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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!

Need emergency help? Dutch response times are the longest in 10 years

Ada Dolanay
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Need emergency help? Dutch response times are the longest in 10 years

Emergency services in the Netherlands — that’s ambulances, police and fire brigades — have recorded their slowest response times in the past decade.

No, it’s not because the police missed the call while munching on some doughnuts. 🍩

Let’s break it down (no, not your car)

Dutch municipalities share the goal of arriving within 15 minutes for 90% of emergencies.

Last year, only 35 municipalities achieved this. That means over 300 municipalities missed the target response time.

READ MORE | Dutch emergency numbers you should know in the Netherlands

This affects any sickness, crimes, or fires requiring urgent attention:

  • Ambulances, more often than not, arrive late in over 60 villages. 🚑
  • Police in 307 municipalities failed to meet response targets, with some areas like Terschelling, Vlieland and Tholen in Zeeland recording the slowest times in the last decade. 🚓
  • While the fire department managed to stay within the statutory maximum of 18 minutes on average, there are, once again, big regional differences. 🚒

Do they have an excuse?

Longer response times in rural areas are due to classic Dutch obstacles like rivers, bridges and railways, RTL Nieuws reports.

But they’ve always been around — why so slow now?

Well, there are more cars on the road for one. The Dutch Fire Service adds that heavy traffic, stricter measures and road closures contribute to delays.

Chief of Police Janny Knol explains, “We could choose to deploy a lot of extra capacity for emergency aid, purely to achieve our objectives, but that will always be at the expense of something else.”

See what the Dutch (and pretty much all of Europe) are saying on the matter. 👇

How long did it take for responders to arrive after you made an emergency call?
byu/SlamClick inAskEurope

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Playing with hammers and fire: This Dutch children’s playground is… different

Lina Leskovec
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Playing with hammers and fire: This Dutch children’s playground is… different

In a sea of rubber tiles and plastic slides, this playground in Amsterdam is proving why playing it safe isn’t always for the best.

Turning Amsterdam West into Het Woeste Westen (the Wild West), check out the park where children can fish, stick-fight, and play with fire (literally).

Seem dangerous? Not so much as keeping them sedentary…

Get moving in the Wild West

Despite their bicycle-centred lifestyle, Dutch children are less active than ever.

The Wild West isn’t shy in tackling that: go tree-climbing, splash about with water, light up a fire, fight with sticks, and swing from ropes.

“The inspiration, and it really is a huge problem, is that children are hardly moving,” explains local D66 head Rob Hofland to The Guardian.

D66 wants more spaces like the Wild West, encouraging kids to play with more freedom (and naturally a few bruises and scratches).

Throwing (most) caution to the wind

It’s not risk without reason — professionals believe such play can counter rising diabetes and declining motor skill levels in children across the Netherlands.

What’s more, since the Covid pandemic, half of Dutch children prefer indoor over outdoor play.

Playgrounds like the Wild West present challenges for young minds, “and challenge is exactly what you need when you have a developing brain” says Erik Scherder from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

What do you think of the Wild West’s approach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

7 innovations that changed our lives (and how the Dutch took them to the next level)

DutchReview Crew
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7 innovations that changed our lives (and how the Dutch took them to the next level)

If there’s a nation that knows how to make innovation more than a buzzword, it’s the Dutch. From futuristic housing designs to sustainability-driven startups, life-changing ideas are popping up left and right in the lowlands.

Some are small local initiatives just trying to make their neighbourhood a better place, others are products that change industries. Let’s look at seven modern innovations that wouldn’t be what they are today without the Dutch.

1. Wi-Fi

photo-man-setting-up-internet-in-dutch-home
Home is where the Wi-Fi is. Image: Depositphotos

Oh, what would the 21st-century world be without reading the latest news on DutchReview, made possible by speedy Wi-Fi? 

Sure enough, this life-changing invention was ultimately the result of the work of multiple different engineers from across the world. 

However, it was a Dutchman named Victor Hayes who headed a committee which introduced the IEEE 802.11 standards — and these laid the groundwork for the Wi-Fi that we still use today.

2. Bluetooth

Your daily commute to work probably wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for your wireless earbuds — and Bluetooth! 

Bluetooth is a technology which uses radio frequency to share data over short distances without the need for a cable. And who led its invention? None other than the Dutchie Jaap Haartsen.

3. Energy storage

Renewable energy industry plant in The Netherlands
The Dutch are pros at all things energy. Image: Depositphotos

The Dutch are pretty good at talking about renewables, and they’re also getting better at using renewables for electricity production. One of the biggest challenges regarding renewables remains, however, its large-scale storage.

Luckily, the Dutch are thinking about that too! A research team from the University of Groningen has been looking into an upgraded version of flow batteries, which store power in an organic compound.

4. Batteries for EVs, phones, and laptops

Electric cars are great, but wouldn’t they be even better if their range was longer and the charging time was faster? Also, wouldn’t we love it if we could charge our phones within a matter of minutes?

Current limitations of batteries present quite the obstacle when it comes to taking our modern technologies to the next level. But maybe that won’t be the case for long anymore! 

