Page 16 – DutchReview

Why do Canada and the Netherlands have such a strong relationship?

Jennifer Nguyen

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April 29, 2026

Why do Canada and the Netherlands have such a strong relationship?

Not many countries are as close and connected as these two. From their world war ties to their love for tulips, the Netherlands and Canada share many unique and surprising bonds.

Back in high school, I never understood why I had to study history. All the dates felt like random numbers strung together with the sole purpose of confusing my poorly-focused brain.

Over time, my interests have evolved and undoubtedly matured.

So, I’ve dusted off a piece of history that I think is quite interesting, given that I am a Canadian and have lived in the Netherlands for almost a year.

The story begins

Let’s rewind the clock 75+ years to a bleak and tragic time in history: World War II.

Unfortunately, the Netherlands’ goal to stay neutral was shattered when Nazi Germany invaded the tiny, flat country on May 10, 1940.

photo-of-rotterdams-city-centre-after-the-bombing-of-1940 — The bombing of Rotterdam, also known as the Rotterdam Blitz. Image: Unknown author/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

The day after Rotterdam was bombed on May 14, 1940 — leaving many dead and even more homeless — the Dutch surrendered to German troops to avoid similar attacks on other Dutch cities.

The birth of Princess Margriet in Canada

Following the German occupation of the Netherlands, the Dutch royal family decided to rule in exile from the United Kingdom.

The following month, Princess Juliana brings her daughters, Princess Beatrix and Princess Irene, to Ottawa, Canada, for a safe harbour.

black-and-white-photo-of-Princess-Juliana-holding-Princess-Margriet-1943-surrounded-by-family — *Princess Juliana holding Princess Margriet in Ottawa, 1943.* Image: Yousef Karsh/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

On January 19, 1943, Princess Juliana gives birth to her third daughter, Princess Margriet, at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

The Canadian Government temporarily declares the hospital ward an international territory.

This meant that Princess Margriet inherited Dutch citizenship from her mother rather than receiving dual citizenship, which would affect her right to the throne when the time came. Now that’s what I call special treatment!

Canadian forces liberate the Netherlands

In 1945, the First Canadian Army led the liberation of the Netherlands along with the Allied forces.

They freed most of the Netherlands from almost five years of Nazi German occupation and provided the population with food and medical supplies.

black-and-white-photo-liberation-of-the-netherlands-1945 — *Canadian infantrymen partying with Dutch civilians like it’s 1945.* Image: Tylerweatherill/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

On May 5 (Bevrijdigingsdag), Nazi German forces fully surrender in Wageningen.

The following months became known as the “Canadian Summer,” marking a time of peace and hope in the Netherlands.

The Canadian Tulip Festival

As a show of appreciation for Canada’s support of the Netherlands during the war, Princess Juliana gifted the people of Canada 100,000 tulip bulbs. 🌷

photo-of-white-pink-tulips-in-front-of-tower-at-Parliament-Hill-Ottawa-Canada — Tulips at Parliament Hill, Ottawa were a gift by the Dutch Queen. Image: Depositphotos

When she became Queen of the Netherlands in 1948, she continued sending thousands of tulips every year during her reign.

Princess Juliana sure knows how to take a bouquet of flowers to the next level — romantics, take note.

This tremendous gift sparked great interest among Canadians and quickly became a popular tourist attraction.

The world-renowned Armenian-Canadian photographer Malak Karsh saw an opportunity to truly celebrate the tulips and what they represented.

photo-of-bed-of-yellow-tulips-Canadian-tulip-festival — The Canadian Tulip Festival attracts 600,000 visitors each year. Image: Depositphotos

At Malak’s suggestion, the Ottawa Board of Trade gave birth to the Canadian Tulip Festival.

The first one was held in 1953. Since then, the festival has taken place every year in May. How fitting!

Sharing winter wardrobes

The connection between the Dutch and Canadians doesn’t end there. When I lived in Amsterdam between 2012 and 2013, I encountered many surprising traits.

photo-of-people-biking-with-winter-jackets-in-Amsterdam — The Dutchies and Canadians love thick winter coats alike. Image: Depositphotos

One of those things was the abundance of Canada Goose jackets worn by the tall Dutchies. 🧥

Seeing those jackets floating around the cobblestone streets of tiny Amsterdam, with its canals and skinny houses, quickly silenced my assumption that these puffy jackets were only worn by Canadians.

Visa policies between Canada and the Netherlands

Putting wintery fashion aside, I would be remiss not to mention visas.

Both nations have more relaxed policies regarding travel to and from each other.

Canadians travelling to the Netherlands can stay there for up to three months without a visa, and Dutchies can travel to Canada for up to six months without a visa.

While living and working in the Netherlands, I participated in a Working Holiday Scheme, a program exclusive to a few countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

photo-of-young-woman-backpacking-train-station — Work hard, play hard is the motto between Canada and the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos

This gives young Dutch and Canadian people an opportunity to stay in the Netherlands for up to 12 months while working to support their extended vacation filled with sightseeing, eating, and partying.

Okay, that’s not the official wording, but that’s basically what it’s for.

My main intention was to find temporary work rather than vacation, although that was obviously a huge part of my stay. Work hard, play hard, right?

I will, however, commend your nation for bitterballen and its love of biking. For that, this Canadian will always have a tiny bit of Dutchness in her heart.

What are your thoughts on the special relationship between the Netherlands and Canada? Tell us in the comments below!

“Mother of 1001 children”: the resistance heroine who saved thousands from the Nazis

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰

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April 29, 2026

6

“Mother of 1001 children”: the resistance heroine who saved thousands from the Nazis

Truus Wijsmuller, also known as “Auntie Truus,” dedicated her life to helping children affected by World War II. She was energetic, cheeky, and fearless — even when facing the Gestapo.

