.

Meanwhile, the Safe Haven Fellowship, which was originally set up for Ukrainian scientists fleeing the war, is now open to Americans as well.

What do you think of the new influx of US scientists into Europe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

It’s time! Keukenhof 2025 is officially opening its doors

Simone Jacobs
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It’s time! Keukenhof 2025 is officially opening its doors

Looking for something to do to celebrate the beginning of spring? Perfect timing! One of the Netherlands’ most exciting attractions, Keukenhof, is opening its doors today, March 20.

The park will be open between 8 AM and 7:30 PM until May 11.

Ready to take a stroll through the many flower gardens and be mesmerised by all the different bloemen (flowers)?

Things to see and do at Keukenhof 2025

With flower shows, boat trips, cycling and guided tours to help you explore the park, you will get every opportunity to see the tulips, crocuses, daffodils and other mooie flowers.

READ MORE | How did tulips in the Netherlands become a thing?

There are also special events such as Easter at Keukenhof, Miffy visiting the flowers, and the Holland Heritage Days.

Great! How do I get there?

For those who don’t plan on cycling all the way to Keukenhof, buses are available from Schipol, Haarlem, Leiden Centraal, and Amsterdam RAI, just to name a few.

READ MORE | 15 things to do this spring in the Netherlands

If you are travelling by car, make sure to buy a parking ticket from the website beforehand.

One of those tanks who will be going with your fiets? You’ll earn yourself some free parking for bicycles, scooters and motorbikes.

Where can I get tickets for Keukenhof?

It’s simpel! Plan your trip and buy your tickets on Keukenhof’s website.

This year, you can expect to pay €20 for adults and €9 for children from the age of four, while kids under three can enjoy the park gratis.

Now, go embrace spring and surround yourself with blooms of happiness at Keukenhof!

Are you making the trip to Keukenhof this year? Let us know in the comments!

The Dutch beauty standard is just… different: Here’s why

DutchReview Crew
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The Dutch beauty standard is just… different: Here’s why

Move over, old-school beauty ideals — Dutch women are redefining what it means to look (and feel) beautiful. 

From minimalist skincare routines to ethical beauty buys, a quiet but confident shift is happening in the Netherlands: one that celebrates natural beauty, sustainability, and unapologetic individuality.

Gone are the days of over-the-top glam. In its place? A fresher, more grounded aesthetic that reflects exactly what Dutch women do best: keeping it real.

In the Netherlands, less is more

If you’ve ever wandered through a Dutch city, you’ll notice something right away: most women aren’t caked in contour or dripping in highlighter. Instead, Dutch beauty is all about effortlessness. 

Think fresh skin, a bit of mascara, and maybe a bold lip on a good day.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #59: Wear way less make-up than people in other countries

There’s an understated elegance to how Dutch women approach beauty — one that leans more toward “glowy skin from a bike ride” than “Instagram filter IRL.”

young-woman-standing-in-field-without-makeup-natural-dutch-beauty
You’ll often find Dutch women rocking a bare face. Image: Depositphotos

It’s no surprise, then, that skincare often takes priority over makeup. Clean beauty, lightweight serums, and SPF are the holy grail items, and many women opt for routines that feel more like self-care than self-decoration.

The rise of smart, sustainable skincare

While other countries have only recently “discovered” eco-conscious beauty, Dutch women have quietly been leaning into sustainability for years. Cruelty-free? Check. Refillable packaging? Sure. Locally made soaps from that cute market in Utrecht? Obviously.

Ask any Dutch woman what matters in her beauty routine, and chances are you’ll hear words like duurzaam, natuurlijk or vegan. Sustainability is not a niche trend in the Netherlands; it’s actually what people care about. 

READ MORE | 17 ideas that make the Dutch sustainability super-heroes

In true Dutch fashion, practicality also plays a role. Minimal packaging, multipurpose products, and local sourcing are preferred by most. 

Young-woman-signaling-before-turning-while-riding-a-bicycle-in-the-Netherlands
Dutch women are always on the go — so less is more! Image: Depositphotos

But Dutch beauty doesn’t just stand out with its sustainability; there’s plenty of innovation happening behind the scenes, and the skincare industry is embracing all the emerging new technologies. 

The result? Tech-forward skincare is becoming more accessible — think skin analysis tools, personalised product recommendations, and AI-powered routines.