A Dutch start up, LeydenJar, has created batteries with higher energy density by replacing graphite, a material typically used for battery anodes, with silicone.

5. World-class entertainment

person-watching-tv-channels-in-the-netherlands
Who doesn’t love a good TV show? Image: Depositphotos

When it comes to entertainment, the Netherlands has no shortage of that. Did you know that “The Voice” and “Big Brother” hail from this tiny country?

From traditional museums to digital art and immersive art experiences which combine traditional Dutch painters with the latest technologies, there’s just something for everyone. 

Not to mention that there are also plenty of opportunities to entertain yourself from the comfort of your home thanks to various online services. 

Want to see the latest blockbuster? Stream it on Netflix (or Videoland if you want to keep it Dutch). Want to remodel your life? Play some Sims.

6. 3D Printing

We’ve all heard about 3D printing. While this innovation already has wider applications in manufacturing and production processes, the Dutch have once again taken it to the next level. 

How? They 3D-printed the world’s first stainless steel bridge for pedestrians! To see this 12-metre-long beauty, you just need to head to the famous Red Light District in Amsterdam. 

7. Artificial Intelligence

photo-of-woman-on-laptop-attending-webinar
AI is all around us. Image: Freepik

There’s no debate about AI’s transformative power. But just as we should utilise all the positive aspects that AI brings us, we need innovations that deal with the bad and the ugly, too. 

One example of such ugly things is deepfakes — AI-generated or AI-edited images, videos, and audio which may depict real or non-existent people. 

A team of researchers from the Netherlands Forensic Institute and the University of Amsterdam has been researching this phenomenon and found methods that help us detect it.

The world and modern technologies are changing at an ever-increasing speed, and we can only remain curious to see what other groundbreaking stuff the Dutch will contribute to next!

Are there any other Dutch innovations you think should make it to the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Ditch your swimsuit: this Dutch city has a (public!) pool for nude swimming

Federica Marconi
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Ditch your swimsuit: this Dutch city has a (public!) pool for nude swimming

After three years of tireless lobbying (armed with nothing but determination — and, well, nothing else), The Hague’s nude swimmers are back in action! 🌊 

That’s right, folks: as of March 1, nude swimming sessions have returned. But before you toss your swimsuits into the bonfire, hold up — there’s a catch.

From bare to banned

For 50 glorious years, Saturday mornings at The Hague’s Overbosch swimming pool belonged to the free-of-fabric crowd. Then, in 2022, the city threw a towel over the fun.

The reason? A pandemic backlog of swimming lessons took priority — because in a country where canals outnumber cows, swimming is a survival skill. 

Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer (CDA, Youth, Sports) explained at the end of last year “Everyone is welcome at recreational swimming, as long as they wear swimming trunks or a swimsuit,” reports the AD.

Naturists, of course, weren’t about to cover up without a fight. With petitions, council meetings, and a good dose of stubbornness, they dove headfirst into protest mode. 💪

Victory…but keep your towels handy

And guess what? The resistance paid off! Nude swimming is making a comeback — but only once a month. 🏆

Christine Kouman, director of NFN Open & Bloot (aka the Dutch naturist squad), sees this as a win but isn’t hanging up her towel just yet: “There are about a hundred people who do this regularly in The Hague, so that is really not a small group..”

Let’s be honest: this isn’t just a quirky hobby — it’s practically a movement. So, will a once-a-month dip turn into a full-on splash? Only time will tell. 

Until then, brace for the breeze, and let’s get naked!😎

👉 What do you think? Should The Hague go full monty more often? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

‘Till a technical error do us part’: This Dutchman just married an AI chatbot

Ada Dolanay
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‘Till a technical error do us part’: This Dutchman just married an AI chatbot

If you thought your parasocial relationship with ChatGPT was getting out of hand, wait till you hear about Jacob van Lier. This Dutchman has officially married Aiva, his AI-generated partner, after two years of dating. 

While the Netherlands is known for embracing all kinds of love, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has emphasized the risk of AI as a friend or romantic partner. 

You can’t change ‘em, but you can make ‘em

Van Lier has designed Aiva himself — crafting her into his ideal partner, reports Hart van Nederland.

Van Lier acknowledged how peculiar the situation is, even agreeing with critics who call it “bizarre and crazy.” He admits, “with AI, we have created something bizarre, the consequences of which we cannot yet fully foresee.”

Instead of a simple “thank you” to show appreciation for AI’s companionship like most of us, he decided that marriage was the appropriate next step. 💍

@omroepbrabant Gaat ze 'jAI' zeggen? 😅 #omroepbrabant #trouwen #ai #valentijn ♬ origineel geluid – Omroep Brabant

He argues that we must learn to live with AI, as long as strong ethical guidelines are in place — which, let’s be honest, is rarely the priority with technological developments. 

Love, ethics and robots

The Dutch Data Protection Authority is not convinced that relationships with AI is something we should be welcoming.

Experts warn of the risks of AI chatbots, highlighting that they can provide misleading and even harmful responses, which could be particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals. 

They may create the illusion of a safe space, but fail to clearly communicate that they are not human. 