Born in Alkmaar in 1896, Truus was the daughter of a drugstore worker and a self-employed dressmaker. In 1913, she moved to Amsterdam with her family.

There, her parents not only taught her to help people in need but set an example by taking in a homeless Austrian boy after the First World War.

Some years after moving to Amsterdam, Truus fell in love with Joop Wijsmuller and the couple married in 1922.

However, when they discovered that they couldn’t have kids, Truus decided to dedicate herself to helping the children of others instead.

Through social work, Truus unknowingly began her journey toward becoming a resistance heroine.

The birth of a resistance heroine

Besides her social work, Truus was also very politically involved.

Her hard work in these two areas and her general good-hearted nature earned her the respect of many.

Thanks to these attributes, she could rely on an extensive network of people when she began her resistance work in 1933.

black-and-white-photo-of-truus-wijsmuller-in-1962-with-a-rabbi — Truus Wijsmuller with a rabbi in 1962. Image: Ben van Meerendonk/WikimediaCommons/CC2.0

Her first endeavour was to travel to Jewish acquaintances in Germany and bring their children safely to the Netherlands.

After Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass) in 1938, Truus heard rumours of lost children wandering about in the forest, so she set out for the Dutch-German border.

There, she found a Yiddish-speaking Polish boy. She smuggled him across the border and into the Netherlands without being caught.

How, you might ask? Under her skirt! 👗

“Truus was our guardian angel… She gave me my life. That’s the reason I am here,” said Philip de Groot, whom Truus rescued as a child.

London calling

Truus’ operation became more extensive at the end of the 1930s.

In November 1938, the British government decided to provide temporary refuge for Jewish children who lived in countries under Nazi control.

Having made a name for herself, Truus was asked to help with the operation.

She was requested to go to Germany and meet Otto Adolf Eichmann.

At the time, Eichmann was in charge of arranging the forced emigration of Jews from Germany and Austria, who later played a major role in organising the Holocaust.

Fearlessly, Truus agreed.

An impossible task

On December 11, 1938, Truus met Eichmann to arrange for the emigration of Jewish children to England via the Netherlands.

When she arrived at the meeting, she expected to negotiate the number of children she could bring back on her first trip.

However, Eichmann refused all negotiations and instead gave her a challenge.

He challenged her with the care of 600 Jewish children, convinced that the task was impossible and that her operation was doomed to fail.

He couldn’t have been more wrong.

Truus Wijsmuller was responsible for saving thousands of Jewish children through the #KinderTransport and may have saved the most lives of all during the #Holocaust. She is a #RighteousJew and has a tree planted in her honor in #YadVashem. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/j7qRNRtFUa
— Stephen Uzzell (@StephenUzzell2) January 14, 2021

Getting to work immediately, Truus successfully escorted all 600 children out of Austria.

Within a few days, 500 of the children had safely arrived in England through Hoek van Holland, while 100 children stayed in the Netherlands.

Take that, Eichmann — never underestimate a woman! 💪

Truus continued this work until the outbreak of the war, bringing 150 children to safety each time she travelled between England and the Netherlands.

More noteworthy still, she organised the transport of these children without any support from the Dutch government. They were too busy being not-so-happy about her work.

Before the war, the country didn’t want to offend Nazi Germany. Plus, in 1938, the Netherlands was already struggling to accommodate a high influx of refugees.

Truus relied mainly on her own network of people to transport the children through the Netherlands.

An orphanage in Amsterdam

Although most children were supposed to go to England, many ultimately stayed in the Netherlands.

From March 1939, these children were housed at the Burgerweeshuis orphanage in Amsterdam (now the Amsterdam Museum).

Both Truus and her husband, Joop, spent much of their time with the children from the Burgerweeshuis.

They even invited the children into their home for short periods to create a more gezellig atmosphere. Joop also took the children to the ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam.

old-photo-amsterdam-orphanage-with-jewish-children-saved-from-nazi-germany — The children from the Burgerweeshuis. Source: Overwijsmuller/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

“Because of Mrs Wijsmuller, the Burgerweeshuis was the only place where so many children were rescued,” said Rita Meier-Brow, whom Truus saved as a child.

Given the love she and her husband dedicated to the children, it is no surprise that her 1978 obituary read: “Mother of 1001 children, who made saving Jewish children her life’s task.”

However, in May 1940, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany.

Truus was in Paris then but dropped everything to return to the Netherlands.

Time was ticking, but she managed to pull off the impressive feat of evacuating the Burgerweeshuis children to England before it was too late.

Working illegally in the occupation

Truus moved to Belgium during the German occupation of the Netherlands. From there, she continued her work illegally, though on a smaller scale.

Working with the Dutch, Belgian, and French Red Cross, she continued to smuggle children to safety. Truus also smuggled packages with essentials such as medicine, food, and clothing to refugee camps in southern France.

Whenever possible, she would reunite the children with their families.

Arrested by the Gestapo

In May 1942, Truus was arrested by the Gestapo upon entering the Netherlands. They suspected that she was helping Jews get safely to Switzerland (you bet she was!), but they couldn’t prove her guilty.

Luckily, the refugees that the Gestapo had gotten hold of only knew Truus by her alias, and she was released after a few days.

An unstoppable woman

Neither war, occupation, nor being arrested by the Gestapo could make Truus stop her resistance work.

Throughout the war, she continued to do everything in her power to help children in need.

Even after the war ended, Truus continued to make an impact, shifting her focus toward social policy as she transitioned into a political role.”

Despite being overlooked for decades, Truus Wijsmuller is finally beginning to get the recognition she deserves.

A documentary called Truus’ Children premiered on NPO (Dutch Foundation for Public Broadcasting) in May 2020 and is now available on Netflix.

Truus Wijsmuller is a true heroine. Her selflessness and compassion during one of history’s darkest times inspire us to believe in the goodness of people.