Cultural confidence that goes beyond the mirror

Let’s be real: Dutch beauty isn’t about flawless skin or magazine-ready hair. It’s about looking like yourself (just maybe a little more uitgerust).

photo-of-woman-with-oat-milk-cappucino-sitting-outside-cafe-in-Amsterdam
Be you! Image: Dreamstime

Confidence, independence, and individuality are deeply rooted in Dutch culture, and that translates into how women carry themselves. Beauty, here, isn’t about perfection — it’s about personality.

​​READ MORE | Dutch girls are the new French girls, here’s why

There’s also growing awareness around inclusive beauty, from embracing different hair textures and skin tones to challenging outdated beauty standards. 

Dutch women are not only customers of beauty; they’re shaping the narrative themselves, whether through social media, sustainable startups, or simply leading by example.

So no, you probably won’t see a full face of glam on your way to Albert Heijn. But you will see confident, radiant women who prove that true beauty isn’t in the makeup but in the mindset. ☀️

What have you noticed about Dutch beauty standards? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Fake painkillers cause death in Amsterdam, multiple others hospitalised

Federica Marconi
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Fake painkillers cause death in Amsterdam, multiple others hospitalised

A dangerous batch of counterfeit oxycodone pills is circulating in the Netherlands, containing the possibly life-threatening substance isotonitazepyne instead of oxycodone.

Authorities have linked these killer counterfeits to at least one confirmed fatality.

Police discovered the body of a 30-year-old Amsterdammer on March 14 and several of the pills were also found at the scene, prompting an investigation.

Warning from authorities

The Trimbos Institute, a leading Dutch organisation researching drug use, issued a rare Red Alert on Tuesday to warn the public about the deadly pills. 👇

red-alert-dangerous-counterfeit-oxycodone-pills
The deadly pills, which have already cost one Amsterdammer his life. Image: Trimbos Institute

These concerns were echoed by the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ), after a series of emergency hospitalisations.

The pills in question are primarily sold online without prescriptions and were initially believed to contain 80mg of oxycodone. However, new research indicates that they actually contain isotonitazepyne — a synthetic opioid far stronger than fentanyl, oxycodone, or morphine.

Extreme potency and overdose risk 

Due to the compound’s strength, the IGJ warns that the risk of overdosing is high and potentially life-threatening. 

The Trimbos Institute also adds that even a relatively small amount, such as a few milligrams, can cause respiratory issues.

“This shows how dangerous it is to order prescription drugs online,” stresses Henk de Groot, chief inspector for the IGJ. “It may look real, but you have absolutely no idea what you are buying. That is extremely dangerous. For drugs, go to your doctor and pharmacy.”

Anyone experiencing overdose symptoms after taking oxycodone should seek immediate medical help.

Call 112, the national emergency number, and mention that synthetic opioids may be involved. Request naloxone, a medication that can counteract opioid overdoses.

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4 creative ways the Netherlands blends tradition and innovation

DutchReview Crew
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4 creative ways the Netherlands blends tradition and innovation

If you’ve ever been to the Netherlands, you’ll know that Dutch culture is a fascinating mix of old traditions and modern innovations. 

Known for its authentic cultural symbols, such as the national colour and the royal family, it’s obvious that the Netherlands reflects its deep historical roots. 

At the same time, the Dutch are thought leaders in many areas, and the Netherlands continues to evolve while blending tradition with new ideas.

Let’s look at some ways the Dutch blend tradition and innovation.

1. The Dutch royal family: monarchs with a modern twist

The Dutch royal family is a huge part of the Netherlands’ identity, with King Willem-Alexander standing for both the country’s rich history and its ever-changing future. 

King’s Day on April 27th is the perfect example of how tradition and modern fun come together in the Netherlands. The streets explode in orange as people party with music, street markets, and of course, lots of drinks. It’s a lively, modern take on celebrating a royal tradition that goes way back.

why-do-do-people-love-orange
Not your average birthday celebration. Image: Depositphotos

But the royals aren’t just about the celebrations; they’ve got a pretty fresh take on how a monarchy should operate. too. Instead of staying behind palace walls, they’re engaging with the public in a transparent, approachable way. 

Overall, the royal family is a reminder that the Netherlands knows how to respect tradition while staying open-minded about what’s next — and that’s why the Dutch love them so much (well, most of them).

2. Innovative tech: from farm to freetime 

The Netherlands is famous for its agricultural heritage, especially in flowers and dairy farming, but it’s also fully embracing modern tech to stay ahead of the game. 

READ MORE | Here’s how technology changed the iconic way the Dutch sell their flowers

The country is now combining its farming expertise with cutting-edge innovations like vertical farming, autonomous tractors, and precision agriculture. 