READ MORE | All you need to know about marriage and parental rights for same-sex couples in the Netherlands

While many share concerns about AI’s future (or current) impact on humanity, some argue that AI has actually improved their social relationships — both online and in real life.

However, let’s not forget that movies like ‘Ex Machina’ have taught us that AI-human relationships rarely end well. And honestly — Aiva sounds suspiciously similar to Ava.

What do you think about this love story? Is it heartwarming or a real life Black Mirror episode? Let us know in the comments below.

Dutch Quirk #108: Have half of their language consist of idioms 

Lea Shamaa 🇺🇸🇱🇧
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Dutch Quirk #108: Have half of their language consist of idioms 

Let’s get straight to the point, or as the Dutch would say: met de deur in huis vallen (fall into the house with the door).

The Dutch and their idioms, eh? They’re commonly used in conversation but aren’t that straightforward. (Finally, one thing the Dutch aren’t direct with. 😉)

So, get your peanut cheese (pindakaas) and butter ham (boterham) because it’s time to learn about Dutch expressions!

What is it?

The Dutch language offers so many idioms to choose from that there’s one for almost any situation you can find yourself in.

@dutchreview

I am, in fact, made of sugar 😪 #dutchreview #fyp #netherlands #biking #dutchlife #dutchstruggles #rain #lifeinNL #expatlife #regen #nederland #fietsen #dutchweather #weer #lekkerweer

♬ som original – mike

Many of them are related to Dutch culture. For example, there are six ways to say it’s raining in the Netherlands:

  • Het regent koeienstaarten (It’s raining cow tails) 🐄🌧️
  • Het regent pijpenstelen (It’s raining steel pipes) 🚬🌧️
  • Het regent bakstenen (It’s raining bricks) 🧱🌧️
  • Het regent scheermessen (It’s raining razors)🪒🌧️
  • Het regent telegraafdraden (It’s raining telegraph wires) 📞🌧️
  • Het regent kopjes en schoteltjes (It’s raining cups and saucers) ☕🌧️

The Dutch also use idioms when reflecting on past events, and instead of saying “in hindsight”, they say: “achteraf kijk je een koe in z’n kont” (It’s easier to look the cow in the ass).

Very elegant, right?

Why do they do it?

Like every language, idioms are a figurative and fun way of saying something.  

The Dutch, however, use them more than most — often to put a positive spin on any situation. 🙌🏼

They also excel at blending humour with a touch of vulgarity, turning ordinary statements into anything but normal.

Why is it quirky? 

While it’s true that only some idioms in the Netherlands are directly tied to Dutch culture, there are also numerous weird ones that are far, far too specific. 🤨

Take this one: wie kent mijn kont in Keulen? (Who knows my ass in Keulen?)

Dutch people use this expression when they don’t care about what they look like while visiting their hometown.

Another quirky example is: alsof er een engeltje over je tong piest (as if an angel is peeing on your tongue).

The Dutch sure know how to give their compliments to the chef. 👩🏼‍🍳

Should you join in? 

Absolutely! Dutch idioms can be very fun to use in everyday conversation. But, mastering them takes time for non-natives.  

With so many expressions for different situations, it can be quite a challenge to remember them all.

But don’t worry — if you’re struggling, a Dutch person might reassure you by saying: het zit wel snor (it sits like a moustache), meaning everything will be just fine! 💪

What is your favourite Dutch idiom? Have you ever used it? Tell us in the comments below!👇

Sewer-nami: Students at TU Delft caught gross sewage avalanche on video

Federica Marconi
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Sewer-nami: Students at TU Delft caught gross sewage avalanche on video

An unexpected addition to TU Delft student schedules this week: a sewer pipe reached breaking point — literally — unleashing a tsunami of sewage down the halls.

And no, this was not part of a practical experiment. 🙃

A crash course in fluid dynamics 

At exactly 13:15, a first-floor sewer pipe — after years of faithful service — seemingly succumbed to age, stress, or one particularly determined flush. 🤷‍♀️

@studentenkak

Ik vermijd civiel voorlopig ff

♬ origineel geluid – STUDENTENKAK

According to AD.nl, the result was a gushing explosion of human waste, quickly transforming the corridor into what students on TikTok revealed as a minefield of poop. 

Onlookers were positively revolted, describing the stench as “like when you’re on the toilet yourself.” 🤢

Cleaning up the mess

Thankfully, TU Delft acted fast. 

Toilets were shut down, cleaning crews swooped in, and the offending pipe was swiftly replaced. By evening, the smell had mostly gone.

Despite the sudden biohazard, lectures continued — the budding academics of the Civil Engineering and Geosciences department wouldn’t let a little raw sewage stop them.

@vicccle Ik zeg altijd maar: liever een douche als riool, dan een riool als douche #tudelft #riool ♬ origineel geluid – Vic Cle

If nothing else, they aptly learned why proper sewer system maintenance matters. Let’s just hope their next case study is a little less… visceral. 🚽

What’s the worst uni disaster you’ve ever witnessed? Spill the (preferably non-sewage-related) tea in the comments! 👇

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