What are your thoughts on Truus Wijsmuller? Tell us in the comments below.

Featured Image: Ron Kroon (ANEFO)/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0

Flags in the Netherlands: everything you need to know

Bobby Salomons

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April 29, 2026

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Flags in the Netherlands: everything you need to know

It’s rare to see any real patriotism in the Netherlands, except when the ‘Orange Fever‘ hits during football championships or when King’s Day rolls around. However, we can confirm that the old Dutch put some serious thought into their flags.

So, what were they thinking when they opted for red rather than orange? What is the Prinsenvlag? And what traditions are related to Dutch flags? Goeievraag! (Good question!).

Let’s find out! 👇

Red, white, and blue: the official tricolour Dutch flag

Dutch-flag-flying-out-of-a-dutch-house — Did you know that the first mention of the Dutch flag dates from 1572? Image: Unsplash

In 1937, Queen Wilhelmina issued a no-nonsense royal decree declaring, “The colours of the flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are red, white and blue.”

In the official lingo, the colours are clear vermilion, clear white, and cobalt blue — but who uses the word “vermilion”?

While the first flag of the Netherlands was orange, white, and blue (we’ll get to that later), the orange stripe was gradually replaced by a red one during the 17th century. This became known as the Statenvlag (States Flag).

So, why did the colours change? The Dutch were seafaring people, and red was more visible on the water. At least, that’s how the story goes.

Orange, white, and blue: the ‘Prinsenvlag’ of the Netherlands

Nevertheless, you may have spotted a Dutch flag with an orange stripe instead of a red one. Let’s be clear: that is not entirely without controversy.

This particular flag was first waved by the Buccaneer Rebels known as the Geuzen (don’t bother trying to pronounce it!), who helped liberate the Netherlands from Spanish rule in the 16th century with a little help from William of Orange.

photo-Prinsenvlag-Dutch-flag-flying-outside-of-Dutch-house-in-the-Netherlands — An orange, white, and blue flag on a patriot’s house. Image: Supplied

Although the orange, white, and blue are commonly considered the original Dutch flag, flying it became a problem after France annexed it.

In 1810, it was replaced by the Imperial French flag (which has a colour scheme suspiciously similar to the Dutch).

When the House of Orange resumed its rule of the Netherlands in 1913, the colours of the Dutch flag weren’t officially established. Both orange and red versions were flown, although government buildings tended to prefer the red, white, and blue flag.

So far, so good, right? Well, wrong — someone had to ruin it.

In the 1930s, a small party called the NSB (National Socialist Movement) started to rise in the Netherlands.

In the early 30s, the NSB announced that the “Orange, Blanche, Blue” was the only real Dutch flag and started displaying it at many events.

In an act of defiance, the Dutch Royal House, under the name of Queen Wilhelmina, implemented a law asserting that the Red, White, and Blue was the only real Dutch flag — and always would be.

Thts d Prince’s Flag (Prinsenvlag) Old Dutch Flag – Orange White and Blue pic.twitter.com/3lXhaOq7kN
— अहं रुद्रेविरबासुविश्चरम्याहं आदित्यैरुतबिश्वदेवैः (@rudrebhirvasu) April 28, 2019

The NSB, however, had some very powerful friends in a neighbouring country: the Nazis.

When Holland was trampled and completely tarnished for resisting in 1940, the NSB managed to convince the Nazi party that they should be at the helm of the country (under the ever-watchful eyes of the German occupation force.)

Interestingly, the Nazis decided not to succumb to the NSB’s fiery wish for an orange stripe but kept the red stripe. However, they heavily restricted any real use of the Dutch flag: The Third Reich planned to permanently absorb the Netherlands into its homeland.

photo-protestors-walking-with-the-controversial-dutch-prinsenvlag-in-amsterdam-2022 — In January 2022, Germanic Youth Netherlands organised a protest against coronavirus measures during which the ‘Prinsenvlag’ was waved. Image: Milliped/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Something that never worked and caused much friction and suffering during the years of occupation.

As a result, the orange stripe on the flag is still used by the rare neo-Nazi groups that are active in the Netherlands and who often honour the NSB and those of the German Occupation Force that lost their lives on Dutch soil.

So even though the “Orange Flag” had an honourable beginning as part of Dutch resistance and independence, it was tarnished by Nazi sympathisers.

Still, the flag is often found on old paintings of the brave Geuzen-Buccaneers fighting Spanish warships or Dutch merchant ships sailing for the East.

In the latter case, the orange faded into a red stripe from bleaching in the tropical sun and salty ocean water.

Dutch flags: the tiny orange pennant

Despite a controversial history, there’s still a speck of orange today. 🧡

An orange pennant is flown above the red, white, and blue flag on special occasions, such as King’s Day and the birthdays of the Princess of Orange, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix.

The pennant is attached to celebrate the House of Orange, the Dutch Royal House, which traces back to that same William of Orange and his Buccaneer partners! — Avast ye’ Hollanders and Zeelanders, drown those Spaniards!

photo-dutch-flag-flown-with-orange-pennant-on-king's-day — You’ll see these pennants during birthdays or other important public holidays! Image: Depositphotos

Dutch flag traditions

Although there are no official rules for using the Dutch flag, it does come with many traditions. Let’s look at a few!

Flying half-mast

If the Dutch flag is at half-mast, you should be aware that there is some sort of national (or at least regional) mourning and that official permission has been given for public display.

You will mostly see this on May 4, during Remembrance Day, or after national tragedies such as the MH-17 downing over Ukraine.

The Dutch-flag hanging half-mast for respect of the dutch 154 victims of plane crash #MH17 in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/8hi1FMN19g
— DvH_NL (@davevanhattem) July 18, 2014

Of course, any deaths in the Royal Family or exceptionally important political figures (still in function) will also usually bring the half-mast flag with it.