This mix of tradition and modern tech allows the  Netherlands to maintain its status as a leader in global agriculture, blending centuries-old practices with the latest breakthroughs.

And of course, the Dutch don’t just stop at farming. They’ve applied tech to every part of life — from cycling routes designed with the future in mind to how people spend their free time.

3. Revamped holidays: ancient traditions, new celebrations

Many Dutch holidays are steeped in history, but they’re far from stuck in the past. Take Sinterklaas, for example — a tradition that has been around since the 1800s, but whose celebration has evolved. 

sinterklaas-with-kids
Everybody loves Sinterklaas! Image:Depositphotos

Sure, the main story and Sinterklaas himself are the same, but the celebrations today come with modern parades, performances, and social media buzz to get younger crowds involved.

The ongoing debate around Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) is also a great example of how the Dutch are updating their customs to be more in line with today’s values. It shows that even long-held traditions need to evolve and stay relevant as times change.

4. Dutch architecture: historic charm meets sustainability

Another aspect of Dutch culture that’s all about mixing the old with the new is the Netherlands’ architecture. 

Amsterdam’s iconic canal houses, with their charming centuries-old facades, reflect the country’s architectural roots. 

READ MORE | Amsterdam’s canal houses: why are they so wonderfully weird?

But within this historical backdrop, modern architects are creating bold new designs that push the limits of both style and sustainability, whether by adding eco-friendly features or through innovative, out-of-the-box renovations. 

Solar-panels-mounted-on-dutch-rooftop
The Dutch are sustainability pros. Image: Freepik

The Netherlands is also a leader when it comes to green city planning. Green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and bike-friendly infrastructure are all part of the Dutch approach to urban living. They’re preserving their history while shaping a future that’s both stylish and sustainable.

The Netherlands is a country where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. With its commitment to tradition, inclusivity, sustainability and creativity, the Netherlands continues to thrive by embracing both the old and the new. 

Can you think of more way the Dutch blend tradition with innovation? Drop them in the comments!

Wear that sunscreen: UV radiation linked to thousands of Dutch cancer cases

Lina Leskovec
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Wear that sunscreen: UV radiation linked to thousands of Dutch cancer cases

With the Netherlands gracing us with incredibly sunny weather lately, it’s a good time to remind ourselves to wear sun protection. 🧴

According to a new study by the KWF Dutch Cancer Society, exposure to UV radiation at work annually causes thousands of cancer cases.

Gloomy statistics

The research showed that more than 7,000 Dutch people get cancer due to exposure at work every year.

The most common form of cancer is skin cancer — over 4,800 of the 7,000 cancer cases take this form — followed by lung cancer.

The biggest risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation, so the next time you pack your bag for work, make sure sunscreen is included!

Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in general, exposure at work isn’t negligible.

“Nobody should get cancer because of their work,” says KWF director Dorine Mason, “This underlines the importance of good sun protection in the workplace.”

Higher risk for men

Men are at higher risk, probably because they are more likely to work in professions that involve exposure to UV radiation and harmful substances.

5.4% of new cancer diagnoses in Dutch men are work-related, compared to 0.5% for women.

But any percentage for anyone is too high, highlighting the importance of safe working environments and taking steps to protect ourselves from the sun.

Do you think you’re careful enough with sun protection? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

This Dutch city has been sinking for hundreds of years — should we be worried?

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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This Dutch city has been sinking for hundreds of years — should we be worried?

The Netherlands is known as the country of cheese and bicycles, and for being the flat European country below sea level. As it turns out, the city of Gouda is especially in trouble.

With a city centre that floods regularly and houses that slowly sag, Gouda’s inner city drops between three and 10 millimetres per year, says National Geographic.

While that doesn’t sound like a lot, the cheesy namesake has been sinking for a THOUSAND years. So, what’s being done to save the so-called Groene Hart (Green Heart) of the Netherlands?

A bit of engineering history

Dutchies strategically built canals, dunes, and walls to live around (and on top of) reclaimed land from the North Sea.

Like most of the Netherlands, Gouda was built on the same reclaimed land, which has especially soft soil. Within 100 years, the city sinks anywhere from 30 centimetres to one metre.

READ MORE | Why is the Netherlands so flat? The complete explanation

The fact that the city has been sinking wasn’t a problem for a very long time — but sentiments are slowly changing, especially given the impact of climate change.

Six metres under

The tactics of the Gouda residents were pretty simple: make sure the home was built on a raised floor. The more the house sank, the higher they would raise the floors.