So, be aware that the Dutch may not be in their happiest mood that day — the flag is there for a reason!

photo-dutch-royal-family-wave-from-balcony — The flag is a symbol of the Dutch victory during World War II. Image: Depositphotos

Celebrating the good times

Lastly, the Dutch also use their flags for “once-in-a-lifetime achievements.”

Just graduated from high school? Hang the flag with your backpack attached to it! Had a new baby? Hang the flag to show a new Dutch citizen has just been born!

Dutch flags: inspiring others?

Oh, and yes — New York City’s flag is blue, white, and orange, referencing its Dutch history.

Luxembourg‘s flag is also red, white, and light blue because it was part of the Netherlands before Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg separated.

Yes, for real, the Netherlands used to be a medium-sized European country. Bizarre…

What are your thoughts on the history of the Dutch flag? Tell us in the comments!

This Amsterdam canal cruise is among the world’s best travel experiences, say travel buffs

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰

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April 29, 2026

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This Amsterdam canal cruise is among the world’s best travel experiences, say travel buffs

An Amsterdam canal cruise just hit #4 on TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best list — and if you haven’t done it yet, consider this your sign.

The ranking comes from TripAdvisor, which awards its Best of the Best title to experiences that rack up an exceptional volume of glowing reviews over a 12-month period. Out of more than 8 million listings on the platform, fewer than 1% make the cut.

This year’s list spans four continents and covers everything from a Porto city walking tour to an overnight cruise through Lan Ha Bay.

Europe dominates, claiming six of the ten spots. And sitting quietly at number four, sandwiched between a Barcelona day tour and the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour, is Captain Jack’s 90-minute all-inclusive canal cruise.

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History, served with an ice-cold glass of Heineken

The 90-minute route weaves through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring, taking in the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht, as well as landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, the Magere Brug, the Red Light District (De Wallen), and Centraal Station.

Each cruise runs on open electric boats with a maximum of 24 people, which keeps things intimate enough that you can actually hear your guide without the aid of a headset.

Photo-of-the-Rijksmuseum-in-Amsterdam-one-of-many-art-museums-in-Amsterdam — The cruise passes the Rijksmuseum, among other historic locations. Image: Dreamstime

Hoping to book the cruise yourself? Departures are available from two points: the Museumbrug near the Rijksmuseum, or tram stop B4 outside Centraal Station.

Tickets are priced from €21 per person, with the option to book ahead (plus free cancellations up to 24 hours before your departure).

However, let op: the open boats run from April 1 to November 1 only. Outside that window, the operator switches to enclosed heated vessels, so year-round visits are still possible.

These were the world’s top ten attractions

Get your bucket lists handy, because TripAdvisor’s top picks span three continents and a varied mix of activities.

Here are the ten experiences in the world for 2025, according to the Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best rankings:

The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Centre (Porto, Portugal)
Peaceful Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO 1 Day Bus Tour (Hiroshima, Japan)
Barcelona in 1 Day: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Old Town & Pickup (Barcelona, Spain)
Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minute Canal Cruise by Captain Jack (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Beatles Magical Mystery Tour (Liverpool, UK)
Berlin’s Best: 2-Hour Walking Tour Third Reich and the Cold War (Berlin, Germany)
London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs (London, UK)
Classic 4-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco (Cusco, Peru)
Kraków–Zakopane: Cable Car, Chochołów Baths, Cheese & Vodka (Kraków, Poland)
Amanda Cruise — Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay — All Inclusive (Hanoi, Vietnam)

Three of the top ten are walking tours, suggesting that what travellers actually want is someone interesting to follow through a city rather than an audio guide and a laminated map.

Meanwhile, the Amsterdam cruise is also the only experience under two hours — and the only one where unlimited Heineken is involved, which may or may not be a coincidence.

Have you done the Captain Jack cruise, or have you got a better recommendation? Let us know in the comments below.

8 unmissable movies about the Netherlands in WWII

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺

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April 29, 2026

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8 unmissable movies about the Netherlands in WWII

Sitting at home on Remembrance Day or Liberation Day in the Netherlands? It sounds like the perfect occasion to catch up on some Dutch war flicks.

We have done the legwork and found the top Dutch war movies you won’t want to miss. They’re available on major (Dutch) streaming platforms, and most of them are in English or offer English subtitles.

However, this could also be a good opportunity to brush up on your Nederlands.

Although there are countless great films about the war in the Netherlands, our list would be too long if we mentioned all of them. So here are our suggestions.

1. A Bridge Too Far

This is perhaps one of the most famous WWII movies to date. Released in 1977 and directed by Richard Attenborough, this movie features an all-star cast, including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Ryan O’Neale.

The plot is based on the true story of Operation Market Garden: the Allies’ failed operation to speed up the end of World War II.

Thousands of paratroopers were dropped over the Netherlands in an attempt to claim the towns of Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem before British forces arrived by land. The movie itself is gigantic and mostly shot in the Netherlands.

Why we love this film: Stunning cinematography and a cast to admire, making this a WWII epic for the ages. Moreover, you get to watch James Bond taking down Nazis. Who could want more?
Where to watch it: Pathé Thuis
Language: English

2. Oorlogsgeheimen

Translated as “War Secrets,” this is the perfect movie to watch if your Dutch is up to scratch (or you have a very patient Dutch speaker in your house).

Oorlogsgeheimen follows the story of Tuur and Lambert, two best friends in Limburg in 1943. A new girl, Maartje, joins their class and makes friends with Tuur.

Maartje shares a terrible secret with Tuur, which Tuur cannot reveal to anyone — not even his best friend Lambert, whose father has just become mayor.

Tuur’s family joins the resistance, but as the situation heats up, Tuur and his family are forced to flee.

Why we love this film: Packed with a riveting storyline and vintage Dutch vibes, this film perfectly encapsulates the sometimes slow but often abrupt changes to village life during WWII.
Where to watch it: Pathé Thuis, Videoland
Language: Dutch

3. Anne Frank: The Whole Story

We can’t write an article about Dutch WWII movies without including arguably the most famous victim of the Holocaust: Anne Frank.

While there are a huge number of movies about the Jewish teenager who hid out with her family in a secret room in Amsterdam (before ending up in Auschwitz), “Anne Frank: The Whole Story” captures this incredibly well.

The movie starts in 1939, while Anne writes in her diary about typical teenage life, pre-war fears, the invasion of the Netherlands, her hideout in Amsterdam, deportation to Auschwitz, and the eventual survival and return of Anne’s father.

The major downside to this film is that, for some reason, all the Dutch people unexplainably have British accents.

Why we love this film: Anne Frank’s story has captivated the world, and this film is a perfect visual window into her life.
Where to watch it: YouTube
Language: English

4. Memories of Anne Frank (Anne Frank: Mijn Beste Vriendin)

Another Anne Frank movie? Naturally. This one is a little different, though, because it’s told through the eyes of her close school friend, Hanneli Goslar.

Hanneli was also Jewish and was eventually deported to the Westerbork transit camp, but was briefly reunited with Anne at Bergen-Belsen, where she passed her some bread and socks.

One particularly special thing about Hanneli’s story is that she survived the war. Hanneli has appeared in multiple documentaries about her experience and knowledge of Anne.

It’s worth noting that this movie was inexplicably produced by Italians, with Italian actors, but it’s ridiculously well dubbed in English. Bonus: it has Dutch subtitles, so you can practice some Dutch along the way.

Why we love this film: This movie is a tearjerker that simultaneously offers an insider and outsider look into Anne Frank’s life.
Where to watch it: Videoland
Language: English

5. Riphagen

A film not so much about remembering the victims of the Holocaust as revealing the crimes of a Dutchman, Riphagen (The Untouchable). It is based on the true story of a man who apparently profited from the war.

Dries Riphagen was a Dutch gangster who collaborated with the Nazis to locate Dutch Jews and deliver them to concentration camps — or was he playing the Germans and actually helping the innocent?

Why we love this film: There’s something about watching bad people that makes us just unable to look away. Plus, from the looks of it, this guy is really bad.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Language: Dutch with English subtitles

6. Band of Brothers

It’s not a movie but a series, and only about 2.5 episodes play out in the Netherlands. However, Band of Brothers is undeniably an unmissable piece about the war.

Episodes four and five, about the boys from the 101st landing in the Netherlands, are as good as it gets. The Spielberg & Hanks production is also already nearly 20 years old, meaning that many young people still need to see it.

Why we love this: Hands down the best series about WWII that also shows the Netherlands.
Where to watch it: HBO
Language: English

7. Soldier of Orange

There’s no other movie that shaped the Dutch collective memory of WWII as much as Soldaat van Oranje.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring the late Rutger Hauer, it’s a movie about a group of students from Leiden joining the resistance and their journey through the war.

It’s an iconic movie for the Dutch with scenes that make you understand the Netherlands (Scheveningen!).

It birthed a musical and is a riveting watch for everybody. Need we say more?

Why we love this: It’s a must-watch and a classic. If you watch it, you’ll know why.
Where to watch it: YouTube and on the telly pretty much every year.
Language: Dutch and a bit of English

8. The Forgotten Battle (De Slag om de Schelde)

We can’t end this list without mentioning one of the most expensive Dutch films ever produced.

The Forgotten Battle is a film about the Battle of Scheldt in 1944, which took place in German-occupied Zeeland.

It follows the tense story of a British glider pilot, a Nazi soldier, and a Dutch resistance fighter whose stories intertwine under extreme circumstances in one of the longest and most violent battles in the Netherlands.

Why we love this: It shows multiple perspectives on the war in one battle.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Language: Dutch and a bit of English

Honourable mentions

As we said before, this list of movies about WWII in the Netherlands could have been much longer. So here are some that definitely could have made the list.

Oorlogswinter (2008)
De Aanslag (1986)
Zwartboek (2006)
De Tweeling (2002)
Bankier van het Verzet (2018)

What other WWII movies about the Netherlands would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!

45 Tikkies a second?! King’s Day 2026 just set a new record

DutchReview Crew

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April 29, 2026

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45 Tikkies a second?! King’s Day 2026 just set a new record

With a whopping 756,316 payments processed, King’s Day 2026 is yet more proof that even on Koningsdag, going Dutch on the bill is a necessity.

Tikkie, ABN AMRO’s payment request app, is used constantly to settle costs here in the Netherlands, with an enthusiasm that borders on religious.

And that fervour only gets stronger on holidays, it seems! According to ABN AMRO, this past Monday, the app saw a 9% jump from last year’s usage on King’s Day, with 45 tikkies per second.

The numbers behind the orange chaos

To put these digits in perspective, the daily Tikkie norm in 2026 is roughly 482,338 payments.

King’s Day nearly doubled that, coming in at 57% above average. Transactions peaked at 45 per second, hitting 1,268 in a single minute.

@dutchreview Friendship over. #dutchreview #netherlands #pluribus #dutchtiktok #tikkie ♬ original sound – DutchReview

The typical transaction came to 33.18 euros, well short of the 51.51 euro annual norm. That’s due to countless small purchases, many under 10 euros, and plenty under a single euro.

Tikkie’s continued success

QR code payments also ticked upward, accounting for 37.3% of all King’s Day Tikkies. On an average day, that figure sits at just 5%.

It’s a record that fits a broader pattern: Tikkie volumes have been climbing steadily year on year, and King’s Day has become one of its biggest annual stress tests.