If (and when) they noticed their heads were getting close to the ceiling or the house sagged too much, they demolished the entire house and used the debris to build a new one.

READ MORE | Why the Netherlands isn’t underwater (VIDEO INSIDE)

But as time went on, the debris piled up (or piled below?), and now there’s at least six metres of debris beneath the city.

And to make matters worse, the city’s foundation is STILL sinking — and it’s getting dangerously close to groundwater, which increases the nuisance for residents even more.

Raising the city and fighting floods

Now, the city has a plan to keep water off the streets by using some of those top-notch Dutch engineering and water management skills.

By regulating the water levels in and around the city, the municipality has created a polder (an artificial body of water for water regulation) around Gouda. While the sinking is irreversible, this slows it down with minimal intervention.

But Gouda isn’t the only city in trouble. As Gilles Erkens of Deltares tells National Geographic: “There are nine million people living and working [on weak grounds]. As sea levels rise, every inch of height loss is a deterioration of our future prospects.”

Did you know that Gouda was slowly sinking? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Eggs, TVs, flights? Yep, these things are actually getting cheaper in the Netherlands

Federica Marconi
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Eggs, TVs, flights? Yep, these things are actually getting cheaper in the Netherlands

Finally, some good news: While inflation still hangs around the Netherlands like an unwanted guest, some prices actually dropped in February.

Yes, you read that right. We’ve rounded up the silver linings before someone decides to tax them. 💸

Tech, toast, and a budget-friendly binge-watch? 

While your Dutch groceries are still 3.8% pricier than last year (fun 🙃), RTL Nieuws writes that those who needed a new (car) radio last month saved a cool 11.8%. 

Coffee prices may have shot up by 16.5%, but coffee machines saw an 11.6% price drop — so at least you can brew your caffeine addiction at home in style (and denial).

READ MORE | Cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide in 2025

And it doesn’t stop there — bedding, scarves, gloves, toasters, mixers? All down in price! Even refrigerators, freezers, computers, camping gear, books, and TVs got cheaper.

Looks like the universe is nudging you to stay in, sip homemade coffee, and binge-watch a show on your newly discounted TV. Not bad, huh? 😏

What else got cheaper?

If grocery shopping has been an emotional rollercoaster, here’s some relief: fresh veggies, fish, olive oil, eggs, and (*drumroll*) wine have all become more affordable. Yes, WINE! A true miracle in these dark economic times.🥂

Worried about your heating bills? Breathe easy! Not only are temperatures slowly on the rise, but energy prices (gas, electricity, and district heating) have cooled off too.

Still feel like escaping this economy? You’re in luck, because flights and travel insurance have taken a price dip. This means you can manage a sunny getaway without selling a kidney. 👀

So, what’s your survival strategy? Are you hoarding discounted toasters or booking cheap flights to escape? Share your best budget hacks in the comments! 💬💰

Spring is in the air! Temperatures of up to 20 degrees to hit NL later this week

Ada Dolanay
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Spring is in the air! Temperatures of up to 20 degrees to hit NL later this week

Dust off your sunglasses, dig out your expired sunscreen, and burn your winter clothes. Starting Thursday (20 March), the freezing temperatures will finally make way for highs up to 20 degrees Celsius. 

Although, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, we have to survive the chilly start of the week.

Gradually heating up to warmer temperatures

According to Hart van Nederland, the sunny skies from last week are sticking around for today, with a high of 11 degrees and a chilly breeze. Tonight, temperatures could drop as low as -7. 🥶

READ MORE | What’s the weather in the Netherlands like? The 2025 guide

On Wednesday, the weather gods finally take pity on us, blessing the Netherlands with warm air and daytime temperatures of 17 to 20 degrees (!). 

Thursday follows a similar pattern, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees during the day — except for the unlucky Wadden area and the Zeeland coast, where it’ll stay a bit cooler.

Weekend warmth (for now)

On Friday, we’ll have some high clouds, but the warm air isn’t going anywhere, bringing us yet another 20-degree day. 🎉

Saturday holds onto the sunshine, too; however, contain your excitement since Sunday might get a little moody with colder and changeable weather. 🥴

@dutchreview

When the sun is out, the race is on 🔥 #netherlands #terras #spring

♬ original sound – Angel Touch Cyprus

Still, that means we’ve got four days of warmth and sunshine ahead of us! We’ll catch you on a terrasje with an Aperol in hand. 😏🍹

What is your go-to outfit when the sun comes out? Let us know in the comments below!

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