As for this year’s most common payment descriptions? “King’s Day,” “food,” “toilet,” “pizza,” “drinks,” and “beer.” Essentially a bullet-point summary of the holiday.

Did you send or receive any particularly memorable Tikkies this King’s Day? Tell us in the comments.

National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands: Here’s all you need to know

Emma Brown

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April 29, 2026

2

National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands: Here’s all you need to know

National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands is dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives in World War II and other war situations or peacekeeping missions since.

Dodenherdenking is held on May 4 each year, when the Dutch commemorate soldiers and civilians who died in WWII and other wars (Japanese Occupation, Indonesian National Revolution) with a two-minute silence at 8 PM.

What does May 4 look like in the Netherlands?

A lot of Dutch people participate in the commemorations on National Remembrance Day.

Many observe the two-minute silence and find it important to do so. However, young people in particular want more attention to be paid to current wars and victims.

Dutch-rememberance-day-in-the-Dam-square — Remembrance Day memorial in Amsterdam. Image: Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei/Wikimedia Commons/Jasper Juinen

Apart from the silence, many people hoist their flags at half-mast from 6 PM until the sun sets.

While this signifies a mourning period, the flags are hoisted as usual the next day. On May 5, the Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day.

Official memorial in Amsterdam

An official service is held at the National Monument in Amsterdam’s Dam Square. The King and Queen attend and deliver speeches as people lay wreaths and observe the two-minute silence.

Today on Remembrance Day 🕯️, the Netherlands reflects on how the country was liberated and thanks the liberators for their courage and the sacrifices they have made 🎖️.

Photo by Tom Swinnen: https://t.co/ljcSHPwp3p pic.twitter.com/iSvgZl7Snq
— Netherlands Embassy in Kenya (@NLinKenya) May 4, 2025

Dam Square is where the first-ever commemoration took place in 1945.

During the two-minute silence, TV and radio stations broadcast the ceremony, public transport stops, and life in the Netherlands comes to a complete halt.

Important to know: Remembrance Day is not considered a public holiday.

Why are there two separate celebrations on May 4 and May 5?

Well, there is a good reason for that. After WWII ended, some people deemed it inappropriate to both celebrate their liberation and mourn victims on the same day.

It's National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands for victims of war (WWII initially). Tomorrow we will celebrate our freedom, but for now my thoughts are with all those people who have passed away in defence of our freedom and liberties 🤍☮️

Image by @LindaSkaretcom pic.twitter.com/TKaR6ZSg3P
— NederDans (@DansNeder) May 4, 2022

Since these events do not go hand in hand, it was decided that there should be a day dedicated to mourning and a separate day dedicated to celebrating freedom.

Let op: Liberation Day (May 5) is actually a public holiday.

Remembrance Day in the Netherlands: How can I get involved?

On May 4, commemorations are held all over the Netherlands.

Residents also organise a memorial at the war cemetery in Grebbeberg, Utrecht, and Waalsdorpervlakte, The Hague.

The latter is where many Dutch resistance fighters were executed during WWII.

In most cities, commemorations take place in either the city square or outside the city hall. People in small towns place flowers on gravestones and fly their flags at half-mast.

dokwerker-statue-amsterdam-memorial-day — Dokwerker Statue After Memorial Day in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

Do not worry if you are unable to attend a commemoration in person. Most people choose to pay tribute by holding their own two-minute silence.

Sensitivity surrounding Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day in the Netherlands hasn’t been without controversy.

Every year, there’s usually some form of debate over whether the Dutch are mourning the correct victims, whether they should be mourning more victims, or whether they should be mourning at all.

These discussions range from opinions such as “Young people are too disconnected from their history” or “Why don’t we mourn the victims of ongoing wars?”

The discussion on whether Remembrance Day should be dedicated to the past as well as the present continues annually.

amsterdam-remembrance-day-wreaths-at-the-national-monument — Wreaths at the National Monument in Amsterdam for Remembrance Day. Image: Depositphotos

Some people also argue that Remembrance Day focuses too much on White victims and has little consideration for the other victims of the war.

However, the Netherlands does commemorate victims of the Dutch East Indies on August 15. It also has a separate day to remember victims of the Holocaust on the last Sunday of January.

How will you be paying your respects this year on National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below.

The Dutch tax office is switching banks: here’s what changes for your payments

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰

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April 29, 2026

0

The Dutch tax office is switching banks: here’s what changes for your payments

The Dutch tax authority (the Belastingdienst) is swapping its main bank from ING to Rabobank from May 1, 2026, which means new account numbers for tax payments and refunds.

If you pay taxes in the Netherlands, it’s worth knowing what’s changing and the steps you need to take.

What’s actually changing?

From May 1, the Belastingdienst will process payments through Rabobank instead of ING, which means the IBAN you send money to will soon be different.

However, if you have a provisional or final income tax assessment to pay, the switch will come even earlier: as of April 20, you can already pay to the new Rabobank IBAN.

The good news is, you needn’t worry about scouring the net for the Belastingdienst’s new IBAN. Every tax notification you receive — whether by letter or email — will include the correct account number to use.

And if you’d like to be doubly sure where your payments are going, the Belastingdienst has now published a list of their new IBANs.

Do I need to update anything?

That depends on how you pay.

If you pay via direct debit (automatische incasso), you don’t need to lift a finger — the switch happens automatically.

man-paying-taxes-in-the-netherlands-using-a-recurring-bank-transfer — Using direct debits for your taxes? You won’t need to change a thing. Image: Freepik

If you’ve set up a recurring bank transfer yourself (a periodieke overboeking through your own bank), you’ll need to update the account number manually once you receive a notification with the new details.

What if I accidentally use their old IBAN?

The Belastingdienst has made arrangements with ING to handle any misdirected payments, so your money will still reach the tax office and be processed correctly.

That said, updating once you receive your new payment details will save you the hassle of needing to communicate with the Dutch tax office.

Keep an eye out for extra phishing attempts

With a bank switch like this comes a great opportunity for scammers.

However, the Belastingdienst will never send payment requests via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or phone.

If you receive something that looks suspicious, check whether the account number appears on the official list of current Belastingdienst account numbers before transferring anything.

The tax office also has a step-by-step guide for verifying suspicious messages if you’re unsure. (Helaas, it’s in Dutch.)

Has the Belastingdienst’s bank switch caused you any confusion, or did you not even notice? Let us know in the comments.

The history of the Dutch national anthem: the Wilhelmus

Chuka Nwanazia

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April 28, 2026

6

The history of the Dutch national anthem: the Wilhelmus

The Wilhelmus — the Dutch national anthem (and pride), is a hymn you’ve probably seen the Dutch men’s football team (Oranje) sing out loud during international football matches.

The Dutch national anthem is, in fact, unlike any other hymn. Let’s get into it!

So, what’s up with the Dutch national anthem?

Regarded by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest national anthem, the Wilhelmus became the official anthem of the Netherlands only in 1932. While reciting the anthem, it’s understandable if you start to ask yourself a few questions.

What inspired someone to write this hymn that would later become the identity of a nation? Was it written only as a “rebellion song” during the Eighty Years’ War? Who wrote it? And what is the hidden meaning behind the lyrics?

Before we dive into the history, here’s the song as most of you know it:

The origins of the Dutch national anthem and the identity of the writer

As we all know, the Dutch fought the Spanish for their independence under the leadership of Willem van Oranje.

While the author of the Wilhelmus is unknown, it is quite clear that the lyrics were written at the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War.

Some Dutch folks have always believed that the hymn was written by Philip of Marnix of Sint-Aldegonde, an important adviser to Willem van Oranje.

portrait-of-willem-prince-of-oranje-who-the-Dutch-National-Anthem-wilhelmus-is-based-on — Portrait of Willem I, Prince of Oranje. Image: Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

There is, alas, no evidence to support this claim, and until this very day, the author’s identity remains a hot topic of debate.

While some historians continue to mention the names of poets (from the time of the rebellion), such as Dirck Coornhert and Philips of Marnix, neither man ever claimed to have written the hymn, even though it was quite popular at the time.

Recently, due to similarities between the writing style of the Dutch Calvinist theologian Petrus Dathenus and the style of The Wilhelmus, many have begun to believe that he may be its author.

It’s all a bit nebulous, in the end. Perhaps we will never know for sure who the true author is…

Wilhelmus van Nassouwe, the hymn

The origins of the Wilhelmus can be traced back to a very popular Roman Catholic French song called “Autre chanson de la Ville de Chartres assiégée par le prince de Condé.”

photo-of-dutch-national-anthem-original-text — How’s your old (ancient, even) Dutch? Image: Adrianus Valerius/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Originally, Catholics wrote this song to make fun of the failed Siege of Chartres in 1568 by the Protestant Prince de Condé during the French Wars of Religion.

Of course, the question would then be, why would a Protestant nation like the Netherlands adopt an originally Roman Catholic melody as its national anthem? It makes sense eventually, just keep reading!

Wilhelmus as a national anthem

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Wilhelmus was still considered “unworthy” of being the national anthem of the Netherlands. This was because it was regarded as a song solely for “Oranje Royalists”, and not everyone was a huge fan of the royal family then.

Many people from the southern part of the country (then part of the Netherlands) didn’t like the hymn because it was seen as a symbol of Protestantism. It’s a little ironic: after all, the melody came from a Catholic French song.

But the Wilhelmus had become so associated with the Protestant Dutch Revolt and the House of Orange that, in the end, Catholics in the south wanted nothing to do with it.

In fact, there were widespread protests when the Wilhelmus officially made the national anthem in 1932. Notably, a large portion of the protesters were socialists — largely antimonarchist — who wanted nothing to do with a hymn so closely tied to the royal House of Orange.

However, during the Nazi occupation of World War II, when cities like Rotterdam were completely bombed, and Jewish people were being sent to concentration camps, the Dutch found meaning in their old symbols of national pride as a way to unite and show love for their country.

This period of oppression led to a general acceptance of the Wilhelmus. Eventually, a proud Protestant nation embraced a Roman Catholic hymn. This hymn has withstood the test of time to become both a call to serve the motherland and a song of victory.

Deciphering the lyrics of the Dutch national anthem

When the Wilhelmus was first played, it was done without text. It was mainly played on a trumpet and carillon, as the song turned into a kind of marching melody, later known as the Prinsenmars.

While very few people knew the text back then, the Wilhelmus was one of the most popular hymns amongst the populace.

portrait-of-william-of-orange — The man himself, Willem van Oranje. Image: Adriaen Thomasz. Key/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

The hymn consists of fifteen couplets, the first letters of which form the name Willem van Nassou. It’s written from the perspective of Willem van Oranje as if he sang it. Although it’s worth noting that there is no actual evidence that he ever sang the song.

In the hymn, Willem van Oranje’s conflicted mind comes to light. On the one hand, he wants to remain loyal to the Spanish King, Philip II, but on the other hand, he wants to serve God and lead his people in the fight against tyranny and oppression. The first and second stanzas read:

William of Nassau
am I of German blood.
Loyal to the fatherland
I will remain until I die.
A prince of Oranje
am I, free and fearless.
The king of Spain
I have always honoured.

To live in fear of God
I have always attempted.
Because of this, I was ousted
bereft of my land and my people.
But God will direct me
like a good instrument.
So that I may return to my domain.
The heart of the hymn still remains:

Like David, who was forced to flee
from Saul, the tyrant.
I had to sigh,
as did many other nobles.
But God raised him,
relieving him of despair,
and gave him a kingdom
very great in Israel.

Here, a reference is made to the biblical King David, comparing him to Willem van Oranje as a merciful and just leader of the Dutch Revolt, and another reference is made to the Biblical King Saul’s tyranny, comparing it to the Spanish crown.

There is also a comparison between the promised land of Israel, granted to David by God, and the kingdom granted to Willem van Oranje by God.

You might also notice the term “German.” This is because the original term, Duytschen, didn’t mean “German” in the way we’d use it today. Germany as a country simply didn’t exist yet. It referred to the broader Germanic lowlands, and was basically the anthem’s way of saying: this guy is one of us, not that Spanish king over there.

The Wilhelmus is now played every time the Dutch men’s and women’s national teams play at an international football tournament. It’s also played when the Netherlands hosts a foreign head of state or, you know, other solemn Dutch national moments (they have a few).

A closer look at the Wilhelmus shows it isn’t just an anthem! It has a rich history and a hymn that’s both a rallying cry and a song of victory for the Netherlands. It’s a hymn that holds the Netherlands together and tells a tale of how she came to be.

To understand the Wilhelmus is to understand the history of the Netherlands. What do you think about the Dutch national anthem, and how do you feel about your own?

Feature Image: Jimmy Baikovicius/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

Photo report: the Netherlands at war, 1940-1945

Vlad Moca-Grama

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April 28, 2026

1

Photo report: the Netherlands at war, 1940-1945

This year marks 80 years since the end of World War II. Although it has been almost a century, the war left an indelible impact on the Netherlands.

In honour of Remembrance Day (tomorrow), we’ve put together a photo report looking at the war through a Dutch lens. The images are a reminder that history this heavy doesn’t stay in the past: it lives in streets, faces, and stories that still echo today.

Dutch soldiers on guard shortly after the war started, around 1939

The bombed-out centre of Rotterdam after the Blitz

The German army in Amsterdam, 1940

The destruction of Nijmegen, 1944

Street scene in Amsterdam, 1944

Soldiers handing out chocolate to Dutch children, 1944

Photo of the Netherlands at war. Chocolate handed out to Dutch children by soldiers, 1944 — Image: Imperial War Museum/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Queen Wilhelmina inspecting troops somewhere near Eindhoven, around 1944-1945

The bombing of the Bezuidenhout area in the Hague, 1945

Canadian troops pass by a windmill close to Holten, 1945

Sherman tanks advancing through Valkenswaard, 1945

Public shaming of Nazi collaborators, 1945

Photo of the Netherlands at war: Public shaming of collaborators with the Nazis, 1945 — Image: Nationaal Archief/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Canadian soldiers with Dutch children, 1945

The Queen speaking to locals, 1945

German prisoners of war in Venlo, 1945

Dutch citizens and Canadian soldiers celebrate the liberation

Photo of the Netherlands at war: Dutch citizens and Canadian soldiers celebrating liberation — Image: Tylerweatherill/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

To learn more about World War II in the Netherlands, read about Remembrance Day, Liberation Day, and the infamous Rotterdam Blitz.

What photos surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: Lt. D. Guravitch/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

DutchReview

DUTCHREVIEW

DutchReview

The story begins

The birth of Princess Margriet in Canada

Canadian forces liberate the Netherlands

The Canadian Tulip Festival

Sharing winter wardrobes

Visa policies between Canada and the Netherlands

The birth of a resistance heroine

London calling

An impossible task

An orphanage in Amsterdam

Working illegally in the occupation

Arrested by the Gestapo

An unstoppable woman

Red, white, and blue: the official tricolour Dutch flag

Orange, white, and blue: the ‘Prinsenvlag’ of the Netherlands

Dutch flags: the tiny orange pennant

Dutch flag traditions

Flying half-mast

Celebrating the good times

Dutch flags: inspiring others?

History, served with an ice-cold glass of Heineken

These were the world’s top ten attractions

1. A Bridge Too Far

2. Oorlogsgeheimen

3. Anne Frank: The Whole Story

4. Memories of Anne Frank (Anne Frank: Mijn Beste Vriendin)

5. Riphagen

6. Band of Brothers

7. Soldier of Orange

8. The Forgotten Battle (De Slag om de Schelde)

Honourable mentions

The numbers behind the orange chaos

Tikkie’s continued success

What does May 4 look like in the Netherlands?

Official memorial in Amsterdam

Why are there two separate celebrations on May 4 and May 5?

Remembrance Day in the Netherlands: How can I get involved?

Sensitivity surrounding Remembrance Day

What’s actually changing?

Do I need to update anything?

What if I accidentally use their old IBAN?

Keep an eye out for extra phishing attempts

So, what’s up with the Dutch national anthem?

The origins of the Dutch national anthem and the identity of the writer

Wilhelmus van Nassouwe, the hymn

Wilhelmus as a national anthem

Deciphering the lyrics of the Dutch national anthem

Dutch soldiers on guard shortly after the war started, around 1939

The bombed-out centre of Rotterdam after the Blitz

The German army in Amsterdam, 1940

The destruction of Nijmegen, 1944

Street scene in Amsterdam, 1944

Soldiers handing out chocolate to Dutch children, 1944

Queen Wilhelmina inspecting troops somewhere near Eindhoven, around 1944-1945

The bombing of the Bezuidenhout area in the Hague, 1945

Canadian troops pass by a windmill close to Holten, 1945

Sherman tanks advancing through Valkenswaard, 1945

Public shaming of Nazi collaborators, 1945

Canadian soldiers with Dutch children, 1945

The Queen speaking to locals, 1945

German prisoners of war in Venlo, 1945

Dutch citizens and Canadian soldiers celebrate the liberation